Most Australian children are stuck at home due to the outbreak of COVID-19. They need to find ways to socialise, do their school work, exercise and entertain themselves. It’s not surprising parents may be hearing “I’m bored” a lot more than before. People hate being bored. So much so that in one study, one-quarter of […]
A glass of wine or beer is a relaxing way to end the day, but in these times of COVID-19 stress, is it possible to drink a little too much? Casual drinking could tipple into something more if we aren’t mindful of it, said psychologist Becky Ponting, a University of Alberta counsellor who often helps […]
Most people’s blood pressure goes down during the night, which doctors call “dipping.” But for some people, especially those with high blood pressure, their nighttime pressure stays the same or even goes up, called “reverse dipping.” A new study shows that people with high blood pressure and reverse dipping may be more likely to have […]
Immunocompromised is a broad term reflecting the fact someone’s immune system isn’t as strong and balanced as it should be. Because immunocompromised people’s immune systems are defective or ineffective, they’re unable to stop invasion and colonisation by foreign intruders, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. An under-performing immune response leaves people susceptible to infection, […]
If you’re a smoker, there’s really never been a better time to quit. Coronavirus affects your lungs, causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and fatigue. In the most serious cases, sufferers struggle to breathe at all and can die of respiratory failure. The World Health Organisation recommends people quit […]
The nonstop flow of information about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 can spin you into confusion. Conflicting research and rumors abound. What will really keep you safe? What should we actually worry about (and what’s just overkill)? We asked our community for their most pressing questions and put them to Dr. John Swartzberg, professor emeritus […]
Why a simple Post-it note may save YOUR life: Check out our ingeniously simple tips to staying sane and safe during coronavirus lockdown We’re all aware of the official advice. But could we be doing more to boost our wellbeing, shore up our mental health and protect ourselves during the pandemic? ANGELA EPSTEIN asked the […]
From the first moment your newborn baby is placed in your arms, what they eat is one of your biggest concerns. Breast milk or formula? When should you wean? And what do you do if you have a picky eater who won’t eat anything you put in front of them? An issue that’s not often […]
From cutting back on salt and booze to taking your statins… How to keep your immune system fighting fit and ready to tackle infections Exercise is recommended as a way to boost your body’s immune system Readers should avoid salt as scientists say it reduces white blood cell’s strength It is also recommended that people […]
Always use a digital thermometer to check your temperature. Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended. No matter which type of thermometer you use, take these precautions: Read the instructions that came with the thermometer. Wash your hands with soap and […]
