Feet are the foundations of the body and whether you’re a weekend warrior pounding the pavement or an elite athlete on track, the right footwear can make a big difference to your training, performance and recovery.

By Annette Campbell Murray Corbett appreciates a good steak, perhaps more than most! The 41-year-old recruitment company director and father of three from Newcastle, north of Sydney, has spent about 18 months of his life being unable to swallow properly — a condition called dysphagia. “A few minutes after I’d eat or drink anything, I’d […]

By Annette Campbell “I really thought I was healthy!” says 26-year-old Rebecca Sarina. “I was within the healthy weight range, went to the gym a few times a week, and was conscious about eating well – though I did used to sneak the occasional ice cream or chocolate. But overall, I was pleased with my […]

If you are starting a new fitness program with a gym or personal trainer chances are the first stop is an assessment of your current status.

Screening and treatment techniques in Australia are becoming more specific, refined and effective each year.

To mark Breast Awareness month, the Cancer Council is reminding women to be more aware of their breasts so they will notice any changes.

Here is a seven-day sample of "The Magazine Editors' Diet"

When the Director of The Australian Women's Weekly's Test Kitchen, Pamela Clark, decided to go on a diet, she took matters into her own hands, devising a low-carb, low-fat eating plan that helped her lose 20kg and drop three dress sizes.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia. There’s so much information around about eating for a healthy heart and you may feel that you’ve got it covered. However, a recent survey by the Heart Foundation showed that confusion still reigns when it comes to nutrition messages.

Use this counter to help you keep your calcium levels on track. Your bones will support you for life!

Stress is not funny – in fact, a recent study from the American Heart Association shows that mental stress constricts blood vessels and can therefore lead to a stroke. The simplest remedy for this problem? Laughter.

By Annette Campbell Amanda Logan has some wonderful news for those of us struggling with excess weight. “I’ve lost 20 kilograms … and it really was much easier than I thought,” she declares. “Honestly, I thought I’d have to eat almost nothing and run up sand dunes or something to shift this weight. “But I’ve […]

By Annette Campbell When tiny premature twins Jackson and Samantha Tait were born at only 24 weeks and four days, it was a miracle they even survived. Then, only two days before they were allowed home from hospital — more than three months after their dramatic birth — they were both diagnosed as being profoundly […]

By Annette Campbell Alana Ziebell learned a lot in her last year of high school — and it wasn’t all from textbooks and classes. Her mother Pauline died from breast cancer on September 13 last year, only weeks before Alana was due to sit her final exams. But amazingly, this determined 18-year-old from Melbourne persevered […]

Calcium is important not only for the growth and development of our skeleton but to help maintain bone strength throughout our lives.

It appears that the Swiss ball was actually invented in Switzerland by a Swiss doctor nearly 100 years ago but it is only in more recent times that this ‘posture corrector’ has become popular as a training tool for many sports people and fitness fans.

Taking a brief time out, even during the most frantic day works wonders, calming your thoughts so you feel more grounded and capable.

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer.

The Pap test is a simple test that can pick up early changes in the cells of your cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into a more serious precancerous form (abnormal changes that are not cancer but may become cancerous) or cancer.

Without doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the most neglected meal.

There are a lot of myths circulating about carbohydrate foods, particularly breads and cereals, and the biggest one would have to be that they make you fat. Diets that wipe out carbohydrates are...

Many non-drug therapies, whether taken alone or in combination, work just as well or even better – without the troublesome side effects. Along with eating a low-fat, low-salt diet and taking moderate exercise, here’s a look at the best of what the alternative world has to offer.

If you participate in sport or physical activity that lasts for longer than 90 minutes, your body will be crying out for a refuel before the siren sounds or you reach the finish line.

How you can reap health benefits from being fit, even if a little fat.

By Annette Campbell Geoff Graham was thrilled when the natural cream he developed eased the pain of his baby son’s eczema. He was delighted when it also helped his own battle with the frustrating skin condition. And now, he is over the moon that it’s helping hundreds of thousands of others. On May 17, 2004, […]

By Annette Campbell Tracie Fielding never used to like what she saw in the mirror. The now 17-year-old from the western suburbs of Brisbane, QLD, remembers running to her room and crying after being called “hippo” by her brother, when she weighed 57kg at the age of 10. As a young teen she was painfully […]

Aches and pains of the joints don’t necessarily mean you have arthritis and since the disease has so many forms, diagnosing isn’t always immediate or easy. Some types of arthritis are very common an...

Clare-Louise Brumley is a picture of fitness and health — a good thing, considering she’s Australia’s cross-country skiing champion. But seven years ago it was a different story for the young occupational therapist. Clare-Louise, 26, was constantly tired, her body ached and her throat was always sore. She was so unwell she stopped training to […]

Kim Goodwin was just 11 when her nightmare started. It began with the periods from hell – severe cramping and bleeding keeping her in bed for days every month and needing to use up to 60 sanitary pads a day. “I regularly missed school and later took sickies from work,” says Kim, now 36. “My […]

Tiny Jessica Lopez lies on a blanket on the floor of her parents’ Sydney home. While she looks like one of the most fragile creatures on Earth, her appearance belies the strength that saw her survive when her mother Philippa contracted listeria while pregnant. “Babies of mums who catch it are usually stillborn,” explains Philippa, […]

Soaking romper suits and sodden cot sheets created a watery mystery for Perth mum Barbara Christie – until she discovered the peculiar leak was coming from her baby daughter’s hands and feet. The sweat dripping from Katherine – then eight months old – was enough to make puddles under her highchair. And her tiny hands […]

Jane Foster was like most hardworking Aussie mums – always on the go, looking after everyone else and having very little time to herself. In fact, she kept putting off her regular Pap test because she simply didn’t have time to visit her doctor. “I had been through a divorce, my parents had died and […]

The mention of her knock-knees causes champion swimmer Leisel Jones to turn red – then erupt in gales of laughter. As a gangly 10-year-old, she dreamt of finding catwalk fame as a model, and was convinced her knock-knees were the only things standing in her way. Such was her zeal to walk straight and tall, […]

Does snacking help or hinder weight loss?

A guide to healthier choices when you’re out and about

Surfing is taking off as more and more people embrace the benefits of this all round body and mood pleaser.

Did you know that the foods you choose can affect your teeth just as much as brushing and flossing? Choosing foods that naturally help reduce plaque build-up, fight bacteria and protect gums is a...

Going nutty – a guide to reaping the nutrition benefits of nuts.

Even in the cooler months it’s important to drink up for physical activity. While sweating buckets during a summer run places you at greater risk of dehydration, it’s also possible to lose significant body fluid during indoor, winter pursuits like lap swimming.

Relaxation costs nothing and has no side effects, so there’s no excuse not to get cracking.

Pump up the volume – how changes to the energy density of a meal can lower your kilojoule intake but still keep you satisfied.

Best-selling Australian author and National Treasure, Colleen McCullough, has Macular Degeneration (MD) – the major cause of blindness in Australia.

At the end of a particularly exhausting day in 1900, Dr William Bates, a New York ophthalmologist, sat and placed his palms over his eyes. After 10 minutes, he noted that his eyes were not as sore...

Ruth Ostrow is a journalist and has compiled these tips after interviews and personal experiences with counsellors. They are not intended as a substitute for seeking proper grief counselling, professional help, or medical advice.

Increase your resistance to stress with a healthy, balanced diet.

Tips on handling those “too tired to cook” nights.

The nutrition pros and cons of the juice bar invasion.

Harmful germs, bacteria and viruses are trying to infect your body even as you read this. Strengthen your immune system this winter with these herbal remedies.

A study at the New Jersey University of Medicine found that a starter of tomato soup was highly successful at cutting down on subsequent food intake. Cooked or processed tomatoes contain...

Insomnia makes life miserable for three million Australians, and more women than men are affected. Try these self-help strategies.

Insomnia makes life miserable for 3 million Australians, and more women than men are affected. Try these self-help strategies.

Australian Women's Weekly readers reveal their tips on how to get a great night's sleep.

Maryon Stewart, author of Beat Menopause Naturally gives her top 10 tips for a natural menopause.

Diaries have proven to be some of the great historical records of our time, but they are also proven tools for weight management.

Fishy things you should know about.

Exercise in water is one of the lowest impact aerobic training activities on offer. It’s a great option during pregnancy, if you have an injury or if you’re not comfortable working up a sweat in a gym-based aerobics class.

DESPERATE FOR HELP I am a 49 year old in desperate need of help to overcome the symptoms of menopause. I am in the high risk category as my mother and grandmother both had double...

Below are some facts you may not know about becoming an organ donor, and how your decision could save somebody's life.

From The Australian Women's Weekly Health Series: Depression. Buy the Book.

From The Australian Women's Weekly Health Series: Constipation. Buy the Book.

When it comes to weight loss, there’s a lot to learn from people who have lost the weight long-term. Although it’s relatively easy to lose weight initially, especially if you follow a structured diet or program, keeping the weight off is a much harder task.

Latest research shows that certain oils could be essential in killing harmful bacteria.

Honey has never tasted so sweet.

We're all familiar with the risk factors associated with heart disease: a high-fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, etc. But talking too fast? According to a study in The Journal of...

Omega-3s Help Mental Illness

Looking for a stress-free start to the day? Bouncing on a rebounder (a small trampoline) is a simple and effective way to boost your energy and vitality, no matter what your fitness level. Remember bouncing on the bed when you were a kid? It's not a lot different from that!

As a parent you are your child’s first teacher and their lifetime role model. Just as little girls want to dress up in Mummy’s shoes, kids often emulate eating and exercise patterns from their parents too.

Pack a punch with a healthy lunch!

With a growing number of Australian children suffering from obesity, it is important to emphasise the importance of physical activity from an early age. It can take as little as 30 minutes of exercise each day to maintain optimal weight and health, but being physically active has a wide range of additional benefits for kids. They’re more likely to gain new skills, friends and confidence through sport. They will also sleep better, feel more energetic and get the most out of life.

Globe artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) is good for indigestion, say researchers from the University of Bonn, Germany. In their study, patients’ nausea and flatulence were...

From The Australian Women's Weekly Health Series: Cancer Prevention. Buy the Book.

Clearly, when he wrote "Hell is other people", Jean-Paul Sartre knew something about how it feels to hold a grudge.

How to find motivation to get started and keep going with your New Year weight loss goals?

Snacking is an important part of any healthy eating plan. But what to snack on during that mid-meal break? Karen Inge gives you her top ten treats.

There is a sport for everyone. Get inspired and try something new. Read on - pilates just might be the fitness solution you've been looking for.

Taken from The Australian Women's Weekly's health title Arthritis: the good news. Buy the Book.

Ever wondered why you can stay healthy through a stressful month at work, then come down with a cold as soon as you take a break?

If you need surgery, make sure you have two things. A great surgeon and a roommate who's just been through the same thing. Researchers from the American Psychological Association have...

Sitting at a computer all day can be a real pain in the neck. If you are reading this, you're probably sitting at a computer right now. Check your posture, and try these simple stretches. Your body will thank you.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that broccoli sprouts have a high concentration of cancer-fighting compounds. The tiny sprouts pack up to between 10 and 100 times more...

You know that chewing gum can help bad breath, and many ex-smokers have kicked the habit by using it - but did you know that chewing gum is also a natural remedy for heartburn? Researchers...

I’m often asked if there are any natural remedies that can give quick energy. I often feel tired in the afternoon, especially if I’ve been sitting at the computer for most of the day. The best remedy is to do something to get your energy moving. The following two yoga exercises are my favourite afternoon […]

All of us at one stage or another have experienced feelings of sadness, loss or grief. Quite often, we say that we’re feeling depressed. But what exactly is depression? Here, we explore the clinical definition of an illness that effects on average one in five Australians. From The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Series – Depression, […]

“There are particular times in people’s lives that are especially significant, but it’s the weight the individual gives them that makes them important. One landmark may be of consequence to one individual and not to another.” This statement by Dr William H Masters holds true for menopause and midlife. The important question to ask yourself […]

Latest research shows that certain oils could be essential in killing harmful bacteria.

Honey has never tasted so sweet.

If you’re in a relationship, it can be sobering to take an inventory of how you treat them. How much time did you spend together this week? How much (if any) was “quality time”? What did you talk about – chit-chat, family business, or something more significant? Give your partner the same consideration you would […]

We invite you to attend the National Breast Cancer Centre's Pink Ribbon Breakfast.

A variety of studies have shown a connection between low levels of vitamin A and lung cancer. Now new research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates the same may be true for breast cancer. The researchers found that women with breast cancer were less likely to have a particular protein called CRBP, which facilitates the proper digestion and use of vitamin A.

There is only one accurate way to diagnose food intolerance and that is to follow an elimination diet. Uninformed practitioners sometimes suggest the methods described below. However, these are a complete waste of time and money, yielding inaccurate and misleading. They are listed here only by way of warning. Live blood tests A small sample […]

Swallowing a vitamin tablet won’t mean you can skip the hat and sunscreen when you go to the beach, but it may give you extra protection from the sun’s rays. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that subjects taking 25 mg of natural mixed carotenoids plus 500 IU of […]

Contrary to popular belief, people are actually less efficient when they multi-task, according to a recent report in the Journal of Experimental Psychology. The more complex the tasks are to do, the longer it takes your brain to switch gears, researchers found. The bottom line: Don’t try to do too much.

Get your new Women's Health Diary and help save lives.

This extract is taken from The Australian Women's Weekly health series Eating Disorders book.

Enjoy the spice of life with healthy herbs.

Getting involved is good for your health.

Staying active each day can keep a cold at bay.

Prevent horrible smells in your bins by sprinkling 1/4 cup each of borax (a natural mineral found in the laundry aisle) and bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the empty...

From The Australian Women’s Weekly Insomnia, How to sleep easy health book. One of the most common causes of insomnia is anxiety. The relationship between anxiety and insomnia is a relatively simple one. Anxiety produces increased alertness. However, your alertness level must be low for sleep to occur for any number of reasons. Depression is […]

Snacking may seem like a sensible way to keep your energy levels up, but all-day grazing can put you at increased risk for type II diabetes, stroke and heart disease, say researchers from the Hannah...