How to Get a Move on?

According to the 2011-2012 Australian Health Survey, nearly 70% of Australian adults are sedentar or have low levels of physical activity, while 60% of us do less than the recommended 30 minutes c moderate intensity physical activity per day.

• Use the stairs rather than the lift or escalator.
• For short trips, walk or cycle rather than using the car.
• For longer trips, park further from your destination and walk or cycle the rest of the way.
• Get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.
• Walk to speak to a work colleague rather than emailing or making a phone call.
• Take a break at lunchtime, for a short walk around the block.

Managing Menopause

If you're struggling with the symptoms of menopause, you are not alone. According to the Australasian Menopause Society, the majority of women will have at least some symptoms and for most women these symptoms will last for 5 to 10 years.

Symptoms Include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Difficulties sleeping
• Tiredness
• Joint pain
• Anxiety or mood changes
• An overactive bladder

Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a condition where the gluten found in food causes damage to the lining of the intestinal wall, preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed. According to the Coeliac Society, it affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians but around 80% remain undiagnosed.

• Digestive symptoms problems
• fatigue, weakness and lethargy
• low iron levels or anaemia
• weight loss

Dealing a child with ADHD

ADHD is a developmental disorder which begins in early childhood. It is estimated to affect one in 20 children in Australia and is more common in boys. In some children, these symptoms improve as they get older, but others will continue to have symptoms as adults.

• Providing a quiet, clutter-free space for doing homework.
• Building regular, predictable routines
• Helping your child to develop social skills.
• Giving your child clear verbal instructions so they understand what you want them to do.

Mythbusting: Cooking Oils

Despite all the claims there's little evidence to support the health benefits of coconut oil. It's high in saturated fat which can worsen insulin resistance and increase heart disease risk.

• Coconut oil is the healthiest oil to cook with.
• You can't heat olive oil or it will become toxic.
• 'Lite' olive oil is the best choice if I'm watching my weight.
• It's best not to cook with oil if I have high cholesterol.