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HIV/AIDS – the facts (HIV)
HIV/AIDS has been in Australia for more than 21 years, and the costs have been high. By the end of 2003, more than 6370 Australians had died and a further 13,600 were living with HIV infection. What is HIV?HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that lives and reproduces in the […]
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Doctor Didj
A new study has found that playing the didgeridoo could help people who suffer from asthma. The study, which was published in the Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal and run through the University of Southern Queensland’s Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health, used music therapy to help young Indigenous asthmatics manage their condition. […]
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Turning a Blind Eye (Trachoma)
Why are Indigenous Australians still suffering from trachoma? Trachoma is a preventable condition that is almost entirely a disease of undeveloped countries. However, while mainstream Australians rarely – if ever – contract trachoma, the condition is rife in many Indigenous communities. What is trachoma?Trachoma is a contagious infection of the eye caused by bacteria. It’s […]
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The Eyes Have It (Eye Health)
Your eyes are not just the windows to your soul; they’re also how you see. So look after ’em! Our eyesight is essential for so many things. We need our sight to read, to drive, to learn and to spot danger. If you have a problem with your eyesight, it can make life very difficult. […]
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Headlice
Nits and head lice are a big worry for many parents with kids of preschool and primary school age. Quite often, there is a sense of shame associated with having nits or head lice. But infestation is quite common – it can and does happen to anyone. There is nothing to be ashamed of! Nits […]
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers that women – both young and old – have to deal with these days. Breast cancer is often thought of as a disease of ageing. This is because more than 70 per cent of cases occur in women over 50. However it is not unknown for […]
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Breathe Easy (Asthma)
Don’t let asthma take the wind out of your sails. More than 2.2 million Australians suffer from asthma. People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they’re exposed to certain things, or “triggers”, their airways become narrower, which makes it harder for them to breathe. What causes asthma?The cause of asthma is not […]
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Early Warning (Heart Disease)
Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack could save someone’s life ” maybe even your own. Coronary heart disease and heart attack is the underlying cause of death for almost 25,000 Australians every year. Among Indigenous Australians, heart disease affects around one in eight people, with the 2004-2005 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander […]
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Good Nutrition
Nutrition is the science of food. All foods are made up of chemical compounds. When we eat various foods our body breaks them down into chemicals that we can then use. There are five groups of chemicals present in the various foods we eat: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Proteins Proteins are found in […]
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Cancer answers
Cancer is one of the most feared – and the most misunderstood – diseases. Although it’s often thought to be a disease that old people get, cancer rates among young people are getting higher. And Indigenous Australians are at a greater risk than the rest of the population. The most common cancers in Indigenous communities […]
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Pooped? (Chronic Fatigue)
A largely misunderstood illness that can really wear you out. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a largely misunderstood illness that causes extreme exhaustion. What are the symptoms?Sufferers can experience severe, disabling tiredness, especially after physical or mental exertion. Sleeping often fails to bring refreshment. Other symptoms include aching muscles and joints, headaches, a sore throat […]
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Heart to Heart (Cardiovascular Disease)
Avoid our biggest killer ” keep your heart healthy. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia ” it kills one Australian every 10 minutes. According to the Heart Foundation, Indigenous Australians are up to two and a half times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than the rest of the population. […]
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This Month – Puff Bunny
Having asthma shouldn’t mean that you can’t reach your goals. Just ask Joe. Joe Williams is 23 years old, a father of two and one of the NRL’s rising stars. He also has asthma. But Joe hasn’t let asthma stand in the way of his success with the South Sydney Rabbitohs ” he’s learned how […]
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Nurture your body
Our bodies are continually changing. We grow and change from a baby girl to a big girl to a young teenage girl, then into a woman and into old age. Throughout these phases, our body goes through many different changes and faces many challenges. To best cope with our ever-changing bodies and to be strong […]
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Breathe easy
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the air passages that run from your windpipe to your lungs. It affects many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children. Bronchitis is contagious and can be spread by direct or indirect contact. It may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of […]
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Nature’s Nasties (Bites)
Do you know what to do if you encounter one of these creatures? Australia is famous for its many venomous creatures. A lot of these creatures are more commonly encountered in the summer months, so it’s important to be alert if you’re outside. Some of the more dangerous venomous creatures are: The Funnel Web SpiderThe […]
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