Healthy living

Alcohol is a drug that affects people in different ways. Heavy drinkers, ‘binge drinkers’ and very young drinkers are particularly at risk of serious health, personal and social problems. Treatment and support are available.

Allied health practitioners are clinical professionals who support your medical, nursing or dental care. They work as part of the health care team in hospitals, community health centres and private practice.

Carers look after people who are sick, elderly or who have a disability. A carer may be young or old. Carers can suffer stress and isolation but support and information are available.

Complementary and alternative medicine includes a range of treatments and products that are not considered part of standard health care. CAMs can work alongside conventional diagnosis and treatment, but scientific evidence on their use is limited.

Eating a variety of healthy foods is the key to a well-balanced diet and good nutrition. It keeps our bodies working well and helps prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The odds of winning at gaming, betting or other forms of gambling are low. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes financial, emotional and mental stress to you and your family. Support and counselling are available.

Regular health checks can prevent many diseases and catch others before it's too late to change their course. Some health checks and screening tests can help prevent serious illness like cancer. See your doctor.

Immunisation can prevent many illnesses in children and adults. Vaccines are available for a range of childhood conditions and other infectious diseases like flu and hepatitis. Your health, age, lifestyle and occupation are the key factors that determine what vaccines you need and when. You may need specific immunisations when you travel.

Physical activity and fitness protect our health and can be fun. Walking, playing sport, swimming, cycling and gardening can all keep you fit. Stay safe and prevent injury during exercise by following some sensible tips.

A ‘good relationship’ means different things to different people. However, good adult relationships generally involve two people who respect each other, can communicate, and have equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities.

Safety in the home, at work and during travel can prevent accidents. Reduce your risk of injury from road trauma, drowning, chemical or food poisoning, ear or eye damage, infection and environmental hazards.

Sleep is important for the health of our body and mind. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, poor concentration and mood changes. Common disorders include sleepwalking, restlessness, snoring, insomnia and sleep apnoea.

Stress is when we feel we can't cope. Our emotions, concentration and behaviour may be affected. Long-term stress can make us sick. Relaxation techniques and therapies can help us manage or prevent stress.

Find information about aged care, health and housing issues, grief counselling, trauma and other support services. Also links to concession cards, community health centres, genetic screening, abortion services, Medicare and more.

How we think and feel can affect our emotional, mental and physical health. Learning to manage our anger, change our outlook on life or address psychological issues can help keep our mind active and healthy.

Tobacco causes more preventable illness and death than any other drug. Smoking causes a range of cancers as well as heart disease, stroke and emphysema. Treatment and support to quit smoking are available.

Travel and holidays are fun but accident, injury, illness, car sickness, jet lag or fear of flying can affect your enjoyment. Good medical advice, immunisation and safety precautions can protect your health and safety when travelling.

Managing your weight means a healthy diet and regular exercise. Fad diets are not the answer. A healthy weight may vary for different people. Some health conditions can make it difficult to control weight gain.

Work and careers can be rewarding but workplace demands, conflict, injury, retirement, losing a job or trouble finding work can cause problems. Learn how to handle job-related stress, deal with harassment and stay safe at work.