A message from Dr Christine Bennett - MBF's Chief Medical Officer
Our unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices are causing 50% of today's health problems. MBF is committed to arming its members with the best information and tools to help improve their health and wellness.
From Dr Christine's desk
8th August 2010: Health checks at different stages of life...
"Keeping on track with your health should start with you. Establishing good health habits as early in life as possible means that you may enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life. And by getting the right health checks at the right time, you can work with your health care team to make sure you find and, if possible, prevent the effects of any health problems that you might encounter throughout the different stages of your life." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Health checks at different stages of life...
25th July 2010: Male obesity and erectile dysfunction...
"While it is well-known that excess weight, and especially obesity, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, researchers have also established a related link to men's loss of sexual performance and desire. The good news is that research supported by the Bupa Health Foundation has found that this situation can be reversed," Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Male obesity and erectile dysfunction...
20th June 2010: Youth mental health...
"We all feel sad, anxious or irritable sometimes, but when these feelings persist and start to impact on a person's ability to enjoy life or perform their day-to-day activities, it's time to seek professional help. Youth mental illness is a growing problem in Australia, affecting an estimated 1 in 4 young people. Alarmingly, up to 70 per cent of these young people will not seek or receive help," Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Youth mental health...
4th June 2010: Coronary heart disease and women...
"Many women may not be aware that more Australian women die from coronary heart disease than from any other disease. Sometimes mistakenly considered to be largely a men's health issue, almost the same number of women die from the disease as men. The good news is however, that coronary heart disease can be prevented or you can reduce your risk by modifying your diet, having an active lifestyle and by not smoking." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Coronary heart disease and women...
21st May 2010: Food allergies in children...
"Allergies and associated hospital admissions are on the rise, particularly peanut allergies in preschool aged children. We don't yet know the cause for this rise, but an understanding of food allergies can help you recognise the symptoms early and identify whether your child is more likely to develop a food allergy." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Food allergies in children...
14th May 2010: Health reform...
Over the last three months, the Federal Government announced details of its reform plan for the Australian health system which aims at addressing issues present within the public health system. The reform plan is built upon the recommendations made in the final report by the National Health and Hospital Reforms Commission (HHRC), chaired by Dr. Christine Bennett and with over six months of community and health industry consultation. Read more on Health reform...
25th April 2010: Preventing falls and fall-related injuries...
"As we get older, little falls around the house or on the street become a serious risk to health, but falls should not just be considered an inevitable part of the aging process. The key to reducing the incidence of falls and fall-related-injuries is identifying and managing those things that put you at greater risk." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Preventing falls and fall-related injuries...
9th April 2010: Osteoporosis...
"Most of us know osteoporosis is about brittle bones and have heard it affects older women. However, what many people may not realise is that every six minutes, someone is admitted to hospital with an osteoporotic fracture; or that while one in two women over 60 are affected, so are one out of three men - All good reasons to take positive steps to avoid osteoporosis or reduce its impact on your life." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Osteoporosis...
4th February 2010: High blood pressure...
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, such as 120/80. The larger number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart squeezes out blood during each beat. It is called the systolic blood pressure. The lower number indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes before the next beat. It is called the diastolic blood pressure. Read more on High blood pressure...
1st December 2009: Swine flu. Get Vaccinated...
"The H1N1 influenza virus (or swine flu) continues to be an issue in Australia and around the world. As we prepare to go on holidays or travel overseas, it is important to protect yourself against swine flu – particularly if you are heading to the northern hemisphere. By getting your family vaccinated you are not just protecting you and your family, but you are protecting your community too." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Swine flu. Get Vaccinated...
1st December 2009: The risks of underage drinking...
"It is a shocking and worrying statistic that one teenager between the ages of 14 and 17 dies each week as a result of alcohol abuse. Many more are hospitalised. Binge drinking can lead to violence, high risk sexual activity, depression and, in some instances, brain damage and alcohol dependence. Parents perhaps believe that supervised underage drinking in the home is safe but we don't yet know enough about whether it is possible to drink safely in this way so we need to make sure that our children are protected. Be a good role model and help to protect your child and their brain." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on The risks of underage drinking...
24th November 2009: Heat stress and heat-related illness...
"In light of the recent bush fires and heat waves in Australia, it's a good time to talk about preventing heat stroke. It is important to look out for those that are vulnerable to heat stress or heat stroke, such as the elderly, the very young and the sick, because it is more difficult for them to maintain a normal body temperature. Avoid exposure from the sun and heat, drink plenty of fluids, limit physical activity and stay cool, well-ventilated areas will help to prevent heat-related illness." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Heat stress and heat-related illness...
16th November 2009: The GFC is bad for more than just your pocket...
Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer of Bupa Australia* warns that short-term, risky health actions taken by individuals in an attempt to save money or prove job dedication are likely to have long term negative health outcomes for Australia. "The poll has revealed that during the past six months, more than two million workers have gone to work ill because they have been concerned about taking a sick day, and a worrying 17 per cent of Australians have avoided or delayed a visit to a GP, dentist or a specialist," Dr Bennett said. Read more on The GFC is bad for more than just your pocket...
22nd September 2009: Chronic pain...
"Chronic pain is a costly healthcare problem in Australia with one in five Australian adults suffering from the condition. The human cost on individuals and families is also significant since many of these Australians bear more than half the cost themselves. Now that we know the cost of pain, we can take positive steps towards improving the lives of Australians living with chronic pain." Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa's Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Information on Chronic pain...
10th September 2009: Dry mouth syndrome...
"Many Australians suffer from a dry mouth, which can cause problems with oral hygiene and tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can help produce more saliva to overcome this problem and has other benefits, such as dealing with stress, heartburn (fruit flavoured only) and helping people trying to quit smoking. Too much of it can have a laxative effect so chew it in moderation." Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Information on Dry mouth syndrome...
3rd August 2009: Information on Postnatal Depression...
"Having a baby is a significant time in any new parent's life and becoming a mum can be an enormous life adjustment. But it can also be a time when women develop depression, especially if depression has affected them before. Depression that develops within a year of having a baby is called postnatal depression. Depression is always serious, but this can be a critical time that can impact you, your child and your family. It is nothing to be embarrassed about. But it is important that you are cared for. If you are unsure about whether you may be affected by postnatal depression, see your GP." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Information on Postnatal Depression...
30th July 2009: Latest update on swine flu...
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. Swine flu viruses do not normally affect humans, however human infections with swine flue do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of a swine flu virus have been recently confirmed. Read more on Swine flu...
14th July 2009: Weighty issue: do you know if your child is overweight?...
"We often hear in the media that many Australian children are overweight or obese so it can be easy to ignore the issue. But the results of our MBF Healthwatch survey showed that many parents just don't know if their child is overweight. We have included a link to a BMI calculator to help you determine whether your child has a weight problem. Talk to your GP if you are concerned about your child's weight." Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Weighty issue: do you know if your child is overweight?...
9th June 2009: Common pregnancy questions...
"Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life but often women have many questions. We've answered some questions here but always talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife if you are unsure. Most of all enjoy anticipating this wonderful event but get plenty of sleep, eat well, continue gentle exercise and relax, which will keep you and baby healthy." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia.. Read more on Common pregnancy questions...
2nd June 2009: Insulin resistance in young people...
"Previously insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes were conditions almost only seen in adults but with the rise in childhood obesity, they are now being diagnosed in children and adolescents. The MBF Foundation is proud to support The Children's Hospital at Westmead's project to assess whether a higher protein and lower carbohydrate diet is more effective at reducing insulin resistance in overweight adolescents than a higher carbohydrate diet." Dr Christine Bennett, Chair, MBF Foundation Steering Committee and Bupa Australia Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Insulin resistance...
12th May 2009: Update to cervical cancer fact sheet...
"It is exciting to think that there is now a vaccine in use that should result in a dramatic impact on preventing cervical cancer. And still more exciting to think that the vaccine was developed right here in Australia by Professor Ian Frazer." Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia's Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Cervical cancer...
7th April 2009: Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease...
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive dementing disease of the brain. Currently there is no cure and no means of preventing it. But by leading a healthy lifestyle we may be able to reduce our risk of developing the disease. Read more on Alzheimer's disease...
6th April 2009: Colds and flu...
Colds can make us feel pretty awful but being struck down with the flu can be far more serious, particularly those more vulnerable in the community. Autumn is the best time to consider having your annual flu vaccine. Read more on Colds and flu...
10th March 2009: Dengue fever...
The dengue fever illness is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Currently the Dengue mosquito, one type of mosquito responsible for spreading the virus, is found on the mainland of North Queensland in Australia.. Read more on Dengue fever...
13th February 2009: Coping with grief...
"The best thing you can do to support a loved one or colleague through a disaster such as the Victorian bush fire crisis is to be there for them. If they want to talk, let them talk. If they want to be silent, let them be silent. A GP, psychologist or counsellor can also help." Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia's Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Coping with grief...
10th February 2009: Heat stress and heat-related illness...
"In light of the recent bush fires and heat waves in Australia, it's a good time to talk about preventing heat stroke. It is important to look out for those that are vulnerable to heat stress or heat stroke, such as the elderly, the very young and the sick, because it is more difficult for them to maintain a normal body temperature. Avoid exposure from the sun and heat, drink plenty of fluids, limit physical activity and stay cool, well-ventilated areas will help to prevent heat-related illness." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on Heat stress and heat-related illness...
23rd January 2009: 2009 Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon Series...
"The MBF Foundation has once again thrown its support behind the Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon series as part of our commitment to encourage young Australians to have a healthy start to life. With unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices linked to more than half of all health problems, this series is a fun way to help kids learn the benefits of exercise and keeping active - lessons they can take with them throughout life" said Dr Christine Bennett, MBF Foundation Steering Committee Chair, and Chief Medical Officer for Bupa Australia.. Read more on Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon...
19th January 2009: Men's health matters...
"The life expectancy for Australian men is now 76.9 for men and 82 for Australian women. While life expectancy is increasing in men, many of the risk factors that cause chronic diseases remain prevalent in men. Risk factors and health issues are often different for men and women but smoking, lack of exercise, poor nutrition and excessive alcohol consumption are still significant issues for both genders. Women play a key role in encouraging the men in their lives to improve their health behaviours and seek medical advice when they need to" says Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia's Chief Medical Officer. Read more on Men's health matters...
30th December 2008: Anti-oxidants not anti-ageing. Anti-oxidants don't slow down the effects of ageing...
Anti-oxidants don't slow down the effects of ageing, according to a new study published in the journal Genes and Development. "The results of this study challenge the popular belief that superoxides are a key factor in ageing and mopping them up is beneficial,” said Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia's Chief Medical Officer. Read more on anti-oxidants...
29th October 2008: The basics of breast cancer and importance of being breast aware...
"Most Australians know someone affected by breast cancer. Breast awareness and screening is so important because the earlier the disease is detected, the better the treatment options, quality of life and health outcomes. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, it is incredibly personal and, for some, difficult to talk about. But talking to your doctors about the type of cancer you have, understanding the treatment options and being part of the decision making process improves your chances of survival." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on breast cancer...
9th October 2008: Tissue and organ donation: a gift for life...
"Organ transplants give people a second chance at life and donated tissues help people with a variety of diseases and conditions. Unfortunately each year hundreds of Australians die waiting for organs to become available because too few people register their desire to donate. By registering with the Australian Organ Donor Register, you might give another person the gift of life." Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia. Read more on tissue and organ donation...
29th July 2008: Headaches and migraines...
Headache is one of the most common health related conditions in Australia. A recent study found that people between the ages of 25 and 44 years were more likely to report having a headache. Read more on headaches and migraines.
