Women's Health Australia

Do you sometimes feel like a big part of being an adult is unlearning a lot of what you thought was true about yourself? You might've thought you weren't smart enough or strong enough to go after what you truly wanted. Or you might've believed you didn't matter enough to look after your health. Our cover star, TV presenter Francesca Hung, had to unlearn the way SHEHAD DENIED A PART OF HER IDENTITY for so long (p82). Growing up, all Francesca wanted to do was fit in – to “look more Australian” – and denying her Chinese heritage negatively impacted her mental health and selfesteem. It's a feeling that's not often spoken about, but it's something many first-generation Aussies will relate to. I relate to it, too. It wasn't until…

Does Using Earphones Damage Hearing? ANSWER Sadly, constant use can do – and when you experience volume-related hearing loss in your teens, twenties and thirties, you're stuck with it, says Robert Sataloff, chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. Thankfully, you can prevent this. Keep audio at or below 80 A-weighted decibels (dBA), and opt for vented headphones or earbuds that don't tightly seal the ear. Cushioned headphones are good – the space between the speaker and ear canal helps to diminish unpredictable, echoed sound levels. Sataloff also suggests devices with volume alerts and designed not to exceed 80 dBA. What's firing up the wellness world? GUT GAMES Developed by RMIT researchers, new board game Gooey Gut Trail helps players to ditch any…

SOURCE: UNIVERSITIES OF EXETER AND QUEENSLAND 11,255 HEAD TO THE MED A fresh addition to the Mediterranean diet's resume: it could benefit those trying to conceive, according to a team from the University of South Australia, Monash University and the University of the Sunshine Coast. A research review found the plant-forward approach (think: healthy fats, vegies, wholegrains, legumes and lean proteins) seems to support fertility and sperm quality, likely thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.…

5 THIS MANY MINUTES OF WALKING AFTER EVERY HALFHOUR OF SITTING CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT OUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS, ENERGY AND MOOD. KITCHEN STROLL, ANYONE? Meet Umibot One in three* people have experienced image-based abuse – when someone takes, shares or threatens to share nude, semi-nude or sexual images/video without consent. In a world first, a new AI chatbot is now helping them to report incidents and find support. Developed by RMIT University experts, Umibot shares information on how to report abuse, what the law says, support services and more. Check it out via umi.rmit.edu.au.…

WHY WE LOVE IT The real question: what don't we dig about single-arm wheelbarrows? The low-impact move combines the upperbody benefits of a push-up with the bonus of shoulder mobility work. “They help improve posture, stability and core strength,” says PT Kristie Larson. Typically performed from a high plank, this knees-down variation is great for beginners. Just be warned: “It's sneakily challenging,” she adds. “Only go as far as you can while still engaging your abs.” Two ways to tell you're at your limit? Your hips lift or your lower back arches. So check your form and glide towards those gains. HOW TO DO IT 1/ Start in a kneeling plank, legs together, arms extended and wrists under shoulders with your palms flat on top of sliders. 2/ Slide your…

WARM UP BEAUTY STRANDING OVATION Over how long it takes to dry and style your hair? Get acquainted with the ghd Duet Style – a super-tool that blows hot air onto damp locks, while also straightening and styling at the same time thanks to the addition of hot plates. A serious mane-changer. POWER COUPLE How's this for a dream team? Swisse Beauty Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($39.99) and Swisse Skincare Hyaluronic Acid 2% Vitamin B5 Glow Booster Serum ($24.99) are designed to support healthy radiant skin from the inside out. Oh, glow on then. ALWAYS RE AD THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR USE. SWISSE BE AUT Y COLLAGEN + HYALU RONIC ACID BOOSTER CONTAINS SODIUM HYALU RONATE, WHICH IS THE SALT FORM OF HYALU RONIC ACID.…