Prevention Magazine Australia

A recent US study looking into women’s attitudes towards ageing found that a massive 90 per cent of women feel anxiety about getting older. That’s really shocking. I’d like to believe we’re living through an ‘ageism’ revolution, in which the media is finally putting to rest tired old clichés about what women at midlife and beyond look like and what we’re capable of. After all, around us we see many inspiring examples of women who are truly living their happiest, healthiest life at every decade – and not just celebrities (shout-out to my dear friends in their 70s!). Incidentally, that same study found that 93 per cent of women are interested in learning activities, exercises or tools that can help them live a more optimistic life. As part of this quantum…

GOT IT ALL COVERED I particularly enjoyed the recent cover and interview with SBS newsreader Janice Petersen (July). I always learn something from your inspiring stories about Australian women. Prevention magazine is now my go-to source of up-to-date information on health and wellness trends and new research. It’s written in such an easy-to-understand and accessible way. I always find your stories really informative. Jan Burns, NSW LOOKING SHARP Thank you for shedding some light on Alzheimer’s disease in your July issue (‘Worried about Alzheimer’s?’). While I’m only in my mid-30s, it’s good to know that I can make lifestyle changes now to help look after my brain as I age. Prevention is a beautifully designed magazine; it’s always a pleasure to read and a positive influence in my life. Laura-Jean Lyons, NSW WAKE-UP CALL Light bulb moment:…

MIND EXPOUNDING Before you have that vent, it might be good to evaluate your audience first. In a new US study, researchers found that participants in their 40s and 50s who said they didn’t have a supportive ear in their life had a cognitive age of four years older than those who had great listeners in their social circles. Need to find a good pair of ears that you can unload your thoughts to? Look for someone who waits for you to respond when they ask how you are, and who doesn’t interrupt or shift the focus to themselves. And remember to return the favour – support is a two-way street. 3 FEEL-GOOD PODCASTS WE LOVE … and you need to listen to Help Me Be Me Described as “self-help for people who hate…

Hard to swallow The idea of popping a pill to help boost your brain power might be appealing, but is there any real merit to it? Nootropics is the latest buzz in natural remedies. Also known as ‘cognitive enhancers’ or smart drugs, these supplements are said to help improve memory, mental alertness and overall concentration. There are many different types of nootropics, ranging from pharmaceutical drugs to supplements and foods, says sports dietitian Jess Spendlove. While most health experts agree that taking prescription nootropics for cases that involve ADHD or Alzheimer’s disease may be helpful, for healthy people it’s far more controversial simply because there’s still limited evidence that supports the claims that these natural supplements can, in fact, make your brain work better. If something sounds too good to be…

FREEDOM FIBRE You may have heard about antibiotic resistance, where microorganisms, like harmful bacteria, adapt and change so that antibiotics are less effective at killing them off. Well, researchers have long been fearful that the more you use antibiotics, the more you risk this happening. But there has been an interesting new finding: People who eat a diverse diet rich in fibre display lower levels of antibiotic resistance within their gut microbiome. Simply put, eating more fibre may help you avoid antibiotic resistance in the future. Boost your daily fibre intake by adding chia or linseeds to your oats, smoothies or salads. And don’t peel produce, such as cucumbers, sweet potatoes and apples, as these are the bits packed with fibre. Your bowels will thank you, too! Chem again? New research has linked…

Sitting for too long can be a real pain in the neck – and back and shoulders. Here are a few reasons why: You’re inactive when seated, so your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to circulate blood; this can cause lactic acid build-up in muscles, triggering aches and stiff ness. Also, it’s difficult to hold the upper body upright for long periods, so you tend to slump, putting pain-inducing pressure on the discs between your vertebrae. And then there’s the craning-for-a-closer-look position you often hold your head in when viewing digital screens, which strains the ligaments and muscles in the neck and upper back. “Sitting for hours day after day repeatedly locks neck, back and shoulder muscles in the same position,” says orthopaedic surgeon Dr Charla Fischer. “It’s a…