Health Tips

You just feel at home (Prince)

As we write this during July 2021, a majority of Australians are under lock down in efforts to reduce spread of Delta variant. To keep... Read More

What is a Health Assistant?

You may have noticed at Osana that we Health Assistants instead of medical receptionists. What is the difference? Health assistants are a core part of... Read More

New evidence for anti-ageing 2021

Our ageing population and rise of chronic health conditions highlights the opportunity for preventative health. Recent studies on this topic include: Half of dementia risk... Read More

New evidence for more exercise 2021

Recent studies have underlined the importance of exercise. Here are some examples: We know that sub-optimal nutrition is multi-generational - what our parents eat impacts... Read More

New evidence for better nutrition 2021

Recent studies have underlined the importance of good nutrition. Here are examples: Whilst heart disease may have a genetic component (runs in the family), a... Read More

Prevention Saves Lives

The key to good health is not primarily to treat existing symptoms, but to prevent them. Preventative medicine is therefore an important approach to ensure... Read More

Healthy homes

Is your home making you sick? Our home can sometimes make us unwell. From mould to dust, to injuries and accidents, it's worth considering how... Read More

What type of Rest are you getting?

Rest and balance are important to staying healthy. Here are different types of rest to ensure that you get: Physical rest - passive rest such... Read More

Favourite health foods in 2021

We are what we eat, so what should we choose? Here are some of our favourite healthy foods for 2021: Bone broth - promotes gut... Read More

Your personality vs your longevity!

In 2004, researchers found in church clergy that those with a "high neurotic score" had a risk of early death that was twice as high... Read More

How to slow ageing.

Life expectancy has been increasing steadily since the Age of Enlightenment - today, all countries have a higher life expectancy than the highest country in... Read More

New evidence to quit smoking

We all know smoking is bad for your health but it can be hard to kick this habit. Over 19,000 Australians die every year due... Read More

How inflammation can affect you.

Inflammation has been identified as part of the body's healing process since 30 BC, where rubor (redness), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain) and calor (heat) were... Read More

Why drink green tea?

You may have heard about the antioxidant properties of green tea and how it's a healthy beverage for everyone - here's a summary of the... Read More

KICK START YOUR NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all our members and friends. We wish you all good health, happiness and success in achieving your 2021 goals. Here are some tips to start the... Read More

How to cut down your drinking

A fifth of Australians have reported drinking alcohol more heavily during Covid than before. New drinking guidelines to support better health are less than 10... Read More

Prevent Emphysema today

Emphysema results from long term smoking - thankfully incidence in Australia (new cases) is on the decline due to a reduction in smoking but chronic... Read More

What’s your K10 score?

At Osana, we focus on emotional well being as much as physical health. We use a validated mental health survey called the K10 score in... Read More

Do food sensitivity kits work?

In a time where food intolerances and allergies are becoming more and more prevalent, consumers now have access to tests which can help to identify... Read More

How to improve asthma

Are you an Asthma sufferer? You are not alone, 400 Aussies die from asthma each year and unfortunately, these deaths are preventable. Australia has the... Read More

How can Osana help you lose weight

Two thirds of Australians are overweight or obese, leading to significant impacts on their health. Obesity is directly associated with mental health decline, diabetes, heart... Read More

What is good blood pressure

A diverse range of options to lower blood pressure. In Australia high blood pressure (hypertension) affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women.... Read More

Managing your chronic pain

1 in 5 Australians suffer chronic pain, defined as persisting pain after an injury or illness. Whilst acute pain is helpful (helps us survive &... Read More

Do you know the signs of stroke

About 60,000 Australians have a stroke every year, with three-quarters being a first time stroke. It's one of our biggest killers (more than breast cancer... Read More

Loving your heart health

Once the heart has been damaged or disease, or in some cases, malformed from early age, its ability to function may be diminished, leading to... Read More

How to prevent heart disease

A quarter of deaths in Australia are due to cardiovascular disease each year, the most common being heart attacks. 80% of heart disease is preventable... Read More

Can osteoarthritis be avoided?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and inflammatory disease (no longer just considered "wear and tear") that affects 1 in 10 Australians. Unfortunately 30% of arthritis cases... Read More

Gut health and the brain – what’s the connection?

Hippocrates once claimed that all disease begins in the gut, speculating that bile from the spleen brought on dark moods. Did you know that there... Read More

The link between physical and mental health

It is well recognised that poor mental health can lead to physical symptoms, and vice versa. Those with severe mental health illness live 10 to... Read More

Health risks of social media – fact or fiction?

Studies have highlighted the health risks of using social media. The challenges of FOMO (fear of missing out), internet addiction, blue light, screen time, replacing... Read More

Less sitting means less anxiety and depression

Sitting is bad for you. Studies show the average office worker sits for 9 hours per day, and compared to more ambulatory or standing jobs,... Read More

Exercise fights cancer

A study found that regular exercise reduces the reappearance of cancer by 40%. 1 in 2 Australians suffer from cancer by age 75, so exercise... Read More

Processed food – consume at your peril!

A large research study has found conclusive evidence that ultra-processed foods are bad, really bad. They increase your risk of heart disease or stroke by... Read More

Reset for 2021 – the big three, nutrition, sleep & exercise

A large research study recently published results on over 1,000 participants, investigating which of the main lifestyle behaviours, being nutrition, sleep and exercise, has the... Read More

How to have a Covid-safe Christmas

Please share this article widely on Facebook so others can benefit and stay informed. We're close to putting 2020 behind us but Covid-19 has emerged... Read More

Sleeping Well During Covid, by an Aussie GP

Published by Ecosa online December 8th 2020 A global pandemic has resulted in increased stress and mental health symptoms, undermined our efforts to be healthy... Read More

Are Dad bods healthy?

Published in the Daily Telegraph 4 December 2020 Title: How to address weighty issue Author: Claire Issacs   AS WE EMERGE FROM LOCKDOWN, OUR DAD... Read More

How to ensure a healthy prostate

Prostate disease affects a quarter of Australian men each year. The most serious is prostate cancer, where 16,000 diagnoses occur each year and 3,500 men... Read More

Sugar – the new smoking?

We had the pleasure of interviewing the 2020 Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke, on Osana's Prevention Hacks podcast. James has had a distinguished... Read More

MEN’S HEALTH FOCUS

It's Movember, and we are raising awareness of the importance of men's health. Globally, men die on average five years earlier than women, for reasons that are largely preventable, and they (we) are... , , Read More

Post lockdown exercise

Covid has been hard for everyone, and especially for Victorians in lock down. As we come out of the second wave, its important we get... Read More

Managing depression & anxiety

A recent survey showed that 60% of Australians are experience mental health issues this year during Covid, with a quarter never having had such problems... Read More

Better Health for Her

Women's Health Week is 7-11 September and Osana is keen on helping look after the ladies in our lives. Here are our top 10 wellness tips! 1. Zap your stress Stress can... Read More

Honey honey

Honey has been found to be more effective in upper respiratory tract infection, aka the common cold, than antibiotics - we know that most colds... Read More

What’s the best mask to wear?

Masks are important in the fight against Covid-19 because it has been shown to be airborne. Even through conversation, especially with plosive sounds like "P"... Read More

Exercise your brain!

Cognitive fitness is recognised as a way to prevent dementia, similar to how physical fitness reaps health benefits. Maintaining good cognitive fitness involves the following... Read More

Keeping your family safe during Covid

Here are Osana's top 10 things to do during Covid-19: Avoid hotspot areas - keep track of outbreak locations on the NSW Health website Wear... Read More

10 WAYS TO BUILD HEALTHIER BONES

Bones are the body’s foundation, providing support, structure and protection to organs. ​Looking after your bones and joints are important to keep them strong and healthy. This will... Read More

Laughter is the best medicine, still

People who laugh frequently have demonstrated greater capacity to deal with stress. The University of Basel investigated normal laughing behaviour - we laugh on average... Read More

Obesity leads to dementia

A 15 year study of older adults showed that obesity and higher waist circumference are linked to a 28% higher risk of dementia. This link... Read More

What predicts death?!?

A large, long term study of older adults has analysed the predictors of mortality. In decreasing order, they are: Smoking (hazard ratio of 1.9, which... Read More

Childhood experiences and health outcomes

A long term study in childhood has reported that adverse events, such as abuse, neglect, parental divorce, domestic violence, incarceration or substance use, can determine... Read More

Improving your memory

Our memories are often the most precious asset as we grow older - they convey our identity and record our journey through life. It's therefore... Read More

Eating dinner early is great for health

Our bodies regulate cortisone, melatonin and digestive enzymes according to our daily routine. This helps us metabolise calories, ensure adequate energy through out the day,... , , Read More

Post pandemic danger – insomnia!

A survey of Australians last month showed that nearly half of 2000 respondents were sleeping poorly, and that 40% were meeting the criteria for insomnia... Read More

Yoga helps migraines

A study in India demonstrated a 48% reduction in frequency and severity in migraines if treated with yoga in addition to exercise, dietary support, stress... Read More

What is social prescribing and why is it the big new thing in healthcare?

Emerging research has proven that taking up hobbies can treat depression as effectively as traditional medical therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy or medications. Hobbies,... Read More

Feeling pessimistic? Don’t, it gives you dementia!

Repetitive negative thinking has now been linked to dementia. A study showed that those who ruminated about the past and worried about the future, had... Read More

Thinking of a knee or hip replacement? You may not need it

A third of knee or hip replacements in Australia don't need to happen. That's not to say patients with osteoarthritis (wear and tear) don't suffer... Read More

Extreme interval training – 4 seconds!

A small, recent study has demonstrated that four second workouts of high intensity, repeated through the day, will counter the unhealthy sedentary behaviour of many... Read More

The dangers of chronic stress

35% of Australians feel significantly stressed, and a quarter experience anxiety and depression symptoms. This leads to risky behaviours (a majority of those feeling distress... Read More

The benefits of Pilates

Pilates was developed by a guy called Joe in the 20th century, as a way of exercising to alleviate ill health. It focuses on improving... Read More

Loneliness kills

An emerging challenge with lock down during this pandemic is dealing with being lonely. Loneliness can occur with or without other people around you, and... Read More

Stay at Home – Local Resources

Our local resources to help you stay inspired, motivated and healthy at home. CLICK ON IMAGE FOR PDF Read More

Adopting healthy work at home behaviours

We're all at home and the dog is wondering what's going on. It's easy and tempting to slip into weekend behaviour but here are some... Read More

Protecting kids from Covid-19

If infected with Coronavirus (Covid-19, SARS-CoV 2), kids may be asymptomatic or show mild symptoms, but are effective transmission carriers and can still get marked... Read More

The Up Side of Home Isolation

There's so much worry, panic and negativity around at the moment. We could all do with some uplifting news - so are there any silver... Read More

The Down Side of Home Isolation

10 risk factors to watch out for and consider during lock down: Increased alcohol consumption - 70% of Australians are currently drinking more alcohol than... Read More

Talking Covid-19 with Kids

Tips and advice on talking to kids about Covid - 19 from Dr Hannah Korrel - Child Neuropsychologist   Read More

Improve your immunity – Symptoms and Illnesses

Improve your immunity to respiratory infections and your chances against Covid-19. Address any symptoms: Do not use Nurofen (Ibuprofen) for any cold or flu-like symptoms... Read More

Improve your immunity – Vaccinations and Medications

Improve your immunity to respiratory infections and your chances against Covid-19. Get vaccinations: Flu vaccine - it's worth noting there were over 220,000 influenza cases... Read More

Improve your immunity – Stress and Rest

Improve your immunity to respiratory infections and your chances against Covid-19. Minimise stress (which makes asthma and respiratory infections more susceptible) by doing the following:... Read More

Improve Your Immunity – Diet and Exercise

Improve your immunity to respiratory infections and your chances against Covid-19. Optimise diet Eat a ‘balanced diet’ with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish -... , , Read More

What do I need to know about Covid-19?

Updated June 2020 Osana is providing information on Covid-19 from trusted sources - this page is updated monthly. If you have any symptoms or concerns,... Read More

What shall I do for Valentines?

Valentine's Day is healthy! Engage in these activities to give your health a boost. Social connection - interacting with loved ones and having loving relationships... Read More

Coronavirus – do I need to be worried?

The current viral outbreak in China and previous epidemics such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) are due to an infection called coronavirus. As of... Read More

How do I live longer?

A new year means new habits, and hopefully ones that are healthy! There is an epidemic of wellness and a growing body of evidence that... Read More

Sleep and weight are linked

A meta-review of medical research covering almost a million participants has highlighted the link between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Adults sleeping less than 5... Read More

Intermittent fasting – evidence is building

The New England Journal of Medicine recently reported that intermittent fasting reduces blood pressure, helps weight loss and improves longevity. The concept is occasional starvation,... Read More

Did you sleep well?

Getting a good night's sleep is critical to your health. Unfortunately, up to 45% of Australians have sleep difficulties – this can lead to health... Read More

Stay alert, stay alive, drink water

Here are some health facts about water intake: Cognitive ability and mood is affected by a 1% drop in body water content. Yet you only... Read More

How to stay healthy on a plant-based diet

There is increasing evidence that plant-based diets keep us healthier. More whole, plant-based foods and less animal foods, refined and processed foods are linked to... Read More

Exercise keeps us younger

A new study has shown that older people (in their 70s and 80s) who exercise regularly, have muscle structures at a cellular level that resembles... Read More

Building good relationships

A recent survey across 1,200 Australians highlighted the importance of relationships, sleep, exercise, meditation and diet in supporting good mental health during times of stress.... Read More

Sarcopenia – what is it?

Sarcopenia is a disease primarily associated with the aging process. It is the loss of muscle mass and strength as we age and it is... Read More

Creating healthy workplaces

We spend more than a third of our awake time at work in a typical week, so it's important we pay attention to our health... Read More

Screen time – what’s the low-down

A recent study showed that children 3 to 5 years old who use screens for more than an hour a day had lower levels of... Read More

Is gluten bad for you?

Around 1.5% of Australians have Coeliac's disease where gluten can't be digested, but 12% of Australians eat a gluten free diet. Coeliac's disease causes inflammation... Read More

Bushfires + Your Health

Bushfire smoke is a mixture of harmful particles and gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and ozone pollutants. Healthy people can recover... Read More

Is yogurt good for you?

Yogurt has been around since 5000 BC - ancient Indian records called yogurt and honey the food of gods, and Persian traditions put Abraham's fertility and... Read More

The secret health of pets

Studies have shown that pets provide physical health benefits, including: Lower cardiovascular risk - lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol Increased... Read More

Run for your life

According to the World Health Organization, over 3 million deaths each year are due to people not doing enough physical activity. New research has confirmed... Read More

Top 5 Ways to Stay Active on Holiday

You made it - You're nearly at the end of another year! The holiday season is just around the corner! But this year you've actually... Read More

It’s hayfever season!

Hay Fever was first described by a doctor in 1814, which involved sneezing and itching during summer months, and the term was coined during the... Read More

Bottling things up – men + mental health

As part of Movember, we are highlighting the facts on men's health hot topics. Did you know that over 1.5 million men suffer from mental... Read More

Suicide prevention

We're highlighting men's health during Movember - suicide is real in men, here are some ways to help. Some stats - 1 in 8 men... Read More

Prostate cancer – how to screen for it

We're highlighting men's health during Movember - here's a fact sheet on prostate cancer: Some stats - the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with... Read More

Testicular cancer – what to look out for

We're highlight men's health during Movember - here's a fact sheet on testicular cancer. Some stats - it's the second most common cancer in young... Read More

Sparkling H2O Truths

Is sparkling water bad for you? Many have seen Cola drinks clean up old coins so it's natural to wonder whether fizzy water is similar.... Read More