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Migraine goes beyond simply being a severe headache. A neurologist elaborates on the four phases.

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  A migraine event is more than merely a "strong headache. " Migraine constitutes a debilitating neurological disorder that can bring about nausea, vomiting, and an increased sensitivity to light or sound, along with intense headaches. Approximately five million individuals in Australia are affected by migraines, yet many are not aware of the various phases that accompany a migraine episode. Understanding these four unique stages can assist in identifying symptoms and managing discomfort at each step. Phase 1: Premonitory The initial stage in the development of a migraine is known as the "premonitory" or "prodrome" phase. This phase acts as a warning period that starts 24 to 48 hours prior to the onset of a full-blown migraine. This premonitory stage is closely linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that controls essential functions such as temperature regulation, appetite, mood, and sleep cycles. During a migraine occurrence, the hypothalamus be...

Australia's alcohol issues are not what we assume they are.

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  There is a growing trend of women reaching out for help regarding alcohol dependency as health experts, activists, and individuals with personal experiences point out the evolving nature of alcoholism. According to a recent survey conducted by Alcoholics Anonymous, the average member in 2026 is expected to be a woman who has a university degree, is working, is over 50 years old, and has remained sober for 17 years. This is a stark contrast to 2005 when the average member was male, over 40, retired, and had an average sobriety of 9.6 years. For the first time last year in Australia, the number of female members in AA surpassed that of males, with women constituting 51 percent of the membership. Women from that generation have often been raised in times when drinking was seen as essential to fit in with men at their workplaces, said Fiona Faulkner, a senior clinician at Clean Slate Clinics. They have experienced shifts in societal norms regarding equity and gender balance. At the s...

Universal vaccine for colds, flu, and Covid developed – and it could actually be effective

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  Traditionally, vaccines function by training the immune system to identify a particular virus or bacterium, effectively showing it a wanted poster for a single culprit. But what if a single vaccine could guard against multiple infections simultaneously? A group of researchers has created a possible candidate for such a vaccine, with encouraging results from a recent study on mice, published in the journal Science. Typically, vaccines expose the immune system to a specific pathogen—either a weakened variant or a critical protein from its surface—allowing the body to recognize and combat it if encountered later. This particular vaccine takes an entirely different route. Instead of focusing on a single pathogen, it includes molecules that imitate the signals the body produces during an attack from a virus or bacterium. As a result, certain immune cells are placed in a heightened state of alert, prepared to respond quickly to various threats instead of just one. However, the implicat...

Health halo: How we’re being misled by ‘guilt-free’ booze

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  No carbohydrates, low carbohydrates, reduced sugar, light options, keto-approved… these phrases are only a few examples that the alcohol sector uses to persuade us that its beverages are beneficial for our health. When you enter “low-carb beers” into a search engine, an AI-generated summary outlines how the brewers market their products as a “refreshing, reduced-carbohydrate” choice compared to conventional lagers – and a “guilt-free” option for drinking. Similarly, low-sugar and low-carb wines are gaining popularity as more consumers focus on health, with at least one prominent Australian wine retailer even featuring a specific “keto wine” section on its site. However, new research from Australia emphasizes that it is alcohol itself that poses the “main source of health risks. ” In a study conducted by the George Institute for Global Health and the University of NSW with 2034 Australian drinkers, subjects were shown alcoholic beverages that did and did not include nutrition-rela...

How one household arrived at this crucial decision regarding energy at home

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  In the past, our family was spending no less than $600 monthly on electricity. Clearly, that could not continue. Currently, following our investment in a solar power system along with a battery, my expenses are roughly $65 each month. Every family is distinct, including mine. I’m a father dealing with physical limitations due to a neurological disorder, and I also have a son with an intellectual disability. Establishing a living space that accommodates both of our needs demands substantial electricity. Thankfully, this does not result in an exorbitant electricity bill anymore. We are fortunate to possess our own home. Families universally share the same aspiration – to create a secure space where we can grow and flourish. Our son needs routine and physical activity for his well-being, with swimming being a crucial element in his life. For us, this translates to heating our outdoor pool for ten months each year, providing him with a means to self-regulate. I deal with a progressiv...

How Australia can resolve its capital gains tax issue

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  In 1985, Paul Keating established capital gains tax, marking a significant reform for fairness and integrity in Australia's taxation system. He set up CGT with the idea that only genuine capital gains—those that account for inflation—should incur taxes. This concept was valid back then and continues to hold true today. Regrettably, the process of adjusting the original cost to reflect inflation became complicated and hard to manage. While accountants grasped it, many taxpayers struggled to understand. The need for simplification was quite evident. In 1999, Peter Costello effectively presented the argument for simplification, but his approach led to a nonsensical outcome. By implementing a one-time 50 percent discount after a capital asset has been owned for 12 months, he caused a major distortion, undermining the fairness of Keating's initial reform. How is it logical to incur a 100 percent tax on an asset sold in the 12th month after purchase, yet only pay 50 percent if sold...

The reality of energy: Understanding why your 40s seem more challenging than your 20s, but a boost could come later on

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  Many of us recall feeling more energized during our 20s. We worked late, had poor sleep, enjoyed nights out, bounced back quickly, and still felt up to the tasks of the next day. In contrast, by the time we reach our 40s, that sense of vitality often diminishes. Fatigue seems more difficult to overcome. It may be easy to think this is simply part of getting older – an inevitable downturn. However, the reality is that the 40s can be particularly draining, not due to aging, but because several minor biological shifts occur simultaneously when life's pressures frequently reach their peak. Importantly, there’s no reason to believe that energy will necessarily keep diminishing in the same manner as we move into our 60s. Vibrant 20s During early adulthood, various bodily systems reach their peak simultaneously. Muscle mass is at its greatest, even without specific training. Since muscle is a metabolically active tissue, it aids in blood sugar regulation and lessens the physical effort ...