Opinion

Age and wisdom

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorNovember 6, 2021

The website statistica.com has a chart showing life expectancy in Australia steadily increasing since 1870. A person born in Australia in 2020 can expect to live for 83.2 years (females 85.4 and males 81.5). Some enjoy good health in later years.... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

Move it, move it!

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorOctober 10, 2021

This is the second year running (excuse the pun) that the City to Surf has been cancelled. I will never break any land speed records but it is certainly an annual goal to extend my runs up to 12km in the lead up to late August. Reaching the finish line is always a boost to the spirit. Increased training in any physical activity can remind us of muscles we haven’t thought about for a while.... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

Every breath you take

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorSeptember 12, 2021

Different body systems hold different places in our psyche. We think of life (outside the womb) starting with the first breath and passing as taking our last. In between those two bookends, in the main, most of us do not have to think much about breathing. It just happens. When we get “short of breath” it does focus our minds though.... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

Who thinks of the children?

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorAugust 12, 2021

The proverbial visitor from Mars would look at how our society treats children and form a view that there is some inconsistency. On one hand we say that the children are the future but, on the other, decisions are often made to the detriment of children and the benefit of adults.... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

A different gender gap

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorJuly 5, 2021

One gender gap gets very little attention. That is the gap in health outcomes where males have a lower life expectancy, higher rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and a host of other medical problems. The rate of male suicide is around three times that of females. ... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

Fear, resilience and our mental health

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorJune 20, 2021

It can take time for the consequences of actions to occur. A melanoma does not develop the day after sunburn nor lung cancer a week after starting smoking. Thus, the mental health problems related to lockdowns and fear may not all be visible yet.... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read

Vaccination and failing leadership

Dr Bruce PowellJune 8, 2021

Dr Bruce Powell argues that we need to accept the small risks from COVID-19 vaccines and move on.... Read More...

FeaturesLead ArticlesOpinion4 min read

The heart of the matter

Dr Joe Kosterich, Clinical EditorApril 6, 2021

There is an old joke where different parts of the body argue amongst themselves about which is the most important. The brain, lungs and heart naturally see themselves as being above the rest. The punchline is when the anus goes on strike to prove that the remainder can’t cope without it. ... Read More...

Clinical OpinionOpinion2 min read