Wellbeing

Rob O’Hara is a registered psychologist who is dedicated to creating a relaxed, non-judgemental space for clients to explore their mental health, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care. At The Base, Rob incorporates outdoor-based therapies such as surf therapy, bushwalking, and walk-and-talk sessions in natural settings, helping clients connect with nature as part of their healing journ...

In this edition, we look at dietitians and the important role they play in supporting the wellbeing of the community and those who need their expertise.

Founder and senior dietitian at Arubah Health, Beth Belford, is dedicated to helping clients make sustainable changes through a non-diet approach. She has a wealth of experience across the field of nutrition and d...

Dr Virginia Reid talks with one of the co-authors of The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure (2018).

Professor Alex Haslam talks about how he and his team have discovered that people who are more socially connected tend to live longer, recover more quickly from illness, and experience better overall physical and mental health. These benefits are not j...

Dr Alyce Barnes, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Newcastle, focuses on enhancing youth physical activity and promoting gender equity. She leads initiatives like Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) and Healthy Youngsters, collaborating with schools and communities to embed sustainable health practices. Her work emphasizes empowering girls and fostering inclusive environments.

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According to Diabetes Australia, as of 2024, 2 million Australians are living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, and many more at high risk.

On this edition of Wellbeing, we explore what diabetes is, what it does to the body and the mind, and what can be done to treat and prevent the disease.

Prof. Shamasunder Acharya is from the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health, and the lead in t...

Physiotherapist Joshua Donnelly from NU Moves Physio at The University of Newcastle discusses the complexities of injuries, optimising recovery and staying healthy throughout the life stages.

Josh is the physiotherapist for the Edgeworth Eagles FC and has a special interest in managing football athletes, although, he enjoys working with all people to help them achieve their rehab goals.

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On this edition of Wellbeing, Professor Deb Loxton discusses how the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health is shaping policy on health outcomes.

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), also known as Women’s Health Australia, is a comprehensive, population-based research initiative that has been examining the health and well-being of over 57,000 Australian women since 1996. Conducted b...

Dr. Jessica Bayes led a pioneering clinical trial known as the AMMEND study (A Mediterranean Diet in MEN with Depression), which assessed the effects of a Mediterranean diet on the symptoms of depression in young men aged 18–25. Conducted at the University of Technology Sydney, this 12-week randomised controlled trial was the first of its kind to explore this dietary intervention in this specific demographic.

Participants adh...

On this edition, Professor David Durrheim chats with Graham Wilson about Influenza.

Professor David Durrheim is a Conjoint Professor of Public Health Medicine, University of Newcastle and Director of Health Protection, Hunter New England Health. 

David answers some of the big questions surrounding the impending flu season, such as why some people still get the flu after vaccination, how influenza is different from the common c...

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 2 million Australians are living with osteoarthritis — a condition that results from the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly in the knees, hips, hands, and feet. But is osteoarthritis simply a result of 'wear and tear'? And more importantly, what can be done about it?

On this editio...

Which Way? is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on their journey toward improved health, with a strong focus on smoking and vaping cessation. Led by Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy, a proud Wiradjuri woman, the team generated the first Indigenous-led primary research designed by and

We’re constantly hearing conflicting advice about diets — one day something is good for you, the next day a new study says it’s not. With so much information, it’s no wonder many of us feel confused about what we should be eating to stay healthy.

Recent measles cases in Australia underscore the need for high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.

Professor Joshua Davis, Senior Staff Specialist in Infectious Disease at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, and Deputy Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Infection Research Program, discusses what measles is, why it is so contagious, why there is an increase in cases despite Australia reaching he...

Today on Wellbeing we are talking with Phoebe Sanders, a student counsellor at The University of Newcastle's Wollotuka Institute. The Wollotuka Institute supports indigenous students with academic, cultural and emotional well-being needs in a culturally safe way. Phoebe describes herself as an Indigenous ally who lives, works and plays on Awabakal and Worimi country. 

This week on Wellbeing is the last episode in our six part series on depression. We are joined by Dr. Drew Ramsey and we are discussing depression recovery through diet. Drew Ramsey, M.D. is a psychiatrist and is a leader in Nutritional Psychiatry having authored Eat To Beat Depression and Anxiety in 2021. He is also an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.  He is pion...

This week on Wellbeing we talk with Dr. Dan Tomasulo about depression recovery through positive psychology. This is the fifth instalment in our series on depression. Dr Tomasulo is a counselling psychologist, writer, and professor. He holds a PhD in psychology and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. His most recent book Learned Hopefulness, The Power of Positivity To Overcome Depression was ...