These are the top 10 news stories brought to you by myDr.com.au in 2018. News about sleep took out the top 3 places, adding weight to reports earlier this year that found that Australians just don’t get enough sleep. Other recurring themes among the most popular news stories were anxiety and depression.
#1 – Being a night owl no good for you
Morning larks, night owls … turns out whether or not you’re an early-riser can have implications for your health.
#2 – Daytime sleepiness a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease
Do you find yourself falling asleep during the day, even when you try not to? It may be linked to a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
#3 – Video: Waking up to sleep deprivation
Many Australians accept sleep deprivation as a part of life, relying on stimulants like caffeine to get them through the day. But sleep deprivation causes adverse physical effects, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.
#4 – Video: Meningococcal disease warning
Meningococcal disease has been responsible for 2 deaths on the NSW Central Coast in the last 2 months, and 9 people have died in Australia in the past 2 years. Be aware of the symptoms and risks, experts warn.
#5 – Video: Blood clots – reducing the risk
Every year 30,000 Australians develop blood clots in their legs or lungs and 5000 of them will die. Many blood clots happen during or after a hospital stay and new hospital standards are aimed at reducing this risk.
#6 – Vitamin supplements may do more harm than good
A review looking at the health effects of vitamin and mineral supplements concludes that they give no consistent health benefit with even some evidence for harm.
#7 – Video: Depressed and anxious – Australian women
Female, anxious and depressed? You’re not alone. Most Australian women feel anxious on a daily basis, and many have been diagnosed with depression.
#8 – Video: Opioid overdose
Opioids are morphine-like drugs used to treat pain, and include medicines such as codeine, fentanyl and oxycodone. They aren’t effective for treating chronic pain and are potentially dangerous.
#9 – Organic food – is it healthier?
Organic food is promoted as being healthier than conventional produce. Aside from the price, however, there is not a lot separating conventional and organic foods.
#10 – Eat healthy, live longer
Researchers study the association between dietary changes and longevity. How much benefit could a person get by changing their diet?
