myDr’s top 10 health news stories of 2018

by | Coronavirus - COVID-19, Coronavirus - Symptoms, Healthy Living, Hospital Stay FAQ, Sleep

top 10 news stories of 2018

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?