Monat: Oktober 2023

The prospect of being diagnosed with any type or stage of cancer is a terrifying prospect for any individual, regardless of age, gender or access to treatment options. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 7 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, with 1 in 500 men joining the statistics. 

The high diagnosis numbers, while harrowing, reflect the substantial improvements to screening methods, and an overall increase in awareness amongst women at risk. And though we are privileged to live in a decade and country with exceptional access to medical detection and treatments, regular self-checks remain an important weapon in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. 

Pink Hope, a hereditary cancer charity dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer amongst Australian women, has published the results of a recent survey, with the statistics painting a grave picture of our nation’s preventative health knowledge.

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Too self-conscious to self-check

The study has revealed one of the biggest barriers preventing women from conducting regular self-checks at home is low body confidence. Surveying a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 Australian women aged 18 years and older, the statistics show an alarming number of participants fail to check their bodies in line with the recommended frequency due to feeling triggered by feelings of insecurity. 

“I know it can be hard to stand in front of the mirror and conduct a self-check, especially if you don’t love the reflection staring back at you, but what I can tell you, as a woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, is that there is great empowerment in learning to self-check and feeling confident that you know your body and are taking control of your health,” shares Sarah Powell, CEO of Pink Hope.

One in four Gen Z women cited low body confidence as the main barrier, indicating the issue may be tied to generational trends. Of the women who reported moderate to strong body confidence, only 65 per cent claimed to regularly self-check, suggesting low confidence is not the only barrier contributing to these numbers. 52 per cent of the total women surveyed reported forgetfulness as the most common reason for forgetting to check their bodies for signs of cancer.

“Adult women of all ages should be performing breast self-checks at least once every six weeks as a proactive measure,” says Powell. “It’s one of the most powerful, and accessible ways to ensure early detection of breast cancer. 

The signs and symptoms to look out for

Reinforced by numerous popular culture references, most people have been acutely trained to interpret a mysteriously appearing lump as cause for concern. However, as the research indicates, many women are not so aware of the other telltale symptoms and signs of breast cancer, such as swelling, a rash, or nipple inversion. 

Only one in three women reported feeling moderately confident in knowing what symptoms to look out for during a self-check, with 91 per cent recognising a lump to be a telling sign. “A staggering 44 per cent didn’t know that nipple inversion was a sign to look for, while 43 per cent didn’t know that a rash could be a symptom,” explains Powell.

Furthermore, the research revealed many women’s low body confidence extends to their decision to seek medical advice, causing many to delay visiting their doctor for as long as a month after discovering something suspicious. 

“Waiting as long as a month to seek medical attention after discovering something concerning could have huge implications on the stage of diagnosis and treatment options available. And, while often it may well be nothing to worry about, it’s important to seek medical advice quickly to ensure the best possible outcome,” Powell explains.

At the close of ​​Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to take ownership of your health. Any noticeable change should be reported to your GP, who can provide professional advice and a more reliable diagnosis. 

For a helping hand, sign up for Pink Hope’s automated self-check reminder, taking the pressure off remembering for yourself. The reminder also provides tips to ensure a thorough self-examination, including what signs and symptoms to look out for. Sign up for the reminder here.

There’s a reason why boxing-inspired workouts are taking over gyms and classes across the country. Less than an hour in some gloves will leave your heart racing, blood pumping and body dripping from head to toe. Endorsed by fitness experts everywhere, boxing is one of the most efficient and beneficial workouts you can put your body through.

But for the average boxer, it’s not all about sporting washboard abs and packing a powerful punch. Professional and amateur boxers owe their laser-sharp focus and disciplined mental state to the hours spent in the gym. Boxing at its core is an art form, albeit an intense one. Of course, the almost-molecular level of focus achieved by professional boxers holds an entirely different purpose than just coping with stress. In the ring, if your focus wavers by even a second, you risk a fist in your face, ribs, stomach or neck. The athletes are trained to not only function but thrive in survival mode. 

Boxing is as much a mental workout as it is a physical one, but while an intense session pushing you to your cardio limits may leave your muscles aching the next day, it will also leave you feeling mentally refreshed, refined and ready to tackle your week. 

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There’s more to the sport than knockouts and training montages

I’ve watched the better part of boxing fights on TV with my partner (a long-time boxing fan with multiple fights, trophies, and hours in the gym to his name), and been absolutely floored by the results. I’m usually left wondering how the shorter, slimmer, and less experienced fighter manages to come out on top, in true Rocky fashion. 

“It’s not about any of that,” I’m told. “He just wants it more, needs it more.”

But the mainstream movies and multi-million dollar commercialised fights between the big names don’t quite paint the complete picture when it comes to the sport. Boxing has, and always will be, about more than just fighting. At an elite level, boxers will push their bodies and minds to extreme states, training in gruelling conditions for months before any big fight. They’ll isolate themselves from their families and friends, deeming anything outside the ring a distraction that could cost them a victory. 

It’s a process that’s inspired some of the best training montages in Hollywood, but while the hardship can sometimes be justified by a knockout victory, it’s not a method most people can embrace in their own lives. Professional boxers emerge from their training seasons with laser-sharp focus and drive, a benefit almost anyone can unlock in much more attainable circumstances. 

Rachel Ashton is a Master Instructor for Rumble Boxing, where each class is designed to streamline your focus and fitness, opening up the benefits of boxing to absolutely anyone, regardless of their experience level. According to Ashton, stress, frustration and self-doubt are usually your true opponents in the ring, not the glove-bearing individual (or bag) facing you. 

“Boxing is a great way to physically stay active and improve your fitness, but just as importantly, it’s a way to box any frustrations away, which is fantastic for mental health,” explains Ashton, seeing more and more studios across Australia book out each session, finding the 45-minute workouts are embraced by busy working Aussies throughout the week. 

“It’s more than just a sport, it can help you in other areas of your life, by developing strength– physical and mental–, toughness, resilience and discipline,” explains Ashton. “Boxing creates confidence and confidence leads to happiness, it’s a win-win.”

The ultimate workout, inside and out

As esteemed Olympic boxer Harry Garside told Body+Soul earlier this year, “Boxing has humbled me when I needed to be humbled. [Boxing] has taught me respect for others, and most importantly respect for self.”

“Boxing’s one of those sports where you don’t need to be rich and you don’t need to have all this equipment. You just need a good attitude and work ethic,” he adds. 

But you don’t need to have qualified for an Olympic Games to understand the power a high-intensity boxing session can have on your body, mind and spirit. For Ashton, the short-term euphoria and long-term benefits can be seen on the (red) faces of each of her clients exiting a session guided by her team of expert coaches. 

“Our coaches are some of the most inspiring fitness instructors around, they step onto the Rumble podium as part DJ, part motivational speaker and complete Master of Ceremony and they will leave you feeling better, stronger and in a better head space than when you entered the studio,” says Ashton. “You’ll never regret a Rumble workout, but you will regret missing one!”

Whether it’s about making the most out of time away from the kids at witching hour, mentally preparing your mind for a tough day in the office, or beating the life out of a bag (because to do so to your ex would warrant your arrest), there’s a good reason for everyone to switch up their routine with a little boxing. But don’t just take my word for it, slip on some gloves and find out for yourself. 

For each of us, certain topics live rent-free on our minds. Perhaps it’s a certain event in history, a dream you can’t quite shake, or that incredible macaron you had on your 2014 trip to Europe. 

A few weeks ago, TikTok’s ‘Roman Empire’ trend took over most of our newsfeeds. What started as an entertaining video of one woman asking her male partner how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, a subject she mistakenly assumes is far too niche to be something he ponders regularly. Her partner, however, like many men as is later revealed, admits to thinking about the famed historical period many times a week. The trend has sparked an explosion of people admitting to their own personal ‘Roman Empires’, topics, that while not necessarily too niche or bizarre, hold particular importance to the individual. 

For Shameless co-host, Michelle Andrews, the topic constantly rolling around in her head is motherhood, or more specifically, fertility. Speaking to Stellar editor-in-chief Sarrah Le Marquand on her podcast, Something To Talk About, Andrews opens up about why motherhood looms large in not only her thoughts but those of young women everywhere. 

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In just five years the pop-culture-obsessed writer has been propelled into the spotlight alongside her partner in crime, Zara McDonald. The pair host the mega-successful Shameless Podcast and have published two books, now sitting at the head of their own media company, Shameless Media. 

But like many women enjoying thriving (and well-deserved) career success, Andrews admits to spending an increasing amount of time thinking about when, if, and how she might start a family. 

“I really gravitate towards the ones about kids, the readers who don’t know when the right time is to have children,” shares Andrews, referring to Referring to question submissions from women to her own podcast. “I think about motherhood all the time and what that will look like for me and how that’s going to work with being a business person.”

Radical honesty keeps the pair aligned

With Andrews and McDonald working alongside each other so closely, the pair have had to have some in-depth, and at times frank, conversations about the prospect of motherhood for each of them, taking into consideration the continuation of their shared business as a priority.

“It’s the kind of thing that we have had to have such candid conversations with each other about because so much goes into our decision to potentially have kids if that’s something we both decide that we want,” says Andrews, on the complications attached to taking an extended break (like maternity leave) as founders. 

“I think one thing I’m really grateful for is we are building out this company to be more than ourselves,” the podcaster-turned-founder shares. “Obviously it will be a change if one of us does end up deciding to have children and ends up taking maternity leave, but we have so many incredible women in the room who can step up.”

Grasping reality, but rejecting fear

Andrews’ constant fascination and pondering of the possibility of motherhood is something many young women likely empathise with. With more women choosing to prioritise their career progression, travel opportunities, and individual growth, many find themselves seeking to delay the prospect of starting a family. 

“I feel like there is something in the water that women my age, of my generation, really want to talk about: the IVF conversation. Freezing your eggs, even freezing embryos, that’s a huge thing,” Andrews explains, saying the subject can feel tricky to navigate. 

“On one hand, women need to be pragmatic; you’re not going to have the same fertility in your late 30s that you do in your late 20s,” explains the media founder. “And then on the other hand, I don’t want to feel fear-mongering all the time.“

“I don’t want to be fearful all the time, but I also need to grasp the reality of the situation, that sitting here today I have more eggs than I’m ever going to have for the rest of my life. And I think that’s the conversation that I’m hearing a lot from the women around me.”

To hear more candid confessions and thoughts on motherhood from Andrews, listen to her full interview on Something To Talk About.

Left untampered with, the notifications function on my phone would drain its battery within a couple of hours. I’m not alluding to some unimaginable level of popularity, but rather a standard example of modern communication fuelled by oh-so-mighty group chats. 

I’m talking separate conversation chains with my family, high school friends, my favourite former housemates, and even subsects of my current work team. At least four channels are devoted to birthday drinks for different friends, three to organise group presents, and another exploring the possibility of a ‘girls‘ trip’ that will never eventuate. 

When the pandemic hit Aussie shores, I had only recently moved to Sydney from Perth, a city so isolated from others that it eventually made global headlines for its sheer lack of Covid cases. Suddenly, as I was living through the first of many lockdowns, restrictions and RAT tests, my notifications were filling up with messages disputing where my West Coast friends should meet for coffee, or what dresses they should buy for an upcoming party that weekend. Needless to say, these frivolous topics didn’t quite match my circumstances at the time and left me feeling pretty isolated from my most intimate group of friends. 

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This isolation-turned overwhelm left me resorting to switching the entire chat to mute, which while effective in the early days, now has me feeling three steps behind any time I open a message chain. Stella Ladikos, therapist and founder of Meraki Mental Health Training shares her insight on group chat overwhelm with Body+Soul, and some easy ways to minimise your anxiety and FOMO.

The overwhelming reality of group chats

As the therapist explains, these days the nature of group chats (and communication in general) demands immediate responses and activity, meaning you either ride the wave or drown in its wake. As most people have experienced, keeping up with this pace at all times is next to impossible, leading to missed information, missed opportunities for connection, and missed inside jokes. 

“Maybe you’ve had a really long day and haven’t had a chance to look at your phone, and when you do, you’ve missed 100 group chat messages, two dinner plans, and a major crisis that has now been resolved without your input,” Ladikos says, demonstrating just how easy it can be to suddenly feel overwhelmed or isolated by the constant notifications. 

On the flip side, as season four of The Kardashians has so perfectly demonstrated with Kim’s controversial confession of the existence of a ‘Not Kourtney’ message chain, group chats that exclude you can have a devastating impact on your happiness and mental health.

“If your only means of communication and connection is via group chats, then the chance of your mental health worsening as a result of exclusion will definitely increase,” explains the therapist, often seeing her own clients finding themselves questioning their worth and what they potentially did wrong in the eyes of their excluders. “However, if you can strike a healthy balance between real life, in-person connection and online forums, I don’t believe the impact will be as dramatically damaging,” she adds. 

While highly efficient for planning events or sharing a piece of information or funny meme with multiple people at once, the group chat method of communication isn’t for everyone, with many people still preferring to get their intimate social connection from one-on-one in-person conversations on the phone or in person. 

“In these group chats, where larger volumes of communication may be going on, being the quiet one or feeling overwhelmed might actually come at a bit of a disadvantage,” says Ladikos. 

Leaving the chat isn’t the only way to combat group chat overwhelm

But group chat (GC) overwhelm extends far beyond the ongoing conversation chains between your intimate selection of friends. While I’m an active contributor to my immediate family chat (a steady stream of updates about our dog, Barkley), I’ve found myself unable to withstand the sheer tidal wave of notifications coming from the two WhatsApp groups belonging to both sides of the extended family tree. 

Of course, I love my enormous family, but it has to be said that they tend to have little respect for time zones and language barriers. And depending on the global news cycle, a sense of political neutrality also tends to go missing. So, in order to preserve my sleep and sanity, I’ve simply pulled out. 

But withdrawing completely from group chats is a risky move, with the simple phrase ‘Mia left the chat’ holding the potential to stir up some ongoing issues and leave your former familiars greatly offended (or at the very least butt hurt). So what are some ways we can manage the daily dump of notifications that won’t make our next family gathering a tense, awkward mess?

“First and foremost, tune in to how you’re feeling about the group chat, and if you find that it’s getting overwhelming, take some time out!” says Ladikos, suggesting muting all notifications for a period of time to allow yourself a little breathing space. 

Additionally, the therapist says if the opportunity to connect with your loved ones and friends is still important to you, opt for an in-person connection as a more manageable alternative. There’s also no shame in asking someone in the group to provide a summary of key events or topics– sometimes life gets busy!

“If keeping up with 100 messages a day is too overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, opt for a five-minute catch-up call with your loved ones instead,” says Ladikos. “The actual outcome there is the same, and in fact might even be a higher boost of connection as opposed to a group chat message.” 

Each Friday, host Felicity Harley and Body + Soul’s digital editor Ashleigh Austin chat through three stories that made them spit-out – or guzzle – their green juices. Or wine. This week, they chat about make-up free ageism (see story here); the rise of ultra processed food addiction (see study here); coffee for weight loss (see story here). 

WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? 

Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness.

On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Or, TikTok here. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley. 

On YouTube: Watch Body + Soul TV here.

In print: Each Sunday, grab Body+Soul inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), the Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland), Sunday Mail (SA) and Sunday Tasmanian (Tasmania). 

As we head into the festive season, the level of alcohol people tend to consume drastically increases. 

As the weather gets warmer, the holidays approach, and we expect reunions with our friends and family, it’s only fair that it leads to indulgence. And despite a growing health culture in Australia, which has seen a booming zero- or less-alcohol market boom, when it comes to the holidays, people want to celebrate, and so they should. 

Festive parties, Christmas itself and all the excitement that comes with the end of the year, means indulgence. And whether it’s Champagne, beer, wine or spirits – the drinking can take a toll.

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While drinking has repeatedly been proven to be categorically bad for your health (yes, that includes the glass of red for ‘antioxidants’), it doesn’t mean you should miss out on celebrations with your family and friends.  But, if given the opportunity, we’re sure everyone would accept the offer for uninterrupted sleep, steady energy levels, and the lack of a soul-destroying hangover. 

Anthony Taylor, the co-founder of Life Vitamins, felt much the same. And while he didn’t want to abstain from drinking altogether, didn’t like how groggy he felt the day after drinking – a reality to which many Australians can relate. 

But it’s not like the hangover market is totally barren. Products like Berocca, Hairy Lemon and Body Armour claim to be a cure to the burn of the morning after. But from Taylor’s experience, nothing quite worked the way he wanted – nor did it effectively rid him of the pounding headache the next day. 

So he, along with friend and pharmacist Rohit Uppal, co-founded Alc-eze, a hangover relief solution that actually has the science to back it up.

Alc-Eze, launched in March of this year, is on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, listed as a medicine for relieving hangover symptoms. 

It’s made from 18 different ingredients, all-natural, which are traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to maintain/support natural liver cleansing/detoxification processes. Its hero ingredient is Nashi pear, also known as a Korean or Asian pear, which has long been touted for its health benefits, particularly in Eastern medicine. 

Key benefits include boosted energy from natural sugars, and is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to maintain/support healthy liver function , aided digestion thanks to the high fibre content, and maintain/support immune system to fight illness, thanks to vitamin C. 

Nashi pears are actually considered a superfood but have been snubbed from the same level of hype as kale. 

So how does it actually work? Uppal says “When you’re drinking, your body converts any alcohol consumed into a chemical called acetaldehyde. This process can lead to a feeling of fatigue, thirst, headache, muscle aches and nausea – or what most of us would refer to as a hangover.

“Your liver then uses the enzyme ALDH2 to convert acetaldehyde to acetate to help your body get rid of the alcohol. What alc-eze does is essentially boost your natural production of ALDH2 to speed up this process to make you feel better, faster,” he adds. 

Along with the pears, Alc-eze also contains more than 20 essential vitamins, which not only help with hangover symptoms, but also help to reduce flushing, promote collagen formation, eye health, aid in detoxification processes, support bone health, and red blood cell production and circulation.

Taylor himself takes Alc-eze every day, not because he’s on the wines every night, but because he says the effects are so clear on his wider sense of wellness, particularly for energy levels. 

So could the key to reducing those god-awful hangovers we all know and loathe, really lie in a pear? Well, the product is listed as a medication, but the key lies in getting enough of it. 

At this stage, you have to take three Alc-eze tablets to consume enough of the pear enzymes for it to make a difference. In fact, the packet directions suggest people take three tablets before you start drinking, and another three before you go to bed. 

It means you’ll get through the bottle of 30 tablets pretty quickly, but if it does actually ease hangover symptoms, surely that’s worthwhile.

“We’ve travelled the world and worked with some of the world’s leading scientists to find a natural solution that works, so you can enjoy a night out and feel better the next day,” says Uppal. “It’s a game-changer.”

Alc-eze is available on the Life Vitamins website starting at $39.99, as well as selected retailers throughout Australia, including Blooms The Chemist stores.  Always read the label and follow directions for use.

The classic ballet flats are versatile, easy to throw on, and available at any price point. Inspired by the ballet slipper, they’re also a solid addition to any shoe collection.

But according to Alice Corbett, they’re a one-way ticket to a life of pain and deformity. Why? It all comes down to design. What makes the shoe aesthetically pleasing is actually doing the complete opposite of what we need them to do.

“To achieve the classic ‚dainty‘ ballet flat, there are traditional features that are not necessarily ideal for our feet,” Corbett tells Body+Soul.

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Sorry to rain on your parade, but it looks like the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to fashion’s classic shoe trend. 

“Walking around in a very flat shoe places increased tension and demand on some of the important tendons that insert into the heel bone (calcaneus),” Corbett explains, adding that as a result, you could end up with plantar fasciopathy – a structural change to the food – and Achilles tendinopathy – a condition that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Both are painful and debilitating conditions.

Another downside? The sole. A thin sole provides minimal cushioning and shock absorption, a feature that gives the ballet flat its dainty look.

“We cannot underestimate the load we place through our feet daily. Without some shock absorption, our feet can quickly become tired and achy as increased demand is placed on your bones and soft tissues,” Corbett explains.

Another issue? The fit. Ballet flats are designed to be slimline, which is why we don’t see chunky, clunky variations on the market. Again, the narrow fit is all part of its dainty appeal.

“The narrow and shallow toe box (where the toes sit), does not give much room for our toes to function freely or normally during walking,” Corbett says.

“They can compress the toes and forefoot, influencing the development of foot pain and deformities such as callous, ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuromas and bunions.”

So, what do we need to look out for when shopping for the next addition to our shoe collection? Support, says Corbett.

“Unlike a good casual trainer or brogue, most ballet flats offer minimal support. Support is primarily achieved by having a more structured heel counter, and firmer materials through the midfoot and arch contour. These features help to support the foot during walking and help control too much unnecessary movement in the foot,” she says.

We’ve also seen a new design feature added to the ballet flat this season (thanks Miu Miu): a strap across the bridge of the foot.

“Traditional ballet flats do not have any fastening or straps. Our feet have to work harder to keep them on our feet and this can often result in scrunching our toes and subsequent claw toe deformities over time,” she explains, adding that the strap hybrids are an “excellent addition.”

And if you can’t bring yourself to ditch the OG, there is some good news.

In most cases, wearing ballet flats for a short period of time is not an issue, Corbett admits, adding that she totally appreciates being able to put on a gorgeous pair of ballet flats for a brunch session, to work, or even a night out. “It is just avoiding prolonged day after day pavement pounding in such shoes that we advocate precaution with,” she says.

Her best tips? Wear more comfortable shoes for your morning commute, then swap in the ballet flats once you get to your desk.

And if you’re taking them out for the night, try not to stomp around on the dance floor – it’s a sure-fire way of fast-tracking yourself to a life of callouses and bunions, not to mention the very painful plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendinopathy conditions.

International best-selling author Holly Ringland (FYI: she wrote The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) has, like many of us, suffered from not feeling good enough – she discusses how she made peace with her inner critic and the importance of cultivating an inner fan. 

WANT MORE FROM HOLLY?

Find out more about Holly’s new book The House That Joy Built (HarperCollins $29.95) here. Catch her @hollygoeslightly or via her site here.  

WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? 

Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness.

On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Or, TikTok here. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley. 

In print: Each Sunday, grab Body+Soul inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), the Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland), Sunday Mail (SA) and Sunday Tasmanian (Tasmania). 

International best-selling author Holly Ringland (FYI: she wrote The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) shares the tricks she’s learnt to combat procrastination, most of the time. 

WANT MORE FROM HOLLY?

To hear today’s full interview, where she shares how she uncovered her inner fan…search for Extra Healthy-ish wherever you get your pods.

Find out more about Holly’s new book The House That Joy Built (HarperCollins $29.95) here. Catch her @hollygoeslightly or via her site here.  

WANT MORE BODY + SOUL? 

Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness.

On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Or, TikTok here. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley. 

In print: Each Sunday, grab Body+Soul inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), the Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland), Sunday Mail (SA) and Sunday Tasmanian (Tasmania).