Victoria's hub for health services and business
A gateway to the strategies, policies, programs and services delivered by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Victorian government portal for older people, with information about government and community services and programs.
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During fetal development, the diaphragm or abdominal wall may fail to properly fuse, allowing the abdominal organs to protrude...
The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure...
The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly...
Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment...
A 'tummy tuck', or abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery to remove fat and excess loose skin from the abdomen...
The Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing or recovering from family violence or sexual assault...
Engaging in an individual physical activity to benefit only yourself, away from family or community, may be seen as inappropriate or selfish...
You can buy more food if you spend most of your money on basic healthy foods like bread, cereals, fruit and vegies...
Before six months, breastmilk or formula is the only food and drink that your baby needs...
Carbohydrate is the most important nutrient for athletes...
The main thing is to choose physical activities that you enjoy and that you can stick to in the long term...
Good nutrition, a healthy diet and physical activity can help Elders prevent or manage health problems...
Good nutrition and physical exercise help to keep Koori kids healthy and avoid diseases when they get older...
Some foods should be avoided during pregnancy as they carry bacteria that could harm your unborn baby...
A healthy, nutritious diet and physical activity can help you to maintain a healthy weight...
Labels on packaged food can give you useful information about the nutrition, ingredients, storage and weight of the food.Add full stop to pull quote...
Some abortion services in Victoria offer reduced fees to students, healthcare card holders and those experiencing financial difficulty...
In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Both types are safe and reliable. You can have a medication abortion up to nine weeks of pregnancy. You can have a surgical...
Mifepristone, also called RU486 or the 'abortion pill', is used to terminate (end) a pregnancy up to nine weeks...
Abortion is one of the most common and safest types of surgery in Australia...
A broad range of services is available to support your health and wellbeing as you age...
Duration: 4:04
Victoria’s alcohol and drug services provide access to a range of treatment options...
Duration: 3:17
There are support services to for both carers, and those being cared for...
Duration: 3:05
Services include parent education to maternal and child healthcare, child care, crisis support, child protection, family violence and relationship services...
Learn about options and services available to people with a disability living in Victoria...
Duration: 4:40
Victoria’s emergency, crisis and support services respond to a broad range of serious situations, such as medical emergencies, family crisis or environmental disasters...
Duration: 3:32
Victoria has a diverse range of public and private hospitals in both metropolitan and regional centres...
Duration: 4:03
Victorian mental health services provide expert advice and support for people of all ages...
Duration: 4:51
Palliative care services aim to improve the quality of life for people living with serious, ongoing or potentially terminal illnesses...
Moira and George talk about the difference palliative care has made to their quality of life...
Duration: 4:00
Victoria’s pregnancy, birth and maternal services, help from planning a pregnancy through to giving birth and caring for a newborn...
Duration: 5:31
Find out how you can access palliative care for medical treatment, emotional support and practical help to maintain your quality of life for as long as your condition allows...
People who run regularly seem to be susceptible to Achilles tendonitis...
Acne is common and can make people of all ages feel embarrassed, but treatments can help if acne is causing distress...
In its earlier stages, an acoustic neuroma can present similar symptoms to other, less serious conditions, which may delay diagnosis and treatment...
Acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries may have a significant effect on your intimate relationships, friendships, social networks, recreation and work activities...
The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound...
Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormone in adults, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands, feet and internal organs...
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin...
Assessment and treatment programs for people experiencing a mental health crisis...
Voluntary and in-voluntary short-term in-patient management and treatment...
Addiction is a craving to use a substance or to repeat a behaviour...
Most cases of Addison's disease are caused by an autoimmune response that attacks and damages the adrenal glands over time...
Since adenoids are constantly in the path of germs, infections are common...
Adhesions may have no signs or symptoms, or they may cause pain by pulling on nerves...
Adoption can give a secure family life to children who can?t live with their birth family...
When an infant becomes part of your family through adoption, foster care, surrogacy or other arrangements, there are laws and legal agreements that will outline your rights and responsibilities as a...
Provides an overview of the financial and family support services available to foster carers, families providing permanent care and adoptive parents...
Community-based, short-term supported residential services for people experiencing a mental health problem...
Advance care plan personal stories...
Animated video describing the importance of creating an advance care plan...
Duration: 01:08
This 'Advance care plan' video clip offers first hand accounts from those who have completed their own Advance care plans...
Duration: 3:51
his 'Advance care plan' video clip offers first hand accounts from those who have completed their own Advance care plans...
Duration: 5:36
Duration: 6:24
Duration: 8:49
Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important to you about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want...
Report and discuss unexpected and undesirable side effects (adverse experiences) with medicine...
Aerobics injuries are usually caused by trauma and overuse, but can be prevented by using the right techniques and equipment...
When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden...
When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease...
The Transition Care Program provides care through tailored support packages, while the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program provides a range of basic maintenance and support services...
For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home...
Age affects the fertility of both men and women, and is the single biggest factor affecting a woman?s chance to conceive and have a healthy baby...
Aged Care Assessment Service teams find the kind of care that best suits your needs...
Aged Care Complaints Scheme is for people with concerns about aged care services...
Whether you are receiving care at home or living in a residential aged care home, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times, and receive high-quality care and support...
APMH services are for people with a long-standing mental illness who are now over 65 years of age...
Exercise can prevent age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints and can reverse these changes too...
Being physically active, eating well, socialising and improving your health can help you live a healthy, happy and active life as you get older...
A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave familiar environments, because they are afraid of having a panic attack...
Panic disorder is not the same as anxiety or a single panic attack. Most people experience anxiety and up to 40 per cent of us have a panic attack at some stage during our lives. People who have...
Disability aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walking frames and braces can help people with disabilities and the elderly gain more independence...
Around 75 per cent of Melbourne?s air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions...
How alcohol affects your body Many Australians enjoy a drink. In fact, alcohol is Australia’s most widely used social drug. Like all drugs, alcohol can damage your body, especially if you drink...
Youth Central journalist Soren Frederiksen asks young people what they think is the limit for safe drinking and comes up with some interesting results...
Duration: 3:43
There are some simple things you can do to stay safe when drinking...
Duration: 3:12
Saying no can be hard. There are things you can do to make it easier...
Duration: 2:11
ADF programs and research help to prevent alcohol and other drug harm...
Counsellors, doctors and other healthcare professionals can help if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs...
Asking for help when you first suspect you have an alcohol or drug problem is important. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or phone DirectLine...
Alcohol and other drug education programs aim to delay, reduce or prevent people’s use of alcohol and other drugs...
There’s no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. It’s safest to not drink at all during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, and while breastfeeding...
Alcohol is responsible for most drug-related deaths in the teenage population...
Alcohol is Australia’s most widely used drug, but it can cause significant harm to people and society, especially when consumed at risky levels. Every Australian state and territory have...
While the relationship between alcohol consumption and obesity remains unclear, there are good reasons to think that alcohol may play a role...
Don't give up if your plan doesn't work the first time...
Duration: 1:57
The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol...
A person with alcohol related brain impairment (ARBI) might experience problems with coordination, thinking, planning and memory...
If a person with alcohol related brain impairment is aware of their memory limits, they can learn how to deal with them...
People with alcohol related brain impairment benefit when their life is organised and follows a good structure...
The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort...
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)...
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack...
Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people...
Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)...
All medication has the potential to cause allergies but some people can have allergic reactions to specific prescription or over-the-counter medications...
Peanuts, tree nuts and seeds can all cause allergies with symptoms ranging from milder reactions to a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)...
Pollen allergies cause seasonal hay fever and asthma and can be treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays or asthma medication...
Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction...
Egg allergy is one of the most common causes of allergies in children with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening reactions...
Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness...
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in Australia, accounting for about two thirds of cases...
Family and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease discuss their experiences and how to recognise the early signs...
Duration: 5:05
Dementia Australia provides information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their carers...
Some women are more at risk of amenorrhoea (the absence of periods) because of emotional stress or changes in weight...
Loss of memory can be temporary or permanent, but 'amnesia' usually refers to the temporary variety...
Amoebiasis can cause diarrhoea among travellers to developing countries...
Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs that speed up the workings of the brain...
A person with amyloidosis produces aggregates of insoluble protein that cannot be eliminated from the body...
Prolonged misuse of steroids can cause liver damage and severe mood swings...
When a person is anaemic, the red blood cells have to work harder to get oxygen around the body...
Day surgery is completed in one day, usually the person does not have to stay in hospital overnight...
Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation...
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention...
The effects of androgen deficiency depend on how severe the deficiency is, its cause and the age at which the deficiency begins...
Androgen deficiency in women and its treatment is controversial, and more research is needed...
An aneurysm may have no symptoms until it is either very large or it ruptures...
Angela, a nurse, was nursed by her colleagues in the hopsital she work at. ' I have never cried so much in my life.'...
The characteristic features of Angelman syndrome are not always obvious at birth, but develop during childhood...
Well-managed anger can be a useful emotion that motivates you to make positive changes...
There are many people you can talk to who can help you overcome feelings of wanting to lash out...
Angina attacks can be prompted by exertion or physical exercise, when the hard-working heart muscle requires greater amounts of oxygen...
Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets...
Ankle sprain is a common sports injuries caused by overstretching and tearing the supporting ligaments...
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that targets the joints of the spine...
A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects males and females of all ages...
People are less sensitive to smells the older they get, and women tend to have a more acute sense of smell than men...
A midwife or doctor will use abdominal palpation during an antenatal visit to examine a baby's position and development...
Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans...
The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis...
Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria...
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body's cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation...
Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking...
Learning all about anxiety is central to recovery...
Improve your understanding of anxiety and depression, then take action...
You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings...
Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people...
Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one in ten with persistent, excessive worrying that can hinder their ability to function. They may worry constantly about things that do not warrant it or...
Duration: 3:21
In this video clip, participants discuss the various forms of treatment and support they have received from medical professionals as well as from other sources. Some of the strategies for managing...
Duration: 7:24
Aortic stenosis may be congenital (present from before birth), but is often diagnosed during teenage years...
An appendectomy is usually carried out on an emergency basis to treat appendicitis...
Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence...
Crisp, crunchy apples are highly versatile. They can be eaten raw, juiced or cooked to accompany meat or baked in pies and tarts. More than 100 varieties are grown commercially around the world and in...
Apricots are juicy, fragrant fruit that can be eaten raw, used in savoury dishes or made into desserts. They contain vitamins A and C, minerals such as potassium and manganese, and dietary fibre. In...
arbias provides specialist services for people with acquired brain injury...
An 'arm lift' is surgery to reshape or reconstruct the underside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow...
The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions...
Mine tailings near goldmines may contain high levels of arsenic...
One child in every 1,000 in Australia is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. It is one of the most common chronic conditions to affect children...
No special diet or 'miracle food' can cure arthritis, but some conditions may be helped by avoiding or including certain foods...
Exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of arthritis, and improve joint mobility and strength...
People can manage their arthritis using medication, physiotherapy, exercise and self management techniques...
Most people can resume normal activities around three weeks after an arthroscopy...
The artichoke is the flower of a variety of thistle and is a favourite in European cuisines. It is a good source of folate, dietary fibre and vitamin C. In Victoria, artichokes are at their peak...
Long-term exposure to asbestos is a cause of lung cancer and other serious illnesses...
When asbestos fibres become airborne, people working with asbestos may inhale particles which remain in their lungs...
Asbestos fibres breathed into the lungs can cause a range of health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma...
Green, white and purple asparagus are available in Australia. Asparagus spears are a great source of vitamins and minerals and have large amounts of fibre. Green asparagus is in season from September...
Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms...
It is helpful to imagine assertiveness as the middle ground between aggression and passivity...
If you are worried about your alcohol or drug use or, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 for counselling, information and referral, or speak with your local doctor...
Your local doctor can conduct an initial mental health assessment and may refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on your needs...
ACHA helps older people who are in insecure housing to find a home...
IVF (in-vitro-fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are assisted reproductive treatment (ART) procedures in which fertilisation of an egg occurs outside the body...
ACD works to change the lives of children with a disability through information, support and advocacy...
Duration: 11:40
Pregnant women with asthma need to continue to take their asthma medication as it is important to the health of both mother and baby that the mother's asthma is well managed...
People who have asthma or hay fever can get severe asthma symptoms during pollen season when high grass pollen counts combine with a certain type of thunderstorm...
Careful diagnosis of adult onset asthma is important, because the symptoms can be confused with other conditions...
Many people with asthma find their symptoms can worsen when they are exposed to certain allergens like house dust mite, animal dander, pollen and mould...
It is important you discuss your asthma and preferred therapies with both your doctor and complementary therapist...
Exercise-induced asthma can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise and physical activity...
It is important to identify any foods or food chemicals that may trigger your asthma, but this must be done under strict medical supervision...
Breathing in other people's cigarette smoke can be harmful to a person with asthma, especially a child...
Asthma affects about one in ten teenagers in Australia...
Watch this overview about thunderstorm asthma to be prepared this pollen season...
Duration: 1:11
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave...
Some industries are more likely to affect a person with asthma because of the triggers in the environment...
Asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)...
Asthma cannot be cured, but with good management people with asthma can lead normal, active lives...
Duration: 1:06
Parents and children talk about some of the factors that can cause a child's asthma to flare up...
Duration: 2.55
Understanding asthma triggers for your child can help to reduce the risk of an asthma attack...
An asthma action plan can help you take control of your asthma and feel confident managing it...
Your doctor will prescribe the correct medications that can either help to relieve or prevent the symptoms of asthma...
Doctors do not have a single test to diagnose asthma so your doctor must understand your symptoms and eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms...
If your child has asthma, the childcare centre or school should have relevant action plans and staff trained to deal with asthma emergencies...
Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of children developing asthma and provokes more frequent asthma in children with asthma...
There are many ways in which you can transform your home into an asthma-friendly environment...
The ASRC is committed to upholding the human rights of all people seeking asylum...
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community...
Women who are athletes or who exercise a lot on a regular basis are at risk of developing athletic amenorrhoea, which is the absence of periods...
Eczema can vary in severity, and symptoms may flare up or subside from day to day...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia, which means that the heart beats fast and abnormally...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder, not an illness or a sign of low intelligence...
An adult with properly managed ADHD often shows great imagination and creative flair...
Children with ADHD may benefit from medication or other therapies, or a combination of both...
Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat children and adults with hearing loss and balance disorders...
Auditory neuropathy is hearing loss caused by a disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain...
Breast implants are inserted under the skin to create larger breasts...
Like any language, Auslan continues to evolve to meet the communication needs of people who are deaf...
The simplest form of prevention for lyssavirus is to avoid close contact with bats...
AgHealth aims to improve health, safety and wellbeing and reduce injury, illness and deaths associated with life and work in agriculture...
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement provides specialist bereavement services for individuals and families who need help after the death of someone close to them...
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) implements the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, which oversees 14 national health practitioner boards including the Chinese...
The Australian Red Cross provides crisis relief and care to vulnerable people...
Australian rules football is a physical contact sport that often results in injuries from tackling, kicking, running and constant competition for the ball...
A person with Asperger syndrome often has trouble understanding the emotions of other people...
ASD is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to interact with the world around them...
There is a range of services available for children and adults who have autism. These include the provision of information, assessment, early intervention therapies, help at school, behaviour support...
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but you are not on your own and there are plenty of professionals and groups who can help...
There is generally no cure for an autoimmune disorder, but the symptoms can be managed...
Immediate family have the right to refuse a hospital post mortem of the deceased and can object to a coronial post mortem...
The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza...
There are many different varieties of avocado available in Australia. The creamy flesh can be eaten raw, in salads and dips and is delicious added to Mexican dishes. Avocados are a good source of...
Learn how to prepare and cook food safely at home...
Duration: 1:08
Learn how to make sure your food is safe to eat...
Duration: 1:30
Learn how to keep your hot and cold foods separate and shop safely for food...
Duration: 1:12
Learn how to handle food safely to avoid food poisoning. Watch Brian, Bobby, Billy and Bernie bacteria as they remind us how to keep bacteria at bay...
Duration: 4:20
Learn how to store food safely in your fridge at home...
Asthma triggers are substances, conditions or activities that lead to symptoms of asthma.Asthma symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms can...
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system from India that uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing...