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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Most injuries to babies do not occur by chance - many are predictable and largely preventable...
Detailing on baby bathing from Royal Women's Hospital...
Duration: 5:03
Detail on baby skin care from Royal Women's Hospital...
Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed'. Try to be patient, loving and reassuring...
Be guided by your baby and let them set the pace when weaning and introducing solid foods...
Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period, not from the date of conception...
Even if your baby furniture meets every safety standard and recommendation, your child still needs close supervision...
Back pain is common. Some people will develop back pain that is persistent (lasts more than three months). There are many things that you can do to live well with back pain...
Children with back pain may grow into adults with chronic bad backs, so it is important to encourage sensible back care...
Most disc problems resolve without specific treatment...
Many bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they are useless against viral infections...
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina...
Having halitosis or bad breath can have a major impact on a person...
Baker's cysts of the knee don't always require active treatment and sometimes will only require observation by the treating doctor...
A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance...
Crunchy bamboo shoots are a favourite ingredient in many Asian cuisines. They are high in fibre and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Bamboo shoots are available fresh from Asian food...
Yellow, sweet bananas can be eaten raw, blitzed in a food processor for smoothies or baked in cakes and tarts. Bananas contain vitamins C, B6 and folate, and dietary fibre. In Victoria, bananas are at...
Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration...
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected. Most people recover completely within six months...
Symptoms of Barrett's oesophagus are similar to regular heartburn, which means many people don't seek treatment until their condition is quite advanced...
Aromatic basil is a versatile herb that can be scattered fresh on salads, tossed on top of a simple tart or made into a pesto sauce. It is a good source of vitamins A and K and magnesium and contains...
Basketball is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities...
Basketball is a fast game with frequent and aggressive body contacts - injuries can and do occur...
How to keep food fresh and safe in warmer weather...
Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help...
Fresh beans are popular in many cuisines. They are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins A and C and contain iron and folate. Some varieties of beans (such as kidney beans) are allowed to ripen so...
Dr Finn Romanes, public health doctor at Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services explains the department’s program to monitor and manage the risks associated with Mosquitoes. Learn about the...
Duration: 2:00
Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin...
Bedwetting is a problem for many children and punishing them for it will only add to their distress...
Beetroot, known for its intense, red colour, is a great source of vitamin C, dietary fibre and antioxidants. Grate and use raw in salads, or roast, boil and steam and serve as a nutritious side dish...
Early childhood interventions help babies and young children with developmental delays or disabilities...
Untreated behavioural disorders in children may mean they grow up to be dysfunctional adults...
There are services that can help parents and carers understand the cause of the behaviour and ways to help your child develop other ways to communicate their needs...
The majority of people with Bell's palsy, around 90 per cent, will recover completely with time...
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition characterised by episodes of sudden and severe vertigo...
Surgery on the prostate gland can have many side effects, including erectile problems and urinary incontinence...
Benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) are highly addictive and should only be used for certain conditions in a short-term or emergency situation...
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...
A handful of non-urgent elective surgical procedures have been found to have limited benefits, except in very specific circumstances. If you’re being considered for one of the procedures listed below...
The Better Start for Children with Disability initiative provides funding for early intervention services...
beyondblue is an organisation that provides a free online and telephone helpline for people with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues...
As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety and become safer road and bicycle users...
Binge eating disorder is a serious mental health condition. It affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds, and is the most common eating disorder in Australia. You can recover from binge...
Before a biopsy, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor or surgeon...
Bipolar disorder is a type of psychosis, which means the person?s perception of reality is altered. It is characterised by extreme mood swings...
The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza...
This page shows you where to find translated information about the different methods of contraception (how to prevent getting pregnant) available in Australia...
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...
The cause of birth defects is often unknown, speak to your GP if you are at increased risk of having a baby with a congenital anomaly...
In most cases, we do not know what causes birthmarks. Most are harmless, happen by chance and are not caused by anything the mother did wrong in pregnancy...
Bisexuality is when a person finds men and women physically, sexually or emotionally attractive...
Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)...
If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible...
Blackberries are a type of berry that is delicious eaten raw or added to tarts and other desserts. The fruit contain vitamins A, C and K and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and copper...
Your bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine from the kidneys...
Bladder cancer affects twice as many men as women...
Bladder prolapse is when the bladder bulges into the vagina...
Bleeding may be minor or it may be a life-threatening medical emergency...
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, aims to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both...
Blepharospasm means involuntary twitching, blinking, closure or squeezing of the eyelids...
A blister is one of the body's responses to injury or friction...
Some babies are born with a blocked tear duct, but other events, including infection and trauma to the nose, can cause a blocked tear duct...
Blood and pathology tests leave many people squeamish, but they’re an important part of detecting, diagnosing and treating disease. In fact, if you’re sick, many decisions about your care...
The full blood count (FBC) test looks for abnormalities in the blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells...
Donated blood is used to help people who are sick or injured, or for medical research...
A person's blood group is determined by a pair of genes, one each inherited from their mother and father...
Healthy eating and lifestyle changes can help to manage high blood pressure...
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of heart attack, kidney failure and stroke...
Low blood pressure is only a problem if it has a negative impact on the body...
Heart Foundation of Australia warns of the risk of high blood pressure and tells you what you can do to keep your blood pressure down...
Duration: 0:56
Donated blood is screened for blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV...
Indigo-coloured blueberries can be eaten raw, tossed in savoury salads, added to desserts or made into salad dressings. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins C and K and dietary fibre. In Victoria...
Severe blushing can make it difficult for the person to feel comfortable in social or professional situations...
Body contouring is surgery to remove sagging skin and extra fat, and improve the shape and tone of underlying tissue...
People with body dysmorphic disorder constantly worry about the way they look...
Your body image is how you think and feel about your body. Body image involves your thoughts, perceptions, imagination and emotions. It may have little to do with your actual appearance. Although body...
The urge to diet or use other dangerous weight loss methods is almost always prompted by feeling unhappy with body shape or size...
Some people diet because they have a poor body image, not because they want to be a healthy weight...
The pressure on young girls and boys to be physically perfect is creating an epidemic of children and teenagers with low self-esteem and negative body image. Reporter Flip Shelton introduces us to the...
Duration: 5:16
Give your child opportunities to appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like...
Body lice can spread from one person to another when the environmental conditions are crowded and unhygienic...
Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat...
Some areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks...
Bok choy is a leafy Asian green that is delicious stir-fried with garlic, ginger and chilli. It contains vitamins A, C and K and it is a good source of dietary fibre. In Victoria, bok choy is at its...
The Bolton Clarke healthcare service provides nursing care for people living at home along with residential and healthcare support...
Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer that is treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy...
Most procedures that measure bone density are quick and pain-free...
Common sites for bone fractures include the wrist, ankle and hip...
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the hollow centres of a person?s long bones and is the blood cell 'factory'...
The adult skeleton is made up of 206 bones, which provide the structure for our bodies...
People with borderline personality disorder may exhibit extreme behaviour, such as repeated self-mutilation or taking overdoses of medication...
Cosmetic injections into the skin can be used to reduce wrinkles...
Breastmilk or commercial infant formula is necessary for all babies less than 12 months...
Botulism is considered a medical emergency. If untreated, it may cause death...
Bowel cancer is highly curable if found at an early stage...
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age...
Many illnesses and events can affect the colour and texture of faeces...
Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the soft connective tissue (fascia) of the body. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including...
Bowen's disease produces persistent red scaly patches on the skin that are neither sore nor itchy...
An 'arm lift' is surgery to reshape or reconstruct the underside of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow...
Braille is a reading and writing system for blind and vision impaired people, made up of raised dots that can be ?read? by touch...
Messages relay between the brain and the motor and sensory nerves of the body in a constant 'conversation'...
Brain death differs from other states of unconsciousness in important ways...
A brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality...
Brain surgery is performed for a number of reasons, including alterations in brain tissue, brain blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid...
Brain cancer symptoms and treatment depend on which part of the brain is affected...
Gliomas are brain tumours associated with the three types of glial cell in the brain...
Children who skip breakfast may lack sufficient vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B2...
Breast implants are inserted under the skin to create larger breasts...
Women should become familiar with the normal look, feel and shape of their breasts, so they will notice any abnormal changes...
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women...
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming. Women, their partners and families need support to cope with the emotional impact of the illness on their daily lives. In this video clip...
Duration: 5:19
There are different types of breast cancer, and around 70 per cent are sensitive to the female sex hormone oestrogen...
The vast majority of breast changes are not breast cancer, but you should always see your doctor if you notice changes in your breasts...
Most women who have breast implants will be able to have regular screening mammograms...
Some women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery to give a similar appearance to the look of their original breast in normal clothes...
Breast reduction for men is surgery to correct overdeveloped or enlarged breasts...
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body...
BreastScreen Australia provides free mammograms and follow-up tests where necessary...
A breast x-ray or mammogram every two years is recommended for women aged 50 to 69...
Breastfeeding positioning and attachment come naturally to some babies and mothers, but many need time and practice to get it right...
Mastitis affects some breastfeeding women and may be caused by blocked milk ducts or a bacterial infection...
Your nipples may be sensitive in the first few days after birth, but nipple pain is not a normal part of breastfeeding...
It is up to you and your baby to decide when breastfeeding should stop...
Expressing breast milk by hand is a cheap and convenient method...
Let your baby feed as much as they want in the first few days to help establish good breastfeeding patterns...
Breastfeeding within the first hour after birth allows your baby to behave instinctively and breastfeed with little intervention...
Breastmilk protects your baby from illness and infection, so it is the safest drink for your baby while travelling...
You can successfully combine breastfeeding with work if you have support from your employer, colleagues and family...
Breastfeeding women need to eat regularly and include a wide variety of healthy foods in their diet...
The Breastfeeding Helpline is a confidential telephone service that offers information and advice about breastfeeding your baby...
A little physical activity and some breathing exercises can help people with lung disease...
Many people use controlled breathing to help promote relaxation and reduce the effects of stress...
Broad beans are an excellent source of protein and are rich in fibre and vitamin A. In Victoria, they are in season between June and November. When fresh broad beans are not available, canned or dried...
The bright green florets of broccoli are highly nutritious and a great source of dietary fibre and vitamin C. Gently cook broccoli by steaming or stir-frying to enjoy the great flavour of this...
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under six months of age...
A brow lift is cosmetic surgery to correct a sagging forehead and repair frown lines...
Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious vegetables that look like miniature cabbages. They contain vitamins and minerals and are a great source of dietary fibre. In Victoria, they are at their peak...
Understanding the warning signs of bulimia nervosa and seeking help as soon as possible will help your recovery...
Parents can help with bullying by supporting their child and involving the authorities to find solutions...
Immediate first aid for all burns is to hold the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes...
Most hot tap water scald injuries to children happen in the bathroom...
Bursitis is often caused by overuse and the inflammation will continue unless the particular activity or movement is stopped...
Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Bairnsdale disease can keep skin loss to a minimum...
Bush Support Services (as part of CRANAplus) provides mental health services for remote health workers and their families...
Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards...
Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency...
Debris, smoke, ash and dead animals from a bushfire can contaminate water tanks...
