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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Medical treatment for gallstones may not be necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms...
Gambler's Help offers free, confidential support, advice and information to gamblers, their family and friends. Young people affected by gambling can also call Gambler's Help Youthline...
Various organisations can offer support, assistance and counselling for people who have gambling problems...
You may feel angry, hurt and betrayed when you discover that a family member or friend has a gambling problem...
There are various warning signs that may indicate you are developing problem-gambling habits...
If you have a gambling problem, a financial counsellor can advise you on how to manage your money and repay your debts...
The first step is to decide that you want to stop or control your gambling...
You cannot force someone to acknowledge that they have an issue with gambling, but you can encourage them to seek professional help...
A ganglion cyst is the most common lump on the hand, and tends to target women between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age...
Indra Kurzeme from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne and Janene Sadhu from Vision Australia talk to us about what it was like training the Garden Ambassadors to do tours with audio description...
Duration: 2:38
Duration: 3:57
Making a scarecrow can add to the appearance of your garden and keep the birds away...
Compost is nature's fertiliser. It is made from decomposed organic matter...
With a little planning and consideration you can create an accessible, productive and pleasant garden for people with disabilities...
An edible garden does not have to be large, you can start small with a pot or a window box with a few herbs...
One of the real wonders of gardening is actually propagating your own plants...
Children can learn new skills, have fun and develop self-confidence when they grow their own plants...
Gardening is a healthy activity that can be enjoyed by everyone...
Garden spaces and equipment can be modified or adapted to help older people enjoy gardening...
Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise, but you need to take care...
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits, and is an activity that most people can enjoy...
Sensory gardens are designed to stimulate all five senses and are therapeutic for everyone...
What is garlic? Garlic can lift many dishes into another realm of flavour. While most people love mashed potatoes, the aroma of skordalia – a creamy combination of crushed garlic, boiled smashed...
If you service your gas heater regularly and use it correctly, it will be safe and economical to use...
Gastritis may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions...
It is important to establish the cause of gastro, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments...
Amoebiasis can cause diarrhoea among travellers to developing countries...
Campylobacteriosis is a type of gastroenteritis and is more common in children under five years of age and young adults...
Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with child care centres, public swimming pools and contaminated water supplies...
Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others...
You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished...
Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent...
Gastroenteritis or Gastro can be dangerous for very young babies. Gastro is common in young children and spreads easily. Gastro is a bowel infection which causes diarrhoea (runny or watery poo) and...
A gastroenterologist is a physician who treats diseases and conditions related to the digestive system and intestines...
There is no real explanation as to why some men are gay and others are not; it is just part of the wide variety of human sexuality...
An anaesthetic is a drug or agent that produces a complete or partial loss of feeling...
A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. GPs are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern...
Worrying can be constructive if it helps you to work out possible solutions to a problem, but some people are troubled by excessive anxiety...
Children inherit physical characteristics such as eye colour from their parents through their genes...
Genetic conditions are caused by an altered or faulty gene or set of genes...
Genetic counsellors provide information, support and advice to people undergoing or considering genetic testing...
Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition characterised by higher than normal levels of blood cholesterol...
Genetic services can help people who are affected by, or who are at risk of, inherited conditions or birth defects, to make informed choices about their healthcare...
Genetic Support Network of Victoria provides valuable information on genetic services, conditions and support groups...
A predisposition to certain cancers can be inherited via altered genes...
Some foods include ingredients that have been genetically modified (GM), or are made using ingredients derived from GM organisms...
Finding out you have a genetic condition can raise all kinds of questions for you and your family. Get some key information from a genetic counsellor...
Many people with genital herpes are not aware that they have the infection, because they have no symptoms...
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmissible infections...
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears when the pregnancy is over...
The main thing is to choose physical activities that you enjoy and that you can stick to in the long term...
Protein is an important nutrient that helps your body grow and repair cells. Most Australians eat more than enough protein, but if you are vegetarian or vegan you may not be getting enough protein (or...
If you are feeling unwell, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or suicidal, it is important to know that there is help out there. Mental health support services are available throughout Victoria, 24 hours...
The sooner a person with a mental illness receives treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be...
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal drug that acts as a nervous system depressant. It is also called grievous bodily harm (GBH) or fantasy. GHB is highly addictive. It produces feelings of...
Giant cell arteritis is inflammation of the arteries that can cause sudden blindness in one or both eyes...
Gilbert's syndrome and hepatitis both cause jaundice but are not related...
Glandular fever is most common among high school and university students, but young children can also become infected by saliva on toys, shared cups, or the hands of carers...
Glaucoma can happen at any age and without early detection can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness...
Coeliac disease is an immune disease caused by gluten...
Gluten sensitivity can be managed with a gluten-free diet...
The glycaemic index (GI) can be a useful tool to control blood sugar levels...
It is important to talk with your healthcare professionals about any continence issues that you may experience when you are in hospital, so staff can investigate and help to solve the problem...
Symptoms of a goitre can include enlargement of the throat, swallowing problems and breathing problems...
Hospital patients are more likely to be infected by golden staph because of surgical or other wounds...
Golf provides a stimulating challenge, combined with a healthy walk in pleasant surroundings...
The average golfer playing an 18-hole game walks about seven kilometres...
Gonorrhoea, also spelt gonorrhea, affects both men and women and is transmitted during sex, it may lead to infertility in women if left untreated...
Good nutrition, a healthy diet and physical activity can help Elders prevent or manage health problems...
While most other types of arthritis develop slowly, an attack of gout happens suddenly, often overnight...
Shared care is an arrangement between a hospital (or other birth setting) and a local healthcare professional (usually a GP but sometimes a midwife or obstetrician) where your pregnancy care is...
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener granulomatosis is a rare condition that targets the arteries, veins and capillaries of the kidneys and the respiratory system...
Sweet, juicy grapes add subtle flavour to many dishes. They can be eaten raw or used in savoury dishes. Grapes are a good source of vitamin C and contain dietary fibre. In Victoria, grapes are at...
The citrus flavour of grapefruit is a perfect accompaniment to meat dishes and salads. Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C and contains dietary fibre. In Victoria, grapefruit is at its peak...
When handled properly, greywater can be safely reused for the garden...
Grief is a process, not an event – most people will continue to grieve in subtle ways for the rest of their lives...
If you're unsure of how to support someone who is grieving, ask them...
It can be difficult to talk to a child about death, but it is important to be honest with them...
People who have support from family and friends are less likely to suffer poor health after bereavement and loss...
GriefLine provides counselling and support to people experiencing loss and grief at any stage in life...
Groundwater quality varies across Victoria; in some areas, groundwater is not suitable for use...
Growing pains may cause a lot of pain but they are harmless and can respond to simple treatments...
Always see your doctor if you are concerned about your child's growth or weight...
The end of a growth spurt may trigger a drop in appetite, so don't immediately assume that your child is trying to lose weight...
Babies and young children do not usually grow in a perfectly smooth way, but instead grow in 'bursts'...
Some athletes and bodybuilders wrongly believe that taking synthetic growth hormone will help build up their muscles...
Tips and information to help you manage your healthcare...
Victoria has a wide range of healthcare professionals to meet your health needs...
Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome experienced some form of viral or bacterial infection before the onset of symptoms...
Brushing teeth regularly helps to prevent gum disease and early treatment can help save affected teeth...