Paige Cockburn
Paige Cockburn is ABC Science's health reporter. She was previously a digital reporter and producer for the NSW news team in Sydney, where she covered politics, courts and health. Before joining the NSW team she worked for ABC News in Brisbane on the national desk.
Latest by Paige Cockburn
We all want the overseas trip of a lifetime but pushing through the heat is killing tourists
Hordes of Aussies are trading scarves for singlets and going north of the equator where deadly heatwaves are in full force. But it takes time to adapt to extreme heat so preparing before you go is essential.
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'Don't skip dessert, have the ice cream': Why older people need more high-energy food than younger folk
The signs of malnutrition in older Australians might be more familiar than you think but they are often dismissed as a 'normal' part of ageing. Here's how some simple changes could help.
'I would just want to hibernate': Australians aren't immune to seasonal depression
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, isn't just a northern hemisphere condition. It affects Australians too, and you may be more at risk depending on which state you live in.
What's in your day? Scientists have analysed how we should spend our time for optimum health
Knowing how many hours a day you should sit, stand, move and sleep to be at your healthiest sounds like the wellness holy grail. A new study suggests the best way to spend your 24 hours (if you can).
The bra you exercise in could be putting you at greater risk of an ACL tear
When women pick out a sports bra they're probably not thinking of their knees, but surprising new research shows there's a link between breast support and serious knee injuries.
Oral spray vaccine for UTIs shows promise for preventing 'warrior's disease'
Many women have a reduced quality of life due to recurring urinary tract infections, but several vaccines and treatments are being trialled that may help prevent the debilitating condition.
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Want to avoid winter's unwanted house guests? Here's when to get your vaccinations
As the weather starts to cool, now is the time to start preparing for some very unwanted house guests. Here's the latest information about changes to vaccine guidelines, and new immunisations.
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What's the best exercise to help treat depression? That answer changes if you're a man or woman
A major Australian review finds exercise shouldn't just be an add-on treatment for depression and the benefits might be heightened if you've never tried a downward dog or deadlift before.
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Mars travel will resemble being stuck in an elevator with the same people for years. Would you do it?
Leaving Earth for long periods requires highly specialised technical skills, but you also need to handle isolation, confined quarters and team conflict.
'Life-changing' injection for food allergies approved in US, not yet on the cards in Australia
An injectable medication can reduce the risk of serious food allergy reactions after just four months of use in some people, according to a new study. But there are a few caveats.
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Good carb, bad carb? See how much you really know about this important nutrient
Low-carb diets are all the rage for weight loss. But do they really work? And what are carbs anyway? Take our quiz to find out what the latest research suggests.
How deep is your love? That may depend upon your genes
Dig into the science of romantic love this Valentine's Day and learn why some of us are more prone to putting our sweetheart on a pedestal and feeling love more intensely than others.
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Promising new treatments for chronic low back pain should be covered by Medicare, say experts
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability but there's some big roadblocks if you want to get the best treatment, which focuses on the mind just as much as the body.
'This is serious': Heatwaves and cyclones are affecting the health of unborn babies in Australia, experts say
There is growing evidence that extreme weather events are linked to premature births and abnormal birth weights. As the climate warms, experts say we must do more to protect women and babies.
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Why eye doctors want us to follow Nicole Kidman's lead this summer
Summer is a time for spending time outdoors and celebrating, but it's also a peak time for eye damage. Here's how to protect your – and your kids – peepers.
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How work, a cricket game and even just sitting at home can be catastrophic during a heatwave
Over the next few months, we'll endure heatwaves in different parts of the country. Extreme heat can be life-threatening for some people — and not necessarily the ones you expect.
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When it comes to tampons, is organic cotton really safer than synthetic? Here's what the science says
Organic tampons are marketed as "safer" than regular brands because they are made from 100 per cent cotton, but experts say that doesn't mean they are free from chemicals.
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The new and improved COVID-19 vaccines will be available by Christmas. So who should get one?
We're in the grips of a surging COVID-19 wave but there's some good news — the new monovalent COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna will be up for grabs from December 11.
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New guidelines recommend hormone therapy to shore up menopausal bone health
Women experience rapid bone loss during menopause but experts say GPs aren't confident prescribing hormones for skeletal health, despite evidence it works.
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How to help yourself — and kids — cope with distressing news about the Israel-Gaza conflict
Many people may find graphic coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict distressing, but psychologists say children will be especially vulnerable to emotional disturbances. Here's what to look for and how to help.
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Have you been asked to sign up to MyMedicare? Here's what you need to know
You may have received a text or email in recent weeks from your GP asking you to register for something called MyMedicare. So how does the scheme work and is it worth signing up?
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There's now a 'morning after' pill for STIs
Leading sexual health experts say taking Doxy-PEP after unprotected sex could help reduce STIs in queer men, but there's a big catch.
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Combination COVID/flu vaccines are passing clinical trials. When can we expect them in Australia?
Wouldn't it be handy if we could be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 with a single shot? Early clinical trials indicate that could be possible in a few years.
'My life is worth more than my boobs': Women are less likely than men to receive CPR in public
People are less likely to give a woman CPR due to fears of hurting her or being accused of inappropriate touching. One Australian CPR provider is trying to change that by putting breasts on training mannequins.
'I feel like I'm not in charge': What to do if the Voice debate is taking a toll on your mental health
The lead-up to the Voice referendum has taken a toll on the mental health of many people, especially in First Nations communities. Psychologists share their tips on how to manage stress and anxiety during a challenging time.
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