Just when you thought it was safe to venture out into the wider world, along comes a variant to put you right back in your place. Border closures, multiple COVID tests, extensive quarantine requirements, all with differing demands between states, let alone nations. So is it wise or worthwhile to rely on any travel plans, especially overseas excursions, in the near future? And how do yo... read more>

There's now an extra reason why I'm so fond of the old saying, 'while there is tea, there is hope.' The line comes from an old English playwright. The present boost from research revealing both tea and coffee can ward off strokes and dementia. But given the media regularly bombards us with contradictory health advice such as red wine is good and then bad for your heart, can we really beli... read more>

Even the best of news, such as the end of lockdowns and easing of restrictions, can provoke mixed emotions such as ‘Was it all worth it?’ So how do you feel now about these small wins that governments are announcing? Do they appear to be the beginning of the end or, as Churchill put it, the end of the beginning? Or perhaps - if you live outside NSW and VIC - you think it’s a step too far ... read more>

Every year, tens of thousands of runners around the world tackle marathons, otherwise known somewhat scornfully as “the suburban person’s Everest”. But what drives them to put their bodies to the limit to complete the 42.2km endurance test? The question is compounded by the surprising number of people who accept the challenge in older age.   For me, it had never been my ambition to... read more>

It’s a new year and we all know what that means...Health Insurance premium increases are coming. If you’ve got health cover, you can scroll down to see what your fund’s average increase will be. They range from under 2% to almost 6%! But it’s also going to be a big year for changes to Health Insurance, so you need to know what’s coming. Here is what is changing: All policies cat... read more>