Where Positive Psychology is heading – highlights from the Australian Positive Psychology and Well-being Conference

Positive Psychology receives increasing credibility with mounting evidence that it works. Organisational coach Clive Leach shares his highlights of the Australian Positive Psychology and Well-being Conference.

Get your heart racing

Heart Research Australia has initiated RedFeb as part of Heart Research Month. The organisers are asking you to raise funds and increase awareness of Australia’s biggest killer, heart disease.

Using an eye tracker in autism research – autism and the social mind

Social learning relies on a natural inclination to watch people’s faces and eyes. Dr Giacomo Vivanti explains how the technology of eye tracking can afford a new window into the mental world of individuals with autism.

How not to make a bed – synthetic drugs in Australia

Sophisticated synthetic drugs are flooding the Australian market, and for every drug banned there are five others lurking in the wings. Emergency consultant and illicit drug expert Dr. David Caldicott says a temporary ban on these products is just a starting point to buy us some time.

Anti-depressant prescribing

Australian doctors are among the highest prescribers of anti-depressants worldwide. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton thinks that while it’s a good thing that more people seek help for depression, the health system should better support doctors to spend more time with their patients.

Ride to cure diabetes

At this fundraising event people from all over Australia meet from 17 to 19 January, for just one day or the whole weekend, to cycle through the beautiful Barossa Valley. Participants can choose between 35, 80 or 160 kilometres.

Year in review 2013

I would to thank you, the Open Forum community, for all the support you have shown throughout 2013. As readers and bloggers you play a major role in shaping the content of this website.

Bringing Christmas wishes to kids in need

Leading up to the festive season, the Starlight Children’s Foundation is working hard again to make wishes come true for hundreds of children battling a chronic or life-threatening illness. Louise Baxter asks everyone to ‘Join the Mission’ this Christmas.

Testosterone for diabetes prevention in men

In men aged 50 or more who are overweight and have low testosterone levels the risk of developing diabetes over the next five years is extraordinarily high. Professor Gary Wittert and his team at the University of Adelaide are leading a study to investigate if testosterone supplements can prevent diabetes in these high risk men.

Trending in the right direction – but a long way to go

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has recently launched two reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Jane Powles says that while they indicate a trend in the right direction, we need ongoing commitment from the government, all states and territories.

How can we ensure Australians experience a ‘better’ death?

People are living longer, and consequently the practice of medicine and the way we live and die has changed. Dr Zoe Keon-Cohen is part of a panel addressing the sensitive topic of end of life planning.

Grow your life and business by nurturing those around you

Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours. John Carpenter provides a glimpse into how nurturing, developing and caring about the people around you will accelerate your own growth and life.