OrangaWellbeing

Short-form video apps weren't built with children in mind, but open conversations can help them understand their habits and build healthier ones.

Lizzie Scott says she kept seeing older and disabled people attending hospital appointments alone. So she came up with a solution.

When I went to swimming classes as most kids do in New Zealand it did not stick, so I went back as an adult, writes Nick James.

Regular controlled doses of nitrous oxide can alleviate depression, a new study has found, but trying to "fix" yourself with the chemical compound is risky.

Researchers are looking into why patients can still have a powerful response to music even as their memory fades.

Tears are a “window into a person's brain,” lead researcher says.

A summer food survival guide for your ham, potato salads, barbecues and seafood — and how not to ruin Christmas with an unplanned trip to the emergency room.

The right amount of boredom can be helpful for imagination and creativity in kids. However, a lack of stimulation for some kids can have negative consequences.

Questions are being asked about the ethics of "sharenting" - parents sharing their children's lives on social media.

Even if public enthusiasm was high, the demanding and stringent donor process means only a select few can help advance this unusual but promising therapy.

Asian sunscreens are becoming mainstream in New Zealand as shoppers seek the lighter textures and advanced formulations popular in Japan and Korea.

Knowing the risk factors and treatment options may help prevent a stinky vomit disaster in your vehicle.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is urging online Christmas shoppers to check out their 6-point checklist for toy safety.

Explainer - Lactose intolerance affects most of us as we get older. Why does this happen?

Summer might bring the buzz and the bites but with the right tricks, you can keep your skin (mostly) unscathed.

If you're glowing lobster-red, don't reach for the toothpaste or butter — here's what the experts recommend to help heal your skin.

Even beyond the age of 65, exercise diminishes dementia risk, a new study has found.

From heatstroke to drowning, an allergic reaction or a really bad cut - here's how to handle common summer emergencies.

​​On a recent episode of The Kardashians, the reality TV star shared some startling news about her brain.

What you wear to bed can affect the quality of your sleep. And if that's nothing at all, there are a few things to consider.

And staff say they love working at Te Oraka is so much, they'd do it for free.

Covid has forced some businesses to adapt to hybrid working, but has that change actually made people happier?

Josh Harding cried as he completed the massive goal in front of his seven-year-old son. Soon after he couldn't get off the couch.

Some simple, evidence-based strategies will help you navigate the Christmas party season without relying on will power alone.

Sleep expert Dr Karyn O'Keefe has some counterintuitive advice for Kiwis kept awake by the heat of the night.

An Australian mum says she found herself "absorbing way too much social media". "I found it was difficult to tune into my mothering instincts amongst the 'noise'."

The old advice to “sit up straight” and “pull your shoulders back” can also cause a cascade of unwanted problems.

If we don't have enough experienced professionals to provide supervision for training, what would the mental health of New Zealand look like?

The more your mental hamster wheel turns at night, the more out of reach sleep can seem.

Here are three evidence-based strategies to help you adjust.

Three pumps of shampoo. Three squeezes for my son. Three is my OCD. And at it's worst, my brain convinced me that everyone around me thought I'm a pedophile.

"It's reminded me that you don't need a perfect time or a big experience to enjoy life. Instead, joy can be found in the simple everyday moments."

For people with hereditary fructose intolerance, even a couple of bites of juicy watermelon can cause serious health problems.

Botox injections and vitamin drips are two of the legitimate medical therapies that have crossed into the weird borderland between health and wellness.

Not all parents know the early warning signs of an eating disorder, which usually develops between the ages of 12 and 25.

From standing desks to weighted vests during Zoom calls: has our pursuit of wellness turned regular life into a never-ending workout?

Unlike extroverts or introverts, otroverts do not retreat inward or look outward to be energised.

Being our authentic selves at work is fraught with danger, says psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic.

Living with someone who has an addiction or dependence takes its toll, but experts say thinking about a loved one from a harm reduction or minimisation perspective can help.

The royal says they told the kids everything about her illness, saying "hiding stuff from them doesn't work".

Continuous sleep is a modern habit, not an evolutionary constant, which helps explain why many of us still wake at 3am and wonder if something’s wrong. It might help to know that this is a deeply human experience.

Narcissism scores in the 2000s were significantly higher than in the 1980s and 1990s.

Some of the world’s longest-living people follow the Japanese meal practice of hara hachi bu.

While not a diagnosable condition, eldest daughter syndrome is having a moment.

Another horror story has emerged of an overseas weight-loss operation gone wrong.

Hormone disrupting chemicals in sunscreens — are they a safety risk?

Although creatine is shown to be safe and effective for adults, only a few studies have investigated the effects among children and adolescents.

Intermittent fasting can have health benefits, but does being hungry affect our cognitive abilities? Here's what all the evidence tells us.

Social support, self-compassion and writing a letter that's never sent can help you move on from the pain.

The Melodies for Mums programme has been shown to bring depressed UK mothers "more biologically in tune" with their babies.

Brown is by far the most common shade of iris, while green is the rarest of them all.

Will 'brain food' help? Does cramming work? Experts weigh in as study leave kicks off around New Zealand.

Most chest enlargement in men, often jokingly called "man boobs", is harmless. Still, certain warning signs should never be ignored.

What our brains really need is some much needed time off from concentrating.

How to make sure you (all) get a good night’s sleep after all the spooky sweets.

The emotional comedown of a hangover can hit just as hard as physical symptoms.

Approximately 20 percent of New Zealand’s young people may have problematic social media and phone use. Here’s how one teenager found a way out.

The science of metacognition may eventually help people train their minds to make better choices.

The neurotechnology that might enable humans to become symbiotic with AI is not "ethically neutral", says a clinical neurologist.

Could an over-reliance on AI damage our ability to use language as an instrument for thinking creatively?

Gusty days seem to send kids into overdrive and make grownups feel irritated. What's the reason behind it?

Exercise-induced cramps were usually attributed to dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Now there is a new theory.

Maybe they had a poor night's sleep. New research shows not enough quality shut-eye can lead to abusive and unethical behaviour.

Experts say task paralysis manifests when there is an overload of tasks or information.

As her daughter got sicker and sicker, Maddy Turner’s quest for answers dragged on. Now she has them.

"The next time you hear that piercing cry in the night, remember what it truly is: not a test of your innate abilities or a judgement on your parenting skills, but a simple, powerful alarm."

People in their 60s peak at problem solving and leadership, it's been found, which could make them some of the most valuable people in the workplace.

They tend to cost more, but experts say there are benefits to buying glass food storage containers.

Women's running shoes could reduce performance and increase chances of injury as they are based on a man’s foot.

What if it looks relatively clean: do you still worry that sitting on the seat could make you sick?

Gyms that focus on service and mental health are a small but growing part of the New Zealand fitness industry.

Drink, quit, relapse. For almost 20 years, that was the exhausting cycle that ruled Katie Herzog's life.

More New Zealanders are being lured by "medical tourism", but experts here warn about the sometimes near deadly consequences.

If you regularly cook up a big batch of food to help you get through a busy week, do you give a second thought to how you're storing it?

In the age of sleep maxxing, some people can panic when they don't get a good sleep. Here's how to stay alert and survive the following day.

Award-winning physician and academic Richard Beasley shares some interesting findings from his recent research.

Taking time for a light-hearted moment with a co-worker or focusing on some extended exhalations can help restore calm.

How many kids do you want? Where should we live? How did you see retirement looking?

It was just a dabble at a party, thought nutritionist Lisa Reid. She couldn't believe how quickly she needed the drug to cope and rinsed through all her life savings to get it.

In a new online trend, people are scuttling, crawling, and bounding around on all fours while filming themselves – and their videos are getting a lot of attention. The practice is called quadrobics, and it’s quite the spectacle.

Most New Zealand adults consume more protein than the recommended amount. They could reduce meat without risking inadequate protein intake.

The food pyramid can help us think about mental health. We need big helpings of social connection in real life. But social media should be like a 'sometimes food'.

Several sunscreens have been found to fail in delivering the sun protection you’d expect. Some products have been paused or recalled. Where to from here?

With dementia cases on the rise in New Zealand, what should families be looking for?

Christchurch-based global leadership expert James Laughlin shares what he's learnt from elite athletes and powerful entrepreneurs in a new book.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says 21 sunscreens that share the same base formulation have been recalled, paused or are under its review.

If you can’t make time for a 30-minute run, will shorter bursts of activity do anything for your health?

The best-selling writer and psychiatrist's 2020 book of Māori sayings made Oprah Winfrey's Book Club. Now she's back with a guide for navigating mental mayhem.

"Cut out all dairy. Ditch gluten. Never touch sugar again.” More than 20 million people have watched TikTok videos listing these kinds of rules under the banner of “anti-inflammatory diets."

Not acknowledging the mana of every patient is a misuse of a doctor's power, says Porirua GP Lucy O'Hagan.

Breastfeeding in public is protected in Australia. So why are mothers still facing discrimination?

More people are seeing the benefits, monetary and otherwise, of hosting in-person events for their most dedicated fans.

The school holidays are here leaving many parents with no options but to bring their children to appointments. Is that OK?

Retired Scottish nurse Joy Milne was asked to smell 12 shirts – half of which were from people with diagnosed Parkinson's. She stunned the scientists.

The new Apple Watch Series 11 can send an alert that its wearer may have hypertension - a heart-straining condition many people don't know they have.

Male infertility is on the rise globally, yet many New Zealand couples faced with infertility assume that its cause is female.

What causes the hypnic jerk that 70 percent of people experience?

Learning how to create perfect pastries in Paris was former aerospace engineer Kate Reid's pathway out of anorexia.

Experiencing an involuntary physiological response to a sound helps some people feel a sense of "psychological stability".

On a bitter late winter’s afternoon in Masterton, five hardy characters braved the frigid temperatures to spar in a community boxing gym.

Snuggling with a cat can help suppress the stress hormone cortisol.

Being slightly overweight might not shorten your life, but being very thin might.

When you're at the supermarket, do you wonder how much much tuna you're getting in a can?

You’ve probably heard that running is tough on your knees – and even that it can cause long-term damage. But is this true?

Through five pregnancies, breast cancer and now into her 80s, Paula Barrett says it's never too late to start looking after your mind and body.

Some pelvic health physiotherapists say they are treating growing numbers of women, especially young women, with overactive pelvic floor muscles. However, research into the phenomenon is lacking.

The brain has its own waste disposal system – known as the glymphatic system – that’s thought to be more active when we sleep.

When it comes to caring for your gut, perhaps a bigger problem than eating too much red meat is not eating enough vegetables, says a colorectal specialist.

Could a capsule of healthy gut bugs change the future of obesity treatment? Researchers at the Liggins Institute in Auckland University believe so.

The Perth clinic has treated about 300 patients since it opened in 2022.

Heavy blankets filled with glass beads or plastic pellets are said to improve sleep and reduce stress. Here's the evidence on what they actually deliver.

Exercising with stiff, achy muscles won’t hurt you, but you probably won't be able to lift as much or run as fast.

For most of us, there is no benefit in consuming protein above the recommended level.

Sophie Rottenberg took her own life after interacting ChatGPT-based AI therapist named Harry. Warning: This story discusses suicide.

There are a bunch of reasons why a patient might look for a new GP, including a need for specialised care, disagreement over treatment or feeling unheard.

Megan Dalla-Camina helps women in the corporate world stand up to their "inner patriarch" and turn their ideas into action.

Too much time on the porcelain throne can make you nearly 50 percent more likely to develop haemorrhoids, scientists confirmed this week.

It starts with one simple task on your phone. Next minute, you’ve been endlessly scrolling social media for an hour.

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO has been linked to infertility in animal studies.

Midway through a difficult discussion in her performance review, an employee named Jane finally cracks, and the tears start. Her boss doesn’t know what to do and handles the situation awkwardly.

The pill can be used safely by most women for decades. However, regular check-ins with your prescriber are essential, according to health experts.

If you're vaguely interested in better sleep, faster workout recovery, or a more stable mood, you've probably come across the fitness world’s new poster child: creatine.

How many servings of fruit and vegetables have you eaten today? Would a special drink really get you closer to the daily recommended target?

Prolonged, in-depth engagement with a chatbot isn't healthy for people with schizophrenic or suicidal tendencies, scientists have found.

Social media ads are urging postmenopausal women to get their hormone levels checked, but this doesn't determine whether or not you might benefit from treatment.

Have you ever felt slightly short-changed by a salad mix or bag of shredded cheese?

Have you heard of a “cortisol cocktail”? Rather than something you might order at a bar, this drink is one of the latest wellness trends floating around social media.

Do you go to the toilet when you don’t really need to? Are you always telling the kids to pee before you head out?

Skincare brand Naked Sundays has pulled one of its sunscreen products from the Australian market amid industry-wide questions about whether sunscreen products are meeting their sun protection claims.

Most significantly, she is the spokesperson and face of a deeply flawed "wellness" industry, says her biographer Amy Odell.

After training as an opera singer, Isabella Moore now works as a 'curve', aka plus-size, model in London.

Children are especially vulnerable to the influence of advertising, which is now more sophisticated and personalised than ever.

The popular Australian sunscreen label has announced that it has pulled its Lean Screen product off shelves after its own independent testing returned inconsistent SPF protection results.

Hayley's AI companion is credited with changing her life but for others they can be used for sex or even convey sinister overtones, raising questions over whether the industry needs regulation.

Thanks to social media and constantly seeing their own face on Zoom, more men are seeking the help of Botox injections.

If you’re feeling extra hungry while breastfeeding, there’s a good reason for it. Your body needs more nutrients to support milk production.

Maybe you’d like to spend time on hobbies or hang out with friends, but nothing feels as exciting and engaging as it used to –– so you just squander another hour on social media.

It took 13 years, 51 endometriosis lesions, a cyst, two surgeries and a hernia before she was able to start healing.

Ten pharmacists RNZ called said no, chemists can not give sick notes to customers. But in a statement, the Ministry of Health said actually yes, they can.

While instant noodles offer comfort and familiarity, their nutritional profile has room for improvement. You can upgrade your bowl with a few easy additions.

We spoke to six young women about their experience with sex and relationships in a dating culture that is increasingly confusing and tainted with violence.

Women who have lost interest in having sex with their partner may assume they don't like sex anymore.

A new three-part documentary series, Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, reveals the toxicity behind the scenes by speaking to former winners, contestants, team doctors and experts.

We've all struggled to recognise someone who seems to know us, but for around 3 percent of people, identifying faces is a lifelong challenge.

Win or lose, amateur MMA fighters will likely wear their experience on their faces and bodies and still go to work on Monday morning.

Breasts are ‘sisters, not twins’. So while your bra is symmetrical, it’s normal your breasts aren’t.

Cryotherapy, infant stem cells, extreme cold, IV infusions, red light therapy … more people are paying big bucks to buy into a "longevity" industry — and that has some traditional doctors worried.

Neil Macandrew and Betty Laing have a lifetime of wisdom to draw on when it comes to making their pension dollar go further.

"I don't understand how this could be out there."

There's a volunteer crisis hitting grassroots sport in NZ.

The rise of the term 'food noise' is tied to the popularity of celebrity weight loss drugs such as Wegovy.

Think about your cookware and the kind of meals you make before snapping up a new spatula.

Parents are often told fruit is “bad” because it contains sugar, prompting concerns about how much fruit they should allow their child to eat.

Being around someone who's often in a bad mood isn't fun. But what about when you live with that person?

While it can work as a good rule of thumb, there’s more to nutrition than just the number of ingredients.

Food companies are rushing to add more protein to food, create new high-protein products or emphasise the protein in existing marketing.

A new study reveals, the popular animated Aussie pup isn’t just entertaining kids, she’s modelling how to to deal with life’s ups and downs.

The “100 kettlebell swings a day” challenge is the latest viral fitness endeavour on social media.

Two people who have had dengue fever twice tell their stories about how it felt having the illness sometimes called “breakbone fever”.

Around 40 percent of people have eyeballs that aren't smooth or round, which gets in the way of light passing through.

Part way through folding your freshly washed — and now dried — laundry, you notice it.

Do you have to call in sick? Can your boss ask for a doctor's certificate? Will a RAT test suffice?

Floss picks with kid-friendly designs and flavoured floss can help boost a child's motivation to floss.

As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions – such as asthma and eczema – develop.

Employers can legally ask you for a medical certificate if you need to take sick leave - even for one day. It can be a long wait to see a GP but there are other ways to get a sick note.

Socks are a warm, humid cocoon that’s ideal for microbial growth.

Memory lapses become more common as we age, but a study out of UK and US universities has found that adults over 50 have fewer "memory glitches" when they have better wellbeing - including a decent exercise regime.

If not, you might be one of the four percent of people who have aphantasia - a mind's eye that is blind.

Young people are harmed by viewing appearance-related cyberbullying even when they're not the target.

Your dog tilts its head when you cry, paces when you’re stressed, and somehow appears at your side during your worst moments. Coincidence? Not even close.

Although many Kiwi men are raised to be tough, a Wellington psychologist says it's more often women who need permission to show themselves kindness.

Singer Justin Timberlake reveals his struggle with Lyme disease during his recent world tour.

Māori and Pasifika are often perceived by themselves and others as highly fertile. It is a stigma that brushes over infertility rates that match or exceed those of the general population.

"Ozempic face" has become a social media byword for the sagging skin and hollowed-out appearance that can accompany the use of GLP-1 medications.

In a school system obsessed with assessment, kids with non-linear intelligence can too easily fall through the cracks, says teacher and writer Welby Ings.

"You're going to be learning some of the hardest things you might have learnt at this point in your life, and you kind of need to be switched on," says student Renata Herrera Rojas. And noodles just won't cut it.

A scoop of green powder is not equivalent to a serving of vegetables, says dietician Stephanie Partridge.

Researchers have found taking 7,000 steps reduces the risk of several health conditions including heart disease, dementia and depression, compared with low activity.

After 18 years with bipolar 1 disorder, an Australian woman's life has been changed by a poo transplant from her partner.

Clocking more than nine hours every night may be a symptom of poor health, according to new research.

For so long, Casey Johnston considered her body the enemy. But whilst she was trying to 'get healthy', she was actually making her body weaker.

Students at an Auckland specialist school are getting valuable practice in the art of connection as they learn to play the strategic two-player board game.

Covering the full cost of a shared experience with someone you're close to can make it more enjoyable, according to new research.

In her memoir Boogie Wonderland, 58-year-old journalist Kate Halfpenny gets real about the alcohol addiction that took hold of her husband when they left locked-down Melbourne for a simpler life on the coast.

"If you can get up to your neck, your whole body seems to equalise, I guess, and then after a while it'll tingle, and it'll be really nice."

A drinking water competition has compared the best of the best when it comes to the taste and smell of drinking water, and an Australian water source has clinched the prize.

If you spend any time in the wellness corners of TikTok or Instagram, you’ll see claims women need one to two hours more sleep than men. What does the evidence say?

With an exercise trend towards weight training, especially for women, shoulders and lower backs are proving vulnerable.

This arrangement can have benefits. But it doesn’t have to be permanent, and doesn’t have to mean the end of intimacy.

Talking about what we want after we die is a difficult conversation for many, and a Taupō mum and her 15-year-old son have come up with an idea to make the whole process easier.

Dr Benjamin Baird is an expert on ways to induce and control lucid dreaming and how it can benefit our health and well-being once we wake up.

Bacteria are lurking on your sponge, your pet’s toys and your tea towels. Here’s what the research says - and how to protect yourself.

The kettle is a household staple practically everywhere – how else would we make our hot drinks?

How long should your chicken be on the barbecue for? And is the chopping board good to go after rinsing with just hot water?

Foods high in fibre are among the healthiest we can eat.

Sophia and Bob Warren started training for the endurance event just weeks before their first competition. They've now done it three times, including a spin at the World Champs in Chicago.

Waking up from a nightmare can leave your heart pounding, but the effects may reach far beyond a restless night.

Why is it some kids seem to not even feel the cold? Should you let them wear jandals even if it's freezing outside?

When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”.

Four years after her own mental health crash, the 24-year-old White Fern is spreading the word about a free kids' counselling hotline.

Eye patches aren’t just for pirates and villains. In Elio, Disney/Pixar introduces a young hero with a patch – and breaks old stereotypes in the process.

After 20 surgeries to remove skin cancers from his face, New York-based journalist John Koten decided to start taking better care of it with lotions and potions.

I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body: Fatigue, triumph and lessons in endurance.

Ever said "don't worry, it won't hurt" to try and overcome any worries on the way to the doctor or dentist? Well, that could make it worse, according to the experts.

The 24-year-old, who plays for the champion Crusaders and is in rehab after a serious knee injury, is speaking up as part of a campaign by All Blacks' partner, Bupa, along with other rugby stars.

Many top players make some sort of noise as they are striking the ball — an audible sign of effort that can range from a muffled grunt to a piercing shriek.

Imagine your friend hasn’t replied to a message in a few hours. Most people might think, “they are probably just busy”. But someone with ADHD might spiral into a flood of thoughts like, “they must hate me!” or “I’ve ruined the friendship!”

An international team of researchers may have just cracked the code for what makes someone “cool.”

For many older people, downsizing is a painful process. Objects hold memories. Getting rid of them is like saying goodbye to friends for ever. 

South Auckland's Tōtara Hospice - where Dr Jap is Medical Director - is the setting for the new TV show Hospice Heroes.

We all like to imagine we’re ageing well. Now a simple blood or saliva test promises to tell us by measuring our “biological age”. And then, as many have done, we can share how “young” we really are on social media, along with our secrets to success.

Children’s play is essential for their cognitive, physical and social development. But in cities, spaces to play are usually separated, often literally fenced off, from the rest of urban life.

If you have a deep need for privacy and a strong aversion to following the herd, the answer might be yes.

Temperatures have dropped which means runners, cyclists, rowers, hikers, or anyone physically active outside need to take extra precautions to stay safe and exercise in relative comfort.

In times of change, the pressure to make the "right" decision can feel overwhelming — like that single choice could make or break your future.

It is a question that may have grated on you for sometime, does too much cheese give you weird dreams? According to new research, yes it does, but not just any dreams, more often nightmares.

Wegovy, a weight loss drug made famous by celebrities around the world, is on New Zealand pharmacists' shelves, but it is unfunded and could cost users around $500 a month.

We often hear we need to head outdoors more often, but is looking at a natural view from a window good enough? And what are the rewards other than physical activity?

Disordered eating - the term used for problematic behaviour not frequent or severe enough for an eating disorder diagnosis - is still cause for concern, says a researcher.

Winter can be a contagious time of year for everything from Covid-19 to the common cold, but there are ways to limit the risk of illnesses spreading from one family member or housemate to another.

It can be a concerning and confusing time for children who are exposed to images and stories about conflict.

Face yoga has gained online popularity in recent years for its promised antiaging, face slimming effects, but does it actually do anything?

The weight loss and diabetes drug, which is only available on prescription, should be on pharmacy shelves within days ending a years-long wait for the much-hyped medication.

The latest entries in New Zealand’s food composition database reflect the nation’s growing ethnic diversity and rising demand for plant-based options and allergen-friendly foods.

How many of these home remedies actually work? Are they rooted in fact or just an old wives' tale?

We are hitting the grumpiest time of the year - after Matariki there are no public holidays until October, it's cold and dark and gloomy. How do we keep ourselves feeling okay?

Harko Brown, a traditional Māori kite maker, wants to see more kites in the air for Matariki.

It's unclear how often people are recorded without their consent in intimate situations and settings, but advances in digital cameras are likely making it more common.

“If I was say a millionaire, but I was still very much struggling with my health, with food addiction, all of these different things, the money would just come in and then it would go out on all of these addictions.”

A recent Deloitte study found that only six percent of Gen Z workers aspire to leadership roles in the workplace. The reasons for that are many.

Storing a scrunched, snotty cloth up your sleeve probably wouldn't be advised, but they can offer just as much protection as a tissue if handled well.

Young adults around the world are struggling more than ever before, says the co-director of a massive global wellbeing study, and to help we need to understand why.

Shorter days and colder mornings can make regular exercise even more challenging in winter.

You might love slipping into the sheets after an evening shower, but an expert says a morning scrub delivers a fresher start to the day.

“I can't kick to the head, because I can't reach that high now, but I can take someone's knee out,” says 86-year-old martial arts teacher Mary Patu.

16 out of the 20 popular sunscreens tested didn't meet the mark, including one that was wildly out of reach.

The unpredictable nature of thunderstorms may put some on edge. Experts gave us tips to calm your nerves, children and pets.

About three percent of urban New Zealanders are considered “committed” bike riders, and even fewer get in the seat rain, hail or shine. But some do.

Workplace attitudes are slowly shifting when it comes to being sick at work. RNZ spoke to five experts about what is expected of you and what you can expect from your employer.

As the price of necessities soars in Aotearoa, food insecurity permeates daily life, exacerbating existing eating disorders and giving rise to new ones.

TikTok video claims a McDonald's coke and fries can help a migraine. Epidemiologist Dr Fiona Imlach says it may not be totally far-fetched.

The broadcaster never thought she would take the one drug she was most afraid of, but she did so in the name of research.

A random Instagram post led Sacha Willetts down a rabbit hole that introduced her to a whole new sport.

Going too far with a diet might have serious impacts on your mental health.

Claire Turnbull was stuck in a cycle of overeating and shame, even after she trained as a nutritionist and fitness coach. Her new book shares how she reprogrammed her relationship with food.

New research suggests the widespread marketing of junk food on social media is influencing the food choices of young people.

Tahlia Vosaki trains five days a week, up to four-and-half hours a day around homeschooling.

A social media trend is telling women they should be able to complete 11 proper push-ups, but it is debatable whether it is a good measure of overall fitness.

As teen anxiety and depression continue to rise, and as our rangatahi face mounting pressures, the experiences these centres offer are increasingly important.

German life coach Karin Kuschik offers handy phrases for setting boundaries and dodging drama in her best-selling book 50 Sentences That Make Life Easier.

This isn’t a national call to quit caffeine. It’s just a story about a girl who stopped drinking tea and coffee to see how it would feel.

Almost all New Zealand teenagers use social media. RNZ spoke to four who don't.

Small acts of resistance known as "micro-feminism" can help women feel empowered at work.

Research from the University of Chicago looked at 'superagers' - people over 80 years who have the memory of someone decades younger - to try to understand why.

"You might have a sore back after you've worn high heels that day, but we've got no link between that and chronic long-term back pain."

Stats New Zealand data shows hundreds of thousands of us are working in our 70s, 80s and even 90s. Venetia Sherson, 77, asks, What keeps us at our posts?

Whether you’re signing on for a new job, have a child at school, or going to the hospital, there are crucial moments when you’ll be asked to provide an emergency contact. But what happens when you have no one to call on?

The popularity of weight loss drugs has caused a shortage in recent years, but how effective are they at helping with food addiction and obesity in the long term?

The research found “significant changes” in the brains of people who were overworking, which is a combination of physical and emotional overexertion, as well as a lack of rest.

The aim of the challenge is to avoid all those things you don’t actually need to buy.

During perimenopause oestrogen levels begin to drop which decreases bone density and muscle mass.

While many patients have their surplus embryos discarded by IVF clinics, some find themselves attached to the microscopic cell cluster.

Solo downtime can relieve stress temporarily, but taking care of other people is how we build resilience.

On the day we celebrate mums, people who haven't realised their dreams of having children can get slammed by 'invisible grief'.

From a celebrity-spruiked success to a relic of diet culture. How a changing world of nutrition led to Weight Watchers' bankruptcy.

It's what all the fitness folks are doing but what is proffee? How do you make it? And is it good for everyone?

Ready-to-wear clothing – garments picked from a rack of identical items - has really only been a thing for a relatively short time in history, especially in women’s clothing.

Is it mood, FOMO, the desire to impress? Or maybe some tricky behavioural triggers we're not even aware of?

There’s doom and gloom about everything. But after a cancer diagnosis, Nigel Latta, the clinical psychologist, author and veteran TV presenter, isn’t buying in.

Staff at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital are being trained to help their patients look on the bright side by a team of 'clown doctors'.

You might be one of the many people with 'inattentional blindness' – a brain glitch that makes it hard to clock unexpected objects in our visual field, and chatting on the phone while driving especially risky.

Less than 1 percent of models during recent runway shows were plus-sized. Some fear it shows fashion is on a worrying trajectory away from inclusivity.

Many boys and men who are already feeling defensive mishear the phrase as a criticism of maleness itself, says Australian sociology professor Michael Flood.

We asked three psychologists for their take on the Let Them theory — what's worth taking on board, and if there is anything to be cautious about.

Centenarians have strong genes on their side, but we can have "a very good shot” at reaching 93 with a healthy lifestyle and the right attitude, says longevity researcher Tom Perls.

Plastic, wood, bamboo, glass or ceramic? Experts weigh in on what's safest.

Scroll through social media and you'll likely find a reel promoting hot cross buns as a good pre-workout snack. Two sports dieticians share their thoughts, along with what and when to eat before exercising.

The Easter holiday period marks a busy time on the roads - and with it, an increase in roadside accidents. An emergency doctor shares what you can do to help if you witness one.

Seasonal plenty or cooking conundrum? This episode of RNZ podcast Thrift looks at getting creative with vegetables.

An understudied mental technique for falling asleep involves thinking of random words.

Dermatologists share their verdict.

To help create architectural guidelines for dementia-friendly housing, an Auckland researcher is interviewing people who live with the condition.

Wellness studios are seeing more young people swap drinks for steam, turning sauna sessions into a new way to relax, connect and sweat it out with mates.

Exercise doesn't need to be expensive, Katy Gosset learns in the latest episode of RNZ's Thrift podcast.

"Has anyone seen my Lorazepam?" Parker Posey’s Southern-drawled plea has thrust an anti-anxiety drug into the spotlight in the latest season of Mike White's dark comedy.

Maureen Maclean says 16 years of regular yoga classes has strengthened her body and also boosted her social life.

Have you ever felt like your body odour changes from one day to the next?

Scrubbing the ubiquitous chemicals isocyanate and xylene from the planet would mean a whole lot less eczema, says a US allergy researcher.

On 26 March 2020, Kate Newton’s street in Auckland went into lockdown along with the rest of the country. Five years later she tracked down her old neighbours.

Ozempic is in, body positivity is out - and a new social media trend isn't helping.

Writer Olga Khazan decided that her personality needed an upgrade when she realised she constantly noticed the bad things about life, but not the good things.

Forgiveness helped course correct Young New Zealander of the Year finalist Ben Purua's life after his role in a man's murder. What can we learn from that?

Women have long been sold the message that a ‘flat’ tummy is something that is both ideal and achievable. The reality is that it's not.

A long hot shower may be comforting, but will it make you any cleaner than a quick soapy rinse?

While hikers everywhere attempt to be the fastest to complete their journey, Venetia Sherson contemplates the joy of a gentle trudge.

Former professional rower Oonagh Cousins says an arts-based workshop for people with Long Covid helped her feel less alone.

The symptoms of burnout are insidious, a clinical psychologist says.

With garlic setting you back $4 a bulb, this spice can be found at your Indian grocer for a fraction of the price.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's suggestion of a Marmite sandwich and an apple for lunch wouldn't keep a child full or feed their brain sufficiently, according to local health and education experts.

About 90% of adults consume caffeine daily mostly through tea and coffee, so of course our kids are curious.

The idea that we need to wear scented sprays on our bodies to be clean is simply not true, says an English anatomy professor.

We know a lot about how hunger can impact young minds when it comes to learning, but hydration can play a big role too.

Colour Me Menopausal is a new activity book for adults that uses humour to educate about the phase of life when a woman's reproductive years comes to an end.

When the Wellington writer quit alcohol, she started to gain weight. What followed was two years of extreme dieting.

Weekly music therapy sessions help six-year-old Kiara find her voice as she finds her rhythm.

Let's not water this down. For many, alcohol and the good life just don't mix. But what about those who just want to cut back?

It's one of most challenging things I've ever done, and it literally changed my mind, writes Anusha Bradley.

Deprivation might not seem like the ideal ingredient for a holiday, but withholding something might leave room for personal growth.

Here's what to consider this summer before your child runs starkers along the beach.

Tradwife doesn't go to work. Brat turns up late and hungover. Demure is on time and appropriately dressed. Can you keep up?

Sleepovers might seem like a rite of passage. That doesn't always have to be the case.

Some parents think introducing alcohol to their kids at a young-ish age "like the French" is a good idea. It's not.

Which sunscreen offers the best protection? Are more expensive ones better?

Men tend to overestimate their swimming ability, sometimes leading to a devastating loss. Even a rudimentary flotation device can help.

With an exceptionally hot summer on the cards, experts are sounding alarm bells.

Why does it feels so satisfying? And - importantly - is there a polite way to switch from yes to no when end-of-year obligations overwhelm?

Mike McIntyre folded down his client's ear to get a "clear workspace" for his clippers and spotted an angry-looking skin lesion.

Migraine sufferers have an 'invisible disease' that keeps them off work and out of normal life, writes Rachel Choy.

Black spatulas and other black plastic kitchen items can contain flame retardant, which probably isn't great for your body.

"Even if you do win, you're on a high for a little while but then you're like, 'Oh s..., what do I do next?"

There has been a period product revolution in the last decade - but are NZ teens using them?

There can be a huge difference in what your local doctor costs - even just across the street.

The mass sports event is hitting Auckland for the second year - and it seems to be all the fitness folks can talk about.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or ARFID is an eating disorder that revolves around an aversion to food and eating.

When you drive south down State Highway 1, you can't ignore the exit number: 420. That number - spoken as four-twenty - is cultural slang for weed.

How can we take the edge off the daylight savings transition?

Bowls of Weet-Bix. Loaves of bread. Packs of noodles. It it actually necessary?

Gadgets allow us to track how much we eat, what we eat, our sleep and exercise but experts say they're not always making us healthier.

Over the past four years, terminal ovarian cancer has been shoving Cora Torr, 61, towards life's exit door. To offset this rude intruder, she's enlisted the help of a death doula.

"If that is the best tool you have in your tool box that is telling you something," says a counsellor, sucking some air out of the #cartime balloon.