General Health-Related
Non-Traditional Paths to Sobriety
Explore non-traditional paths to sobriety, including mindfulness, yoga, nutritional therapy, and community-based support, for a personalized approach to recovery.
First Aid Training
Checking for a Response
Checking for a response is critical before proceeding with any first aid assistance. Knowing if a casualty is conscious or not allows you to use the appropriate techniques. Using gentle but firm responsiveness techniques, such as the COWS method, mean you can check for a response while remaining respectful to the casualty.
Bites and Stings
The Common Spiders of Darwin
Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife - including an impressive array of spiders. From the sprawling webs of golden orb-weavers to the cryptic camouflage of trapdoor spiders, these arachnids play a vital role in the local ecosystem. While some may inspire fear, the majority are harmless and even beneficial, helping to control insect populations.
Injury
First Aid for Falls
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, particularly among children and older adults. Whether it’s a simple trip or a serious fall from height, knowing how to administer first aid can prevent further injury and, in some cases, save a life.
Seasonal Concerns
First Aid for Cyclone-Related Injuries
Injuries during cyclones often result from flying debris, collapsing structures, and flooding. Knowing basic first aid can help prevent further harm while waiting for emergency services.
Seasonal Concerns
Preparing for a Cyclone
If a cyclone makes landfall, meaning that it crosses from the sea onto land while still being strong enough to be classified as a cyclone, the damage it can cause can be disastrous. Preparation is key to minimising the risks associated with cyclones. The damaging weather can last for days, exacerbating risks as hazards intensify.
First Aid Training
How to Check for Danger
When coming across someone who appears unconscious, injured, or in need of medical help, it’s instinctive to rush to their aid. Ensuring the scene is safe before assisting the person is not only a fundamental principle of first aid but also critical to preventing further harm.
Mental Health
Mango Madness - Seasonal Affective Disorders
Mental health can be influenced by every aspect of our lives, and the weather is no exception. In places closer to the equator with humid environments, like Darwin here in Australia, the onset of monsoon season can see people suffer from a tropical seasonal affective disorder known as ‘mango madness’.
Disease
Melioidosis: A Killer Often Undiagnosed
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a microorganism found in soil and water. This infection is often underdiagnosed due to symptoms mimicking many other illnesses. As such, awareness is critical for those living or working in affected regions.
General Health-Related
Your Guide to Menopause
Menopause is the final period, when a woman, trans man, or non-binary person assigned female at birth's ovaries run out of eggs and the body can no longer ovulate. Menopause comes with several symptoms, complications, and treatment options.
Mental Health
Using the CARE Framework
Mental health crises can occur unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond effectively can make a significant difference. The CARE framework is an easy-to-remember guide for offering support during a mental health crisis. It is also applicable if you think you might be seeing signs and symptoms of low mental health in a loved one, friend, or colleague.
Allergy and Asthma
Asthma & Anaphylaxis Emergency First Aid
In an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency you should know the symptoms, remove triggers, and know how to respond. Read on to understand these important aspects in the context of such an emergency.