Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the central retina, which is responsible for fine-detail vision, is damaged due to age. It is the leading cause of blindness in Australians over 65 years of age.

Bowel disorders are conditions that often affect your small intestine. Some of them can also affect other parts of your digestive system, such as your large intestine. Bowel disorders affect how your body digests and absorbs food. They can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as diarrhoea or constipation. There are various types and causes for bowel diseases and reasons why people get these diseases.

Premature infants are infants born before 37 weeks gestation and Healthscope Special Care Nurseries accept babies born from 32 weeks gestation. These premature infant are born with extremely immature immune systems which enhances their risk of infection and intestinal complications. Breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition and provides immunity and protective properties that will assist the premature infant during this critical time while the gut learns to tolerate milk.

Steven Hall is a remarkable Healthscope nurse, mentioned by name in positive patient feedback no fewer than 17 times throughout 2020. His is an empathy born of experience

Understanding Gestational Diabetes by Caroline Hoggenmueller, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Northpark Private Hospital. Diabetes is a condition where too much blood glucose is travelling through the blood stream. The hormone insulin moves glucose or sugar from your blood and into your body’s cells, where it is used for energy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes which only occurs in pregnancy and affects 12-15% of all pregnant women in Australia. In pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta, which help your baby to thrive, make it harder for your body’s insulin to work properly. This condition is called insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes then develops when your body is unable to cope with the extra demand for insulin production, which results in high blood glucose levels.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health problem and the leading cause of death worldwide for both men and women. It has long been accepted that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs to prevent or conducted after a cardiac event are effective in reducing mortality, improving outcomes of cardiovascular disease and quality of life.

Coronary artery disease is a serious condition that occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (cholesterol and fatty deposits) in the wall of the arteries. If a blockage stops the flow of blood completely or almost completely, you will suffer a heart attack which can be life-threatening. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease in Australia.

One of the most valuable tips for people living with Parkinson’s disease is to think of exercise as medicine. Exercises and physical activities are one of the most beneficial things that a person with Parkinson’s can do, to live long and live strong. The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still not known and there is currently no cure.

Hosted by VCCC Research & Education leads, Professor Bruce Mann and Dr Belinda Yeo, with international guest speaker Dr Ann Partridge, Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical school, vice-chair of Medical Oncology, Dana - Farber Cancer Institute. Panellists included: Ms Kathryn Wallace - Breast Care Nurse Consultant; Northpark Private Hospital, Epworth Eastern Box Hill and Austin Health. Dr Keelan Byrne - Radiation Oncologist; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Ms Jodie Lydeker - Consumer representative, Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA)