Money matters

People often think of financial wellbeing and general health as two separate things. But there is actually an undeniable link between the two.

Money worries can cause stress and anxiety, which may in turn create other health issues such as insomnia and increased blood pressure.

Research shows that issues specific to women such as the ‘gender pay gap’ (the difference between the average earnings of women and men in the workforce) can have big flow-on effects to mental health and wellbeing.

Findings from a recent American study found that women whose income was lower than men had a nearly 2.5 times higher risk of depression, and their risk of anxiety was also four times higher.

At some point in our lives we will all deal with financial strains. However, for a growing number of women, concerns about their financial health is fuelling a surge in their stress levels.

“It’s part of almost every conversation I have with women,” explains Jean Hailes psychologist Gillian Needleman.

Read our article and learn how to care for your emotional wellbeing during tough times – such as during COVID-19 – and get practical tips for improving your financial situation.

From acai and maca powder to matcha, the latest superfoods often come with a lot of ‘health’ hype. However, a healthy diet doesn’t need to be filled with expensive and exotic ingredients, and ‘health food’ doesn’t have to cost the earth.

“In fact, eating healthy wholefoods can be an inexpensive way to eat,” says naturopath Sandra Villella.

Healthy wholefoods are the foods your grandparents would recognise and don’t necessarily come with crazy claims and marketing campaigns.

From the humble carrot to wholemeal bread or beans, a diet based on vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and fruit benefits our bodies and brains in so many ways, and is backed by decades of research.

Get your personal guide to the different health checks required through your life journey by reading this e-Booklet.