For an older adult, a stay in the hospital can come with an unexpected and frightening side effect: delirium. If you’ve ever visited an elderly parent or grandparent in the hospital and found them suddenly confused, disoriented, or not themselves, you’ve witnessed this condition. Hospital delirium is an acute state of mental confusion that happens to many seniors during an illness or after surgery. It’s often called a “hidden risk” because it’s not the illness that brought them to the hospital - it’s a complication that arises from the hospitalisation itself, and it can be easily overlooked or misattributed to something like dementia. However, delirium is usually temporary and treatable, and recognising it early can make a big difference. What Is Delirium? Delirium is an abrupt change in brain function that causes confusion and difficulty with attention and clear thinking. It develops over hours to a couple of days and fluctuates through the day. People may be disoriented, ...

  High blood pressure - often called hypertension - is a well-known health risk, but many people don’t realise that it can pose unique challenges and dangers for women. We often think of heart disease or stroke affecting men, yet high blood pressure is very common in women and can be just as deadly. It truly is a “silent killer” because it often has no noticeable symptoms, yet over time it can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. For women, there are some hidden risks and situations where high blood pressure can become especially important to recognise and manage. It’s Often Silent - So Don’t Assume You’d Know Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. That’s why regular check-ups and knowing your numbers are critical. Pharmacies, clinics, and home monitors make it easy to track your pressure between visits. Birth Control and Hormones Can Raise Blood Pressure Oral contraceptives and some hormone therapies can increase blood pressur...

  Iron is an essential mineral that your body needs to function at its best. It’s a key component of haemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all your organs and tissues. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency (and potentially iron deficiency anaemia). This condition is more common than you might think, especially in women of child-bearing age, vegetarians, and people with certain health conditions. Iron deficiency can sneak up on you because its symptoms can be subtle at first. Here are ten warning signs that you might be low in iron. If you recognise several of these in yourself, it may be time for an “iron check” with your healthcare provider. Extreme Fatigue and Weakness: One of the earliest and most common signs of iron deficiency is feeling overwhelmingly tired and weak. This isn’t just normal tiredness from a long day - it’s fatigue that doesn’t seem to go away even with go...

  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and uncomfortable health issue, especially for women. A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract (which includes the urethra and bladder), leading to symptoms like a burning feeling during urination and a frequent urge to go. The good news is that many UTIs can be prevented with a few smart habits in your daily routine. By taking proactive steps, you can stop UTIs before they even start and spare yourself the pain and inconvenience. Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is one of the simplest ways to prevent UTIs. When you drink more water, you’ll urinate more often, which helps flush out bacteria from the bladder before an infection can take hold. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses of water a day (about 1.5–2 litres). Staying well-hydrated keeps your urine diluted and your bladder healthy. Don’t Hold It In Make a habit of emptying your bladder regularly and fully. Bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant urine...