Actually Healthy

July 31, 2025

Did you know that 30 to 50% of men over 50 experience hair loss due to Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or Male Androgenetic Alopecia (MAA)?1 While ageing may be a factor, genetics and hormonal shifts might also play a considerable role.3 Here are eight essential strategies to help you deal with your hair loss issues. Keep reading to learn more!Strategy 1: Understand Your Hair Growth CycleThrough a multi-phase growth cycle, hair from your scalp is shed at approximately 100 to 200 follicles per day and grows at a rate of about 0.35 mm per day, 1 cm per month, or 15 cm per year:2Hair Growth Cycle Phase(s)Duration% of Hairs in that PhaseAnagen (Growth Phase)Several years~90%Catagen (Transition Phase)Several weeks~1 to 2%Telogen (Resting Phase)A variable amount of time, depending on the location of the hair~10 to 14%Table showing hair growth cycle phases, duration, and percentage of hairs in that phase.The anagen phase is the active growth phase. Hair follicles then go through a short transition (catagen) phase before entering the resting (telogen) phase. Hair loss occurs when the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted or when the hair follicle is damaged. This might happen due to various factors.2Strategy 2: Understand the Main Causes of Male Hair Loss Androgenic hair loss in men is primarily influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. Here’s a breakdown of the main causes: Genetics: The most significant factor in MAA seems to be genetics. If there are close family members who have experienced male pattern baldness, there's a higher …

Weight Loss

July 31, 2025

Are you considering injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, or Mounjaro for your weight loss journey? Then, common questions like "How much do these weight loss shots actually cost?" or “What are the cheapest weight loss injections among these options?” are bound to likely arise. These queries are worthy of consideration, as financial matters often play a significant role in any health-informed decision. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of these popular weight loss injections in Australia, distinguishing between private prescription prices and what you may have to expect with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).PBS vs. Private Prescriptions: Did You Know?Before diving into pricing concerns, an important distinction to understand in Australia is the difference between medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and those available on a private prescription.Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): The PBS subsidises the cost of many prescription medicines, making them more affordable for Australians [1]. However, as of July 2025, no medications are currently listed on the PBS specifically for weight loss [2]. This means that for weight management purposes, these injections are generally considered "private prescriptions."Private Prescriptions: When a medication is not on the PBS for your specific condition, you will have to pay the full cost, or the "private price," out-of-pocket [3]. This could be significantly higher than PBS-subsidised costs.It's worth noting that there's an ongoing discussion [4] about adding weight loss medications to the PBS, particularly for those with severe clinical obesity and related health conditions. However, this is still …

Weight LossWellness

July 31, 2025

If you've been exploring every avenue for additional weight loss support in Australia, you might have heard about injectable medications. While certainly not magic bullets, they could be a powerful weight management tool when used under proper medical supervision alongside lifestyle changes.Let's explore five common injectable weight loss medications available in the Great Southern Land: Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. Learn what they are, how they work, and most importantly, whether they might be appropriate for your health journey.The Science Behind the "Skinny Jab" Revolution"Skinny jab" is a popular and informal term for injectable medications used for weight loss [1]. Before diving into each specific medication, it's important to understand the breakthrough science surrounding them. Most of these medications belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) – but what does that actually mean?GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. According to research [2], it's a hormone naturally produced in the gut that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar (by stimulating insulin release and lowering glucagon secretion). These medications mimic this natural hormone, essentially amplifying its effects.They mostly help with weight loss by [2]:Slowing digestion: They slow down gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer. This helps you feel fuller for a longer period after eating.Signaling fullness to your brain: As the levels of these hormone-mimicking molecules rise, they travel to your brain, sending strong signals that you're full and satisfied. This helps reduce overall appetite and cravings.Think of it as your …