Latest news with #DrZac
News.com.au
21 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Ask Dr Zac: What impact does a mouldy home have on my health?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not thermal receipts are toxic. QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, with all this rain we've been having and the coldness of winter, my rental has started growing mould spots in the bathroom, my wardrobe, pantry, and the corners of my bedroom ceiling. It's giving me the ick. I've been waking up with congestion and headaches, and I've seen TikToks warning about 'toxic mould syndrome' – is that a real thing? Should I be pushing my landlord to fix this ASAP or am I just being dramatic? – Liam, 27, Camberwell, VIC For the best lifestyle coverage in Australia — download the app direct to your phone. ANSWER: Hi Liam, you are absolutely not being dramatic. In fact, your question should be taken seriously by every single renter in Australia this winter. We are in the thick of what doctors (and builders, and plumbers) like to call mould season. The combination of colder temperatures, poor ventilation, and persistent rain is the perfect cocktail for mould to take over your home. Unfortunately, this isn't just an ugly stain on your ceiling. It can absolutely make you sick. Let me be very clear: there is no safe amount of indoor mould. While the popularised idea of 'toxic mould syndrome' is controversial and not formally recognised in Australian clinical guidelines, the health effects of damp and mould are real, documented, and significant. What you're describing – waking up congested, foggy, and headachy – is textbook for what we in the medical world call non-specific upper respiratory symptoms caused by mould spores. These little fungal invaders get into the air you breathe and irritate the lining of your nose, sinuses and lungs. In people with asthma, mould exposure can lead to flare-ups, wheezing, and even hospitalisation. Some forms of indoor mould, particularly the dreaded Stachybotrys chartarum (aka 'black mould'), have been linked to more severe respiratory outcomes. And while the phrase 'toxic mould' has taken off on TikTok, the real risk is more subtle – long-term exposure can cause ongoing sinus infections, worsen allergies, and possibly contribute to chronic fatigue and poor sleep quality. Let's also talk about what you should do, because this isn't something a scented candle and a spritz of Glen 20 will fix. First step: document everything. Take dated photos of the mould patches and record your symptoms. This will help you if you need to escalate the issue. Second: notify your landlord in writing and request urgent remediatio n. Under Victorian tenancy laws, mould is considered a repair issue and landlords are required to address it, particularly if it affects health or safety. Third: do not try to remove mould yourself unless it's a very small patch. Scrubbing large areas without protective gear can actually release more spores into the air. Instead, increase ventilation (yes, even in winter), use a dehumidifier if possible, and close off mouldy rooms when you're not in them. If your landlord drags their feet, contact your state's tenancy authority. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs has resources and enforcement pathways for renters dealing with dangerous living conditions. Let me say this one more time for the people in the back: Mould in your home is not just gross – it's hazardous to your health. And while 'toxic mould syndrome' might not be officially stamped in the medical textbooks just yet, the link between mould exposure and poor health outcomes is well established. So yes, Liam. You should absolutely be pushing your landlord to act immediately. And if they won't? You might want to suggest they come and sleep in your bedroom for a few nights. See how dramatic they feel after waking up with a pounding headache and blocked sinuses. Stay warm and stay dry. – Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Gymgoer almost dies after common post-workout habit
A doctor has warned of a 'shower mistake that could happen to anyone' after a young man hit the gym and 'almost didn't survive'. Dr Aditj Dhamija, a GP in India, shared a case involving a regular gymgoer who collapsed after a jumping into a hot shower immediately after an intensive workout. But the regular post-gym habit put him in intensive care, with the doctor claiming 'the patient barely escaped death'. 'A 24-year-old man hit the gym like every day … but when he didn't come out of the bathroom for 30 minutes, the door had to be broken down,' Dr Dhamija explained in an Instagram video. 'He was found unconscious on the floor, pulse barely there.' Once in the emergency room, he was put on a ventilator. Dr Zac, a leading Australian GP, notes that in most cases, it's not dangerous to shower after exercise. 'However, it can be risky if you jump straight in after intense exercise,' he told 'When you finish working out, your heart rate is high, blood vessels are dilated, and your body is cooling itself. 'Very hot water at this point can further dilate blood vessels and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness, fainting, or – in rare cases – collapse.' He recommends waiting five to ten minutes to let your body cool down before turning on the hot water. He also mentions that, when done carefully, hot showers can actually help recovery. 'They relax tight muscles and boost blood flow, which can be helpful later in the day. But they might also prolong inflammation and direct more blood to the skin instead of the muscles, possibly slowing recovery if used immediately,' he said. He suggests opting for a cold or lukewarm shower straight after a workout, as these can help lower core temperature and reduce inflammation. Sports medicine research shows that cooling methods like cold water immersion are most effective for muscle recovery, but shower temperature is still worth considering. In his video, Dr Dhamija also warned to look out for signs that something's wrong if you're getting into an overly hot shower. 'Don't ignore light-headedness or dizziness,' he said, and 'Don't forget to hydrate properly.' He also advised rehydrating well after exercise, and if you feel faint, lie down and elevate your legs. 'Fitness should make you stronger — not take you closer to death.'
News.com.au
03-08-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Are thermal receipts actually toxic?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not thermal receipts are toxic. QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, I recently saw a viral video claiming the ATO is 'killing us softly' through thermal receipts – apparently they're coated in BPA and other hormone-disrupting chemicals. As someone who handles receipts at work all day (shoutout to retail life), I'm now kind of freaked out. Should we be worried about the long-term effects of touching them, or is this another TikTok conspiracy? – Jodie, 34, Wollongong NSW ANSWER: Hi Jodie, Good news – for once, TikTok has stumbled onto some real science. Thermal receipts – those shiny ones that fade faster than a politician's promise – often contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or its chemical sibling, BPS. These compounds are used in thermal printing to create text without ink. But here's the rub: both are known endocrine disrupters, meaning they can interfere with your hormones, especially oestrogen (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2020). What's more worrying is that BPA can be absorbed through the skin. A 2014 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who handled receipts frequently – particularly with moisturised or greasy hands – absorbed measurable amounts of BPA. Another Australian study confirmed that regular skin contact can lead to significant exposure. Now, don't panic and start wrapping your hands in cling wrap. Most of the alarming research involves high-dose exposure, usually in industrial settings or lab environments. But for retail and hospitality workers handling receipts every day, the cumulative effect is something to take seriously. So how can you protect yourself without quitting your job or demanding a full PPE kit? 1. Wash your hands – and skip the wipes Regular soap and water is more effective than antibacterial wipes when it comes to removing BPA residue. Easy, quick, and no need to buy anything fancy. 2. Keep your hands away from your face BPA doesn't need an invitation to hop from your fingertips to your mouth or eyes. Less contact, less risk. 3. Wear gloves if you're pregnant or working full-time with receipts Especially in busy environments where they're flying out like confetti. Disposable gloves can make a real difference — and no, they don't make you look ridiculous. 4. Go digital If you're the customer, skip the paper. Most retailers now offer email or text receipts. It's cleaner, safer, and you'll stop collecting receipts for things you returned two months ago. 5. Don't be fooled by 'BPA-free' Many retailers have switched to BPS-coated paper instead. But early research suggests BPS may be just as hormonally active – possibly worse in some cases. So it's a bit like replacing cigarettes with cigars and calling it progress. Ultimately, we need broader changes – better regulation and safer materials. France banned BPA receipts in 2019. Australia's not there yet, but retail workers like you raising concerns is how change starts. So yes, Jodie, your instincts were right. This isn't conspiracy – it's chemistry. And when it comes to protecting your hormones, even small changes count. Stay sharp, Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Why your wellness routine might be working against you
QUESTION: Hey Dr Zac, Every day I wake up to wellness advice on TikTok telling me to get 8 hours of sleep, do 10k steps, meditate, journal, strength train, eat organic, drink 3L of water, avoid blue light, and practise gratitude. By the time I've ticked off all the 'healthy' things I'm supposed to do … the day's over and I haven't done anything fun. Even your column, as much as I love it, gives me even more tasks that I need to add to my daily routine! Is this just what being healthy means now? Or is there a more realistic way to look after yourself without it becoming your whole personality? — Jess, 28, Albury ANSWER: First of all—thank you. This might be the most relatable question I've received all year. You've summed up a whole generation's collective mental breakdown. Somewhere between celery juice, journaling by candlelight and daily cold plunges, 'wellness' went from being about feeling good to being a full-time unpaid internship in self-optimisation. It's exhausting. Let me say this loud and clear: you don't need to be perfect to be healthy. Wellness isn't an achievement to unlock. It's a messy, evolving balance between doing what's good for your body, your mind, your bank account, and—crucially—your joy. This ultra-structured, hyper-scheduled approach to self-care? It's become what experts are calling 'wellness perfectionism.' According to a 2023 paper in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, many young people are experiencing increased anxiety not because they're not taking care of themselves, but because they feel like they're never doing enough. The 10-step morning routine is starting to look a lot like a to-do list for burnout. Let's blame the algorithm for a moment. Social media feeds us a conveyor belt of health advice in bite-sized, guilt-inducing doses: 'If you're not waking up at 5am and dry brushing while visualising abundance, do you even love yourself??' Its toxic positivity meets micro-influencing. And yes, while some of it comes from a good place, there's also a whole industry profiting off you feeling like you're never doing enough. But here's a radical idea: health should support your life, not consume it. A recent study in the Medical Journal of Australia confirmed what many of us already feel—that sustainable wellness practices are the ones that fit into your existing life without making you feel like a failure when you skip a day (or three). That means if you miss your 10k steps but spend the evening laughing with friends, you're still doing something great for your wellbeing. Social connection, pleasure, and rest are as much a part of health as green smoothies. Now don't get me wrong—I'm all for healthy habits. I'm a doctor, I want people sleeping well, moving often and eating real food. But it's got to be realistic. I like to follow what I call the '2 out of 3 rule': pick two things each day that are good for your body or brain, and make peace with letting the rest slide. One day that might be a workout and a good night's sleep. Another day it might be a walk and eating vegetables that weren't fried. That's still a win. I once tried doing everything the 'right' way for a week. I meal prepped. I meditated. I foam rolled like my life depended on it. By Friday, I was cranky, bored, and craving a pub schnitty. So I had one—with a beer—and felt better than I had all week. That's healthy too. So Jess, don't let self-care become another way to punish yourself. Set boundaries around what advice you actually want to follow. Ditch the one-size-fits-all guru content. And if your 'wellness' routine is making you feel less well, it might be time to swap breathwork for brunch and call it even. Health isn't a checklist. It's a feeling. And if your routine isn't making you feel free, energised, or even a little silly sometimes … it might be time to loosen the grip. Here's to imperfect wellness—and a life that includes both broccoli and beer. Cheers, to your health! Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
News.com.au
25-06-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Unsafe': Doctor warns against common shower act
It will probably come as no surprise to you that people pee in the shower. In fact, statistics show that 61 per cent of people engage in this multi-tasking habit. But while emptying your bladder when nature calls may seem harmless, it turns out that urinating while standing up can cause long-term harm, especially for women. Dr Zac, a prominent Australian GP, has warned that this shower act is particularly concerning if it becomes routine. UTI risks from urinating in the shower Firstly, it's a common misconception that urine is sterile, because even healthy people have bacteria in their urine, says Dr Zac. Therefore, when you urinate in the shower, you may be spreading bacteria over your skin, feet, and other areas (particularly if there's a cut or broken skin barrier), which could increase your risk of reinfection or spreading urinary tract bacteria. This risk is higher if you are already dealing with a UTI, as that urine contains more bacteria. It's also more concerning for women, who are four times more likely to develop a UTI than men. Urinating position linked to pelvic health issues While hygiene and infection risks are important, there's an additional aspect – how your urination position affects your pelvic health. For women, standing to urinate, such as in the shower, can interfere with complete bladder emptying. 'The female body is designed to urinate in a seated or squatting position — this allows the pelvic floor muscles to fully relax and the bladder to empty effectively,' explains Dr Zac. 'When standing upright in the shower, those muscles may stay partially engaged, meaning the bladder may not fully empty.' Over time, this incomplete emptying can strain the bladder and potentially cause issues like residual urine, bacterial growth, or urgency problems. The brain-bladder reflex If you find yourself needing to urinate whenever you hear running water, it might be because you've conditioned your brain-bladder reflex through habitual shower urination. 'You can condition the bladder to feel urgency when it's not actually full — leading to an overactive bladder or urge incontinence over time,' he adds. This phenomenon is well documented in bladder retraining studies and in research involving patients with functional urinary disorders. A 2022 study used Pavlovian theory (from Pavlov's famous dog experiments) to explain how repeated exposure to cues like being in a shower can increase urinary urgency, even if the bladder isn't full. What are the signs that something might be wrong? While it may seem convenient, urinating in the shower could be causing more damage than you realise. So, how can you tell if your bathroom routines are affecting your bladder or urinary health? 'One of the first and most obvious signs of a urinary tract infection is a stinging or burning sensation when urinating,' says Dr Zac. 'It's caused by inflammation and irritation of the urethral lining due to bacterial overgrowth. If you feel this, especially after changing your toilet habits, it's a warning sign.' Going to the toilet more often than usual is another clear indication that something isn't right. 'If you feel like you can't hold it, this could mean your bladder is irritated, inflamed, or conditioned into urgency,' he explains. 'This might be due to overtraining the bladder reflex, or it could signal the start of a UTI. Either way, it's worth consulting your GP or pelvic health physiotherapist.' Leaking urine, especially during exercise, laughter, or sneezing, is known as 'stress incontinence', and is another sign of weakened pelvic floor muscles — possibly from habitual urination while standing. Signs of infection or inflammation in your bladder or kidneys may also be another indicator, and include pelvic discomfort or lower back pain, particularly if a UTI has spread. If these symptoms are accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, it could be a kidney infection, which needs urgent antibiotics. 'Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine are more classic infection signs. Blood in the urine should always be taken seriously and checked by a doctor — even if it appears just once,' warns Dr Zac. So while the occasional shower wee is likely safe for most, making it a daily habit, especially for women, is probably not the best idea.
