Latest from Herald Sun
Herald Sun
3 hours ago
- Health
- Herald Sun
How menopause can damage marriages, relationships
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mental Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. Fractured friendships and strained marriages are among the hidden tolls of menopause, as experts call for a 'Me Too-style' movement to push the topic into the spotlight. New research from News Corp's Growth Distillery has revealed the profound impact menopause is having on the lives of Australians, with nearly one in five of women saying it is eroding their mental health. The research commissioned for the Can We Talk? campaign, in partnership with Medibank, found a quarter of all Gen X ranked it as a top stressor. Experts say the mental health effects of perimenopause and menopause often interfere with work, relationships and daily life, but are too often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Women's health psychologist Leanne Mulheron said it was a 'discombobulating, challenging time' that could be a 'make or break' for many relationships. 'There's a reckoning that happens for many women because they don't have the capacity to keep managing how they were before … and that can mean re-evaluating relationships,' she said. 'Menopause is like living in your house during renovations – our brains change so much with fluctuating hormones but we're still having to parent and be friends and be carers.' A lack of understanding from partners and spouses, dwindling libido and pain during sex could also cause tension. 'Menopause is often shrouded in lots of shame, so sometimes women endure painful sex, or continue having sex despite having no desire to,' she said. 'There's a huge impact from a relationship point of view. 'Communication is key, and being explicit about how people can support you.' Ms Mulheron said a Me Too-style movement could fuel much-needed awareness and support for women. 'If we all just got up there and said 'this is what's happening to me', it could pave the way for more conversations and validate how women are feeling,' she said. Monash University HER Centre Australia director and psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni said many studies showed a sharp rise in mental health issues in perimenopause, and added that suicidal ideation was 'frighteningly common'. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni But some women were being misdiagnosed with conditions such as bipolar disorder. She said hormonal fluctuations could be a tipping point for many issues women grappled with. 'You get the arguments of 'women in midlife have complicated lives ... it's not the hormones, it's the life things',' Professor Kulkarni said. 'Of course, it's all the life things, but there is a tipping factor. 'The woman who was coping before, suddenly can't cope. 'The tipping factor, we think, is the hormonal shifts in the brain that create the chemistry and circuitry changes that lead to mental ill health.' She said it was critical to build understanding and education about the symptoms – including anxiety, brain fog, depression, rage, loss of confidence, paranoia and fatigue – as well as treatments. Podcast host Alex Merton-McCann, 53, said she suffered through 'hormonal chaos' for years, which manifested in depression, anxiety, brain fog and withdrawing from friends and family. Alex Merton- McCann (centre) with her friends Paula Woodcock (left), and Maddie Thomson (right). Picture: Julian Andrews. 'I hit really dark times but initially no-one, including my doctors, realised it was hormone related,' she said. She found herself unable to continue with her podcast, The Grown Up Girls Report, in which she ironically explored the topic of menopause. While her husband had been very supportive, she said he didn't have the 'tools' to help her navigate the period. So she turned to her friends who helped normalise her experience. 'I felt like I was flying blind but my friends got me out of the spiral,' she said. 'The shared experience is so powerful. 'I finally feel like the windows are open again now.' Meanwhile, some big businesses are starting to take action to help women navigate the challenges. Medibank is offering staff – 70 per cent of whom are female – a fully-funded telehealth service including a consultation with a doctor and a personalised care plan. Dr Shona Sundaraj, Medibank group medical director and GP, said up to 50 per cent of women in perimenopause or menopause experienced new or heightened symptoms of anxiety. 'We need to educate women about the connection between menopause and anxiety,' she said. 'We must encourage open dialogue and work to destigmatise mental health issues during midlife.' Tips from GP Dr Shona Sundaraj, Medibank Group medical director, on navigating menopause Educate yourself and others Understanding what menopause is – and isn't – helps reduce fear and stigma. There's a lot of false information out there — lean on reliable women health resources like The Jean Hailes Foundation and educate yourself and family and friends who are supporting you. Learn about common symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances and memory fog. Trusted information Read from reputable sources or consult healthcare providers. Share what you learn with your loved ones. Normalising menopause helps create space for honest conversations. Prioritise physical health Lifestyle choices can ease symptoms significantly. Back to basics is really important: good food, quality sleep and body movement, in particular strength training, is crucial at this stage of life. Exercise boosts your mood, maintains bone density and supports sleep. A balanced diet should focus on calcium, vitamin D, fibre and whole foods. Try to minimise intake of processed foods that will add to belly weight gain. Sleep hygiene is important. Create a calming bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed. Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy, supplements or other treatments if needed. Talk with friends and family Don't carry the emotional load alone, it also helps if your loved ones are aware of the changes you're going through. Help them understand what support looks like for you – even if it's just listening. Practice self-compassion and flexibility Menopause can be unpredictable, and some days will be harder than others. Just remember, peri-menopause and menopause are normal stages of life and any woman that is in her 40s or beyond is going through it with you. You're not alone. Give yourself permission to rest, say no, or adjust plans. Remind yourself this is a phase, not a personal failing. This is a normal stage of life. Just like childhood, puberty or having children. Empathy is important Perimenopause and menopause doesn't signify ageing, it's a transition in life. We need to acknowledge that quite often women at this stage of their life are at the peak of their careers, while looking after teenage children and helping elderly parents. This can compound how women manage. Let's create space, understanding and empathy for women in their 40s to 50s. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.
Herald Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Recommendation goes back to barrier basics for Bletchingly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A barrier refresher course and weight-for-age conditions could give smart sprinter Recommendation a shot at a second Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes success. Recommendation won last year's Bletchingly Stakes during a super patch of form that included claiming the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes and The Heath 1100 on the Caulfield course. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter was not disgraced at Group 1 level in the Manikato Stakes in the spring but struggled at his first attempt at international competition in the Hong Kong Sprint last December. The rising six-year-old ran fairly first-up before struggling down the Flemington straight last month but Maher's assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said some barrier work produced an improved third in the Monash Stakes on July 12. Turnbull said Recommendation gave away too much weight in his first two runs this time in before improving at weight-for-age in the Monash Stakes. The same conditions will apply in the Bletchingly Stakes. • Spring carnival worth the weight for Stockdale 'He's never really fired down the straight and he got it pretty wrong and worked up two back so there were excuses,' Turnbull said. 'Last year, prior to the Bletchingly, he'd had such a good prep so he's pretty much handicapped himself so getting back to weight-for-age will help. 'These two races (the Monash and Bletchingly Stakes) are his chance to get back to the winner's stall.' Recommendation will have blinkers back on in Saturday's Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images Turnbull said Recommendation had spent time under the tutelage of noted barrier educator Julien Welsh to repair bad habits that had crept into the gelding's barrier routine. He said a fast start was vital to Recommendation's racing style but the son of Shalaa had not given himself the chance to jump quickly in recent runs. • Cherish a good track: Caulfield weather watch for smart filly 'That was his asset, stepping away from the gates and holding a prominent spot,' Turnbull said. 'He was just getting uptight, standing back in the gates and being very negative. 'They just get into bad habits. 'They might get away with something and they continue it on, they might get a bit tired or a bit grumpy or whatever it is. 'He's just a lot more comfortable in there. He stands up in the 'V' at the front of the gates, which is key, and he's very receptive to stepping away.' Turnbull said the return of blinkers to Recommendation's gear would also help the winner of nine of 26 starts regain his best form. Recommendation has firmed from $8.50 to $7.50 while the Corstens and Larkin-trained Baraqiel is the easing favourite, drifting from $2.90 to $3.20. Originally published as Trainer Ciaron Maher chasing another Bletchingly Stakes win with Recommendation
Herald Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Kembla best bets, inside mail for Saturday, July 26, 2025
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis at Kembla on Saturday. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! KEMBLA BEST BET Race 3 No. 8: VALEDICTORIAN Tackled strong two-year-old company in his three runs. Drops in grade and can get his first win. NEXT BEST Race 5 No. 4: COMMANDING BELLE Nice effort to score her first win here last start. Can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 6 No. 4: JAMARNI No luck last start. Good chance on his win the start prior. BEST EXOTIC Quinella Race 6: 4, 5 QUADDIE Race 5: 1, 4 Race 6: 3, 4, 5 Race 7: 1, 2, 4, 9 Race 8: 1, 5, 6 Keagan Latham looks a great chance to take out the jockey challenge. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW KEAGAN LATHAM has the Kembla jockeys premierships wrapped up for a third straight year but can add a few more wins to his tally. INSIDE MAIL – KEMBLA RACE 1: Storelocal Kembla Grange Super Mdn Plate 1400m HURRY MISS (5) almost broke her maiden first-up last campaign when a head second to Autumn Dream over 1300m at Warwick Farm after giving the winner a couple of lengths at the 500m. Allowed to work home last in her two recent trials. PATISSIER (3) ended his first campaign with a second to Strawberry Impact over this track and distance. Hit the line strongly from last when third to Ridgeback in his Hawkesbury trial on July 7. HAMMOON HEROINE (4) is a debutant by Zoustar. Nice trial behind Miracle Spin at Randwick. Bet: Hurry Miss ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Harrigan Motor Group Mdn Plate 1300m CINSAULT (1) gets her chance to break through for her maiden win. Placed in metropolitan company in her first seven starts. Sat outside the leader when runner-up to Cross Tasman over this trip at Hawkesbury last start. GYRA (2) ran a handy race on debut when second to Atomic Clock on the Beaumont last December before finishing sixth at her next two runs twice in town. ENTRAPMENT (8) is a first starter by Star Witness. Tracked the leader came along the fence for a three-quarter length second to Savvy Hallie in her Rosehill trial. Bet: Cinsault to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Win Corporation Mdn Plate 1300m VALEDICTORIAN (8) was given a shot at some the top two-year-old races in his three starts. He finished seventh in the Breeders Plate on debut and returned his next prep with a three-quarter length fourth to Rivellino in the Skyline. Closed smartly to win his latest Randwick trial. KARMARDO (2) was good in both start when second to Exclusive Artist here on Feb 9 and fourth to Jacob's Ladder a month later. Trialling well including a win in his July 11 Randwick heat. TONG HO (7) has place claims. Bet: Valedictorian to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Inglis Xtra Bonus Series Provincial Mdn Hcp 1500m ZOUSTRONG (2) took improvement from his debut run at Moruya and finished third to stablemate Commanding Belle over 1300m here last start. Can improve again and extra trip will suit. WILD THOUGHTS (1) was spelled after a debut third to Modella here in January. Returned with safely held second to Cold Brew over 1300m at Hawkesbury. By So You Think from a Pierro mare, he will keep improving as he gets out over ground. AUTUMN HEIR (7) has finished fourth at his past two runs over 1650m and 1600m. Bet: Zoustrong each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: St George Illawarra Dragons Midway Hcp (C1) 1300m COMMANDING BELLE (4) was good in her first four starts with varying degrees of luck including a third to Rivellino on debut at Randwick. Broke her maiden with a smart win this track and distance last start and can go back-to-back. VETWELVE (1) had also shown handy ability including a couple of placings in midweek company. Sat outside the leader at Wyong and raced away to beat Justice Warrior who won his next start. Drops back from a Randwick Midway. MONTIGO BAY (5) and AFFERMATO (2) have place claims. Bet: Commanding Belle to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Illawarra Steelers Hcp (C1) 1500m JAMARNI (4) was held up in the straight never tested when ninth to Autumn Dream last start. Tracked the leader and took and inside run on straightening to score a nice win at Hawkesbury before that. Drawn ideally and can bounce back. SAN GIOVANNI (5) was specked on debut at Newcastle where settled back third last before closing strongly to beat Bella Wahine over 1200m. From a 1400m stakes winner so he should appreciate the extra trip. SWEXAN (3) led and held on for a narrow win over 1450m at Muswellbrook last start. Bet: Jamarni each-way RACE 7: Peter Newell Oam Memorial (Bm64) 2400m TWILIGHT ELEGANCE (4) stepped up to 2100m for the first time when a closing third to Malbork Castle at Hawkesbury after being held up between the 400m and 300m. Raced outside the leader when a nice winner over 2100m at Gosford. Up to 2400m and should handle it. LENNOX (1) was third over 1600m at Gosford and fifth over 1900m at Canterbury before stepping up to 2100m when second to Twilight Elegance. Was fourth over this trip in his last run in England. STYLEBENDER (2) was beaten a nose at Grafton last start when shooting for the hat-trick. Bet: Twilight Elegance to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Illawarra Cancer Carers (Bm64) 1000m BEV'S NINE (6) started favourite on debut at Wyong and got the job done nicely with a length-and-a-quarter win from Gamp. Good chance to back-to-back. DUKE OF BRONTE (1) was an easing favourite when he resumed with a third to the in-form Mal Coupe after racing keenly on Hawkesbury on July 3. He is a 68 rater and the 3kg gets him into this race nicely. WAVE BREAKER (5) raced on speed in her first two runs back in metropolitan company. Came from near last when third to Prima Bella at Newcastle last start. Bet: Bev's Nine to win
Herald Sun
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Anthony Albanese says Gaza crisis has gone ‘beyond the world's worst fears'
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Anthony Albanese has warned the situation in Gaza has gone 'beyond the world's worst fears' and accused Israel of denying aid to starving children in his strongest criticism to date. Just a week after describing the reported killings of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza as 'completely indefensible', Mr Albanese has issued a new statement on the crisis. 'The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears,' Mr Albanese said on Friday. 'The position of the Australian Government is clear: every innocent life matters. 'Every Israeli. Every conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives.' Mr Albanese's statement also accused Israel of denying aid to children in Gaza and killing civilians. 'Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving,'' Mr Albanese said. 'Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored. 'We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law.' It follows British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warning the Palestinian people have an 'inalienable right' to a state of their own and French President Emmanuel Macron confirming he will support moves to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the UN general assembly, Just a week after describing the reported killings of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza as 'completely indefensible', Mr Albanese has issued a new statement on the crisis. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Palestinians hold onto an aid truck returning to Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) 'Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned,'' Mr Albanese said. 'Australia condemns the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. 'We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognising that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones.' Mr Albanese said that the 'legitimate aspirations' for the Palestinian people to have a state of their own was a bipartisan proposition. 'Australia is proud to have strongly supported the creation of the modern state of Israel,' he said. 'Then, as now, the global community envisioned two states: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. 'Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia. 'The reason a two state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it. 'Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognised borders. 'Until that day, every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the 'unspeakable and indefensible' humanitarian conditions in Gaza after aid groups warned of mass starvation. In a statement this week, he warned that while the situation had been 'grave for some time' but it has 'reached new depths'. 'We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe,' he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) 'I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace. We all agree on the pressing need for Israel to change course and allow the aid that is desperately needed to enter Gaza without delay. 'It is hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times. But I must reiterate my call for all sides to engage in good faith, and at pace, to bring about an immediate ceasefire and for Hamas to unconditionally release all hostages. We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this. 'We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.' Israel-Gaza war Mr Albanese has described recent actions by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza as 'completely indefensible' confirming in the last week that he told Israeli President Isaac Herzog directly that Israel was losing support. Describing the blockade on aid into Gaza as 'completely unacceptable' he took issue with Israel's 'excuses and explanations'. 'We need to always engage in the world as it is, rather than as we would like it to be,' he said. 'Israel's actions, many of the actions of the Netanyahu government, including by its ministers, have led my government indeed to sanction ministers in the Netanyahu government. We would not have thought that was on the agenda in 2022, when I was elected. 'Australia is a long-term supporter — and indeed played a role in the creation of the State of Israel. Mr Albanese has described recent actions by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza as 'completely indefensible'. (Photo by) 'But at that time it's important to remember that two states were envisaged and Australia and certainly my government, has continued to support two states in the Middle East: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. 'We want Israel to continue to exist within secure borders and to be able to live without the threat of terrorists such as Hamas engaging in the sort of atrocities we saw on October 7. 'But Palestinians have a legitimate aspiration for a state of their own and to be able to achieve prosperity, and that is something that has been a bipartisan position as well going back to John Howard who said there could be no peace in the Middle East, without dealing with the Palestinian question.' Originally published as Anthony Albanese says Gaza crisis has gone 'beyond the world's worst fears'
Herald Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Allegra Spender reveals plan to overhaul Australia's tax system
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Shaking up the tax system can have environmental benefits, help equalise the generational wealth divide and rev up the Australian economy, independent MP Allegra Spender says. Speaking ahead of a roundtable meeting on the topic in Canberra later on Friday, Ms Spender says she's been putting a slightly embarrassing spin on the topic of tax. 'We're actually doing livestreaming on YouTube. I've been doing some slightly cringeworthy Instagram videos on tax reform recently, just trying to bring more people into this conversation,' she told ABC's Radio National on Friday. 'Because tax matters to all people, it influences our country, but it's sometimes pretty hard to get your head round and I do want people to be able to get informed.' Allegra Spender says Australia needs to – and can – make hugely beneficial changes. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer The independent MP for Wentworth has organised a meeting of tax experts, economists, business and community voices on Friday to discuss what 'meaningful reform should look like'. This meeting will be a precursor to broader roundtable meetings organised by Treasurer Jim Chalmers next month. 'The Treasurer has now opened the door to tax reform,' Ms Spender said on Friday. 'I feel that tax reform has the opportunity to help Australia solve some of its biggest problems like sluggish productivity growth, like the fact that young people can't get ahead, like the fact that we need to make this climate transition as cheap as possible. 'But to be honest tax hasn't really been on the table until now.' The large mandate given to the government set Australia up for meaningful change, she said. 'When I look back at history, you look at the Hawke-Keating reforms, you look at the Howard-Costello reforms, and I think most Australians would say those reforms, they were difficult but they set the country up for the long term,' Ms Spender said. 'And I think we do have an opportunity, in this term of parliament and into the next election, to potentially make the sort of significant reforms that can set up our community for the decades to come.' Originally published as 'Decades to come': Major economic meetings begin with precursor roundtable
