In Good Health

Building and maintaining social connections with friends and family is essential for our health and wellbeing. However, staying socially connected and maintaining social expectations can have its challenges. In this special episode we talk to one of our Future Healthy Community Champions Ravi, and discuss the value of meaningful social connections, the importance of creating safe spaces for young people and why trusting yourself always pays off.Show notes:To find out more about Future Healthy and our fantastic Community Champions, head to our website: https://futurehealthy.vichealth.vic.gov.au/Make sure to also check us out on our social media under @futurehealthy.To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Young people coping with coronavirus: interim report: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/young-people-coping-with-coronavirusTen go-to mental health organisations for young people: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/ten-go-to-mental-health-organisations-for-young-peopleVicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/coronavirus-victorian-wellbeing-impact-study

Growing your own food has many benefits, including eating fresher and tastier food, producing less waste and saving money. But sometimes, it can be tricky to even know where to begin. In this special episode we talk to one of our Future Healthy Community Champions, Felicia Lau, and discuss the journey of starting a veggie garden from scratch, which grew into a shared venture with the whole community.To find out more about Future Healthy and our fantastic Community Champions, head to our website: https://futurehealthy.vichealth.vic.gov.au/Make sure to also check us out on our social media under @futurehealthy.To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Get the kids involved with lunchbox prep: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/veggie-snacksHealthy food without breaking the budget: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/eating-healthy-food-on-a-budget

How can we learn to love veggies and find joy in cooking with them? In this episode, we welcome back Alice Zaslavsky to discuss how we can learn to love veggies once and for all (even for our little ones), as well as a few tips and tricks on how to cook them along the way.Show notes:A few key words from today's episode:Borscht – a soup common in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, where beetroot is one of the main ingredients.Braise – a cooking method that uses both wet and dry heat, where the food is first cooked at a high temperature, and then cooked in a covered pot in liquid.Brassica - is a genus of plant in the cabbage and mustard family, vegetables in this family include cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and turnip.Caramelised - the browning of sugar (natural or artificial), a cooking method resulting in a sweet flavour and brown colour.Celeriac – looks like a root vegetable but is actually a variety of celery.Kohlrabi – is a vegetable that is part of the wild cabbage family and has the appearance of a turnip (can be green or purple).Nightshade - a family of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and peppers.Satsebeli – a Georgian sauce which is very hot.Secondary cut – referring to meats, this is usually a slightly leaner (and more expensive) piece of meat.Schmaltz – concentrated chicken or goose fat made into a paste.Tempeh – plant based protein, made from fermented soybeans.To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Promoting healthy eating: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-work/promoting-healthy-eatingHealthy food without breaking the budget: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/eating-healthy-food-on-a-budgetEasy leftover school lunchbox ideas: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/quesadillas

We all have times in our lives where we find ourselves going through major life transitions, now more than ever with the impacts of COVID. In this episode, we welcome back Dr Michelle Lim and discuss how we can move through life transitions more successfully, in ways that help us thrive.Show notes:To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Three tips from mental health experts as restrictions ease: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/three-tips-from-mental-health-experts-as-restrictions-easeTaking healthy habits from lockdown into ‘COVID normal': https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/taking-healthy-habits-from-lockdown-into-covid-normalTen go-to mental health organisations for young people: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/ten-go-to-mental-health-organisations-for-young-people

We know sport and physical activity are good for our bodies and our health, but they're also good for our mind. In this episode, we talk to Sarah Loh (the first female CEO of an AFL league) and discuss how sport can be used as a tool to create meaningful social connections, the importance of strong role models, as well as generating social change through the world of sport.Show notes:This interview was recorded during the current Victorian Coronavirus outbreak, in line with the Victorian Government's COVID public health advice.To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Physical Activity Strategy 2019 – 2023: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/physical-activity-strategyBoost to grassroots organisations as Victorians reconnect: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/boost-to-grassroots-orgs-as-victorians-reconnectThis Girl Can week: supporting Victorian women to be active again after COVID: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/this-girl-can-week-2021How to select mental health program providers for sports clubs: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/how-to-select-mental-health-program-providers-for-sports-clubs

There's no doubt that in these difficult times, we've turned to the arts as a source of comfort, whether it's our favourite book, listening to music, or discovering a new TV show. In this extra special episode (adapted from our Instagram live recording of #SolidarityPancakes), we talk to Benjamin Law and discuss the importance of community, how the arts and the creative sector are keeping us all connected and inspired, as well as several ways we can actively support our fellow artists.Show notes:This interview was recorded during the current Victorian Coronavirus outbreak, in line with the Victorian Government's COVID public health advice.To find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:VicHealth arts strategy 2019 – 2023: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/publications/arts-strategy

The disruptions of the COVID pandemic can be seen across many industries in Australia and around the world. But the impact felt by the hospitality industry in particular is undeniable. In this episode, we talk to chef Ben Shewry and discuss how his life and restaurant Attica have changed since the pandemic began, the importance of resilience and creativity, and why we should always lead our lives with kindness.Show notes:This interview was recorded during the current Victorian Coronavirus outbreak, in line with the Victorian Government's COVID public health advice.For Victorians, up-to-date Coronavirus health information is available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusBeyond Blue has a dedicated portal for those seeking mental and emotional support related to the pandemic: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/

How do we know what's in season and how to enjoy it? In this episode, we talk to Alice Zaslavsky and unpack the many benefits of eating seasonally, how we can best identify different fruits and vegetables in season, as well as a few cooking tips for Spring vegies along the way.Show notes:This interview was recorded during the current Victorian Coronavirus outbreak, in line with the Victorian Government's COVID public health advice.To help find fruits and vegies that are currently in season check out the Australian Seasonal Food GuideTo find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:Healthy eating resources about coronavirus: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/search/healthy-eating-covid-19Healthy food without breaking the budget:https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/eating-healthy-food-on-a-budget

How can we best use technology without being absorbed by it? In this episode, we talk with Dr Megan Lim to discuss the benefits and impacts of technology on our health, as well as some practical tips on what balancing screen time actually looks like.Show notes:Beyond Blue has a dedicated portal for those seeking mental and emotional support related to the pandemic: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/For Victorians, up-to-date Coronavirus health information is available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusTo find out more information on the topics discussed in today's episode, check out our blogs on the VicHealth website:How to look after your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/mental-health-coronavirusTen go-to mental health organisations for young people: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/ten-go-to-mental-health-organisations-for-young-peopleMental health and wellbeing tips for parents with teenagers: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/mental-health-and-wellbeing-tips-for-parents-with-teenagersWhat is social media envy and how can we overcome it: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/what-is-social-media-envy-and-how-can-you-overcome-itWhy sleep is so important in the time of coronavirus: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/coronavirus-and-sleepWhy is positive news so important for our wellbeing: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/why-is-positive-news-so-important-for-our-wellbeing

Why do we feel lonely and what does meaningful connection actually mean? In this episode, Dr Michelle Lim and Dr Sandro unpack loneliness, while also providing tips for building and maintaining meaningful connections as we navigate life through COVID.Show notes:If you are feeling in crisis or at risk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000Beyond Blue has a dedicated portal for those seeking mental and emotional support related to the pandemic: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/For Victorians, up-to-date Coronavirus health information is available at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Hosted by medical doctor, public health expert, VicHealth CEO and foodie Dr Sandro Demaio, this podcast takes a look at the science and research behind today's buzzwords, current trends and common myths around health and wellbeing. Follow Dr Sandro for season 3 as he speaks to community heroes, health specialists, and everyday humans about what it means to eat well, be active and stay socially connected.

Masks and face coverings are now mandatory for anyone in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire when leaving their homes. Dr Sandro answers all your questions on why masks can help us fight the pandemic, which masks are best to use, how to care for them and more.Show notes:This episode was recorded on July 25, 2020.Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services has released this guide on how to make your own cloth face masks: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19#how-can-i-make-a-cloth-maskFor Victorian listeners, find up to date information on coronavirus here: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

In the final episode of our coronavirus series, we reflect on what we've learned from seeing communities come together to support each other during the pandemic. Dewi talks with Isolaid Festival's Emily Ulman and COVID19-EAD's Henry Le about the work they've been doing to help workers in the music and hospitality industries, respectively, and Dr Sandro learns about the solace that shared digital spaces can bring in the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons.Show notes:To ask Dr Sandro a question or give us feedback, follow him on instagram.com/sandrodemaio or twitter.com/sandrodemaioStream the Isolaid Festival at isolaidfestival.com or instagram.com/isolaidfestivalTo learn more about the work of COVID19-EAD go to covid19ead.com.au If you are feeling in crisis or at risk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000Beyond Blue has a dedicated portal for those seeking mental and emotional support related to the pandemic: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/For Victorians, up-to-date Coronavirus health information is available at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusThanks to mindfulness teacher Hayley McKenzie from Half Moon Mindfulness & Meditation and physio Rohan Singleton from Back in Motion, Northcote, for their contributions.

Sandro and Dewi talk through loneliness, something many of us might have felt during these "inside times". Turns out loneliness is subjective - you can feel lonely even when you're surrounded by people, and feel connected to people even when you're by yourself. Dewi speaks with clinical psychologist and loneliness expert Dr Michelle Lim about the prevalence of loneliness, particularly among people aged 18-25, and we hear from 22-year-old Chris about his experience of being at home during the pandemic. Plus, we meet Sandro's Gran! And we also think of ways we can connect with others even while we have to maintain distance. Hint: for Sandro it's usually about food.Show notes:To ask Dr Sandro a question or give us feedback, follow him on instagram.com/sandrodemaio or twitter.com/sandrodemaioTo read more about Dr Lim's work on loneliness in young people check out: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/media-releases/loneliness-and-social-isolation-a-growing-health-risk-for-young-australiansTo take part in a global study looking at the effects of social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine on our health, wellbeing and relationships go to: swi.nu/shawcovidIf you are feeling in crisis or at risk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000Beyond Blue has a dedicated portal for those seeking mental and emotional support related to the pandemic: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/For Victorians, up-to-date Coronavirus health information is available at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusThanks to mindfulness teacher Hayley McKenzie from Half Moon Mindfulness & Meditation and physio Rohan Singleton from Back in Motion, Northcote, for their contributions.

We know that physical distancing is tough on a lot of people - we are feeling it too. So what should we look out for both in ourselves and others to maintain good mental health? In this episode, we speak to Beyond Blue's Dr Grant Blashki about strategies to cope during the pandemic as well as warning signs to watch out for. Writer and mental health advocate Jill Stark also joins us to talk one-woman dance parties and ways to be a good friend, especially to those living alone at the moment. And, Dr Sandro gives us his top tips for nourishing, healthy comfort food.Show notes:Beyond Blue has launched a dedicated Coronavirus website, including an online forum for those seeking community support, coronovirus.beyondblue.org.auBeyond Blue's Coronavirus mental wellbeing support line is 1800 512 348If you are feeling in crisis or at risk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000For Victorian listeners, up to date Coronavirus health information is available at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusRead more about Jill Stark's work at jillstark.com.auTo ask Dr Sandro a question or give us feedback, follow him on instagram.com/sandrodemaio or twitter.com/sandrodemaio

People are spending more time than ever inside as we all practice safe physical distancing, so we called in some experts who know all about making the most of the indoor life. Dr Sandro talks with Danish friends Rasmus and Signe about the Scandinavian concept of 'hygge', or coziness, and Dewi connects with a friend in Northern Italy to hear about what she's learned about work, life and raising a toddler while being confined to her family's apartment. Dr Sandro also talks us through his best roast chook recipe while physio Rohan Singleton offers some ergonomic tips for home offices and mindfulness teacher Hayley McKenzie takes us through a simple gratitude exercise. Follow Dr Sandro on twitter.com/sandrodemaio or instagram.com/sandrodemaio and send through any questions you have, or topics you'd like us to coverFor up-to-date Coronavirus information, go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusGet in touch with Rohan at Back in Motion in Northcote www.backinmotion.com.au/NorthcoteSay hi to Hayley at Half Moon Mindfulness and Meditation www.facebook.com/mnm4kids

We've talked a lot about ways that food can help us lead healthier, happier lives but we've assumed that some food - healthy food - is within all of our reach. But what if it's not? Dr Sandro talks with Monash University researcher Dr Sue Kleve about food and inequality and the "tightrope" that some low and middle income households walk between hunger and security. Meanwhile, Dewi visits two organisations working to alleviate food insecurity in Australia, Foodbank and The Community Grocer.Show notes:Follow Dr Sandro on twitter.com/sandrodemaio or instagram.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealth.Read more about Dr Sue Kleve's research here: https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/suzanne-kleve/publications/Find out about the work of Foodbank and read their Hunger Report here: https://www.foodbank.org.au/hidden-hunger/?state=vicLearn more about The Community Grocer here: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au/

We hear from two doctors about how COVID-19 has affected their lives and they explain what's at stake for them and why we all need to work together to protect each another, and our health system, from the virus. Plus, Dr Sandro answers listeners' questions and takes us through a no-fail recipe to use with just about any veg: minestrone.Follow Dr Sandro on twitter.com/sandrodemaio or instagram.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealth to ask any questions about life during the pandemicFor Victorian listeners, up to date state-based information is at www.dhhs.vic.gov.auFor more on the work of VicHealth, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

We meet two social enterprises using food as a bridge between cultures and lift up their migrant and refugee staff in the process. Show notes:Follow Dr Sandro on twitter.com/sandrodemaio or instagram.com/sandrodemaio or use the hashtag #InGoodHealth to give us feedbackFind out more about Free to Feed and their Brave Meals delivery service at freetofeed.org.auSee what Hamed has cooking up via the cafe's Instagram at instagram.com/salamateahouse

In this special series, we'll be responding to your questions about living during the COVID-19 pandemic and making sure you're across the latest public health advice to help protect you, your loved ones and the rest of the community. In our first episode, Dr Sandro gives us a primer on social distancing, soap and healthy home cooking, and we meet physio Rohan Singleton who'll be guiding us through exercises to do at home over the next few months.Show notes:Send questions or topics you'd like us to cover to Dr Sandro via twitter.com/sandrodemaio or instagram.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealthVisit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for information on COVID-19

In this special series, Dr Sandro Demaio and co-host Dewi Cooke are back to take a look at COVID-19, how it's reshaping our lives and the many things we can all do to stay healthy during this pandemic. We'll look at strategies for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, hear from medical and mental health professionals, talk healthy eating and there'll even be experts to give tips on how to stay active and mindful. But most of all we want to hear from you! Let Dr Sandro know what you want us to cover via Twitter or Instagram @sandrodemaio or use the hashtag #InGoodHealth

The Big C. And no, we're not talking about a cure. But we wanted to find out, what role can food play in reducing our cancer risk? Dr Sandro talks with nutritional epidemiologist Associate Professor Allison Hodge about the remarkable work that Cancer Council Victoria is doing to investigate links between certain foods and cancer. Meanwhile, Dewi takes a look at legumes and meets lentil farmer Tania Walter.Show notes:Find Dr Sandro on Twitter or Instagram @sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealth to get in touchCheck out the work of the Cancer Council Victoria here www.cancervic.org.auTake a look at Tania Walter's farm, Burrum Biodynamics, and some of their recipes here www.burrumbiodynamics.com.au/recipes-1When in Melbourne, find a farmers market to visit www.mfm.com.au

What's food got to do with our mental health? As it turns out, there's a whole team of researchers looking at this very issue over at Deakin University's Food and Mood Centre. Dr Sandro talks with the centre's deputy director Adrienne O'Neil about their groundbreaking research linking diet with depression, while Dewi takes a look at one the key tenets of the diet that the centre has tested - olive oil.Show notes:Follow Dr Sandro on Twitter! twitter.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealthCheck out Deakin Uni's Food and Mood Centre foodandmoodcentre.com.auRead more about the SMILES trial here foodandmoodcentre.com.au/smiles-trialFind a Melbourne farmers market mfm.com.au

Why do we need to be sold on eating veggies when we know they're good for us? Dr Sandro gets the good word on eating more plants in his backseat chat with Dr Rosemary Stanton, Dewi looks to the IPCC for reasons why we should cut down our meat consumption and we get a Demaio family tip on how to give your humble greens a delicious glow up.Show notes:Follow Dr Sandro on Twitter! twitter.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealthCheck out the full Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report on climate change and land! www.ipcc.ch/srcclSay hello to dietician Dr Elena George on Twitter! twitter.com/elenas_georgeVisit a Melbourne farmer's market! www.mfm.com.au

We dive deep into our gastrointestinal tracts, make 38 trillion new (microbe) friends and wonder - just who's running the show, us or our guts? Plus: Dr Sandro and Dewi talk food memories, the 'booch and other fermented foods.Show notes:Follow Dr Sandro on Twitter! twitter.com/sandrodemaio and use the hashtag #InGoodHealthCheck out the Gut Feelings exhibition at Melbourne Museum! https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/gut-feelingsSay hello to Dr Ray Boyapati on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/dr.raybVisit a famers market in Melbourne! https://mfm.com.au/

Here's a taste of what's to come in this series of In Good Health: Dr Sandro squeezes into the backseat of a car with Rosemary Stanton, Dewi visits an asylum seeker-run social enterprise and we dive headfirst into our guts (kind of).

Join Dr Sandro Demaio and his team as they explore the impact food can have on our bodies, our minds and even the planet we live on.