General Medical 

Whether you enjoy plunging into a pool or swimming in the open ocean, a swim will do wonders for your mind and body. Read Dr. Nikki Stamp expert advice on the health benefits of swimming and how to incorporate some laps into your routine, no matter what your age or fitness level.

While heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, it's largely preventable and exercise is an important way to do that. In fact, when it comes to heart health, any form of exercise is beneficial; whether it be walking, playing sport, swimming or dancing. Essentially, the more you exercise, the more efficient and stronger your heart muscle becomes. Plus, exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, dementia, diabetes and high blood pressure, and it’s great for our mental health too! In her latest article for HIF, Dr. Nikki Stamp explores the benefits of exercise and discusses the different levels of activity to aim for.

We all want to be heart-healthy and ensuring healthy levels of cholesterol is the first step. According to heart and lung surgeon, Dr. Nikki Stamp, “Cholesterol isn’t exactly a bad guy, in fact, it’s a vital substance in our bodies. It’s a small fatty molecule that is absolutely essential for life. It acts as a precursor to a number of hormones and forms the walls of the cells in our body. High cholesterol however, has been shown to be strongly associated with heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease. Therefore, what we want to do is to keep them in safe levels.” In her latest article for HIF, Nikki shares her expert advice on the lifestyle changes you can do to help keep your blood fats in the best shape.

You've probably seen a defibrillator at your gym or your local shopping centre, but what are they exactly and how do they work? Do you need to be First Aid trained? Is it like what you see on TV? Heart and lung surgeon, Dr. Nikki Stamp answers all of these questions and more. 

Did you know that this November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month? This initiative aims to “Shine A Light on Lung Cancer” and raise the profile and reduce the stigma of lung cancer by backing campaigns that raise awareness .

According to Heart and Lung Surgeon, Dr. Nikki Stamp, “In 2018, its predicted that 12,741 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Around 25 people every day lose their lives to lung cancer. And a lot of people don’t know that lung cancer is responsible for nearly 20% of all cancer deaths in this country which is more than breast, prostate and ovarian cancer combined.”

With these alarming statics in mind, Dr. Nikki discusses the stigma associated with lung disease and how with proper funding, research and screening, we can save lives.

Did you know that Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer? Every year, September 29 is World Heart Day and this year’s theme is “My Heart, Your Heart”. This global campaign encourages individuals, families, communities and governments to take charge of their heart health and that of others. With this in mind, we chatted to HIF blogger and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp who explains what the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest is and offers her advice on how we can help others’ hearts.