Health & Bodies

'The system is so binary’: How the software GPs use is harming queer patients

“The impact this lack of data storage has on patients is huge.”

More people using cocaine than meth: NZ drug use report

Five key takeaways from the NZ drug use report.

The ins and outs of snoring etiquette

“You’re allowed to be pissed off”

Under 30s want more Covid boosters but can’t get them

We're in a fifth wave of Covid, but many young people had their booster years ago.

NZ bans ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics

Studies have shown PFAS may be present in over half of all cosmetics.

Period products in schools are only guaranteed till June. What happens after that?

"To remove a programme like this … would be destructive.”

‘Sunlight is a luxury’: What it's like living with sun allergies

“Not getting enough sun makes me feel like I’m not human.”

I spent 18 months surfing porn sites for research, here’s what I learnt

“I found everything from the truly horrific, through to gorgeous, sexy, and fabulous.”

Petition launches to get students paid for their work on placement

The change would affect students studying health, education and social work.

No one had ever spoken to me about miscarriage. I’m talking about mine

"The loss of a pregnancy is the loss of a dream," writes Ataria Sharman.

Health students don’t get paid on placement and it sucks

Students on clinical placements are paying bills from an empty bank account.

Do brown people need to wear sunscreen?

Different skin tones have different burn times

Nearly 1,000 people died from Covid in 2023

Let’s put that into perspective…

How much sun protection do SPF makeup products give you

When it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun, sunscreen is key.

NZ's smokefree legislation: A history of stubbing out smoking

Once upon a time, there was pretty much nowhere you couldn't smoke.

Five people tell us their STI stories

'Chlamydia is how I found out she cheated on me’

4 reasons queer people are better at sexual health than straight people

“Queer people are good at sexual health because for a lot of us, we were forced to in the ’80s.”

Māori stories on endometriosis

“It becomes a part of your brand as a person. ‘Oh Jade has endo’.”

How to be a responsible slut | Queer Academy

Watch the first episode of Queer Academy now.

Why trans healthcare is fucked and needs fixing | Queer Academy

Watch the fourth episode of Queer Academy now.

Your summer tan is hurting the healthy germs on your skin

Our skin is host to a variety of fungi, bacteria, and viruses that make up our microbiota.

Student nurses report living in cars, sheds to make ends meet

"The reality is the financial burden is real.”

New study finds tampon brand with hormone disrupting chemical

The findings were among four studies that formed part of a pilot carried out by Otago University.

NZ’s ‘discriminatory’ blood donation rules are getting in the way of saving lives

Feeling too broke to donate to a charity? Donate your blood instead.

It’s 2023, why are women still carrying the burden of contraception?

“I thought maybe I'm being stupid for asking him to pay.”

Teenage poi entrepreneur on how she invests in her mental health

Georgia Latu is CEO of Pōtiki Poi, the company that made 32,000 poi for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.