Wellbeing | The Runway

Wellbeing is essential to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it directly impacts operational readiness, performance, and overall morale. When ADF personnel are physically fit, mentally resilient, and emotionally balanced, they can fulfil their duties effectively, make sound decisions, and enhance team dynamics. Prioritizing wellbeing creates a supportive environment, recognizes the sacrifices of personnel, and improves job satisfaction and retention. It also proactively addresses mental health challenges, reduces stress, and promotes psychological resilience among ADF members. By investing in the wellbeing of its personnel, the ADF ensures readiness, cohesion, and the overall success of military missions.

What Is Methanol and How Does It Affect the Body?

Methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, poses severe health risks when consumed—causing blindness, organ damage (metabolises in the liver), and death. Emergency treatment includes ethanol and blood dialysis. Awareness and vigilance are critical for prevention.

Cancer while pregnant is rare, but is becoming more common. Here’s what researchers think is behind the rise

An Australian study found cancer diagnoses during pregnancy rose sharply between 1994 and 2013. Researchers aren’t certain why cases are rising, but contributing factors may include delayed childbearing and use of prenatal genetic screening tests.

Sticky situation: how adhesive bacteria drive colon cancer

This article presents research on the role of certain strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli in the development of colon cancer. It identifies specific bacterial adhesion proteins that contribute to DNA damage and cancer initiation.

Deep sleep helps the heart to heal

Following a heart attack, immune cells called ‘monocytes’ are recruited to the brain to promote deep sleep. This limits the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure to facilitate healing.

Bird Flu Found in U.S. Pig Raises Concerns Over Pandemic Risk

The first case of bird flu found in a U.S. pig has alarmed experts, given the potential for pigs to act as “mixing vessels” for flu viruses that could adapt to infect humans.

How Light Can Shift Your Mood and Mental Health

Exposure to natural light and managing night-time brightness can improve mood stability and support mental health by synchronising natural circadian rhythms. Season changes affect energy and mood stability while Serotonin and dopamine shifts affect mood regulation

Body Roundness Can Predict Heart Disease Risk, Study Shows

This article discusses a study comparing Body Roundness Index (BRI) to Body Mass Index (BMI) for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in adults. BRI may offer more accuracy than BMI, especially for athletic military members.

If You Hate Running, Try 'Rucking'

Rucking, a new fitness trend inspired by military training, offers a steady-state cardio workout by walking with a weighted pack—building fitness while enhancing mental resilience—making it perfect for those who prefer outdoor activities without running.

How to handle an inheritance: the 3 key factors

This article explores the emotional and financial complexities of inheriting money, emphasising how stress reduction and expert advice can help navigate irrational family behaviour and avoid hasty decisions, ensuring better long-term financial planning and emotional well-being.

Lessons for the next pandemic: where did Australia go right and wrong in responding to COVID?

Australia's pandemic response showed strong vaccine uptake but revealed key issues in quarantine breaches, treatment distribution, and national disunity—cognitive resilience will be vital to ensure a cohesive legislative framework for future emergency responses.