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.

Coming Home From War: PTSD May Not Tell the Full Story

The article argues that veterans’ post-war struggles may not be fully explained by PTSD alone. It proposes that some veterans experience ‘cognitive immobility’, remaining emotionally anchored to military life, causing alienation, distress and suicide risk.

Can You Become More Extroverted? Would You Want To?

Introversion and extraversion each offer unique strengths. Research suggests people can gradually increase extroverted behaviours to support goals, but personality change is most valuable when it helps build the relationships, opportunities and life they want.

Shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds

Research suggests the shingles vaccine Shingrix may reduce heart attack, stroke, and heart failure risk by 12 percent for several years after vaccination. Potential major cardiovascular benefits for older adults if confirmed in clinical trials.

How Exercise May Change the Brain’s Emotional Networks

A single exercise session, whether low or high intensity, significantly boosts positive mood. High-intensity exercise may also strengthen brain networks linked to emotional regulation that are often disrupted in people with depression.

Can you eat too much tinned tuna?

Smaller species generally contain less methylmercury than larger predatory fish, making regular consumption unlikely to exceed Australian safety limits. However, children and pregnant women have lower thresholds, reinforcing the value of dietary variety.

The Evolutionary Roots of the Male Mental Health Crisis

Men’s wellbeing can suffer when social expectations, economic pressures and weakened community support leave young men without clear, constructive ways to build identity, purpose and belonging. Fathers can provide important examples of responsibility and positive masculinity.

Today’s Mediterranean diet leans on olive oil, vegies and fish. But the ancients mainly ate bread

Ancient Mediterranean diets centred on bread and cereals, supplemented by fruit, vegetables, and occasional fish. Diets varied by region and wealth, making the modern Mediterranean diet a selective reconstruction rather than an authentic ancient menu.

Eating less protein may ‘slow’ ageing. But here’s why the evidence isn’t clear‑cut

A review of 350+ studies suggests protein restriction may promote healthier ageing in animals, but human evidence remains limited. Current evidence supports meeting protein needs through mostly minimally processed foods rather than reducing protein intake.

The Clockwork Men

Autistic veterans are an overlooked population facing unique challenges at the intersection of autism, PTSD, and military service. Despite apparent overlap and significant support needs, research, services, and recognition for autistic veterans remain severely lacking.

8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, and Marines from India Battery 2/11, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Rotational Force-PT Robertson Barracks.

Does regular exercise stop you getting sick in winter?

Regular moderate exercise can strengthen immune function and reduce the risk of respiratory infections over time. While it won’t cure illness, meeting activity guidelines and exercising appropriately during winter can help maintain health and resilience.