The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital

What does intimacy look like after illness, ageing, or moving into residential agedcare? In this thoughtful and compassionate episode of the Wellbeing Podcast byWolper Jewish Hospital, host Julie McCrossin is joined by leading Australian experts in sexual health, ageing and dementia care to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of wellbeing - human connection.Dr Tanya Mazzini, Dr Sue Malta and Dr Linda McAuliffe discuss how intimacyevolves throughout life, why touch and emotional safety matter so deeply, and thechallenges many people face navigating sexuality after menopause, chronic illnessor cognitive decline. The conversation also examines relationships in residentialaged care, the impact of family attitudes, and why education and open communication is so important.Warm, honest and deeply human, this episode challenges stereotypes about ageing and reminds us that intimacy, dignity and connection matter at every stage of life.Our expert panel included:Dr Tonia Mezzini: Sexual Health Physician and researcher specialising in sexual function and dysfunction in older adults and the impacts of chronic illness and medicationDr Sue Malta: Sociologist and Qualitative Researcher, who focuses on sexuality in older age, disease, or disabilityDr Linda McAuliffe: Registered psychologist and Senior Research Fellow with the Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, with research interests in sexuality and older adults(Recorded May 13th 2026)Thank you for listening to The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital series. If you would like to sign up for updates and news, please click here. Follow us on social mediaFACEBOOKLINKEDIN

Food allergies and intolerances are on the rise — but what do these terms really mean, how are they diagnosed, and what can families do to stay safe without sacrificing quality of life?In this engaging episode of the Wolper Wellbeing Podcast, host Julie McCrossin brings together leading experts to demystify one of Australia’s fastest growing health issues. You’ll hear from:Dr Laura Ford – Paediatric Allergist & Immunologist (The Children’s Hospital at Westmead)Dr Anne Swain – Head Dietitian, Allergy Unit (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital)Associate Professor Jennifer Koplin – Epidemiologist and childhood allergy researcher (University of Queensland)Grace Canning – Health advocate and Allergy Life Australia program leadTogether, they break down the essentials:The true difference between food allergy and food intoleranceWhy anaphylaxis is a medical emergency — and how to recognise itHow allergies are diagnosed, from history-taking to skin tests and oral food challengesThe latest evidence on early introduction of common allergens in infantsWhat we know about the “allergy epidemic”How oral immunotherapy works — and when it might helpPractical strategies for eating out safelyThe emotional and psychological impact on families, and how to reduce anxietyWhy intolerance symptoms can vary and how to identify food triggers safelyWhether you care for a child with allergies, live with allergies yourself, or simply want to understand this growing health issue, this episode offers practical guidance, clear explanations and compassionate advice from Australia’s leading voices in allergy care. Recorded: 12th November, 2025Thank you for listening to The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital series. If you would like to sign up for updates and news, please click here. Follow us on social mediaFACEBOOKLINKEDIN

Don’t miss this empowering discussion on chronic kidney disease, presented by Wolper Jewish Hospital in partnership with Kidney Health Australia. Our expert panel included:Associate Professor Ivor Katz: Nephrologist at St George Hospital Renal Department; Conjoint Associate Professor at UNSW Associate Professor Kelly Lambert: Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong; Specialist Kidney DietitianProfessor Itamar Levinger: Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Victoria University; Associate Director Research and Research Training, Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University Listeners will discover:What chronic kidney disease is, how it’s diagnosed, and why early detection matters.The importance of regular check-ups, understanding risk factors, and working closely with your GP.How diet and nutrition change across the stages of kidney disease, including practical tips for reading food labels and managing salt, potassium, and phosphorus intake.The role of physical activity—why enjoyable movement, resistance training, and aerobic exercise are essential for kidney health and overall wellbeing.Insights into dialysis, kidney transplants, and supportive care pathways, including new clinical trials and emerging treatments.Special considerations for children and older adults, plus the value of peer support and mental health care.Answers to audience questions on topics like water intake, the keto diet, medications, and ethical issues in transplantation. Whether you’re living with kidney disease, caring for someone who is, or simply interested in proactive health, this webinar offers expert advice, hope, and practical steps to help you thrive. Tune in for real-world guidance, myth-busting, and a supportive community conversation. Recorded: 5th March 2025Thank you for listening to The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital series. If you would like to sign up for updates and news, please click here. Follow us on social mediaFACEBOOKLINKEDIN

Living with chronic lung disease — particularly COPD — can feel overwhelming, but there is real reason for hope. In this expert-led episode, we explore what COPD is, how it affects daily life, and what’s new in treatment and management to help people breathe easier and live well.Hosted by Julie McCrossin AM, this conversation brings together leading clinicians and researchers from Australia and overseas to share practical, evidence-based insights. Topics include recognising symptoms early, managing breathlessness, the powerful role of pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise, emerging medications and the importance of supporting carers and mental wellbeing.Our speaker panel included:Professor Neville Berkman, Director of Hadassah Hospital’s Institute of Pulmonology and head of its Adult and Invasive Pulmonology Unit; Professor at the Hadassah–Hebrew University School of MedicineProfessor Gary Anderson: Pharmacologist and Immunologist based at the Medical Faculty at the University of Melbourne; Professor and Director of the Centre for Lung Health Research at University of MelbourneDr Renae McNamara: Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Prince of Wales Hospital; Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and Woolcock Institute of Medical ResearchWhether you’re living with COPD, caring for someone who is, or simply want reliable information from trusted experts, this episode focuses on practical strategies, optimism, and staying active, independent, and connected.Recorded: 5th March 2025Thank you for listening to The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital series. If you would like to sign up for updates and news, please click here. Follow us on social mediaFACEBOOKLINKEDIN

Join host Julie McCrossin AM and a panel of leading experts as they explore the multifaceted journey of cancer survivorship in this special episode. Our speaker panel included: Professor Haryana Dhillon: Behavioural scientist and Professor of Psycho-Oncology at the University of Sydney; co-leads a Cancer Survivorship Research Group at University of SydneyDr Michael Krasovitsky: Medical oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital specialising in geriatric oncology; Senior Conjoint Lecturer, University of New South WalesProfessor Nicolas Hart: NHMRC Research Fellow in Cancer Survivorship and Program Director of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Technology Sydney Dr Monica Tang: Medical Oncologist and Staff Specialist in Cancer Survivorship at the Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital Drawing on personal experience as a cancer survivor, Julie guides a compassionate and practical discussion about the physical, mental, and spiritual impacts of cancer—not just on patients, but also on families and friends.Discover the latest in survivorship care, including:The importance of holistic support after treatment—covering exercise, diet, psychological wellbeing, and spiritual care.How survivorship services are evolving in Australia, with insights from oncologists, psycho-oncologists, and exercise physiologists.The role of general practitioners and community resources in long-term recovery.Strategies for managing fear of recurrence, sleep, intimacy, and quality of life.The power of peer support, patient navigation, and new research shaping the future of cancer care.Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, health professional, or simply interested in wellbeing, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and a sense of community. Tune in for expert answers to audience questions, real-life stories, and actionable tips to support life after cancer. Recorded 2nd July, 2025Thank you for listening to The Wellbeing Podcast by Wolper Jewish Hospital series. If you would like to sign up for updates and news, please click here. Follow us on social mediaFACEBOOKLINKEDIN