Latest news with #Australians
The Advertiser
8 minutes ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Gen Z urged to not neglect dental care once they leave home
As house prices and cost-of-living pressures delay young Australians from moving out, a growing number of parents are left with the burden of covering the essentials - including dental care - for much longer than expected. Parents need to keep dental care on the radar even after their children turn 18, especially when those children are still living at home. As a dentist, I see far too many young adults fall through the cracks once they leave high school. Regular dental visits, once booked by parents, paid for, and prioritised, suddenly disappear from the calendar. At a time when young people are navigating new independence, study stress, and tighter budgets, oral health often becomes an afterthought. But it shouldn't be. Dental care must be treated like any other essential, right alongside GP check-ups, mental health support, and nutrition. MORE OPINION: How different would Australians feel if the system was behind them? The consequences of neglect are often invisible at first, but they build slowly - decay, gum disease, jaw issues, and costly emergencies that could have been prevented with a simple clean and check-up. Before kids move out, parents should make sure that dental health is part of the transition plan. Book that last appointment. Start the conversation. Help them understand that just because their teeth look fine doesn't mean they are fine. Of course, the transition to adulthood doesn't come with perfect hygiene habits but you often see adults in their forties present with problems that could've been prevented in their teens. A University of Melbourne study published in March revealed once people reach the age of 15 to 20, a significant drop in dental visits occurred. Researchers tracked more than 11,000 people over several years and found many patients didn't return once they became independent, and often for years. The pattern seen here in Australia isn't isolated. A previous study from New Zealand reported a similar drop in regular dental visits among young working-age adults. These findings are consistent with patterns commonly seen in this age group, shaped by time pressures, financial stress and the false belief that you only need a dentist when something hurts. There's a belief that healthy-looking teeth don't need attention, which means too many people are missing the potential early signs of decay and gum disease. Changes in daily routines - moving out of the family home, taking on study and full-time work often marks the beginning of the decline in dental care. Once children are out on their own, and in charge of their own health insurance, the health safety net can disappear. If you're a young adult reading this, remember, your health isn't on hold just because life got busier. By the time pain shows up, treatment can be complex and more expensive. The solution? Reconnecting oral health with the broader wellness narrative Gen Z already embraces. We talk a lot about mental fitness, skin care, and gut health - teeth need to be part of that conversation. As house prices and cost-of-living pressures delay young Australians from moving out, a growing number of parents are left with the burden of covering the essentials - including dental care - for much longer than expected. Parents need to keep dental care on the radar even after their children turn 18, especially when those children are still living at home. As a dentist, I see far too many young adults fall through the cracks once they leave high school. Regular dental visits, once booked by parents, paid for, and prioritised, suddenly disappear from the calendar. At a time when young people are navigating new independence, study stress, and tighter budgets, oral health often becomes an afterthought. But it shouldn't be. Dental care must be treated like any other essential, right alongside GP check-ups, mental health support, and nutrition. MORE OPINION: How different would Australians feel if the system was behind them? The consequences of neglect are often invisible at first, but they build slowly - decay, gum disease, jaw issues, and costly emergencies that could have been prevented with a simple clean and check-up. Before kids move out, parents should make sure that dental health is part of the transition plan. Book that last appointment. Start the conversation. Help them understand that just because their teeth look fine doesn't mean they are fine. Of course, the transition to adulthood doesn't come with perfect hygiene habits but you often see adults in their forties present with problems that could've been prevented in their teens. A University of Melbourne study published in March revealed once people reach the age of 15 to 20, a significant drop in dental visits occurred. Researchers tracked more than 11,000 people over several years and found many patients didn't return once they became independent, and often for years. The pattern seen here in Australia isn't isolated. A previous study from New Zealand reported a similar drop in regular dental visits among young working-age adults. These findings are consistent with patterns commonly seen in this age group, shaped by time pressures, financial stress and the false belief that you only need a dentist when something hurts. There's a belief that healthy-looking teeth don't need attention, which means too many people are missing the potential early signs of decay and gum disease. Changes in daily routines - moving out of the family home, taking on study and full-time work often marks the beginning of the decline in dental care. Once children are out on their own, and in charge of their own health insurance, the health safety net can disappear. If you're a young adult reading this, remember, your health isn't on hold just because life got busier. By the time pain shows up, treatment can be complex and more expensive. The solution? Reconnecting oral health with the broader wellness narrative Gen Z already embraces. We talk a lot about mental fitness, skin care, and gut health - teeth need to be part of that conversation. As house prices and cost-of-living pressures delay young Australians from moving out, a growing number of parents are left with the burden of covering the essentials - including dental care - for much longer than expected. Parents need to keep dental care on the radar even after their children turn 18, especially when those children are still living at home. As a dentist, I see far too many young adults fall through the cracks once they leave high school. Regular dental visits, once booked by parents, paid for, and prioritised, suddenly disappear from the calendar. At a time when young people are navigating new independence, study stress, and tighter budgets, oral health often becomes an afterthought. But it shouldn't be. Dental care must be treated like any other essential, right alongside GP check-ups, mental health support, and nutrition. MORE OPINION: How different would Australians feel if the system was behind them? The consequences of neglect are often invisible at first, but they build slowly - decay, gum disease, jaw issues, and costly emergencies that could have been prevented with a simple clean and check-up. Before kids move out, parents should make sure that dental health is part of the transition plan. Book that last appointment. Start the conversation. Help them understand that just because their teeth look fine doesn't mean they are fine. Of course, the transition to adulthood doesn't come with perfect hygiene habits but you often see adults in their forties present with problems that could've been prevented in their teens. A University of Melbourne study published in March revealed once people reach the age of 15 to 20, a significant drop in dental visits occurred. Researchers tracked more than 11,000 people over several years and found many patients didn't return once they became independent, and often for years. The pattern seen here in Australia isn't isolated. A previous study from New Zealand reported a similar drop in regular dental visits among young working-age adults. These findings are consistent with patterns commonly seen in this age group, shaped by time pressures, financial stress and the false belief that you only need a dentist when something hurts. There's a belief that healthy-looking teeth don't need attention, which means too many people are missing the potential early signs of decay and gum disease. Changes in daily routines - moving out of the family home, taking on study and full-time work often marks the beginning of the decline in dental care. Once children are out on their own, and in charge of their own health insurance, the health safety net can disappear. If you're a young adult reading this, remember, your health isn't on hold just because life got busier. By the time pain shows up, treatment can be complex and more expensive. The solution? Reconnecting oral health with the broader wellness narrative Gen Z already embraces. We talk a lot about mental fitness, skin care, and gut health - teeth need to be part of that conversation. As house prices and cost-of-living pressures delay young Australians from moving out, a growing number of parents are left with the burden of covering the essentials - including dental care - for much longer than expected. Parents need to keep dental care on the radar even after their children turn 18, especially when those children are still living at home. As a dentist, I see far too many young adults fall through the cracks once they leave high school. Regular dental visits, once booked by parents, paid for, and prioritised, suddenly disappear from the calendar. At a time when young people are navigating new independence, study stress, and tighter budgets, oral health often becomes an afterthought. But it shouldn't be. Dental care must be treated like any other essential, right alongside GP check-ups, mental health support, and nutrition. MORE OPINION: How different would Australians feel if the system was behind them? The consequences of neglect are often invisible at first, but they build slowly - decay, gum disease, jaw issues, and costly emergencies that could have been prevented with a simple clean and check-up. Before kids move out, parents should make sure that dental health is part of the transition plan. Book that last appointment. Start the conversation. Help them understand that just because their teeth look fine doesn't mean they are fine. Of course, the transition to adulthood doesn't come with perfect hygiene habits but you often see adults in their forties present with problems that could've been prevented in their teens. A University of Melbourne study published in March revealed once people reach the age of 15 to 20, a significant drop in dental visits occurred. Researchers tracked more than 11,000 people over several years and found many patients didn't return once they became independent, and often for years. The pattern seen here in Australia isn't isolated. A previous study from New Zealand reported a similar drop in regular dental visits among young working-age adults. These findings are consistent with patterns commonly seen in this age group, shaped by time pressures, financial stress and the false belief that you only need a dentist when something hurts. There's a belief that healthy-looking teeth don't need attention, which means too many people are missing the potential early signs of decay and gum disease. Changes in daily routines - moving out of the family home, taking on study and full-time work often marks the beginning of the decline in dental care. Once children are out on their own, and in charge of their own health insurance, the health safety net can disappear. If you're a young adult reading this, remember, your health isn't on hold just because life got busier. By the time pain shows up, treatment can be complex and more expensive. The solution? Reconnecting oral health with the broader wellness narrative Gen Z already embraces. We talk a lot about mental fitness, skin care, and gut health - teeth need to be part of that conversation.
Perth Now
18 minutes ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Big four bank announces fresh blow to savers
NAB has become the latest bank to move on interest rates, cutting the rate of one of its more popular savings accounts. NAB has announced its Reward Savers account has fallen by 0.05 per cent for a new maximum rate of 4.35 per cent, in the second cut in less than a month. It follows a 25 basis points rate reduction on May 23 in line with the Reserve Bank of Australia's official interest rate reductions. Canstar called it a 'small blow' for savers. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar. Credit: NewsWire Account holders with NAB's Reward Savers will now get a 30 basis point reduction on their money held in the account. Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall described it as a small blow for savers who are already watching their returns slip away. 'It shows that banks don't need a cash rate change to move the goalposts for customers. It's a small move but a disappointing one nevertheless,' she said. According to Canstar, NAB is not the only bank moving on rates, with Australians now having just six banks offering at least one ongoing savings rate above 5 per cent including some young adult accounts and excluding those for children. 'While the average savings rate on our database is an uninspiring 3.07 per cent, there are six banks still offering an ongoing savings rate of 5 per cent or more,' Ms Tindall said. While each of the savings accounts comes with terms and conditions, including deposits and transactions, BOQ Future Super, BCU Bank Boss, P & N Bank Savvy Savers, MOVE Bank Growth Saver and ING Savings Maximiser all still offer rates above 5 per cent. Westpac Life Spend and Save also offers younger Aussies a 5 per cent savings rate, but comes with the major caveat of being for those aged 18 to 29. NAB announces a small cut to popular savings account. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Ms Tindall warned if the Reserve Bank cuts the cash rate again in July, which the bond market says has an 83 per cent chance of happening, the days of a 5 per cent savings rate could be behind us. 'If the RBA wields its knife again in July or August, savings rates starting with a 5 won't last beyond winter,' she said. 'Term deposit rates are, unsurprisingly, falling faster than at-call savings rates, as banks continue to bake in further cash rate cuts into the fixed rate term. 'If you're someone who likes the certainty and security a term deposit can bring, time is of the essence as these rates are likely to keep on falling in the weeks ahead.'
Perth Now
44 minutes ago
- Business
- Perth Now
State Aussies are leaving in droves
More people are fleeing NSW than any other state in Australia. Population data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics this week shows 28,118 people left NSW in 2024. Western Australia tipped over three million people for the first time as the resource-rich state recorded the highest nationwide growth rate. At the end of 2024, 27.4 million people called Australia home, an increase of 445,900 on the previous year and representative of a 1.7 per cent increase. Commonwealth Bank economist Lucinda Jerogin said population growth had slowed quicker than anticipated on the back of the post-pandemic peak. This sea of blue is not streaming into the State of Origin, instead they are headed for a Melbourne versus Collingwood AFL match. David Crosling / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia 'A slowdown in natural increase continues to place a drag on Australia's population growth,' she said 'Cost-of-living pressures, rising female workforce participation and broader uncertainty are likely driving this downward trend. 'Growth in deaths are outpacing births leading to the decline in natural increase.' The data shows NSW lost more than 28,000 people to net interstate migration, with 112,763 people leaving for elsewhere in the country. Queensland picked up more than 106,000 people from other states for a result of nearly 26,000 fresh faces. Nearly 40,000 Aussies moved to WA for a net increase of about 12,500 people. Australians continue to leave NSW, destined mostly for Queensland but also WA. NewsWire / Dan Peled Credit: News Corp Australia While Queensland and Victoria's total populations grew by 1.9 per cent, WA's grew 2.4 per cent. The population of every state and territory grew by at least 1.1 per cent, except Tasmania, which recorded a 0.3 per cent increase. 'Within Australia, people are continuing to leave NSW, and to a lesser extent Victoria and the smallest jurisdictions, and head into Queensland and WA,' Housing Industry Association economist Tom Devitt said. 'But even the jurisdictions losing residents interstate are absorbing enough overseas arrivals to see their populations expand.' State governments needed to do more to stimulate housing construction, he said. 'Foreign capital is highly liquid. State governments have forced institutional investors into building apartments in other countries,' Mr Devitt said. 'As a consequence, multi-unit construction volumes in Australia have halved, likely costing state governments tax revenue.'
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Amid Israeli strikes, Australia shuts down embassy in Iran's Tehran
Australia has shuttered its Tehran embassy and ordered officials to leave Iran, the government said Friday, citing a 'deteriorating security situation.' It joins a string of countries closing diplomatic missions in Iran since Israel launched air strikes a week ago, claiming its arch enemy was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Australia has directed all its officials and their dependents to leave Iran, and suspended its Tehran embassy operations, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told a news conference in Adelaide. 'This is not a decision taken lightly. It is a decision based on the deteriorating security environment in Iran,' she said. The government advised all Australians to leave Iran if they can do safely. Wong said there were about 2,000 Australians and family members registered in Iran who wanted to depart, and another 1,200 in Israel. Other nations that have suspended Tehran embassy operations include Bulgaria, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Australia joins other nations shutting Tehran embassies
Representative AI image Australia has shuttered its Tehran embassy and ordered officials to leave Iran, the government said Friday, citing a "deteriorating security situation". It joins a string of countries closing diplomatic missions in Iran since Israel launched air strikes a week ago, claiming its arch enemy was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Australia has directed all its officials and their dependents to leave Iran, and suspended its Tehran embassy operations, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told a news conference in Adelaide. "This is not a decision taken lightly. It is a decision based on the deteriorating security environment in Iran," she said. The government advised all Australians to leave Iran if they can do safely. Wong said there were about 2,000 Australians and family members registered in Iran who wanted to depart, and another 1,200 in Israel. Other nations that have suspended Tehran embassy operations include Bulgaria, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland.
