Lifestyle health is back in focus. In this March episode of Nursing Australia, we explore two pillars of preventative care, movement and nutrition.

Nutrition scientist and dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan joins us to break down the science of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), debunk heating myths, and explain how to choose the right olive oil for maximum health benefit.

Then, Heart Foundation representative Elizabeth Calleja discusses why Australians aren’t meeting physical activity guidelines — and shares practical tools nurses can use to start meaningful exercise conversations with patients.

Evidence-based, practical and highly relatable — this is lifestyle medicine made simple.

The latest Nursing Australia News (04:00) Bulk-billing boom, universal respiratory vax, and weight-loss drugs on the rise.

Segment 1: What is EVOO (06:50) Is olive oil really healthy once it’s heated? And what actually makes extra virgin olive oil different? Nutrition scientist and dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan unpacks the myths, explains the science behind EVOO, and shares practical advice on choosing and using olive oil for maximum cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits.

Segment 2: Get Moving (29:20) Australians are falling short of recommended physical activity levels — and it’s impacting long-term health outcomes. Elizabeth Calleja from the Heart Foundation joins us to explain why movement matters, how much is enough, and the practical tools available to help nurses confidently support patients in becoming more active.

HANDY LINKS:

APPLY TO BE PART OF FESTIVAL OF NURSING 2026

DISCOVER SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY (SCU)

HEART FOUNDATION - WALKING

EVOO

The Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA)

Click here to get in touch with Nursing Australia (send a text for free from anywhere in the world) #askusanything

Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and mental distress. If you feel affected, support is available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or reach out to a trusted health professional.

Welcome to 2026. This episode is all about men’s health, with an emphasis on mental health.

The latest Nursing Australia News (03:45) Primary care boost, PHC Nurses Day, hospital funding deal

Segment 1: A Chance for Change (05:43)

A chance for Change. Thats the name of a grassroots organisation that wants to break apart the stigma that stops so many of us from opening up and talking about how we’re feeling. A change for change was started by a bunch of blokes – a bunch of tradies and a decade later its still going strong. One of the organisation’s directors, Nathan speaks with Leith and I from a personal and organisational perspective, and he shares some alarming stats.

Segment 2: The Pollie who couldn't talk to a doctor (22:15)

Dan Repacholi is a member for Hunter in NSW and Special Envoy for Men's Health. A few years ago, Dan was too embarrassed to speak with anyone - especially a doctor - about his weight. Dan says too many men forgo seeing a doctor out of feeling embarrassed, not knowing how to talk about an issue, or because they're under the impression that they need to be “tough” and just move on. Dan finally did see his dr and since then his health has changed dramtically. For nearly a year, Dan’s been on a mission to make it more normal for men to talk openly about their health to each other, their family members and their doctors. Dan is an MP, former tradie, olympian, father and husband.

Handy Links:

Lifeline - 131114

Beyond Blue - 1300224636

A Chance for Change

A Chance for Change - instagram

A Chance for Change - Facebook

Dan Repacholi - Instagram

Dan Repacholi - Facebook

APPLY TO BE PART OF FESTIVAL OF NURSING 2026

DISCOVER SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY (SCU)

Heart Foundation Walking

Click here to get in touch with Nursing Australia (send a text for free from anywhere in the world) #askusanything

Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger

Hi everyone — have you listened to Nursing Australia’s Summer Series yet?

Suzanne Blackeby joins Matt as his summer co-host, and together they introduce us to the 2025 APNA Award winners.

Episode 3 came out on Monday - Matt kicks things off with a very funny story involving a far too-tight wetsuit and dangling from a helicopter… before he and Suze wonder whether they might be getting old and a little jaded.

Then we meet Matthew Fox, the 2025 APNA Nurse Graduate of the Year. Matt is a fourth-generation nurse — but he didn’t start his nursing career until after a life-changing event in his twenties.

In Episode two, Matt and Suze chat summer plans — including Suze’s new slushy machine, which she’s commandeered from her son — and in the outro Matt reveals his very intriguing past on a reality TV show…

We also meet Bell Davis, winner of the Pursue Excellence Award. Bell is coordinating a groundbreaking new model for ADHD co-management — the first of its kind.

And all the way back in episode one, Matt and Suze unpack the APNA Awards and introduce us to positive disrupter Hayley Hodgson — an advanced practice nurse leading bold primary care models that strengthen care in rural communities.

We hope you enjoy meeting all of our APNA Award winners in this special Summer Series and enjoy a few conversations with Matt and Suze.

🎓 Proudly brought to you by Southern Cross University (SCU).

Click here to get in touch with Nursing Australia (send a text for free from anywhere in the world) #askusanything

Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger