It Can't Hurt To Ask

• Ep 2 | Pregnancy: mentally preparing for parenthood

  Pregnancy is often associated with glowing skin and cute baby bumps—but what about when it feels more like nausea, anxiety, and endless 3am Google searches?In Episode 2 of Parents' Group, Season 4 of It Can’t Hurt To Ask, your hosts Steph, Alex and Caitlin talk about pregnancy and mental wellbeing. From morning sickness and mood swings to bonding with your baby before they’re born, this episode explores the emotional side of pregnancy that doesn’t always get much airtime.They’re joined by Anna, a midwife from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, who shares practical tips for managing morning sickness, preparing mentally for birth, and knowing when it’s time to seek support. You’ll also hear from Aimee, who shares her honest experience of pregnancy sickness and finding small ways to connect with her baby.Because while pregnancy can be joyful, it can also be overwhelming—and you don’t have to go through it alone.Resources:If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations.13HEALTH: call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: call 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor about the first year of your child’s life.Parentline: call 1300 301 300 for advice and counselling about any issue that affects you as a parent. Available from 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA): contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 or chat online if you or your partner are feeling depressed, or you are struggling after the birth of your child.Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 if you’re a man and have family or relationship concerns. Available 24 hours a day.Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. ForWhen: call 1300 24 23 22. Available Monday – Friday 9.00am–4.30pm. SMS4DADS: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips – for dads and dads-to-be.Raising Children Network: offers ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: free parenting courses for parents and carers of children under 12.Queensland Health Child Health Clinics: Child health services have clinics...

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• Ep 1 | Meet your Parents' Group

  What if there was a parents' group you could join from anywhere... one that was honest, supportive, and always had a laugh (or a cry) when you needed it most?In Episode 1 of Parent’s Group, Season 4 of It Can’t Hurt To Ask by Queensland Health, your hosts Steph, Alex and Caitlin kick off the season by welcoming you into this virtual parent’s group. Together, they share their own parenting journeys — the highs, the challenges, and the messy middle — and set the scene for what’s to come this season.This series will explore the first 2,000 days of your child’s life, from pregnancy through to starting school, with a focus on supporting parents’ mental wellbeing. You’ll hear expert advice from Queensland Health clinicians alongside honest, real stories from parents across the state.Because no matter what stage you’re in, whether you’re soaking up the joy or counting down to bedtime, you’re not alone.Resources:If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available. In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations.13HEALTH: call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: call 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor about the first year of your child’s life.Parentline: call 1300 301 300 for advice and counselling about any issue that affects you as a parent. Available from 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA): contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 or chat online if you or your partner are feeling depressed, or you are struggling after the birth of your child.Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 if you’re a man and have family or relationship concerns. Available 24 hours a day.Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. ForWhen: call 1300 24 23 22. Available Monday – Friday 9.00am–4.30pm. SMS4DADS: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips – for dads and dads-to-be.Raising Children Network: offers ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: free parenting courses for parents and carers of children under 12.Queensland Health Child Health Clinics: Child health services have clinics across the state to...

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• Supporting the mental wellbeing of new parents

  It Can't Hurt To Ask is back!This season, we’re diving into the different challenges each stage of parenthood presents — from pregnancy through to the preschool years. You'll hear real stories from Queensland mums and dads navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood, alongside expert clinicians sharing practical advice, insights and answers to the questions, concerns and curiosities every parent has.Catch the first episode to meet your informal 'Parents' Group' when it drops on this feed next week. New episodes will be released weekly.We hope you'll join us. After all, it can't hurt to ask!

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• Ep 6 | Ageing well | How men can future-proof their mind and body and improve longevity

  This season of It Can't Hurt To Ask, we're taking a deep dive into your men's health questions and concerns.In this episode we're exploring how you can say fit, strong, and resilient as you age. Whether you're 25 or 45, it's never too early to start laying the foundations for healthy ageing.Our featured expert is Dr Eric Chung, professor of surgery at the University of Queensland and a consultant urologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. He's here to share tips to unlock your best self now and into the future. You'll hear from Queensland men, Andrew and Kevin, who share their experiences and views on staying healthy at any age.Learn about the many factors affecting ageing well. Besides the more obvious ones, such as a healthy diet and exercise, you'll also hear about the effects of risky behaviours, family history, chronic conditions, substance use, mental wellbeing, social connectedness, happiness, and even your sex life, on healthy ageing.If you'd like to learn more about men's health, listen to the other men's health episodes in this brand-new season. Please leave us a review—we'd love to hear your thoughts.Episode Resources:Ageing wellEveryone deserves to live well and maintain their health and independence into the future. To learn more, visit the Australian Government's websites: Positive ageing is ageing well and Tips for healthy ageing. Many factors influence healthy ageing. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others—such as exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health—are within our reach.ExercisePhysical activity is important at any age for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. It reduces the risk of many diseases, including some cancers. Learn how much exercise you should be doing and how to fit it into your day by reading the Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians and the Choose Health, Be Active booklet.DietMaking smart food choices can help protect you from certain health problems as you age and may even help improve brain function. Visit the Australian guide to healthy eating for more information.Mental health and wellbeingMental health, or mental wellness, is essential to your overall health and quality of life. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Managing social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood through medical and self-care is key to healthy ageing.If you feel that you may be in need of mental health support and have never accessed a mental health service before, our mental health access line 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is available 24/7. This is a confidential mental health telephone triage service and is the first point of contact to Queensland public mental health...

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• Ep 5 | Chronic conditions | How genes and lifestyle increase a man's risk

  This season of It Can't Hurt To Ask, we're taking a deep dive into your men's health questions and concerns.This episode, we’re talking about chronic conditions—complex health conditions that can be long term or lifelong—and how genes and lifestyle can increase or decrease a man's risk.Chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia, where over half of our population lives with at least one. They include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney and autoimmune disease, vascular, lung, neurological and mental health conditions, and more.Our featured expert is urologist and Professor of Surgery, Dr Eric Chung, who shares his deep knowledge of what affects men’s health and how many chronic conditions are preventable or manageable.You'll also hear from Queensland men, Sam and Dan, who share their life experiences with chronic conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and chronic pain.What are the effects of genetics, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress on your chances of developing a chronic condition? How can technology help to reduce your risk? Where can you seek support? Listen to find out.If you'd like to learn more about men's health, listen to other men's health episodes in our brand-new season. Also listen out for our final episode this season, where we explore how Queensland men can age well.Please leave us a review—we'd love to hear your thoughts.Episode resources:Chronic conditionsMany Australians live with chronic conditions, which can cause illness, disability and even death. Chronic conditions can lower your quality of life and may affect your independence.You can take an active role in managing and preventing chronic conditions. You can work with your GP and specialist to manage your condition, reduce your risk and improve your quality of life.To learn more, visit the Australian Government's chronic conditions website. Where to get help13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a confidential phone service that provides health advice to Queenslanders. You can phone and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call. 13 HEALTH provides qualified health advice—it is not a diagnostic service and should not replace medical consultation. In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).Virtual emergency care is also available in Queensland. Visit our Virtual Emergency Care Service between 8am - 10pm for free specialist emergency care services, by telephone or video conferencing. You can also access the Health Direct symptom checker.If you feel that you may be in need of mental health support and have never accessed a mental health service before, our mental health access line 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is available 24/7. This is a confidential mental health telephone triage service and is the first point of contact to Queensland public mental health services.Organisations like Beyond Blue (1300 22...

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