Penny Timms

Penny TimmsSenior Health Reporter

Penny Timms is a multi-platform health reporter. She has a particular interest in consumer health, future preparedness, and medical science. Penny joins The Australian following a background in public and independent journalism in Sydney, London, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

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HealthHealth

Nurses offering cosmetic injectables in Queensland have been left confused by Queensland Health guidance. PHOTO: iStock

Queensland’s cosmetic injectables industry in panic

Nurse-led cosmetic businesses in Queensland are trying to understand if their entire business model is illegal.

Penny Timms

Health

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Catherine, Princess of Wales meets Scout the therapy dog during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. The Prince and Princess of Wales have today become Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust following a visit by Her Royal Highness to the hospitalÃ¢â¬â¢s Chelsea site. The PrincessÃ¢â¬â¢ own personal cancer journey saw her receive treatment from The Royal Marsden. The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the worldÃ¢â¬â¢s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Princess Catherine is in remission. Understanding what that means is complicated

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is in remission. We talk to an oncologist about what that means and how long it lasts

Penny Timms

debateHealth

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 29: Ilona Maher #2 of Team United States runs with the ball during the Women's Rugby Sevens Quarter Final match between Team Great Britain and Team United States on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

This Olympian’s BMI said she was overweight. Is it time for an obesity diagnosis overhaul?

Over-reliance on the Body Mass Index has sparked a push supported by 75 medical organisations to back a Global Commission to overhaul obesity diagnosis and classification.

Penny Timms

ACCESS TO TESTINGHealth

Peter Schweizer with kids Mats, 18, Hailey, 16, and Hannah, 16. Peter is advocating for genetic testing to be offered to first-degree relatives of men with prostate cancer. Picture by Luke Marsden.

This dad wants genetic testing for his kids. The research backs him

Peter had no symptoms when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now, he’d like to see an expansion of genetic testing in the hope it could help save more lives and reduce anxiety

Penny Timms

healthHealth

Australia's first National Autism Strategy is being released. Picture: iStock

Boost for autistic in $42m package

Autistic Australians have some of the poorest life outcomes. This plan is designed to change that.

Penny Timms

THE REAL MENOPAUSEHealth

Patches are the most popular form of HRT in Australia. Picture: iStock

MHT has made a comeback. Here’s what you should know

Night sweats, low libido, hot flushes and Menopausal Hormone Therapy. What doctors want you to know about it, and your options amid a national shortage.

Penny Timms

SUMMER FITNESSHealth

A healthy lifestyle includes good nutrition and exercise. Picture: iStock

Too sluggish to exercise? Your diet could help

If you’re inspired to make this your best year yet, the advice is to make continual small but important changes that become daily habits.

Penny Timms

‘I WAS TERRIFIED’Health

01 January 2025: A female body with highlighted uterus and brain. Sources: iStock. Artwork by Frank Ling. For Print or Digital.

Suffering brain fog, confusion and anxiety? This may be the cause

For women, cognitive changes like forgetfulness, sleeplessness, irritability and confusion cannot only be frustrating – but deeply unnerving.

Penny Timms

healthHealth

Dr Geoff Lester in recovery after heart surgery.

‘If we don’t operate, you’ll die’: The night Geoff’s life changed forever

In less than two hours, Geoff Lester went from seemingly fit and healthy to being told he would die without immediate surgery. Exercise has been crucial to his recovery.

Penny Timms

menowashingHero

Credit card, online shopping and senior woman with phone on sofa ecommerce, payment or banking at home. Debit, fintech and grandmother with internet subscription, membership or budget in living room.

Nothing is off limits in this women’s health trend

Social media influencers are pushing an assortment of ‘cures’ for the adverse symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, and it’s leaving experts furious.

Penny Timms

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/penny-timms/page/2