Influenza DEFINITION Influenza (also known as seasonal flu) is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Symptoms of Influenza appear suddenly, unlike the common cold, where less-severe symptoms appear gradually. The gap between exposure to the flu virus and development of symptoms is 2 to… Read Article
Hepatitis DEFINITION Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. There are many causes of Hepatitis but the most common cause is viral infection. There are many known Hepatitis viruses including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E. DESCRIPTION Once a virus has infected the liver,… Read Article
Hayfever Definition Hayfever, also known as ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ is an allergic reaction to pollen which causes inflammation and irritation to the lining of the eyes, nose and throat. Description Hayfever results when nasal passages are exposed to an allergy-causing substance (allergen). The membranes release large amounts of histamine, which… Read Article
Glycaemic index DEFINITION The Glycaemic Index (GI) is the ranking of foods on a scale of 1 to 100 based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Foods with a high GI are those that are digested (broken down) and absorbed by the body quickly, leading to… Read Article
Gingivitis DEFINITION Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is very common. DESCRIPTION Gingivitis is caused by plaque (particularly at the tooth/gum margin) and can result in swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. It is not usually painful, and may only affect some parts of the mouth. Gingivitis… Read Article
Gallstones DEFINITION Gallstones are stones which form in the gallbladder and are classified as either cholesterol or pigment stones. DESCRIPTION Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps to break down dietary fats into smaller fragments for digestion and absorption into the body. When fats… Read Article
Eczema – atopic DEFINITION Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, reddened, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. DESCRIPTION Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)… Read Article
Diabetes and foot care DEFINITION Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) caused by impairment in insulin secretion and/or action. Diabetes causes changes to the physiology of the foot that need to be monitored by people with Diabetes and their… Read Article
Depression DEFINITION Depression is a mental illness which causes symptoms of anxiety, hopelessness, negativity and helplessness. DESCRIPTION Depression is quite a common condition that can affect people of any age, including children. Depression is a real illness and is certainly not a sign of failure. Unlike feelings of unhappiness that… Read Article
Crabs DEFINITION Crabs is a species of body lice which are found in the pubic hairs of the body. DESCRIPTION These tiny lice are usually found in large numbers and cause irritation and itching in the pubic area. A close look will identify these creatures clinging to the hair in… Read Article