AIDS DEFINITION The initials, AIDS, stand for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. DESCRIPTION This is a viral infection which up to this time has no known cure. The human body has many different types of white blood cells that circulate around the body. These all have a specific job to do in… Read Article
Travellers’ diarrhoea DEFINITION Travellers’ diarrhoea is a clinical syndrome resulting from microbial contamination of ingested food and water. DESCRIPTION Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common ailment affecting overseas travellers. The ailment has many names, including Delhi belly, Bali belly, Montezuma’s revenge and Pharaoh’s curse, depending on what country is being… Read Article
Thrombosis DEFINITION Thrombosis is the name given to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel – both veins and arteries. This condition is a common ailment and is potentially fatal. DESCRIPTION There are three main types of thrombosis: Arterial thrombosis This is the name given to a… Read Article
Be Sun Smart It’s summertime in Australia and that means BBQ’s, cricket and days at the beach. If you are not careful it can also mean sunburn. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than 430,000 Australians are treated a year for… Read Article
Snoring DEFINITION Snoring is partially obstructed breathing during sleep, causing a harsh, rough sound from the passage of air through the mouth, throat and nose. Snoring ranges from being an annoying problem for bed partners and the household to a potential health threat to the snorer. DESCRIPTION Snoring is the… Read Article
Schizophrenia DEFINITION Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way an individual perceives, thinks and reacts to the world around them. DESCRIPTION Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the population and usually begins in early adulthood, although it has been known to begin in children or older adults. Schizophrenia does… Read Article
Pulmonary embolism DEFINITION Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the blood vessels of the lungs. In most cases, the blockage occurs when a blood clot travels from a point downstream in the circulation and gets stuck, as the vessels become narrower in the lungs. DESCRIPTION Pulmonary emboli are a problem… Read Article
Plantar fasciitis DEFINITION Plantar fasciitis means inflammation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue (similar to a ligament) that stretches from the heel to the middle bones of the foot. DESCRIPTION Plantar faciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Small injuries to the plantar fascia, which… Read Article
Ovarian Cancer DEFINITION Ovarian Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal ovarian cells. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and produce an egg each month for fertilisation. DESCRIPTION Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women after breast, bowel and lung cancers. New cases of… Read Article
Muscle cramps DEFINITION Muscle Cramps occur when a muscle contracts with great intensity and stays contracted, without relaxing as normal. Muscle Cramps are common and their effects range from mild discomfort to considerable pain. Common areas of muscle cramping include the calves (particularly at night), ‘stitches’ (pain in the side… Read Article