March 24 was World TB day, under the theme, “It’s time to end TB”. TB is a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through coughing and breathing in airborne droplets that contain bacteria. TB primarily affects the lungs, but can affect any part of the body. As one of the most common […]
PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Although it usually grows slowly, this disease can still be deadly. Eating more fruits and vegetables may play a role in preventing many forms of cancer. Fruits and vegetables not only provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber but also contribute to low-fat, […]
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch on the gut wall at the start of the large intestine. It is a medical emergency as, left untreated, the appendix can burst or perforate. Appendicitis is thought most often to be caused by blockage of the appendix ‘tube’ either by something stuck on the inside, […]
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways. The typical symptoms are wheeze, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment is usually through inhalers which work well to ease and prevent symptoms. A typical person with asthma may take a preventer inhaler every day to prevent […]
Memory loss has a number of causes, one of which is dementia. Dementia is a progressive condition that causes deteriorating mental function which interferes with activities of daily living, such as: Memory Thinking Language Orientation Judgement Social behaviour Who gets Dementia and what are the Symptoms? The likelihood of getting dementia increases with age. Having […]
What is Insomnia? Insomnia means poor sleep. About one third of adults do not get as much sleep as they would like. Poor sleep can mean:- Not being able to get off to sleep Waking up too early Waking for long periods in the night Not feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep As many as […]
Otitis Media The most common cause of hearing loss in children. This condition can occur in one or both ears and primarily affects children due to the shape of the young Eustachian tube (canal that runs between the inside of the ear and the throat). When left undiagnosed and untreated, otitis media can lead to […]
Not all headaches one gets require seeking medical intervention. Most headaches that occur without symptoms will respond well to self care (resting in a quiet place or using non-prescription pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen). Certain types of headaches however, require stronger prescription medications or may be warning signs to seek immediate medical care. […]
Heartburn is when food and stomach acid backs up into your throat. The acid from your stomach causes a burning feeling. Many women have heartburn when they are pregnant. It may be painful for you but it will not hurt your baby. Signs you might have heartburn are:- a burning feeling in your chest after […]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – what we call “acid indigestion” or “heartburn” – is caused in most cases by a weakening or malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (ES), the tiny valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. You can prevent GERD by controlling your weight. Obesity generally increases abdominal pressure, thus boosting the […]
