Day: September 17, 2023

#W

Workplace health

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Having a safe and healthy workplace is important for your wellbeing. How you sit, stand or move at work — and what type of work you do — can influence your health. Your workplace can impact your mental health, for example by causing stress. This can lead to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Your employer has a legal responsibility to keep your workplace safe by providing training and safety equipment. What is ‘workplace health’? Australians spend, on average, about one-third of their time working. Having a safe and healthy workspace is an important part of

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#W

What is addiction?

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is addiction? Addiction is when you have a strong physical or psychological need or urge to do something or use something. It is a dependence on a substance or activity even if you know that it causes you harm. It can impact your daily life. This article describes the types, causes and signs of addiction, and where to get help. Many people have heard of addiction to: smoking drinking alcohol gambling taking drugs prescription medicines Addiction to drugs can include cannabis, ice and amphetamines. Alcohol and nicotine are also drugs. It’s possible to be addicted to anything, such as: Computers — computer addiction is increasing. You may

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#S

Suicide warning signs

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is suicide? Suicide is the act of deliberately ending your own life. More than 65,000 Australians attempt suicide each year, and 3,139 Australians died by suicide in 2020. In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 49 years old. Suicidal behaviour can range from thinking about suicide (often referred to as ‘suicide ideation’), to making plans then attempting suicide and, in the most tragic cases, death by suicide. What are the risk factors for suicide? Suicide is complex, and there are many factors that might lead a person to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

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#Men's health #S #Women's health

Sexual harassment

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or behaviour. If you are being sexually harassed, it can impact on your life mentally and physically. If you and another person consent to a sexual behaviour, including flirting, this is not sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is against the law in Australia, and it is everyone’s right to live free of harassment. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you can report it and get support. What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment covers a range of unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour. Sexual harassment is sexual behaviour that can make a person

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#H #Healthy lifestyle

How alcohol affects your health

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Why is alcohol a health issue? Many Australians drink some alcohol. Some people drink alcohol in amounts that are harmful to their health. This kind of drinking can cause death, disease, and injury. This is a major factor in ill health and social harm in Australia. One standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in (approximately): 285ml full-strength beer or cider 375ml mid-strength beer 425ml light-strength beer 100ml wine 1 nip (30ml) of spirits No level of alcohol consumption can be considered safe. To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury for healthy adults: drink no

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#Men's health #S #Women's health

Sexual assault and rape

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Sexual assault is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable, scared or threatened. Anyone can experience sexual assault and most victims know the person who assaulted them — which can include a spouse. If you’ve been assaulted, you decide whether to report a sexual assault to the police or a support service. This can be done at any time. Avoid washing yourself or your clothes immediately after an assault, so physical evidence can be collected if you choose to report the assault. There are many sexual assault helplines and rape-crisis centres that can help

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#D #Men's health #Women's health

Domestic violence and abusive relationships

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Domestic violence is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re close to. Anyone, regardless of their background, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence can include many different forms of abuse. These include physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse. Domestic violence is never your fault. If you think you are in an abusive relationship, get help now from your family, friends or GP. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence (also known as family violence) is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control

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#C #Sexual health #Women's health

Contraception options

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Using contraception (birth control) allows people to have penis-in-vagina sex while preventing an unplanned pregnancy. Many different methods of contraception are available. It’s important to discuss contraception with a new partner before you decide to have sex. Contraception affects both you and your partner, so you are both responsible for it. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks of each type of birth control. What is contraception? Contraception (birth control) can be used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pregnancy can happen when sperm released during penis-in-vagina sex fertilises an egg, which then implants in your uterus (womb).

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#Y

Young adults’ health

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Contraception options There are many different forms of contraception. No form of birth control is 100% effective, but some methods are more effective than others. Click here Domestic violence and abusive relationships Domestic violence (also known as family violence) is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone  Click here Drugs and alcohol Some details about types of drugs and how dangerous of it Click here How alcohol affects your health Many Australians drink some alcohol. Some people drink alcohol in amounts that are harmful to their health. Click here Glandular fever Glandular fever is an

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#Y

Youth suicide

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, do not ignore the warning signs. There are things you can do, both to keep safe now and to get help in the future. It can be very worrying when someone wants to take their own life — but suicide can be prevented. Many young people have intense emotions and think about dying from time to time. They may feel overwhelmed by distress or pain. They may not actually want to die, but they see taking their life as the only way out.  With support, things can improve and they can work

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#Y

Younger onset dementia

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is younger onset dementia? Younger onset dementia is used to describe any form of dementia that develops in people under the age of 65. Dementia has been diagnosed in people in their 50s, 40s and even in their 30s. It is sometimes called early onset dementia. Younger onset dementia is similar to other types of dementia in many ways. The same problems generally occur, but the disease can have a different impact on a younger person because they are more likely to be employed full time, raising a family or financially responsible for a family. What are the symptoms of younger

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#Complementary therapy #Fitness and exercise #Y

Health benefits of yoga and Pilates

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Yoga combines physical movements with meditation and calm breathing techniques. Pilates involves a series of repetitive body moves with a breath technique to enhance correct movement and coordination. Regular yoga and Pilates classes improve your muscle strength, and balance and flexibility skills. An instructor can change yoga and Pilates moves to suit all ages and fitness levels. If you are new to yoga or Pilates, take classes with a certified instructor to learn the correct movements and to help avoid injury. What are yoga and Pilates? Yoga Yoga is an ancient exercise and wellbeing practice that originated in

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#B

Bulimia nervosa

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition. People with bulimia nervosa binge eat and use compensatory behaviours to manage their weight. There’s no single cause of bulimia nervosa. If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa, it’s important to get help early. What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. An eating disorder is not a choice but a complex mental health condition. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time). A person with bulimia nervosa can find it very difficult to control their

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#B

Body image

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is body image? Body image refers to the way you see your physical self — your body — and the thoughts and feelings that are caused by the way you see it. Having a healthy body image means being comfortable and knowing that there is more to you than just your physical appearance. You accept your body, including its limitations, and appreciate it. Conversely, having an unhealthy body image involves always thinking your body is unattractive. This ‘body dissatisfaction’ is driven from an internal process, but can be influenced by external social factors. Sometimes, it can make a person

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#B

Body dysmorphic disorder

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is body dysmorphic disorder? Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness where a person believes there is a flaw or defect in their body and this leads to distress and repetitive behaviours. If you have body dysmorphic disorder, you feel a part of your body is unusual or deformed, so that you feel ashamed, distressed or depressed. These feelings may affect your wellbeing and prevent you from living a normal life. Body dysmorphic disorder can lead a person to try and fix or change the perceived defect, for example with make-up, exercise or surgery. The face and facial features — such as the size

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#B

Binge-eating disorder (BED)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is binge-eating disorder? Binge-eating disorder is a type of eating disorder. A person with binge-eating disorder will frequently eat very large quantities of food in a short period of time. They often feel as though they have lost control of their eating. Binge-eating disorder is a serious mental health disorder. It makes up almost half of all cases of eating disorder in Australia. What causes binge-eating disorder? Some people have no obvious reason for having binge-eating disorder. Some will have a family history of eating disorders. Genes probably play a part. Others have experienced childhood abuse or trauma. Binge-eating disorder is also linked to: anxiety

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#A

Anorexia nervosa

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and a serious mental illness. A person with anorexia nervosa restricts their energy intake, has a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. The restriction in energy intake can cause a significant amount of weight loss in a short period of time and may result in a person having a very low weight. Anorexia nervosa is most common in women and usually starts in adolescence. It is the third most common chronic illness in girls and young women and affects up to 1 in 200 girls. One in 11 people who

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#E

Eating disorders

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Eating disorder are serious mental health conditions. Eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders can have a serious impact on the person affected, and their family. Anyone can have an eating disorder — but they are more common in adolescents and young adults. It’s important to get help for an eating disorder as early as possible. What is an eating disorder? An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves an unhealthy obsession with eating, exercise or body shape. Anyone can get an eating disorder, whatever your cultural background, sex or age. Eating disorders affect

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#E

Eating disorders and body image

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

If someone you know seems unusually preoccupied with food and their weight, has strange eating rituals or sneaks off to the bathroom straight after meals, they might be dealing with an eating disorder. There are many different types of eating disorders from mild through to severe cases that can have dramatic health consequences and even result in death. Treatment is available to help people with disordered eating to develop a healthy attitude towards food and in turn lead healthier lives. While many people have heard of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, there are several other eating disorders that often come under the name ‘other specified

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#E

Emotional changes in puberty

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

How can I deal with heated arguments? You may find that you and your teen are are arguing more with each other, and this is normal. Your well-intentioned efforts to offer to help them make the right decision may not be what they want to hear. Your child is looking for more independence and is starting to question different points of view — including yours. Look at the big picture. Keep in mind that you child does not mean to upset you; they might not realise how their words affect you. Remember that this is temporar. Conflict is usually at

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#P #Women's health

Puberty for girls

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Puberty in females usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13 years. Puberty involves physical and emotional changes that can be both challenging and exciting. Having conversations with a parent or other trusted adult can help you while you experience these changes. When does puberty begin? Puberty in girls usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13 and lasts for several years. It is the time where your body develops and matures. Puberty prepares your body so one day you will be able to have a baby. The changes are caused by natural substances in your

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#P

Puberty for boys

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

When does puberty begin? Puberty is the time when your body develops and goes through rapid growth. Your body’s reproductive system matures, and so too will other body organs and systems. Your brain also goes through changes at this time that affect your emotions and behaviours. Puberty happens because of natural substances in your body called hormones. For boys, puberty begins around 11 to 13 years of age, and will last for several years. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is different, and you will start puberty at the right time for your body, which may be different from other

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#G

Glandular fever

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is glandular fever? Glandular fever is an infectious disease that is common in teenagers and young adults. It is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. It is also called infectious mononucleosis and is sometimes known as the ‘kissing disease’ because it is spread through saliva. What are the symptoms of glandular fever? Many people in Australia are exposed to the virus that causes glandular fever but never develop any symptoms. This is especially true of children. In those who do develop glandular fever, it usually starts like most throat infections with: a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC or above

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#A #Ac-

Acne

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is acne? Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots on the face, neck, back or chest. These spots can be whiteheads, blackheads or inflamed, pus-filled pimples. Adult acne, also called hormonal acne, is acne that continues past the age of around 18 to 20 or starts when someone is in their early twenties. Acne vulgaris generally affects teenagers and continues for 3 to 5 years although it can sometimes carry on for longer. Some people have a mild form of acne, with only occasional spots or outbreaks, while others have more severe acne, with large areas of the

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#Y

Youth (teenagers’ health)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Acne Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots on the face, neck, back or chest. These spots can be whiteheads, blackheads or inflamed, pus-filled pimples. Read more Glandular fever Glandular fever is an infectious disease that is common in teenagers and young adults. It is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. Read more Puberty for boys Puberty is the time when your body develops and goes through rapid growth. Your body’s reproductive system matures, and so too will other body organs and systems. Read more Puberty for girls Puberty in girls usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13

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#Y

Depression in young people

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is depression in young people? Depression is a mental health condition that causes you to feel sad or have a low mood. While it is normal to feel down sometimes, if you feel this way for 2 weeks or more, or your mood gets in the way of your day-to-day life, you may have depression. This page is about depression in young people; however, many aspects and risk factors of depression are not age specific. Go here for general information about depression. How common is depression in young people? Depression affects 3 in 100 men aged 18 to 24 and

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#Y

Yellow fever

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Yellow fever is a disease that is transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms can be mild or very severe, causing jaundice (skin yellowing), organ failure and death. Yellow fever is found in parts of Africa, South America and Central America. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, but it can be prevented by getting vaccinated and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is a serious disease caught by being bitten by a mosquito infected by a virus. It can cause severe illness, with bleeding from the organs of the body and even death. It is

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