Day: September 29, 2023

What is albinism? Albinism is a group of genetic conditions in which a person has no or very little melanin pigment in their skin, hair and eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In Australia, about 1 in 17,000 people have some type of albinism. It is important for people with albinism to protect their skin and eyes from the sun, and have their eyes checked regularly. The genes for albinism are passed down from both parents, who may not be directly affected by it themselves. However, there is no simple test to determine whether

What is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder where a person fears having a panic attack in certain places — like public transport, crowds or queues — or situations from which escape is difficult. It is normal to sometimes feel anxious, but anxiety becomes a disorder if it interferes with daily life. Anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia can seriously restrict a person’s ability to go to work or socialise with friends and family. What are the symptoms of agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is a type of phobia and often goes together with panic disorder. Symptoms of agoraphobia include: experiencing anxiety or panic attacks in situations

What is agnosia? Agnosia is a rare condition that causes an inability to recognise objects, people, smells or sounds. If you have the signs of agnosia, you should see your doctor for advice. Agnosia is a neurological disorder (a condition that affects the nervous system). It is caused by damage to parts of the brain. It can either occur suddenly — for example, as a result of a stroke or an accident — or over time (such as when a person has a brain tumour). Agnosia is not caused by memory loss, but it can be caused by dementia. If you have agnosia, you will

As we get older, our needs change The Australian aged care system provides various options to cater to different care needs. Many of these options are funded by the government. An assessment is required to access government-funded services for older Australians. These assessments are completed by the aged care assessment team / service (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria). These determine a person’s eligibility for services, as well as assess the care and support they need. Carers may also be eligible for respite services. What is aged care? Aged care is the support provided to Australians aged 65 years and over

What are ‘after-hours’ health services? After-hours health services are services for people needing healthcare outside of normal general practice opening hours. However, they are not a hospital emergency department. They can manage problems that don’t need the emergency department, but that can’t wait for a GP to be available. Which services are available? There are many different healthcare services that are available after-hours including GPs, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, dentists and mental health counsellors. A good place to start looking for services near you is the healthdirect Service Finder. You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to

What is advance care planning? Advance care planning involves planning for your future healthcare. The process of advance care planning helps you outline your values and beliefs and your preferences for your future healthcare. Advance care planning will help guide your loved ones and doctors to make decisions on your behalf that align with your values, in a situation where you aren’t able to do this yourself. What is an advance care directive? Advance care planning involves formally detailing your values and preferences regarding your future healthcare. This document is called an ‘advance care directive’, though it has different names

What is adrenaline? Adrenaline is a hormone that helps you react very quickly if you are faced with an exciting, stressful or dangerous situation. This is known as the ‘fight-or-flight response’. In this type of situation, your brain sends messages to your adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys) to start releasing the hormone into the blood. You will feel the effects of the adrenaline within 2 or 3 minutes. Adrenaline is also a medication used to treat a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in an emergency. It may also be used during cardiac arrest, croup and asthma when other treatments are not effective. When

6-minute read What are the adrenal glands? Your adrenal glands are 2 triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They form part of your body’s hormonal system. What do my adrenal glands do? Your adrenal glands make hormones that are involved in: controlling your blood pressure your metabolism your body’s response to stress What hormones do my adrenal glands make? Your adrenal glands makes many hormones, including: adrenaline cortisol aldosterone Adrenaline is involved in your body’s stress (or ‘fight or flight’) response. It: makes your heart beat faster sends more blood to your muscles causes other changes in your

What is adrenal fatigue? Adrenal fatigue is a term used by alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms which are thought to be due to chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. However, it currently is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition. Adrenal insufficiency Your adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. Their role is to produce hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones prepare your body for fight or flight. Adrenal insufficiency (also called Addison’s disease), is a recognised medical condition when your adrenal glands don’t make enough