Day: October 30, 2023

Emotional changes in puberty What emotional changes should I expect during my child’s teenage years? Supporting your child through their teenage years can be both challenging and rewarding. Both boys and girls experience physical, hormonal and emotional changes during this time. These changes are part of a process known as puberty. Many girls begin puberty at around 10, while boys often begin this process at around 11. However, it’s important to remember that every person is different and your child will grow and develop at their own pace. During puberty, physical, hormonal and emotional changes may trigger changes in behaviour as well,

The beach The beach is one of Australia’s most recognisable and enjoyable features. Here’s how to enjoy a day at the beach safely and help prevent accidents or injuries. If you get into trouble, save your energy by floating on your back. Try and stay calm. This will ensure you have the energy to stay afloat until help arrives. Who are lifeguards and lifesavers? Lifeguards and lifesavers are trained to supervise beachgoers. They provide advice about beach conditions. You should note what uniform the lifesaving service at your beach is wearing. This will help you know who to look for

Dog, cat and bat bites Are animal bites serious? Animal bites are a common cause of injury. Dog and cat bites are the most frequent type of animal bite. But any animal, including your pets, farm animals, native animals — and even humans — can bite you. Dog or cat bites are usually minor. Infections can occur if your skin is broken by an animal bite. You should avoid handling bats or flying foxes in Australia unless you are: trained in their care vaccinated wearing protective gloves What are the symptoms of animal bites? Animal bites can be very painful

What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and usually the least dangerous type of skin cancer. BCCs usually appear on the face, neck, back or shoulders. BCCs start in the basal cells of the skin’s top layer (the epidermis). They grow slowly over months or years and rarely spread to other parts of the body. BCCs make up around 3 in every 4 of all skin cancers. See your doctor if you think you have a BCC. It is easier to treat if diagnosed early. What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma? BCCs often start with

Guide to bariatric surgery What is bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery is surgery that affects the stomach and how food is digested. It is designed to make the stomach much smaller, which causes the person to feel full after eating only a small amount of food. What are the types of bariatric surgery? The most common types in Australia are lap band surgery (called gastric banding), gastric bypass (called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and gastric sleeve surgery (called sleeve gastrectomy). The surgery is usually done as a keyhole procedure, in which there are a number of small cuts in the abdomen. But sometimes, open

Female pattern hair loss What is female pattern hair loss? Female pattern hair loss is a term used to describe hair loss and thinning in females. It is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is the most common cause of hair loss in females. Female pattern hair loss can develop at any age. It is more common after menopause. Almost half of all females show signs of hair loss by the age of 50. What are the symptoms of female pattern hair loss? The hair loss and thinning follow a different pattern to male pattern hair loss. Your hair usually thins across your

Male pattern baldness What is male pattern baldness? Male pattern baldness is a type of hair loss and thinning that is common in adult men. It is also known as androgenetic alopecia. Male pattern baldness involves hair loss that starts at the hairline above the temples and leads to a receding hairline. This is followed by hair loss on the top or ‘crown’ of the head, leaving behind a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair. While it is commonly seen in older men, male pattern baldness can affect young adult men as well. Hair loss occurs because of changes to the normal hair growth

What is balanitis? Balanitis is when the head of the penis (the ‘glans’) becomes inflamed, causing the skin to become red and itchy. Carefully washing and drying off the affected area is usually enough to make Balanitis go away. Medical treatment is occasionally also needed. What are the symptoms of balanitis? If you have balanitis, you might notice: redness and swelling itching or flaking skin pain an unpleasant smell or discharge a rash that is pink or red, smooth or scaly or spotty or patchy difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis) What causes balanitis? Balanitis is usually caused by overgrowth of the microorganisms, particularly