Day: November 30, 2023

What is glaucoma? The optic nerve carries images from the retina (light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) to your brain, allowing you to see. Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve where it leaves your eye. Glaucoma can cause loss of vision. Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in pressure in your eye Cross-section of the eye. Sometimes the optic nerve can be damaged, even though the pressure in your eye is within the normal range. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to lower the

What is glandular fever? Glandular fever is a viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is also called infectious mononucleosis or ‘mono’. It is sometimes known as the ‘kissing disease’ because it is spread through saliva. Glandular fever can affect people of all ages but is more common in young adults and teenagers. What are the symptoms of glandular fever? Symptoms of glandular fever include: sore throat fever swollen glands, usually in the neck fatigue (tiredness) nausea Other signs and symptoms can include: rash abdominal (tummy) pain swelling of your spleen (a large organ in the upper left

What is GHB? GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal drug commonly found around the dance and party scene. It’s known as a ‘date rape’ drug, because it is hard to detect if it is slipped into a drink at a party. GHB was originally developed to be used as an anaesthetic. It is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it slows down brain activity and produces feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. GHB usually comes as liquid. It can be bitter or salty tasting and is odourless or has a slight odour. It can also come as a powder or in crystal form. GHB

How to start exercising Everyone should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Moderate-intensity physical activity is an activity that is energetic and raises your heart rate, but doesn’t make you too breathless, such as fast walking. If you are pregnant, have been previously inactive, or suffer from any medical conditions, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before commencing vigorous physical activity. For best results in achieving a healthier lifestyle and reducing your risk of developing a chronic disease, combine physical activity with healthy eating. Build up slowly

What are genital warts? Genital warts are lumps on genital areas, such as the vagina, vulva, penis and scrotum. They are sexually transmitted and very common. The warts can also appear on your cervix, around your anus and rectum (back passage), in your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) or around your mouth. What are the symptoms of genital warts? Genital warts are usually painless, but they may be itchy. They can be bumpy, flat or appear in clusters. If you have genital warts, you might also notice: differences in your stream of urine blood in

What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2. This is the same type of virus that causes cold sores. Around 1 in every 8 sexually active Australian adults have genital herpes. Genital herpes can cause outbreaks (flare-ups) of blisters or sores on the genitals and anus. Once infected, you can continue to have outbreaks of symptoms throughout your life. If you think you have genital herpes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis, and start treatment. What are the

Genes are one of the basic units of life. Problems with genes can cause health or development problems. Some genetic disorders affect people from birth, others develop later in life. If you are concerned that you or someone you care for has, or might have, a genetic disorder, this page will provide you with more information. Where are genes made of? Almost every cell in the body has a centre called a nucleus. In almost every nucleus, there are 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are passed from parent to child, and are the vehicle for carrying all that a child inherits from their

What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)? Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder where people have uncontrollable and persistent worry that affects their day-to-day life on an ongoing basis. What are the symptoms of GAD? You could be dealing with GAD if:   you uncontrollably worry about many different things, a lot of the time your worry makes it hard to do everyday things like working and seeing friends you’re often tired but can’t sleep properly you constantly feel tense or restless your heart races or your mouth gets dry you have difficulty concentrating you are irritable your jaw or

The role of a GP What is a general practitioner (GP)? GPs are doctors who have completed training in general practice. In some countries this is known as family medicine. They have broad knowledge and the skills to work out how to manage all the health issues you might have through your life. Because your GP gets to know you, your family and your community, they can provide care that is most suitable for you. GPs complete a basic medical degree and internship, then they do additional medical training in general practice. This qualifies them to provide continuing care for

What is a general anaesthetic? A general anaesthetic is a combination of drugs that produce deep sleep. It is used for operations or procedures as it causes a loss of sensation. Your child will not be aware of what is happening and afterwards will not remember anything that has happened. What are the benefits of a general anaesthetic? Your child needs to have an operation or procedure. So that your surgeon or doctor can perform the operation safely, your child needs to be in a state where they do not move and their muscles are relaxed. A safe way to