Day: December 8, 2023

What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when tissues or organs bulge through a weak point in the wall of the belly (abdomen). There are a number of different types of hernia, including: Hiatus hernia — Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the opening in the diaphragm (the layer of muscle separating the stomach from the chest) where the oesophagus (food pipe) passes through. It is sometimes called a hiatial hernia. Inguinal hernia — The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower part of the abdomen, causing a lump in the groin.

What is lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that puts a person at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including bowel cancer. If you have lynch syndrome, you will need regular monitoring with colonoscopies, as well as other tests. Some people with lynch syndrome may be advised to have preventative surgery. Lynch syndrome was previously known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in a specific type of gene. It significantly increases a person’s risk of developing some types of cancer, such as bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) and endometrial cancer (sometimes

What is hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can cause serious liver disease in an infected person. The hepatitis C virus is usually transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the bloodstream of another person (such as through sharing needles or certain sexual activities). What are the symptoms of hepatitis C? Most people with hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms until their liver is damaged, which can take years. However, they may experience: aches, pains and fever fatigue and sleep problems nausea or vomiting loss of appetite abdominal pain jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes)

What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can cause long lasting liver damage. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. If a person has acute hepatitis B, the virus makes them sick for a short time (less than 6 months), then their body clears the virus and they recover. If the infection last for more than 6 months, it is called chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis is a lifelong illness. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis B. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B? Many people do not have any symptoms when they

What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that can cause inflammation or swelling of the liver. The illness may last only a few weeks, but some people are seriously ill for up to 6 months. Hepatitis A usually does not cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis. Most people with hepatitis A fully recover, but very occasionally it can be severe and result in liver failure. What causes hepatitis A? You get hepatitis A by coming in contact with the faeces (poo) of someone with the virus, or through consuming

What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is an illness that inflames and damages your liver. It affects how your liver does its job. This includes making proteins and cleaning your blood. Hepatitis is most often caused by an infection. What are the types of hepatitis? There are many types of hepatitis. These can cause symptoms that go from mild to very serious. There are 5 types of hepatitis caused by viruses (viral hepatitis). These are: hepatitis A — is an illness that can last from a few weeks to 6 months hepatitis B — is a serious infection that can lead to liver damage

What is a hemicolectomy? A hemicolectomy is an operation where one side of the colon (large intestine) is removed. Some people who have this surgery may need a stoma — an opening on the surface of the abdomen connected to the bowel. Why is hemicolectomy performed? The usual reasons for hemicolectomy are bowel cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or an abdominal injury. How to prepare for hemicolectomy If you are going to have hemicolectomy you might need to take ‘bowel prep’ medicine. This is a type of laxative that empties your bowel for the procedure. You may need to be on a ‘clear fluids’ only diet

Who may benefit from home-based care? Anyone with a chronic or terminal illness, or people who are older and frail, but wish to stay living at home, may benefit from home-based care. Everyone’s needs are different, but depending on your situation, you might benefit from: home modifications (such as a stair lift or ramp), if you have a condition that affects your mobility and strength an emergency call system, if you live alone and/or are at risk of falls food or meal delivery service (such as Meals on Wheels), if you are unable to shop or cook signs or pictures to help you

What is Helicobacter pylori? Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. More than half of the world’s population is infected with it and 15 per cent of Australians are estimated to have it. The prevalence is much higher among Indigenous Australians and in developing countries. H. pylori causes inflammation of the stomach lining (known as gastritis) and increased production of gastric acid. Infection with H. pylori is a major cause of peptic ulcers (gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers) and is linked to some stomach cancers. How is Helicobacter pylori transmitted? It’s not fully understood how

What is heel pain? Heel pain is usually caused by overuse. The most common causes are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and arthritis. Sever’s disease a common cause of heel pain in growing children. You should see a doctor, physiotherapist or podiatrist if you have: sudden, severe pain after an injury persistent heel pain What symptoms are related to heel pain? Depending on the cause of your heel pain, you may also have: bruising cramping pins and needles stiffness swelling other skin changes What causes heel pain? Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a ligament (a piece of strong, thin tissue) that connects your

What is heatstroke? Heatstroke is a life threatening condition in which your body overheats and can no longer maintain a healthy temperature. You can avoid heatstroke by taking precautions in very hot weather. Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises from about 37°C to above 40°C. It is sometimes called hyperthermia. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are milder heat-related illnesses. They can lead to heatstroke if they’re not treated. Why is heatstroke an emergency? Heatstroke needs immediate first aid to lower your body temperature as quickly as possible. If not, it can lead to organ damage and death. The risk of death increases

Winter health hazards at home Winter injuries and risks Winter products such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters can cause burns and other injuries. Other winter risks come from faulty electrical products that can overheat, give you an electric shock or could potentially cause a fire. Fire safety About half of all fires in the home start in the kitchen, and more than 4 in 10 of all deaths from fire happen during winter. It is essential to install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them every month. Change the batteries every year, perhaps on a memorable date such

Why is it important to be aware about heat-related illnesses? Heatwaves have killed more Australians than all other natural hazards combined. Over 400 deaths occurred during the severe heatwaves in south-eastern Australia in January 2009, when Melbourne suffered through 3 days in a row with temperatures at or above 43°C. The year 2019 was Australia’s hottest on record, with temperature records broken in many towns and cities. On 4 January 2020, metropolitan Sydney experienced an all-time high, with Penrith reaching 48.9°C. If temperatures continue to rise as predicted, heatwaves will become more frequent, hotter, and last longer. This is why

Why is it important to be aware about heat-related illnesses? Heatwaves have killed more Australians than all other natural hazards combined. Over 400 deaths occurred during the severe heatwaves in south-eastern Australia in January 2009, when Melbourne suffered through 3 days in a row with temperatures at or above 43°C. The year 2019 was Australia’s hottest on record, with temperature records broken in many towns and cities. On 4 January 2020, metropolitan Sydney experienced an all-time high, with Penrith reaching 48.9°C. If temperatures continue to rise as predicted, heatwaves will become more frequent, hotter, and last longer. This is why

What is heat rash? Heat rash — sometimes called prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria, is a harmless but very itchy skin rash. It causes small red spots in places where sweat collects, such as the armpits, back, under the breasts, chest, groin, elbow creases and back of the knees, and the waist. It happens when the body sweats more than usual, and is more common during summer months or in a hot climate. What are the symptoms of heat rash? Heat rash causes: tiny red spots or clear blisters. In babies, these are often in the skin folds, on

What is heartburn? Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain or discomfort in the chest, usually after eating. It is also called reflux or indigestion. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department? If you experience chest pain and have any doubt about whether it is heartburn or a heart attack, you should call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. You can use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to help you make this decision. What causes heartburn? Normally, a ring of muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) relaxes to

  What are heart palpitations? Most of the time you won’t notice your heartbeat, but if you suddenly become aware of it, this may concern you or come as a surprise. The feeling of being aware of your heart beating is described as a palpitation. Palpitations can range from simply being aware of your heart’s activity to the sensation of it beating faster and harder than usual. It can sometimes feel like your heart is missing beats or you have a heart flutter. Changes to your heartbeat are usually not serious. But always see your doctor if you have palpitations

What is a heart murmur? Heart murmurs are sounds made by blood flowing through your heart or nearby blood vessels. There are several causes of heart murmurs. Usually, heart murmurs can be heard only through a stethoscope (a medical instrument doctors use to listen to sounds in the body). A normal heartbeat is made up of 2 sounds — ‘lubb-dubb’. Those are the sounds made when your heart valves close during each heartbeat. A doctor using a stethoscope to listen to a patients heartbeat. Heart murmurs are whooshing or swishing sounds heard between the sounds of the heartbeat. Heart murmurs can be

What is heart failure? Heart failure (also known as ‘congestive heart failure’ or CHF) occurs when your heart muscle has become too weak to pump blood effectively through your body. It can also happen if your heart becomes too stiff to fill up with blood properly, so not enough blood is pumped around your body. As a result, your muscles and organs don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This may cause fluid to build up in your body and make you feel breathless or tired. Heart failure is usually an ongoing (chronic) condition — unlike heart attacks, which occur suddenly and require immediate treatment (acute).

What is heart disease? Heart disease affects both sexes but often goes undetected in women. Although more men than women are admitted to hospital for heart attack, the number of deaths from heart attack in men and in women is roughly the same. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — often called ‘heart disease’ — is an umbrella term that includes diseases and conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease (CHD) (also called ‘coronary artery disease’ and ‘ischaemic heart disease’), heart failure, arrhythmias, angina and others. CHD is a common cause of heart attack, which occurs when blood supply to the heart is suddenly interrupted.

What is a heart attack? To work properly, your heart needs a continuous supply of blood. It normally receives this from blood vessels called coronary arteries. When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, oxygen can’t get to your heart muscle. This causes a heart attack (or ‘myocardial infarction’). A heart attack is a medical emergency: without oxygen, your heart muscle begins to die and your heart can become permanently damaged. Heart attacks can be fatal — every day, 17 Australians die from a heart attack. One patient is admitted to hospital due to heart attack every 13 minutes. What are the symptoms

beginning of  What is the heart? The heart is a muscular organ that sits inside the rib cage, behind and just to the left of the breastbone. It pumps blood around the body to supply tissues with nutrition and oxygen. The heart pumps blood to the lungs, where it absorbs oxygen. This oxygen-rich blood then returns to the heart to be pumped to the rest of the body via arteries. The major artery coming from the heart is the aorta. The heart delivers blood to its own muscle via the coronary arteries. How does the heart work? The heart has

What are hearing aids? A hearing aid is a small electronic device that makes sounds louder to help you hear. It is used by people who have hearing loss. It has a microphone, an amplifier, a speaker and a battery. How do hearing aids work? The microphone receives sounds from around you. The amplifier makes them louder and sends them to your ear through the speaker. Your hearing aids will be programmed by an audiologist to match your type of hearing loss. The audiologist will make sure that your hearing aids help with the sounds you have difficulty with and won’t

What is a habit? A habit is something that is routine to you and that you repeat, often without knowing it. Some habits are good, some are bad. Good habits include: healthy diet and exercise healthy sleep habits healthy relationships assertive communication work-life balance time management stress management relaxation and mindfulness How can I create good habits? It’s hard to change everything all at once; it’s easier to set small goals and achieve them. This helps create good habits. For example, it is easier to do a small amount of exercise each day than to decide to run a marathon. It might take you several months