Month: January 2024

What is strep throat? Strep throat is a contagious infection of the throat. It’s common in school-age children aged 5 to 10 years. What causes strep throat? Most sore throats are caused by viruses, but some are caused by bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes. Streptococcus pyogenes can be spread from person to person very easily. You can catch strep throat through contact with droplets, which are made when an infected person: talks coughs sneezes What are the symptoms of strep throat? The symptoms of a strep throat infection last around 7 days. They may include: sore, red throat and tonsils that make it painful to

Keeping your kids safe Most crimes against children are not committed by a stranger but by someone they know. It is important to teach your child how to recognise suspicious behaviour – from both strangers and people they know – and what to do about it. Protective behaviour for children Parents are often worried about ‘stranger danger’. But this is only a small part of keeping children safe from people who want to hurt them. More than 8 in 10 crimes against children are committed by someone they know, even relatives or friends. There are also dangers online. Young children may

What are sprains and strains? Sprains and strains are injuries to soft tissue. Soft tissues connect, support and surround bones and organs in our bodies. The most common soft tissues injured are ligaments, muscles, and tendons. What are the differences between a sprain and strain? A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the soft tissue that connects two bones together at a joint. Common areas for sprains are the ankles, knees and wrists. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon (the soft tissue that connects muscle to bone). What are the symptoms of sprains

Natural disasters What is a natural disaster? Natural disasters in Australia can include: heatwaves and bushfires droughts floods severe storms and tropical cyclones earthquakes tsunamis landslides Natural disasters can be tough on people, their communities and even lead to loss of life. Here are some tips for getting ready and how to cope during and after extreme weather events. How can I prepare for a natural disaster? Emergencies can happen at any time without warning. The Australian Red Cross has an emergency REDiPlan, which you can download and fill out, or download their Get Prepared app. It outlines 4 steps to prepare your household for an

What is a stool test? Stool tests examine samples of poo (also called faeces or bowel motions). Stool samples can be tested in the laboratory in a variety of ways, depending on why you are doing the test. These tests are sometimes called faecal tests. Why might I need to have a stool test? There are many different reasons why you might be recommended to have a stool test, such as: to find the reason for an infection to check if you have inflammatory bowel disease to check if you are absorbing food properly to see if you might have bowel cancer

Although stools (faeces or poo) can vary, you should pay attention to what your stools look like. This will help you notice if your stools change. Stool changes in adults can suggest a medical condition and may need further investigation by your doctor. What are stool changes? Normally, stools are soft, sausage-shaped and easy to pass. It should take about a minute to empty your bowel. Changes to take note of might include the time it takes to empty your bowels, seeing blood or worms in your stools, or changes in: colour texture shape frequency Changes in stool colour In adults, stools

What is a stomach ulcer? Stomach ulcers are open, inflamed sores in the lining of your stomach. They are also known as gastric ulcers. Ulcers can also occur in the upper part of the small intestine — these are known as duodenal ulcers. Together, stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are known as peptic ulcers. What causes stomach ulcers? The most common causes of stomach ulcers are: Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) — a type of bacteria non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen What are the symptoms of a stomach ulcer? The most common symptom is pain in the upper abdomen (tummy area) just below

Abdominal pain What is abdominal pain? Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. Most Australians will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Abdominal pain can be serious, but most abdominal pain gets better on its own without needing any special treatment. People sometimes refer to abdominal pain as stomach pain, stomach ache, stomach cramps, tummy pain, sore stomach, wind pain or belly ache. Pain or discomfort in the abdomen can be mild or severe. It may come on suddenly (acute); it could be something that you

What is stomach cancer? Stomach cancer is a harmful growth that starts in the wall of your stomach. A cancer in the upper part of your stomach can prevent food from going down, making it difficult for you to swallow or giving the feeling of food sticking. Effective treatment may help to control the cancer and improve your symptoms. Your doctor can mark where the cancer is. How can stomach cancer be treated? Surgery to remove the cancer and part of or all your stomach. Your bowel is used to join the ends together, allowing you to eat and drink normally.

What is stomach cancer? Stomach cancer is a condition of abnormal cell growth in your stomach. The stomach is part of the body’s digestive system and is located in your upper abdomen. The 2 main types of stomach cancer are: gastric adenocarcinoma (gastric cancer) — the most common type gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) Stomach cancer is a relatively common cancer in Australia. It is rarely diagnosed in people aged under 60 years of age and affects more males than females. What are the symptoms of stomach cancer? Some people have stomach cancer without having any symptoms at all. Some people get symptoms such as:

What is a stoma? When an illness involves the removal of a section of your bowel or bladder, your surgeon may need to form a hole in your abdomen called a stoma (sometimes referred to as an ‘ostomy’). The stoma opening is used to remove bodily waste — faeces (‘poo’) or urine, in the case of a urostomy — into a small collection bag. Your stoma will look moist and pinkish-red and will protrude slightly from a circular hole in your abdomen. Your stoma may be swollen to begin with, but usually reduces in size over time. You shouldn’t feel

What are STIs? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that you can pass to your partner during sexual activity. There are several different types of STI. They may cause symptoms, but you can also have an STI without noticing any symptoms. STIs often cause health problems if left untreated. Common STIs include: chlamydia gonorrhoea syphilis genital herpes hepatitis B HIV. These infections are caused by a bacteria or virus. If left untreated, some STIs can affect your long-term health and/or fertility. Am I at risk of STIs? STIs can be passed through vaginal, oral or

  Sea creature bites and stings If you are bitten or stung by a sea creature, the best first aid treatment depends on the creature involved. Sea creature bites and stings can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. Box jellyfish, Irukandji and other tropical stingers Tropical stingers (jellyfish) live in tropical waters around Australia’s coastline north of Bundaberg in Queensland through to Geraldton in Western Australia. The most dangerous are the box jellyfish and Irukandji. The stinger season usually peaks from November

There are several stinging plants in Australia that can cause pain if your skin touches them. This article explains the best first aid treatment if this happens, depending on the type of stinging plant. It’s important to be aware that stings from plants can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. What are stinging nettles? Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica, Urtica incisa, Urtica urens) are plants that are commonly regarded as weeds in Australia. Stinging nettles are often found in damp areas. They grow

beginning of content Conjunctivitis (pink eye) What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as ‘pink eye’ or ‘sticky eye’, is a common condition where the white part of the eye becomes pink or red. One or both eyes may be watery, sore or itchy, sometimes with sticky white or yellow discharge. This is due to inflammation of the eye’s clear outer layer (known as the conjuctiva) and the inside of the eyelid. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal, or triggered by specific allergens, for example, pollen or animal dander. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and it is important that

What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are synthetic (human-made) medicines that are similar to the male hormone testosterone. Their scientific name is anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). They usually come in the form of an oral tablet, but may also be available as a gel or liquid. Anabolic steroids are different from corticosteroids, which are medicines used to treat conditions such as arthritis or asthma. Both are sometimes simply called ‘steroids’, which can be confusing. While anabolic steroids can be prescribed for medical purposes, some people may use them illegally and take them to improve their performance in sport, their appearance or their body image. When used for

What are stem cells? Stem cells are ‘unspecialised’ cells in the body that have the potential to develop into ‘specialised’ cell types (e.g. blood cells, muscle cells, nerve cells) that have been lost through illness or injury. Stem cells are being researched for their potential to treat various medical conditions, but this research is still at the early stages. In most cases, their use is controversial. How do stem cells work? Stem cells can help with the growth or repair of body tissues. There are different types, including: adult stem cells, which replace damaged tissue cells embryonic stem cells (from

  How do I stay healthy? If you have a heart condition, it is important to stay as healthy as possible. You can look after your heart by having a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to start. To keep your heart healthy, it is important to: eat a healthy diet do physical activity quit smoking understand and control your cholesterol levels understand and control high blood pressure see your doctor regularly for a heart health check You can read more on the Heart Foundation website or call them on 13 11 12. What is a healthy diet? A healthy diet is one that includes a variety of

What are staph skin infections? Staph bacteria are often found on your skin or in your nose. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria on their skin. It usually doesn’t cause any problems. A staph infection of the skin happens when staphylococcus bacteria gets inside your body and affects your skin. Examples of staph skin infections are wound infection cellulitis staphylococcus scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) impetigo What are the symptoms of a staph skin infection? The symptoms of staph skin infections can range from mild to serious. Wound infections Wounds happen when the skin is broken from a graze, cut, insect bite

What is an invasive staph infection? Invasive staphylococcus aureus (staph) infections happen when bacteria get inside your body. Staph bacteria are often found on your skin or in your nose. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria on their skin. It usually doesn’t cause any problems. Invasive staph infection happens when staph bacteria get inside your body. If bacteria get into your blood stream or lungs it can be very serious. Invasive staph infections are not as common as staph skin infections. Some sicknesses or conditions can mean a higher risk of getting an invasive staph infection. Such as people who

What is the stapes bone? The stapes bone is the innermost of the three hearing bones in your middle ear. The bones (ossicles) move together, transferring sound waves from your eardrum (tympanic membrane) to your inner ear. Sometimes the stapes bone can get stuck, and locks in place. This decreases the sound being carried across to your inner ear (conductive hearing loss). The problem is usually caused by otosclerosis, a condition that causes the stapes bone and bony capsule of your inner ear to thicken. The problem can also be caused by brittle bone disease. What are the benefits of

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) What is squamous cell carcinoma? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. SCC is not as dangerous as melanoma, but it can spread to other parts of your body if not treated. Every year, people in Australia die from aggressive SCCs. What are the types of squamous cell carcinoma? Squamous cell carcinoma develops when the flat cells in the top layer of your skin (called squamous cells) grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. You can get SCC wherever you have squamous cells — which is in many different parts

What are sprains and strains? Sprains and strains are injuries to soft tissue. Soft tissues connect, support and surround bones and organs in our bodies. The most common soft tissues injured are ligaments, muscles, and tendons. What are the differences between a sprain and strain? A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the soft tissue that connects two bones together at a joint. Common areas for sprains are the ankles, knees and wrists. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon (the soft tissue that connects muscle to bone). What are the symptoms of sprains

Bleeding between periods Vaginal bleeding between your periods is not uncommon, but it should be checked by your doctor if it happens more than once. You should also go to your doctor if you bleed after sex. If you are bleeding very heavily or you feel faint or that you might pass out, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try calling 112. What is bleeding between periods? After puberty and before menopause, women experience normal vaginal bleeding each month during their menstrual period. Normal

What is sports massage? Sports massage is a type of massage designed to help athletes before, during and after training. Sports massage can help you to: increase flexibility prevent injuries improve performance increase endurance help with healing after a sports injury Sports massage can be tailored to different sports and sporting injuries. The aim of sports massage is to: relax your muscles aid circulation (blood flow) release stress that can build up in the soft tissues of your body during exercise What does a sports massage involve? A sports massage is often not a relaxing type of massage. If you

Organised sport has many psychological and social benefits for children – even more than the physical activity during play. Researchers think this is because children benefit from the social side of being in a team, and from the involvement of other children and adults. What life skills are associated with sport? Sport isn’t just a good way to keep children’s bodies healthy, but it also has psychological benefits and teaches them important life skills too. Organised sport has many psychological and social benefits for children – even more than the physical activity during play. Researchers think this is because children benefit from the social

What is spondylolisthesis? Spondylolisthesis is a problem with a person’s spine. It can lead to back pain. There are many different ways to help ease the pain of spondylolisthesis. What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis? Often people with spondylolisthesis don’t notice anything. Some people with spondylolisthesis have: pain or stiffness in their lower back tight muscles, or spasms, in the back of their thighs (hamstrings) pain, numbness, or tingling in their buttocks, legs, and feet weakness in their legs an abnormal way of walking What causes spondylolisthesis? In adults, the main causes of spondylolisthesis are arthritis, osteoporosis and bone fractures (broken bones). An injury or damage

What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis, (also called spinal canal stenosis or lumbar spinal stenosis), is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits. The narrowing can put pressure on the nerves in the back, which can cause pain and weakness in the arms or legs. Surgery for spinal stenosis involves widening the canal to relieve the pressure on nerves. What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis? Many people don’t experience any symptoms, even if the spinal stenosis shows up on a scan. When symptoms start, they usually get worse over time. The symptoms depend on which

What is SMA? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects the nerves leading to the muscles, known as motor nerves. SMA prevents the muscles from receiving messages from the brain. Over time, the muscles become weaker and waste away. This process is known as atrophy. SMA affects muscles you can see, such as those in the arms and legs, and also muscles you don’t see, such as those used in breathing, coughing and swallowing. Although there is no cure for SMA, there are treatments and support available to help those living with SMA to have the best quality

What are spinal discs? There is a spinal disc between each of the bones (called vertebrae) in your spine. The spinal discs act as shock absorbers. The rubbery discs, also known as intervertebral discs, are filled with gel-like fluid, making the spine flexible. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that connects your brain to the nerves in your body, and together, the vertebrae and the discs surround and protect your spinal cord. What are different spinal disc problems? Spinal disc problems include: prolapsed disc (also known as a slipped or herniated disc) — this is when the inner gel-like

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of function, feeling and mobility. Spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by trauma including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related injury and acts of violence. Sports-related spinal cord injuries occur more commonly in children and teenagers, while work-related injuries (especially from construction work) are more common in adults. Spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis including quadriplegia (a loss of function below the neck) and paraplegia (a loss of function below the chest). The spinal cord does not need to be completely severed to cause loss of function. Compression

What is a spinal anaesthetic? A spinal anaesthetic (or spinal) involves injecting local anaesthetics and other painkillers into the subarachnoid space (an area filled with fluid near your spinal cord). This numbs your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. A spinal can be used either on its own while you are awake, or together with sedation or a general anaesthetic. A spinal can also be used after an operation or procedure to give effective pain relief. How does a spinal work? The subarachnoid space is the bag of fluid that surrounds your spinal cord and the nerves that

What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect (NTD) where a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during the first month of pregnancy. The spine and brain develop from part of the embryo called the neural tube. When the neural tube does not fully close, it leaves a gap, leading to spina bifida. Spina bifida can cause a range of health problems, depending on its severity. Around 1 in 1000 pregnancies is affected by a NTD. What are the different types of spina bifida? Spina bifida occulta is the most mild and common type of spina bifida. It

Spider bites in Australia It can be difficult to know if a bite from a spider is dangerous or not. This article explains the best first aid treatment needed for different spider bites. In some people, spider bites can cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. Different types of spider bite In terms of first aid, there are 3 types of spiders in Australia: Funnel-web spiders and other big black spiders — bites from these spiders are very dangerous and can cause death. Redback spiders — their bites

What is speed? Speed is a type of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the way your brain works and how your body functions. There are different types of amphetamines. Doctors prescribe some amphetamines to treat medical conditions such as narcolepsy (an uncontrollable urge to sleep) or ADHD. Others are produced and sold illegally. The main forms of illicit methamphetamine are: speed base crystal meth (ice) Ice is the most potent (strongest) form. Speed powder can range in colour from white to brown. It may contain traces of grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste.

What is a speech pathologist? A speech pathologist or speech therapist is an allied health professional. They are trained to diagnose and treat communication disorders. This includes problems with: speaking listening reading social skills stuttering understanding language using voice writing They also help people with swallowing and feeding problems. Speech pathologists need to have a degree in speech pathology. Many speech pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). This means that they have an appropriate qualification. A Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist has met certain standards of practice. You can check if a speech pathologist is certified by searching the SPA website. What

What is normal speech development in children? Language development varies between children, even within the same family. Most children tend to follow a natural progression for mastering the skills of language. There are certain milestones that provide a rough guide to normal development. How does speech develop over time? Babies need to learn how language sounds before they can learn how to speak. Although individual children develop at their own rate, there are some general patterns: From 1 to 3 months of age, babies cry and coo. At 4 to 6 months of age, babies sigh, grunt, gurgle, squeal, laugh and

If you are a person living with disability or caring for someone with disability in South Australia, you may have noticed some changes in the way that disability services are delivered. Services that were delivered through South Australian state government agencies are now delivered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). NDIS is a Commonwealth Government system to support Australians under 65 who have permanent and significant disability. The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Services for people aged 65 years and over are delivered through My Aged Care. To find out how to access the NDIS, go to Applying

Foods high in vitamin E Why should I include vitamin E in my diet? Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it can help protect cells in your body against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances such as cigarette smoke or radiation. Vitamin E also helps keep your immune system healthy, promotes good eye health and maintains healthy skin. Vitamin E may also have a role to play in maintaining heart health. Read more here about vitamin E and your health. What are the best natural sources of vitamin E? Vitamin E is found in fats and oils from animal products (meat, poultry, fish and diary foods), as

Coughs and colds in children What is the ‘common cold’? The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. Hundreds of different viruses can cause colds and they usually affect the nose, ears and throat. They are easily spread from person to person through infected droplets from the mouth and nose. They can also be passed on through coughs and sneezes. Colds are very common. Healthy preschool children often catch at least 6 colds per year. Sometimes, after recovering from a virus kids get sick with a new and different virus, so it can seem as though they are ‘always

What is soft tissue sarcoma? Soft tissue sarcomas are tumours that grow in the cells in the soft tissues of the body: for example, in the muscles, fat, cartilage, nerves, tendons, lining of the joints or the blood vessels. Soft tissue sarcomas can grow almost anywhere in the body. Sarcomas are rare, but they are one of the most common cancers in children. Experts don’t know why some children develop soft tissue sarcoma. It’s more common in children who have been exposed to radiation, who were born with certain genetic conditions, or who have HIV at the same time as the Epstein-Barr virus that causes glandular

What is salt? Salt is a mineral made mostly of sodium chloride. It has been used to flavour and preserve food for centuries, but recently attention has focused on the health risks of high-salt diets, specifically due to the sodium in salt. You need sodium for your body to function, but too much is linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease. Most Australians are consuming more salt (and therefore sodium) than is recommended — nearly twice as much on average. What’s the difference between salt and sodium? Sodium chloride — the compound in salt — combines

What do social workers do? What is a social worker? Social workers are allied health professionals. They help people needing support to make changes in their lives. Social workers can provide counselling, information and referrals to other services. A social worker can help you to face life’s challenges. Social workers often support people with issues relating to: addiction or gambling alcohol and other drugs poverty, homelessness or housing stress financial stress mental wellbeing and illness domestic and family violence physical health and disabilities social injustice and discrimination child and family, and other relationships What training does a social worker have? Social workers are educated

  What is social anxiety disorder? Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a recurrent disproportionate fear of social situations, where a person fears being judged, criticised or humiliated in front of other people. Social anxiety disorder is not just being shy or nervous when in formal situations or when having to give a speech – situations where many people feel apprehensive. It happens in ordinary everyday situations, such as eating in public, meeting people, or being watched while doing something. A person may feel that they will humiliate or embarrass themselves. The fear of embarrassment and of

Are snake bites serious? Knowing whether a snake bite is dangerous or not can be difficult. This article explains what to do — including providing the proper first aid treatment — if you are bitten by a snake. It’s also important to be aware that bites from snakes can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some rare cases. Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. How do I provide first aid for snake bites? You should always provide emergency care if you or someone else is bitten by a snake —

How does smoking affect my fertility? Quitting smoking increases your fertility for both females and males. Females who smoke may have: difficulty conceiving early onset of menopause many cancers, including ovarian cancer Males who smoke may have: trouble getting and maintaining an erection lower sperm count damage to DNA in sperm causing health problems in your baby How can smoking affect my baby? Smoking during pregnancy exposes your baby to harmful chemicals. Every time you smoke, your baby effectively smokes too. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals pass through the placenta and into your baby’s body. Smoking also reduces blood flow to your baby. Smoking while pregnant can

Quitting smoking Why should I quit smoking? Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and many of them can cause cancer. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and every cigarette is doing you harm. From the moment you stop smoking, however, your body begins to repair itself and you will start noticing the benefits quite quickly. Quitting smoking can be tough, but as well as the health benefits and being able to save money, there are other reasons to give up — with benefits both for the

What is smallpox? Smallpox is a serious disease caused by the variola virus. It has now been entirely removed from the world through vaccination. It is very contagious and killed millions of people worldwide before the World Health Organization (WHO) began an international immunisation campaign. In 1980 the WHO announced that smallpox had been eradicated. It was the first infectious disease to have been completely wiped out worldwide. The last case in Australia occurred in 1938. The last reported naturally occurring case anywhere in the word was in Somalia in 1977. After the disease was officially eradicated, all remaining stocks of the

Falls and the elderly Why are falls a particular concern for older people? Anyone can have a fall, but falls are a major health concern for older people (those aged 65 and over). Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in older Australians. As our population ages and the number of older people grows, the likelihood of more falls and fall-related hospitalisations increases. Nearly 1 in 3 older Australians have experienced a fall in the past 12 months. Of these, 1 in 5 required hospitalisation. Even when falls don’t cause an injury, they often trigger a loss of confidence in an

Gastric sleeve surgery What is gastric sleeve surgery? Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is surgery for weight loss that involves removal of a large part of the stomach. After the surgery, the person feels full after eating a small amount of food. The surgery also makes people feel less hungry because a smaller stomach will produce lower levels of a hormone called ghrelin, which causes hunger. When should I consider gastric sleeve surgery? Gastric sleeve surgery is a form of bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery. It is sometimes recommended for people who are very obese, or who have

What is sleepwalking? Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder. It simply means that you move around while you are asleep. You will do things without knowing about it. You usually can’t remember what you have done. You may just walk around a room or the whole house, and then go back to bed. Other people might talk, shout or eat. Some people even move furniture or drive a car. Treatment isn’t usually needed for people who sleepwalk. However, there are things you can do to lower the chance of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking usually happens early in the night. Children are more

What are sleeping pills used for? Sleeping pills are medicines designed to help you fall asleep or stay asleep, and are sometimes used to help treat insomnia. Sleeping pills can have serious side effects, so if you are having sleep problems it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. It’s important to remember that sleeping pills might help you sleep, but they do not treat the cause of your insomnia. What are the different types of sleeping pills? Some sleeping pills are prescription medicines while others can be purchased over the counter. Some medicines can cause you to become sleepy as a

Why is sleep important for my child? All children need sleep for growth, learning and development. Getting enough sleep is vital for your child’s physical health, brain function, emotional wellbeing, safety, and ability to function day to day. Having a good night’s sleep can help your child be happier, helps them to concentrate and remember things, and improves their behaviour. Not having enough sleep or not sleeping well can affect how children learn and lead to mood swings, poor growth and behavioural problems. How much sleep do children need? The amount of sleep your child needs changes as they grow.

What is sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis is when you cannot move or speak for a short time after waking up or while falling asleep. It may last a few seconds or a few minutes. About 8 in every 100 people will experience sleep paralysis at some stage. It might happen only once, or reoccur often. It usually starts in adolescence and happens most often between ages 20 and 40 years. It does not cause any physical harm, but it can be scary. During a stage of sleep called ‘rapid eye movement (REM)’ sleep, your body becomes temporarily paralysed. This means you can’t

Adequate sleep is vital for your health, but can be hard to achieve when life is busy. Sleeping problems are common, with up to 4 in 10 Australian adults not getting enough good-quality sleep. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep. What are the stages of sleep? When you are asleep, your eyes are closed, most of your muscles are relaxed and your consciousness is practically suspended. While your body is mostly still, your brain is quite active. Your body’s circadian rhythm (or, internal biological ‘clock’) control when you feel sleepy and when you’re typically

Fifth disease (Slapped cheek disease) What is fifth disease? Fifth disease (also known as ‘slapped cheek disease’, erythema infectiosum or Parvovirus B19) is a fairly mild viral illness, usually of childhood. It is a common infection — half of adults have been infected during their childhood. Why is it called fifth disease? It is called fifth disease as it was the fifth of the 5 common viral rash illnesses of childhood. The ‘slapped cheek disease’ name comes from its most obvious symptom — a red rash that makes children’s cheeks look like they’ve been slapped. What are the symptoms of

What are skin tags? Skin tags are growths that hang from your skin — your doctor might call them ‘acrochordons’. They range from 1mm to 1cm and are made of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They usually grow in the folds of the skin, where skin rubs together, such as, armpits, groin, anus, thighs, eyelids, neck or under the breasts. Skin tags are common, especially as the person ages. They occur in approximately 1 in every 2 adults. They don’t cause any harm, but if a skin tag is bothering you, you can talk

What are staph skin infections? Staph bacteria are often found on your skin or in your nose. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria on their skin. It usually doesn’t cause any problems. A staph infection of the skin happens when staphylococcus bacteria gets inside your body and affects your skin. Examples of staph skin infections are wound infection cellulitis staphylococcus scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) impetigo What are the symptoms of a staph skin infection? The symptoms of staph skin infections can range from mild to serious. Wound infections Wounds happen when the skin is broken from a graze, cut, insect bite

What is skin cancer and melanoma? Skin cancer is a disease that occurs when your skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells forms a tumour in the skin. Tumours are either benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous tumours that can spread through the body, causing damage). Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer: each year, more than 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with a melanoma and over a million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are treated. Skin cancer is mostly preventable, and there are effective treatment options available.

What is skin? Although you may not realise it, your skin is your largest organ. Learn more about its parts, how it functions and how to keep it healthy. Parts of the skin Skin covers your body and has three layers: The top layer is the epidermis (outer layer). This is a thin layer. It provides a waterproof barrier for your body. It also contains cells (melanocytes) that gives your skin colour. The dermis is the middle layer of skin. It is much thicker than your epidermis. It contains tough connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and sweat glands.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells. It typically attacks the glands that normally produce tears, saliva and sweat. Other parts of the body may also be affected. The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown. It is more common in women, people over 40 and those who have rheumatic disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Most people with Sjögren’s syndrome are able to live normally, without any serious complications, especially if they take care to manage their symptoms. What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome? People with

What is silicosis? Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust, usually over a period of many years. People who work with certain materials may inhale a very fine dust that contains silica. Once inside the lungs, the dust particles can scar the lungs. This scarring is known as silicosis. Silicosis can lead to breathing problems, a serious lung condition called Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), or lung cancer. There is no cure for silicosis and it can be fatal. Types of silicosis The 3 common types of silicosis are: chronic silicosis — exposure to

What is sildenafil (Viagra)? Sildenafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence). It is sometimes known by its generic name sildenafil, and sometimes known by its trade name Viagra. Other brands of the same medicine are also available. How does sildenafil work? Sildenafil works by helping the blood vessels in the penis to relax. This allows more blood to flow in and cause an erection. If you have ED, this can make it easier to get an erection. Sildenafil doesn’t cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed. Sildenafil also does not: cure erectile dysfunction (ED) increase your sexual

How can I tell if someone has a mental health problem? Almost 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in life. It’s important to learn the signs that could hint that a friend or family member is struggling with their mental health. Often there’s not a single sign, but a combination. A mental health disorder may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. If they have ongoing and significant changes, it could be a sign that they are developing a mental health disorder. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right’, it’s important to have

Side effects of medicines including vaccines Side effects are unwanted effects caused by medicines including vaccines. All medicines can cause side effects. It’s important to know the side effects of your medicines so that you know what to do if you get them. What are medicine side effects? Any unwanted or unexpected effects of a medicine, including a vaccine, are called side effects. Side effects can also occur due to interactions with other medicines, food or alcohol. Not all side effects are serious. Some side effects may get better over time. For example, a new medicine might cause nausea at first but

What is sickle cell anaemia? Sickle cell anaemia is one of a group of disorders known as sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is a group of blood disorders that affect your haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is in your red blood cells. It’s responsible for carrying oxygen around your body. Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition. If you have sickle cell anaemia, both of your parents must have given you a faulty gene. Your parents may not: have sickle cell anaemia know that they carry the gene for sickle cell anaemia The genes for sickle cell disease are

Looking after a sick child How can I tell if my child is sick? One of the most common signs of illness in children is a fever. If your child is ill, you may also notice these signs: sore throat or headache blocked or runny nose sneezing or coughing a rash that appears suddenly on their skin vomiting or diarrhoea glazed eyes drowsiness/lethargy or a low appetite Other signs that your child might be sick include a change in breathing patterns, such as shallow breathing or pausing between breaths, or a change in the colour of their skin, making it appear pale or blotchy. Your child may

What is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is formed from four muscles and tendons that attach your arm to the top of your shoulder blade (acromion). If the rotator cuff becomes weak or tears, you can get pain and weakness. There are usually 2 types of damage that can happen to the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tear — This is often caused by a fall or lifting something heavy. Rotator cuff degeneration — This can be because of age, wear and genetic factors. A tear in the rotator cuff. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less

What is shoulder instability? The shoulder joint is made up of a ball (the head of the humerus) and a socket (the glenoid). The socket is shallow, with an inner lining of cartilage (the labrum). The ball is kept in place by soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments. Shoulder instability happens when there is a problem with the labrum or the soft tissues, causing symptoms such as pain, dislocation and a feeling of looseness. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and fewer dislocations and your shoulder should not feel as loose. You may not

What is shoulder pain? Shoulder pain is pain that you feel in your shoulder area. It’s often a sign that a part of your shoulder is injured, strained, or not working properly. Up to 2 in 3 people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime. What symptoms are related to shoulder pain? Usually, you can feel shoulder pain in the front of your shoulder, or at the top of your arm. Often, you can feel the pain only when you move your arm in a certain way. Sometimes you can also feel shoulder pain when you lie

Should I be checked for skin cancer? How can I protect myself from skin cancer? The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to use sun protection and monitor your skin regularly. If you are at high risk of melanoma (see below), skin self-examination is recommended every 3 months. You should also have full skin examinations by a doctor trained in using dermoscopy (using a device to see your skin close up) every 6 months. Early detection of skin cancer can improve your chances of successful treatment. It’s a good idea to become familiar with your skin, even skin that is not

Should I be tested for heart disease? What is heart disease? The term heart disease refers to a group of conditions that can affect your heart including coronary heart disease and heart failure. In the early stages of heart disease, you may not notice any symptoms. Understanding your risk of heart disease can help you take steps to reduce it and to protect your heart. Am I at risk of heart disease? There are many risk factors for heart disease — some you can’t control, but some you can. Risk factors you can’t control include: age – your risk increases as you get

What is shortness of breath? Shortness of breath is when you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It’s normal to sometimes feel short of breath, when you exercise or physically work hard, and your body needs more oxygen. Sometimes, difficulty breathing may be a sign of a health problem. Some health problems cause acute shortness of breath, which is where your symptoms come on suddenly and go away with treatment. Other conditions cause chronic shortness of breath, where you often find it hard to breathe without much effort. When should I call an ambulance or go

What is respite care? Respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you usually care for, so that you can take a break. Respite care provides an organised, temporary break both for the carer and the person they care for. Letting someone else do the caring for a few hours or days has benefits for both of you. Sometimes carers get physically and emotionally tired. It is important that they can have a break so they can be better carers. Respite care also benefits people who receive care, such as children or adults with disability, people with

What is short-sightedness? Short-sightedness (also known as myopia) is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred. Someone with myopia can achieve good vision with prescription glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery. Short-sightedness usually first appears in childhood. How is short-sightedness caused? When light enters the eye, it is bent by the cornea (the clear layer on the front of the eye) and the lens. If you have normal vision, the light waves are brought into focus right on the retina, the layer at the back of the eye. If you are short-sighted, the light waves from distant

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

Electric shocks and burns What is an electric shock or burn? Electric shocks are caused by contact with live electricity that sends an electric current through the body. Sometimes the electricity can cause a burn, often where the electricity entered or exited the body. Sometimes an electric shock only causes a fright and some pain. But sometimes it can be severe enough to knock someone unconscious and stop their heart. It depends on the voltage, the type of current and whether the current involved the heart. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department? An electric

What are shin splints? Shin splints are also known as tibial stress syndrome. Shin splints are common in athletes such as runners and dancers. Shin splints cause pain along the lower part of your shinbone, often on the inside edge. Your tibia (shinbone) is found at the front of your lower leg. It runs from your knee to your ankle. Shin splints are caused by inflammation. This is caused when your muscles and tissues that attach to your shinbone are: used incorrectly overused out of alignment Shin splint pain can flare up when you start to exercise. Usually, the pain improves as

What is Shigella? Shigella infection is also called shigellosis. It is a type of gastroenteritis (infection of the stomach and intestines). It is caused by the Shigella bacteria (germ). Shigellosis causes diarrhoea (loose or runny poo). People can get infected through food or water that is ‘contaminated’. This means the food or water has the germ that causes the sickness. You can catch Shigella from contact with an infected person. You can also catch it through food and water that has been contaminated by someone who has the germ. What are the symptoms of a Shigella infection? Signs of shigellosis include: diarrhoea (which may contain mucus or blood

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 feel: ashamed offended humiliated intimidated frightened in pain It includes a person or group: making sexual jokes, comments or gestures that are offensive or make you feel uncomfortable insulting you sexually asking, emailing or texting you for sexual favours staring at parts of your body, such as your breasts or genitals asking intrusive questions about your sex life showing or sending you pornographic or offensive material displaying sexual material, such as posters or screensavers It also

What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is a type of sexual violence. It is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that you have not consented to. It can occur when a person is forced, tricked, intimidated or coerced into sexual behaviour. There are helplines and crisis organisations that can help if you, or someone you know, has been sexually assaulted. See ‘Resources and support’ below. Sexual assault includes: unwanted or inappropriate touching or kissing having sex with someone without their consent Rape typically refers to penetration of the genitals, anus or mouth — without consent — by a penis, object or

Physical or mental disability can cause low self-esteem and lack of sexual confidence, which can impact on leading a regular sex life. People who have a medical condition that impairs their ability to lead a regular sex life may also feel concerned or worried about having sex. Talk about it You should talk about your worries with your partner, doctor, or specialists in the subject. It won’t be the first time someone’s asked that question. And it’s not a subject you should feel embarrassed about. Having sex is part of a healthy, natural routine. It is not unusual to feel

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first found in humans in 2002. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses found in many different species, including birds and mammals. They include some viruses that cause the common cold. COVID-19 is a different illness caused by another type of coronavirus, called SARS‐CoV‐2. An outbreak of SARS began in China in late 2002 and spread to many other countries, with over 8,000 cases and over 750 deaths. Australia was not significantly affected, with only one confirmed case.

What is Sever’s disease? Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children. The pain can come and go for months, or a few years. But it doesn’t usually lead to any long-term problems. Sever’s disease is also known as ‘calcaneal apophysitis’. Who gets Sever’s disease? Sever’s disease often first appears in children when they are aged between 8 and 12 years. This is when they are growing rapidly and their bones are still maturing. Highly active children are most at risk. What are the symptoms of Sever’s disease? Sever’s disease may affect one or both feet. Symptoms

What is serotonin? Serotonin is a chemical messenger that has some important jobs in the brain and around the body. It is involved in controlling your mood. Low serotonin levels in the brain are thought to contribute to depression. Serotonin is made by the body’s nerve cells from a protein called tryptophan. Serotonin works throughout the body, but mainly in the intestines, brain and blood. It works by sending messages between different body cells. What is the role of serotonin? Serotonin has many different roles. It helps control the muscles and how you move, and it influences appetite and how your

What is a septorhinoplasty? A septorhinoplasty (or ‘nose job’) is an operation to improve the appearance of your nose (rhinoplasty) and to improve how you breathe through your nose (septoplasty). It involves operating on the bones and cartilage that give your nose its shape and structure and making your septum straight. The septum is the cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils. What are the benefits of surgery? Your nose should be the size and shape you want, and you should be able to breathe through both nostrils. Most people who have a successful septorhinoplasty are more

What is a deviated nasal septum? The septum is the cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils. The septum is usually straight but it can be deviated (bent), causing symptoms of a blocked nose. Septoplasty is the operation that treats a deviated septum. a) A straight nasal septumb) A bent nasal septum What are the benefits of surgery? Your nasal airway will be more open, which should relieve your symptoms of a blocked nose. Are there any alternatives to surgery? You cannot straighten your septum without surgery. What will happen if I decide not to have the operation or

What is sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body damages its own tissues and organs in response to an infection. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure and even death if it’s not diagnosed and treated early. What is the difference between sepsis and septicaemia? Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. This can trigger sepsis, but sepsis can also come from other infections. Sepsis is sometimes referred to as septicaemia; however, they are not the same thing. What are the symptoms of sepsis? The symptoms of sepsis vary. They can

Invasive staph infections What is an invasive staph infection? Invasive staphylococcus aureus (staph) infections happen when bacteria get inside your body. Staph bacteria are often found on your skin or in your nose. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria on their skin. It usually doesn’t cause any problems. Invasive staph infection happens when staph bacteria get inside your body. If bacteria get into your blood stream or lungs it can be very serious. Invasive staph infections are not as common as staph skin infections. Some sicknesses or conditions can mean a higher risk of getting an invasive staph infection. Such

What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety disorder is a specific phobia and a type of anxiety disorder. It’s normal for young children to be anxious when away from their parent. However, this can become a more serious condition, that doesn’t go away, called separation anxiety disorder. What are the symptoms of separation anxiety? If you or your child have separation anxiety, you may have: panic around separation separation avoidance stress headaches stomach pain social anxiety intense and ongoing distress disruption to your work or schooling or social events (such as parties) What causes separation anxiety? In children, separation anxiety is a common part

What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a harmful growth that starts in the glandular tissue of your breast. What is a lymph node? Lymph nodes are small structures which lie along lymph vessels present throughout the body. Sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes in your armpit to which breast cancer cells may spread. A sentinel node biopsy involves removing the sentinel nodes from your armpit. What are the benefits of surgery? The lymph nodes that your surgeon removes will be examined to see whether they contain cancer. The result will help to decide on further treatment, without needing to remove

Eye-health tips for over-60s Many people associate older age with poorer vision. It’s true that there are many eye conditions which are more common in older age. However, there are many things you can do to help maintain good vision for life. Read on to learn more. How do my eyes change as I get older? As with other parts of your body, your eyes go through normal changes as you age. Presbyopia is a vision problem where you may notice it is more difficult to read things that are close by. You need to hold things further away to see them clearly.

What is self-talk? Self-talk is the way you talk to yourself, or your inner voice. You might not be aware that you’re doing it, but you almost certainly are. This inner voice combines conscious thoughts with inbuilt beliefs and biases to create an internal monologue throughout the day. Self-talk is important because it has a big impact on how you feel and what you do. It can be supportive and beneficial, motivating you, or it can be negative, undermining your confidence. What is negative self-talk? Negative self-talk is when your inner voice is excessively negative, sounding more like an inner

What is self-harm? Self-harm is defined as the act of someone hurting themselves intentionally (on purpose). Most people who self-harm aren’t attempting suicide. Self-harm can be a way to express or control distressing thoughts or feelings. Self-harm can cause more damage to your health and safety than you may have intended. What signs suggest someone may be self-harming? Self-harm may go unnoticed by others. Many people who self-harm do so in private and may not seek help. Self-harm may include behaviours such as: cutting, burning or hitting yourself participating in risky behaviour abuse of drugs or alcohol Signs that someone may