Day: January 19, 2024

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