Health topics

What is von Willebrand disease? Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder passed down in the genes you inherit from one’s parents. It is similar to haemophilia, but more common and usually less severe. If you have von Willebrand disease, you don’t have enough of a clotting factor called von Willebrand factor, or the factor doesn’t work properly. The result is that it takes longer than normal for your blood to clot and for bleeding to stop. Von Willebrand disease is also called von Willebrand disorder, or VWD. Types of von Willebrand disease There are 3 types of VWD: Type 1

Morning sickness What is morning sickness? Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or actual vomiting (being sick) during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. When will I get morning sickness? You are more likely to have morning sickness between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is during your first trimester. Most pregnant women have morning sickness at some point. For many women, the feelings of sickness will be over by the second trimester. It is unusual to have morning sickness for the first time after week 10 of pregnancy. If

What is vomiting? Vomiting is a very common symptom experienced by children. It’s one of the most common reasons parents take their child to the doctor. Vomiting can be caused by many different factors, but viral gastroenteritis (‘gastro’) is the most common cause of sudden vomiting in children. Vomiting from viral gastroenteritis usually clears up in a couple of days, but the diarrhoea usually goes on longer. Babies often bring up small amounts of food after feeding — it’s known as posseting or reflux. It happens without any effort, in contrast to vomiting — which involves forceful contractions of the

What is vomiting? Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the contents of the stomach and upper digestive system through the mouth. It is sometimes known as throwing up or being sick. Vomiting is a reflex that helps the body get rid of substances that may be harmful. Most people will experience vomiting at some point. This information concerns vomiting in adults and children over 12 years of age. See vomiting in children for information relating to children between 0 and 12 years. What symptoms relate to vomiting? Vomiting is accompanied by forceful contractions of the abdominal muscles. It is different from reflux or regurgitation which happen

Benefits of volunteering Being a volunteer has lots of benefits. It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can also relieve stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression. As well as having a positive impact on your community, volunteering can improve your relationships. Volunteering explained Volunteering is spending time willingly to help someone else without being paid. It can be formal or informal. Informal volunteering includes helping friends and family with things like babysitting, home repairs or caring. Formal volunteering usually takes place through a charity or other not-for-profit or community organisation. There are many organisations that actively

What is voluntary assisted dying? Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is when someone chooses medical assistance to end their life. Terms such as ‘physician-assisted suicide’, ‘physician-assisted dying’ and ‘euthanasia’ refer to VAD. VAD is voluntary. You can only choose VAD if you are an adult who is able to make decisions and if you choose VAD on your own. No one can force you. There are 2 main types of VAD: self-administered — when a person takes VAD medicine that an eligible healthcare practitioner has prescribed for them practitioner-administered — when an eligible healthcare practitioner administers VAD medicine to a person Is

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is a skin condition where patches of skin become pale or white. It affects 1 to 2 in every 100 people. If you have vitiligo, you are likely to otherwise be healthy. Vitiligo can cause emotional trauma because of the way the skin looks. What are the different types of vitiligo? There are 4 main types of vitiligo: Non-segmental vitiligo is symmetrical, meaning it usually occurs on the same area of body parts on both sides of the body. Segmental vitiligo usually

What are vitamins and minerals? Vitamins and minerals are needed to make your body work properly. Vitamins come from plants and animals, while minerals originally come from the earth. Most people can get all the vitamins and minerals they need from the 5 food groups in a balanced diet. However, some groups in the community are more at risk of developing deficiencies. Vitamins are found in: fresh foods frozen foods canned foods An example is Vitamin C. It is found in many fruits. Some vitamins can be lost by cooking in water. Fresh fruit and uncooked vegetables are good sources of

Why is vitamin K important? Vitamin K is important because it helps the liver make proteins that allow your blood to clot normally, to prevent excessive bleeding. It is also important for healthy bones. Adults usually have enough vitamin K, because normal bacteria in the gut produce it. It is also in the fat of much of the food that we eat. Vitamin K gets stored in the liver, so you don’t need to eat it every day, unlike some other vitamins. See this article for important information on babies and vitamin K. What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?

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 well as vegetables, seeds and

Why should I include vitamin D in my diet? Vitamin D is very important for bone health. It strengthens your bones by helping you to absorb calcium from the foods you eat. It also regulates the amount of calcium in your blood and helps to keep your hormones, nervous system and immune system working well. What are the natural sources of vitamin D? There are 2 main forms of vitamin D you need to stay healthy: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is from plant sources. It is found in fortified food and some supplements. Vitamin D3 is produced

What is a vitamin D blood test? Vitamin D is important for healthy bones. Vitamin D comes in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 need to be turned into 25-hydroxy-vitamin D to work effectively. This is done by your liver and kidneys. The vitamin D blood test measures how much 25-hydroxy-vitamin D is available in your body. Other forms of vitamin D can also be measured if needed. Why would I need this test? A vitamin D test might be part of a check-up for certain people who may not have enough vitamin D.

What is vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D for healthy functioning. More than 1 in every 3 Australian adults has mild, moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency. The Australian government publishes recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for all vitamins. Babies, children, teenagers and adults aged 19–50 years should have 5μg (micrograms) of vitamin D per day. Adults aged 51-70 years should have 10μg of vitamin D per day. Adults aged over 70 years should have 15μg of vitamin D per day. What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble

What is vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D for healthy functioning. More than 1 in every 3 Australian adults has mild, moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency. The Australian government publishes recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for all vitamins. Babies, children, teenagers and adults aged 19–50 years should have 5μg (micrograms) of vitamin D per day. Adults aged 51-70 years should have 10μg of vitamin D per day. Adults aged over 70 years should have 15μg of vitamin D per day. What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble

What is a vitamin B12 blood test? Vitamin B12 is one of the B group of vitamins. It is also known as cobalamin. It is vital for making red blood cells and for cell and tissue repair. Vitamin B12 also helps with nerve health. Vitamin B12 and folate work together to help with cell functioning. The vitamin B12 blood test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. Your folate level is usually tested at the same time. Why would I need this test? You may need this test if you have: symptoms that suggest a low level of Vitamin B12 a medical

Why should I include vitamin A in my diet? Vitamin A helps to keep your body’s cells healthy and maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin A is considered an essential vitamin. This means that your body cannot produce it. Your body relies on a diet that includes vitamin A. Some fruits and vegetables contain provitamin-A carotenoids, including beta-carotene. These undergo a reaction in your body to form vitamin A. This conversion doesn’t happen with animal sources of vitamin A. Go here for more information about vitamin A and your health. What are the natural sources of vitamin A? Fruit and vegetables Sometimes

What is vitamin A deficiency? Vitamin A deficiency happens when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency usually results from what you do and don’t eat. However, a health condition can also cause it. Your body needs a certain amount of vitamin A to function well. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries like Australia where you can generally get fresh produce. You can get enough vitamin A by eating fruit, vegetables and health proteins. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means it gets stored in your body’s own cells. If you don’t eat vitamin

Blindness What is blindness? Blindness is the complete, or almost complete, loss of sight in your eyes. Some people who are blind can’t see anything at all. Most people who are blind have some vision, but not enough to manage day-to-day life. You are legally blind if one of the following applies to you: You can’t read a sign that’s 6 metres away, but that someone with normal vision can read from 60 metres away. Your field of vision is less than 20 degrees across. Low vision is not necessarily the same as blindness. You may have low vision if:

What is visceral body fat? Visceral body fat, also known as ‘toxic’ fat, is fat stored deep inside your body. Most fat is stored underneath the skin and is known as subcutaneous fat. This is the fat that is visible and that you can feel. The rest of the fat in the body is stored around your internal organs, including your heart, liver and intestines. This is visceral fat. Visceral fat makes chemicals and hormones that can be toxic to the body. Visceral fat produces more of these toxic substances than subcutaneous fat, so it can be more harmful to

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. The infection causes inflammation (swelling) in your lungs. The air sacs in your lungs can fill up with fluid, making it harder for you to breathe. There are many types of pneumonia. One of the most common is pneumococcal pneumonia. This is caused by the bacterium streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia can be a mild illness, or it can be much more serious. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for: babies 12 months and under Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people people older than

What are viral haemorrhagic fevers? Viral haemorrhagic fevers are a group of rare but potentially life-threatening illnesses. They are caused by different viruses that can cause bleeding and fever. These illnesses include: dengue fever Ebola virus disease Marburg virus disease Lassa fever Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever yellow fever chikungunya infection Each of these illnesses occurs in a particular area of the world, or in several areas. Dengue fever is the only viral haemorrhagic fever known to occur in Australia. What are the symptoms of viral haemorrhagic fevers? The first symptoms to develop may include: fever headache What are viral haemorrhagic fevers? Viral

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

  Acoustic neuroma   What is acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that can affect hearing and balance. What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma? Usually, acoustic neuromas grow very slowly. This means that you may not have any symptoms in the early stages when the tumour is small. Many people with acoustic neuromas notice some hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Usually only one ear is affected, but both ears can be involved if the person has a rare genetic disease called neurofibromatosis type 2. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition characterised by the growth of benign tumours. Whether or not there

What is vertigo? Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. If you have vertigo, you may feel like the world is spinning around you. You feel unbalanced or that you are swaying or moving when you are still. It might get worse when you change position quickly, such as turning over in bed or moving your head to look up. Vertigo can be distressing or worrying. It doesn’t always mean that you have a serious medical problem. What symptoms are related to vertigo? If you have vertigo, it may feel like: you are spinning you are falling the world is spinning

How to treat warts What are warts? Warts are small, harmless lumps of skin caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). A wart will usually have a flesh coloured appearance and the skin forming the wart will be rough. Warts are common in school-aged children but can happen at any age. What are the symptoms of warts? The appearance of a wart depends on its type. There are several different types of warts: Common warts (verruca vulgaris) — these are small, raised areas of skin, usually round, with a rough surface of skin often looking like the top

What are veneers? Veneers are thin layers of material that cover the front of the teeth. Veneers can be placed on one tooth or a few of your teeth. Your dentist or dental practitioner fixes veneers to your teeth. You can’t take veneers off. Veneers can be made of: porcelain (ceramic) composite resin (of plastic and glass) Why would I want veneers? Veneers help to improve the appearance of your teeth. They’re not used to repair damage. Veneers don’t straighten your teeth or fix your bite. Veneers can be useful if your teeth are: discoloured or stained a bit crooked oddly

What are vegetarian and vegan diets? Vegetarian and vegan diets help reduce your risk of disease. They can also provide you with all the protein, minerals and most vitamins your body needs. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, poultry or seafood. However, there are different types of vegetarian diet: Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products. Vegans don’t eat any animal products, including honey and gelatine. Pescatarians are not strictly vegetarian as they eat seafood, but still focus on a diet high in plants. People may follow a vegetarian or vegan diet for religious reasons, or as a sustainable, ethical choice. What

A balanced diet What are the 5 food groups? A healthy diet does not need to be complicated. Eat foods from the 5 food groups every day. The 5 food groups are: vegetables and legumes (beans) fruit grains and cereals lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans), tofu, nuts, seeds milk, cheese, yoghurt or alternatives Each food group has important nutrients. The amount of each food you need will vary during your life. Your diet will depend on factors such as: how active you are whether or not you are growing whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding Why should I eat vegetables

What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is a permanent method of male contraception. It involves cutting both the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from your testicles. This prevents sperm from mixing with semen and reaching your penis. A vasectomy should prevent your partner from becoming pregnant. What are the benefits of surgery? You or your partner should not need to use another method of contraception. Are there any alternatives to a vasectomy? The only other method of male contraception is to use a condom, but the risk of failure is higher. A sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception. hormone implants a coil

What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is a form of contraception. From the time you have a vasectomy, you are unlikely to have more children from sexual intercourse.   A vasectomy doesn’t change your libido (sexual desire) or ability to reach orgasm. It won’t stop the production of semen. A vasectomy can sometimes be reversed, but it is generally permanent. What vasectomy procedure will I have? There are two ways you can have a vasectomy operation: Open procedure method 1 or 2 small openings are made in the front of your scrotum. Your doctor will then cut and seal

What is vasculitis? Vasculitis occurs when there is inflammation of your blood vessels. The inflammation can cause blood vessels to narrow. This may reduce blood flow to part of the body (ischaemia) or cause blood clots (thrombosis). Vasculitis can happen from a range of medical conditions (vasculitic disorders), most of which are quite rare. Some common types of vasculitis include: giant cell (temporal) arteritis — affects arteries of the head and neck polymyalgia rheumatica — inflammation and swelling in joint and muscles Kawasaki disease — affects skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and blood vessels polyarteritis nodosa — affects arteries, kidneys, gut, nerves, and skin What

Circulatory system What is the circulatory system? Your circulatory system, also called the cardiovascular system or vascular system, moves oxygen, nutrients and hormones to your body’s cells to use for energy, growth and repair. Your circulatory system also removes carbon dioxide and other waste products that your cells do not need. These key parts of your circulatory system maintain blood flow to all the cells in your body, so you can survive: blood — made up of red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets the heart — a muscular organ that pumps blood to all parts of your body blood vessels, include arteries, capillaries

Peripheral vascular disease What is peripheral vascular disease? Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is also known as ‘peripheral artery disease’ (PAD). It usually refers to narrowing of the arteries leading to your legs and feet. What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease? The most common symptom of PVD is painful cramping in your leg muscles. This is triggered by physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs. The pain usually develops in your calves (lower leg). Sometimes your thigh or buttock muscles can be affected. It can range from mild to severe. The pain will usually go away after 5

What is vascular dementia? Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that develops because of problems with the blood’s circulation to the brain. It causes problems with reasoning, planning, judgement, memory and other thinking. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. People with vascular dementia tend to decline more rapidly than people with Alzheimer’s disease. What are the symptoms of vascular dementia? The symptoms of vascular dementia are often similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease, and the 2 conditions often occur together. The symptoms of vascular dementia depend on which part of the brain is

What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins in your leg. Varicose veins tend to run in families and are made worse by pregnancy and standing up a lot. Both legs contain a system of deep veins, which are buried within the muscles of your leg, and a system of superficial veins which run just underneath your skin. Sometimes weaknesses in the walls of the superficial veins cause them to enlarge. The result is a build-up of pressure in the veins, which bulge out as varicose veins. Varicose veins. What are the benefits of surgery? Surgery should help

What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels just under your skin. They are most common on the legs and feet. Healthy leg veins have tiny one-way valves to help blood flow up to your heart. Varicose veins happen when these valves in the veins become damaged or stop working. This causes blood to flow back down your leg and pool in your veins, stretching them. Blood that collects in varicose veins can flow backwards into smaller blood vessels called capillaries. These enlarge and form ‘spider veins’. Varicose veins are especially common in pregnancy. Visit the Pregnancy Birth and Baby page