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What do I need to think about when buying medicines online? Buying medicines online may be more convenient than getting them from your local pharmacy. Before buying medicines online, check to see that the pharmacy is based in Australia and that it’s a real business. The website should ideally show: a physical address in Australia an email address a working phone number more details about the company, such as an Australian Company Number (ACN) Search for reviews from other customers. Australian-based pharmacies will ask to see your prescription before they send your medicine. They will also have a phone number

Bushfires are common in Australia and can lead to a natural disaster. It’s important to understand your level of bushfire risk so you can prepare your property, protect your health and know what to do if a fire starts. Bushfires can occur at any time in Australia, although some regions will be at greatest risk at a specific time of the year. It’s important to be prepared year round. Am I at risk of a bushfire? If you live, work or travel near bushland, grassland or farmland, you could be at risk of a bushfire. Even if you aren’t that close,

What is Buruli ulcer? Buruli ulcer is a bacterial disease that causes damage to the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to severe skin and limb damage, so early treatment is vital. Researchers are still working on how best to prevent the disease. Buruli ulcer is mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas. It has been reported in 33 countries around the world, mostly countries in central and west Africa. However, cases have also been reported in Australia, China, Japan and countries of the Western Pacific and the Americas. Where does Buruli ulcer occur in Australia? Victoria reports some

Burns and scalds What is a burn or scald? Burns are damage to the tissue of your body caused by heat, too much sun, chemicals or electricity. Scalds are caused by hot water or steam. Burns and scalds can range from being a minor injury to a life-threatening emergency. It depends how deep and how large they are. When should I call an ambulance? Call an ambulance or go straight to your nearest emergency department if: the burn is deep, even if the person doesn’t feel any pain the burn is larger than a 20 cent piece the burn involves

What is a bunion? Bunions are a common foot condition. It’s also known as hallux valgus. A bunion is a bony lump that develops at the main joint between the big toe and the foot. The bunion forms when the big toe moves towards the other toes, pulling the joint out of line. As bunions develop, your big toe will become more angled. Some people get a smaller bunion, known as a bunionette, in the joint of the smallest toe. A bunion is a bony lump that develops at the main joint between the big toe and the foot. What

This page will give you information about bunion surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What is a bunion? A bunion is a bony lump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe. Bunions tend to run in families. They are more likely if you have stretchy ligaments (hypermobility). Wearing shoes increases the risk of getting bunions, especially if they have high heels, pointed toes or badly designed soles. Some people with bunions have arthritis in the big toe joint, but many people have no other joint problems.

Bumps, knocks and bruises What are bumps, knocks and bruises? Bumps, knocks and bruises are common injuries that everyone will experience from time to time. Though they can sometimes be very painful, bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat. What symptoms are related to bumps, knocks and bruises? These kinds of injuries commonly affect joints such as your elbow or knee, and bumps and knocks to these areas can result in swelling and bruising. What causes bumps, knocks and bruises? A bruise often appears after you have been knocked, bumped or pinched, for example when you have fallen

What is bullying? Bullying is when people deliberately use words or actions repeatedly against an individual or a group to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. They usually want to make the person feel less powerful or helpless. Bullying can happen anywhere — at school, at work, at home, online, or by text messaging or email. Bullying can come in different forms, all of which cause distress and pain for the person who is being bullied. Different types of bullying There are many different types of bullying: The different types of bullying Verbal bullying Name calling, teasing, putting someone down,

What is Medicare? Medicare is the insurance scheme that gives Australian citizens and permanent residents access to healthcare, including a wide range of health and hospital services at no cost or low cost. Medicare is funded by Australian taxpayers who pay 2% of their taxable income to help cover costs. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption from the Medicare levy. How does Medicare work? To access Medicare, you need to enrol. If you are eligible, you will get a Medicare number and card. If you’re a parent or guardian, your Medicare card will

What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. An eating disorder is not a choice but a complex mental health condition. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time). A person with bulimia nervosa can find it very difficult to control their eating during a binge. This is followed by compensatory behaviours to manage their weight. This may be a combination of: vomiting misusing medicines such as laxatives or diuretics extreme exercise fasting inappropriate use of drugs for weight control This pattern of binge eating and compensatory behaviours can become more

Healthy relationships with your partner and family members can enhance your life and make everyone feel good about themselves. They don’t just happen though; healthy relationships take time to build and need work to keep them healthy. The more positive effort you put into a relationship, the healthier it should be. What are the signs of a healthy relationship? People in healthy relationships love and support each other. They help each other practically as well as emotionally. They are there for each other in the good times and the bad times. Healthy relationships are commonly based on: respect trust open

Most of us learn when we are children that cleaning our teeth helps prevent tooth decay. However, toothbrushing is only one way to keep healthy teeth and reduce the risk of several dental problems. Research has shown that a healthy mouth is important to support overall health and wellbeing. Dedicating a small amount of time to looking after your teeth can have significant, life-long benefits. Why is it important to keep teeth clean and healthy? Tooth enamel does not regenerate once it decays. The only solution is to remove and treat the decay and restore the affected teeth. Fillings, crowns, veneers and

Bumps, knocks and bruises What are bumps, knocks and bruises? Bumps, knocks and bruises are common injuries that everyone will experience from time to time. Though they can sometimes be very painful, bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat. What symptoms are related to bumps, knocks and bruises? These kinds of injuries commonly affect joints such as your elbow or knee, and bumps and knocks to these areas can result in swelling and bruising. What causes bumps, knocks and bruises? A bruise often appears after you have been knocked, bumped or pinched, for example when you have fallen

What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor see inside your airways and lungs. A thin flexible tube with a camera on the end (called a bronchoscope) is put in your nose or mouth. It is then passed through your windpipe into your airways. A bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose or treat conditions of your airways or lungs. When is a bronchoscopy needed? You may have a bronchoscopy if you have symptoms such as: wheezing chronic (ongoing) cough coughing up blood shortness of breath Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a bronchoscopy if you have had

Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in your lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that become inflamed when exposed to triggers. Inflamed airways make it difficult to breathe. This leads to symptoms like wheezing, coughing or breathlessness Can asthma be prevented? Asthma can’t be prevented entirely. However, there are some practical ways to reduce the risk of an asthma attack and live well with asthma. Get vaccinated for influenza — flu and other respiratory viruses are common triggers for asthma. Manage your allergies — asthma and allergies are closely linked. Treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and avoiding any allergy triggers

Shortness of breath 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

When will my periods return while I’m breastfeeding? After having a baby, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. If you are breastfeeding your baby, your periods may not return for months or even years after childbirth. If your baby is being fed using formula, you may find your periods return shortly after childbirth. How long before your periods return while breastfeeding can depend on: your baby’s breastfeeding pattern (how often and how long your baby is breastfeeding) how sensitive your body is to breastfeeding hormones What affects when my periods will return? Your periods are likely to return when: your baby starts

What is a breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap? A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape either at the same time (immediate) as you have your mastectomy (removing your breast) or at some time afterwards (delayed). Your surgeon will recreate a breast shape using the latissimus dorsi muscle, with some fat and skin from your back. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to review and assess breast implants available in the Australian market. In September 2019, the TGA decided to recall and suspend a number of breast implants and tissue expanders due to a small risk of breast

This page will give you information about a breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue expander. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to review and assess breast implants available in the Australian market. In September 2019, the TGA decided to recall and suspend a number of breast implants and tissue expanders due to a small risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The list of these products. Consumer information on the recall and risks  If you have symptoms such as pain, swelling, a rash

What is a breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue flap? A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape after you have had a mastectomy (removing all your breast). Your surgeon will recreate a breast shape using tissue from your lower abdomen. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get a breast shape again. Most women who have a successful breast reconstruction are more comfortable with their appearance. Are there any alternatives to a breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue? Using padded bras or bra inserts can give the appearance of a breast shape when you are wearing clothes.

  Expressing and storing breast milk What is expressing? Expressing is a way to get milk from your breasts when your baby is not breastfeeding. You can express milk by hand or with a pump. There are manual pumps and electric pumps available. Not everyone will need to express breast milk. Why would I need to express? Being able to express breast milk is useful in several situations. Such as if your baby has been born prematurely is unwell and is not able to breastfeed can’t attach and suck effectively is refusing the breast your breasts are very full and uncomfortable needs to be

There are many different types of breast diseases. They include infections, cysts and growths, with or without pain. Some growths are benign, meaning not cancer, and some are malignant, which means they can spread. The most common breast conditions are painful breasts, mastitis (inflammation of the breast), cysts, benign lumps and cancer. It’s important for women to be aware of how their breasts look and feel, and to see a doctor if they notice any changes. Women aged 50 to 74 are recommended to have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen. If anything suspicious is found, women are usually offered a combination

What are breast cysts? Breast cysts are bubbles of fluid in the breast. They are like blisters. Breast cysts are benign (not cancer). They are common in females aged 35 to 50 years. They are also common in females taking hormone replacement therapy. Types of breast cyst In the breast, fluid is always being made. After being made, the fluid is reabsorbed. This means the fluid goes back into the breast tissue. Breast cysts can happen if more fluid is produced than reabsorbed. During a female’s menstrual cycle, breast cysts may form or get larger. Sometimes breast cysts happen when a milk

Why should I check my breasts regularly? Checking your breasts regularly is the best way to learn what your breasts look and feel like, so you can learn what is normal for you. By checking your breasts often, you will be able to notice changes as soon as they happen. Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. It gives you the most options for treatment. If you notice any changes in your breasts, see your doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that not all lumps are dangerous, and 9 out of 10 changes are

Coping with family break-up, separation or divorce How do people respond to separation and divorce? When you have separated or divorced, you will probably have very strong emotional and physical responses at first. Every person and every situation is different, so you will have your own response, especially if you experienced domestic violence or ongoing conflict in your relationship. Even if your partner was abusive, you may feel sad, angry and conflicted at the ending of the relationship. The early emotions may be so intense you could feel as though you are not coping. You might: feel very angry or shocked feel rejected or

Respite care 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,

What is a brain tumour? A brain tumour is a lump of abnormal cells growing in your brain. Your brain controls all the parts of your body and its functions and produces your thoughts. Depending on where it is, a tumour in your brain can affect these functions. When cells grow abnormally they may form a lump called a tumour. Tumours can be benign or malignant. A benign tumour grows slowly and stays in one place. It is unlikely to spread to another part of your body. Benign tumours are not cancerous. But a benign brain tumour may cause damage just

What is a bowel obstruction? Bowel obstruction (also called intestinal obstruction) is when something blocks the normal movement of food and liquids through your bowel (intestines). It can happen for a variety of reasons. There are different types of bowel obstruction. A blockage in your digestive system can be: in the small intestine or the large intestine partial (meaning your bowel is partly blocked and some faeces (poo) can still get through) or complete (meaning it is fully blocked and not even gas can get through) simple (just a blockage) or complicated (meaning the blockage has cut off your bowel’s blood supply and caused

What is a bowel infection? Bowel infections are caused by microorganisms (‘bugs’, or germs) that have found their way into your gut. The gut (also called bowel or intestine), is part of your digestive system. An infection of the bowel is sometimes called a gastrointestinal infection, or gastroenteritis or (gastro). You can get gastroenteritis by eating or drinking contaminated water or food. This is often called food poisoning) You can also get gastroenteritis from contact with germs through infected people or contaminated objects such as cutlery, taps, toys or nappies. Bowel infections are common in Australia, but people also frequently get infected when travelling

What is botulism? Botulism is a serious illness that causes paralysis (meaning that you are unable to move your muscles). It is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. The toxin can severely damage your nerves, and can cause death. Bacteria spores (cells) are present in soil, dust, and some foods. The toxin is sometimes found in food that has not been prepared or stored safely. Botulism is very rare. It usually affects one person a year in Australia. How is botulism spread? There are several types of botulism, which are spread in different ways. You can’t

Expressing and storing breast milk What is expressing? Expressing is a way to get milk from your breasts when your baby is not breastfeeding. You can express milk by hand or with a pump. There are manual pumps and electric pumps available. Not everyone will need to express breast milk. Why would I need to express? Being able to express breast milk is useful in several situations. Such as if your baby has been born prematurely is unwell and is not able to breastfeed can’t attach and suck effectively is refusing the breast your breasts are very full and uncomfortable needs to be fed

Bones, muscles and joints hat are bones, muscles and joints? Bones, muscles and joints make up the musculoskeletal system, along with cartilage, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. This system gives your body its structure and support and lets you move around. The parts of the musculoskeletal system grow and change throughout life. Injuries and various illnesses can damage bones, muscles and joints. Parts of the musculoskeletal system Skeleton — this is the framework of the body. The adult human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. There are 5 main shapes of bones: long (such as the upper arm), short

Healthy bones What are ‘healthy’ bones? Healthy bones are bones that are dense and strong. Your bones are a living part of your body and despite their strength, they are flexible. They can heal themselves when broken, and are constantly being renewed by your body. Your bones grow throughout childhood and adolescence, and bone renewal (known as ‘remodeling’) occurs throughout life. Key components of bones include calcium, collagen and bone marrow. Your bones are affected by the foods you eat and your lifestyle, so looking after your general health will help to keep your bones healthy. Why is bone health

What are boils? Boils are painful, red, pus-filled lumps on your skin caused by an infection of hair follicles. One infected hair follicle is called a furuncle, and a group of infected follicles joined together is known as a carbuncle. Boils can occur anywhere, but most often in hairy areas that sweat or rub, such as your: face or neck armpits groin or vagina inner thigh or buttocks. What are the symptoms of boils? Symptoms of boils include: a red, tender lump with a white or yellow centre pain feeling unwell and having fevers, particularly with a large boil A photo showing a

What is body piercing? Body piercing is traditionally done by pushing a needle through skin and inserting a piece of jewellery. Ears are pierced more often than other parts of the body, but other sites that are sometimes pierced include: eyebrows nose lips tongue nipples navel genitals What is tattooing? Tattoos are permanent designs made with ink injected under the skin. The tattoo gun used to inject the ink pierces the skin, so tattoos have their own set of health risks. See this Queensland Government page for advice on what to ask if you are considering getting a tattoo. What are the

What is body image? Body image refers to the way you see your physical self — your body — and the thoughts and feelings that are caused by the way you see it. Having a healthy body image means being comfortable and knowing that there is more to you than just your physical appearance. You accept your body, including its limitations, and appreciate it. Conversely, having an unhealthy body image involves always thinking your body is unattractive. This ‘body dissatisfaction’ is driven from an internal process, but can be influenced by external social factors. Sometimes, it can make a person

How to reduce visceral body fat (hidden fat) What is visceral body fat? Visceral body fat, also known as ‘hidden’ fat, is fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapped around the organs, including the liver and intestines. It makes up about one tenth of all the fat stored in the body. Most fat is stored underneath the skin and is known as subcutaneous fat. That is the fat that is visible and that you can feel. The rest of the fat in the body is hidden. That is visceral fat. Visceral fat makes the belly stick out or gives a

What is body dysmorphic disorder? Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness where a person believes there is a flaw or defect in their body and this leads to distress and repetitive behaviours. If you have body dysmorphic disorder, you feel a part of your body is unusual or deformed, so that you feel ashamed, distressed or depressed. These feelings may affect your wellbeing and prevent you from living a normal life. Body dysmorphic disorder can lead a person to try and fix or change the perceived defect, for example with make-up, exercise or surgery. The face and facial features — such as the size

What is body mass index (BMI)? Body mass index (BMI) is calculated from your weight and height. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height as follows: BMI = Weight in kilos/Height in metres x Height in metres You can find your BMI using the healthdirect BMI calculator. The calculator can give you an idea of any health risks related to your BMI or waist circumference. It also offers information based on your personal results. Once you know your BMI, you can find your weight classification. For adults, the BMI ranges and classifications are: BMI under

What is blurred vision? If you have blurred vision, the things you see will not look sharp and clear. You may experience blurred vision in both eyes or just in one eye, depending on what is causing it. Sometimes everything you look at will be blurry, while sometimes just part of your field of vision will be blurred. You can also have other symptoms along with blurred vision, including headaches, sensitivity to light, or red, irritated eyes. What causes blurred vision? Blurred vision can be caused by eye conditions, including: difficulty focusing your eyesight, such as with near-sightedness or far-sightedness

Sea creature bites and stings 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 to March. The symptoms of a box jellyfish sting are severe pain and red or purple marks on the skin. It can cause increased heart rate, severe pain elsewhere in the body, sweating or anxiety, nausea or vomiting or cardiac arrest. The symptoms of Irukandji sting are severe backache or headache,

What is a blood transfusion? A blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which donated blood is given to you. It is a safe procedure and can be life-saving. If complications occur, they are typically mild. Why might I need a blood transfusion? You might need a blood transfusion if: you have lost a lot of blood because of surgery, childbirth or a serious accident you have severe anaemia (a lack of red blood cells), which cannot be treated in any other way you are having cancer treatment or stem cell transplants that affect your blood cell count you have a bleeding disorder What are the risks of having a blood

Guide to blood testing Before having a blood test If you have been referred for blood tests, you might ask: Do I really need to have these blood tests? What are the risks? What happens if the tests aren’t accurate? What happens if I don’t do anything? How much will the tests cost? How will I get the results and when? Some tests require preparation, such as: fasting (not eating for several hours beforehand) not having certain foods or drinks before the test changing how or when you take a medicine or supplement before the test having the test at a certain

How to lower your blood pressure What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood pushing on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body. It is measured and described with 2 numbers (for example, 130/90mmHg). The pressure is measured in mmHg, which is short for ‘millimetres of mercury’. Systolic pressure is the higher number and is the pressure of your heart contracting and forcing blood through your arteries. Diastolic pressure is the lower number and is the pressure in the arteries between heart beats (when the heart is resting and filling with blood).

What is a healthy blood pressure? What is blood pressure? As blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure with which it pushes against the walls of blood vessels changes. When the heart squeezes blood into the arteries, the pressure goes up. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and the lowest reading. It is given as 2 figures highest (systolic) over lowest (diastolic). Systolic is the pressure in the artery as the heart contracts (squeezes). This is represented by the first number. Diastolic is the

Sepsis 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

Blood in urine (haematuria) What causes blood in urine? Urinary tract infection (infection of the bladder or kidney) is one of the most common causes of blood in the urine. Other common causes are: exercise, sexual intercourse or injury a kidney stone cysts blood-thinning medication a disease of the blood a medical procedure Blood in the urine can also be caused by: kidney disease injury to the kidney, ureter, bladder or urethra tumours of the bladder, kidney or prostate How is blood in urine diagnosed? Your doctor will talk to you and will examine you. They will ask for a urine sample for urine tests, and may

What does blood in stools look like? Blood from your stool could look bright red, or it might be dark red or black. How the blood looks depends on where it is coming from. Spots of red blood on the toilet paper, drops in the toilet bowl, blood on the surface of your stool or in your underwear indicate the bleeding is coming from the anus or lower rectum. If the blood is mixed in with your stool, this suggests bleeding might be from higher up in the bowel. If your stools are black and like tar, and they smell

Blood types What are blood types? A person’s blood type, also known as their blood group, is the chemical structure on the outside of their red blood cells. The chemicals on the outside of the blood cells are called antigens. Someone’s blood type is decided by the genes they inherit from their parents. Different blood types do not mix. A blood test is done to find out the blood type before a blood transfusion, major surgery or having a baby. This is because it is very dangerous if you are given the wrong blood type. If someone receives blood with the wrong sort

Why should I give blood? Many people need regular blood transfusions to help treat their medical conditions. Blood donations are also used in emergencies and to treat cancer. Healthy adults are encouraged to donate blood. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives. You can choose to donate: blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood) platelets (cell fragments that help with blood clotting) What is a plasma donation? Just over half of your blood is plasma. Plasma donation, or apheresis, is a lot like a blood donation. A special machine takes blood from your arm. The machine separates your

Blood and blood vessels Blood cells Most blood cells are made in the bone marrow. There are 3 main types of blood cells: red blood cells white blood cells platelets. Red blood cells Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and carry waste products to the lungs or kidneys for release. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which is the protein that enables them to carry oxygen. White blood cells White blood cells are part of the immune system. They detect and fight infections or foreign substances that enter the body. There are 5 main types

What is bloating? Bloating is a feeling that your tummy is over full or stretched. It happens when the organs in your digestive system are stretched. This can be when: liquid, gas or solids build up in part of your gut your tummy muscles are weak, such as after pregnancy What symptoms are related to bloating? If you are feeling bloated, you may also experience: cramps burping diarrhoea constipation swelling gas (flatulence/farting) What causes bloating? Bloating can be caused by many different factors. Gas can build-up in your gut when you: eat a lot of salty food and carbohydrates swallow a lot of

What causes blisters? Blisters are commonly caused by friction or pressure, such as when new shoes repeatedly rub your heel. Blisters can also be caused by injuries or damage from: insect bites or stings scalds or burns sunburn frostbite chilblains pressure ulcers (bedsores) contact with irritants that cause contact dermatitis, such as primula plants or the metal nickel Some diseases and infections can also cause blisters, including: chicken pox shingles hand, foot and mouth disease impetigo or, ‘school sores’ cellulitis genital herpes cold sores autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus inherited diseases, such as epidermolysis bullosa When should I see my doctor? You should seek medical

What is blindness? Blindness is the partial or full loss of sight in your eyes. Some people who are blind can’t see anything at all. Most people who are legally blind can see some things, but they struggle with their vision. You are legally blind if: you can only just read a sign that’s 6 metres away, but that someone with normal vision can read from 60 metres away; or your field of vision is less than 20 degrees in diameter (sometimes called ‘tunnel vision’). You have low vision if you can’t see properly, your eyesight can’t be improved as

Twitching eye What is twitching eye? A ‘twitching eye’ or an ‘eye twitch’ are terms that describe muscle spasms in the eyelid. Most of the time these are mild and go away on their own A twitching eye happens when the muscles in the eyelid contract (spasm) without someone’s control. What causes twitching eye? Numerous factors can cause eye twitches, including stress, fatigue, bright lights, irritation of the eye or inner eyelids, smoking, pollution, and excess caffeine or alcohol. These sorts of twitches usually go away on their own. Eye twitches can remain for longer than a week or become more serious,

What is bleeding after menopause? Menopause is the time when you stop having periods at around the age of 51 years. You’ve reached menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months. Up to 1 in 10 females experiences vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause. This is called ‘postmenopausal bleeding’. However, perimenopause is the stage of life leading up to your last menstrual period. This stage can last 4 to 6 years. A common feature of perimenopause is irregular periods. Can periods restart after menopause? Your periods cannot restart after menopause. Once you have reached menopause, any vaginal bleeding is not normal.

This page will give you information about a bladder-neck incision. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What causes prostate trouble? Your prostate gland is an organ that lies under your bladder and surrounds your urethra (tube that carries urine and semen to the tip of your penis). Prostate trouble is caused by the growth of your prostate gland. It is normal for your prostate gland to get larger with age. If the gland tightens around your urethra, it can interrupt the flow of urine from your bladder. The position of the

What is bladder prolapse? A bladder prolapse (also called a cystocoele) develops when your bladder bulges into your vaginal wall. A group of muscles called the pelvic floor supports your bladder, uterus (womb) and bowel and holds them in place. If your pelvic floor muscles become weak, these organs can bulge into the wall of your vagina. The term ‘prolapse’ means ‘to fall out of place’. What causes bladder prolapse? The most common causes of bladder prolapse are pregnancy and childbirth. Bladder prolapse affects about half of all females who have had a baby, particularly those who have had a vaginal birth. Hormonal changes

What is the urinary system? The bladder is part of the urinary system, or urinary tract. The bladder is an organ in your pelvis that stores urine (wee). It works with the kidneys to rid the body of waste products from the blood. The kidneys and ureters Your kidneys make urine, which is transported to your bladder along tubes called ureters. The bladder and urethra Once the urine reaches the bladder, it stays there until you empty it (urinate/wee). Urine (wee) leaves your body by passing through a narrow tube called the urethra. What happens when you urinate? To urinate (do a wee),

What is a blackout? A blackout is a temporary loss of consciousness. It may also be called: fainting (syncope) a collapse passing out If a blackout is caused by alcohol or drug use, you may experience memory loss. If you have a blackout, it may not be serious. But it’s still important to see your doctor to try and work out what is causing the blackouts. What symptoms are related to blackouts? If you have a blackout, you lose consciousness temporarily. Before that, you may: fall down have blurred vision feel confused feel dizzy look pale feel anxious be sweaty What causes a blackout? There

What is a black eye? A black eye is a bruise in the tissues around the eye. Depending on how it happened, it may be a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor in case you have a more serious injury. A black eye is also known as periorbital haematoma. A black eye develops when fluids collect in the tissues around the eye. The bruising and blue and purple discolouration are caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. These tissues will usually be swollen too. The eye itself is not usually damaged. A black eye can

Sea creature bites and stings 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 to March. The symptoms of a box jellyfish sting are severe pain and red or purple marks on the skin. It can cause increased heart rate, severe pain elsewhere in the body, sweating or anxiety, nausea or vomiting or cardiac arrest. The symptoms of Irukandji sting are severe backache or headache,

What is contraception? Contraception (birth control) can be used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pregnancy can happen when sperm released during penis-in-vagina sex fertilises an egg, which then implants in your uterus (womb). What should I think about when choosing contraception? There are many different forms of contraception. No form of birth control is 100% effective, but some methods are more effective than others. Aside from preventing pregnancy, some — but not all — methods of contraception can also help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Discuss contraception with a new partner before having sex, so you can choose a method that

Medicines for bipolar disorder What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a serious, long-term (chronic) mental health condition that involves having extreme mood swings. Someone with bipolar disorder can swing between periods of depression and periods of feeling ‘high’, irritable, agitated or excited, known as mania or hypomania. Some people with bipolar disorder also experience psychosis. This means that they lose touch with reality and may experience hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. If you have bipolar disorder, treatment can help make the episodes of depression and mania shorter, easier to get through and less likely to happen. How is bipolar disorder treated? Most people with bipolar disorder manage the condition

What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a chronic (long-term) condition. It involves intense mood changes that disrupt everyday life — from extreme highs to extreme lows. It affects 1 in 50 Australians each year. Bipolar disorder often develops for the first time during teenage years or early adulthood. It tends to affect more females than males. It is sometimes known as manic depression. People with bipolar disorder will experience periods of extreme moods at different times: Manic (or hypomanic) episodes— feeling very euphoric or high. Hypomania means ‘less than mania’. Symptoms of hypomania are like those of a manic