In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were 33.4 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS, with 2.7 million new HIV infections per year and 2.0 million annual deaths due to AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition progressively reduces the [...]
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First aid – Black eye
Put raw meat on a black eye. True or false? In actual fact, putting raw meat on a black eye is more likely to cause an infection. A black eye is a relatively common result of injury to the face or the head, caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the [...]
Osteoporosis – The silent disease
Osteoporosis has been called the “silent disease” as those suffering from it are unaware of the condition. Only when they experience a fracture, does it become apparent that they have weak and fragile bones as it is only through x-rays and bone density tests that this disease can be diagnosed. A condition of increased susceptibility [...]
Malaria
Malaria is a protozoan disease transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is the most important of the parasitic diseases of humans, with transmission in 107 countries containing 3 billion people and causing 1–3 million deaths each year. Etiology Four species of the genus Plasmodium cause nearly all malarial infections in humans. These [...]
Breast cancer
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women. Breast cancer comprises 22.9% of invasive cancers in womenand 16% of all female cancers. In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide Risk factors for developing breast cancer The risk of developing breast cancer is predominantly determined genetically. Therefore, the risk for any individual [...]
Oral Health
The legendary tooth fairy is a fairy who gives a child money or a gift in exchange for a milk tooth. Children place the tooth in their shoe at night. The fairy is said to take the tooth from the shoe and replace it with money once they have fallen asleep! Whether we believe in [...]
Asthma
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Prevalence 15% of the children population suffers from asthma compared to 2-5% of adults with a 2:1 male/ female preponderance in childhood due to [...]
Heart Health
Not only does the 1 September herald the beginning of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere, but it also announces the start of World Heart Awareness month. As we notice the first blossoms and the returning swallows, we focus on heart health and the challenges we face to increase awareness regarding healthy lifestyles. During his Budget [...]
Treatment of stings and bites
Treatment of stings and bites Stings Bee When bees sting, they leave the sting and venom sack attached. Venom continues to pump in through the stinger until the sack is empty or the sting is removed. Treatment Remove bee stings with tweezers. Do not squeeze the poison bag as this will release more poison into [...]
Healing Herpes
The herpes infection is one of the most common viral infections affecting adults and children. About one in five people suffer from recurring cold sore infections. Herpes family Herpes and chicken pox are viruses that belong to the same family. They share a common and unpleasant characteristic. Once infection with one of these viruses has [...]
