Iron deficiency leading to anaemia is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world. More than 30% of the world’s population is anaemic. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, hookworm infestation and other infections such as tuberculosis are important factors contributing to the high prevalence of anaemia in some areas.Anaemia is when the number of red blood [...]
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Lack of Energy – Tonics
The Greek word “energeia” means “activity” or “operation”, while energos means “active” and “working”. Energy is characteristic in all living creatures – from the tiniest cell to a human being. Normal activities like moving, growing and reproduction demand a constant energy flow. The study of energy (in Greek called Thermos = heat) and its effects [...]
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs and may be acute or chronic. The bronchial tubes, or bronchi, connect the windpipe to the lungs. When the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed or infected, it leads to bronchitis. Essentially it means that the amount of air and oxygen that [...]
Athlete’s foot
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body but others may, under certain conditions, multiply rapidly and cause infections. Athlete’s foot occurs when the fungus Trichophyton grows and multiplies on the feet or, less commonly, the hands. It is one of the most [...]
Insomnia
What is sleep? Sleep is a state of consciousness which gives the body time to rest, going through different stages of sleep in a cycle that lasts about 90 minutes. A person may go through five of these cycles in a night. They start from drowsiness to light sleep, then deep sleep and [...]
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite might not be something pharmacy personnel often come across, yet many people experience a temporary loss of appetite from time-to-time. It is usually nothing to worry about, unless it lasts for more than a day or two. The medical term for loss of appetite is anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is a well known [...]
Marathon injuries: Illiotibial band friction syndrome and Achilles tendinopathy
South Africa plays host to many great sporting events, including the Comrades Marathon. This race is run between Pietermarizburg and Durban and completes an 89 kilometre route. This year, the Comrades Marathon will be run on the 29th of May. Many of these runners experience lower limb injuries due to the repetitive nature of long [...]
Itchy skin conditions
Autumn is synonymous with the appearance of dry skin (xerosis) which can lead to itchy skin. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors, such as hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term exposure to air conditioning or central heating and washing or bathing too often. Pruritus refers to an unpleasant sensation that causes [...]
Sore throat and tonsillitis
Especially in children, one always wonders if a sore throat is a symptom of tonsillitis, just a simple flu or something more serious such as scarlet fever. The child usually complains of throat pain, fever and trouble swallowing. The pain may spread to the child’s ears. Looking into the throat with a flash light, the [...]
Heartburn
Heartburn is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. Population-based studies have shown that up to 15% of individuals have heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week, and seven percent have symptoms daily. Heartburn is characterized by a burning retrosternal discomfort that may move up and down the chest like a wave. When severe, [...]
Latest Issue - April 2012
