Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a relatively common condition that causes a tingling sensation, numbness and sometimes pain in the hand and fingers. Usually, these sensations develop gradually and worsen during the night. They tend to affect the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The carpal tunnel is a narrow page way in the wrist, … Read more

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from breakdown of joint cartilage over time. It is the most common form of arthritis, commonly occurring in adults over the age of 45 years. Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint stiffness, joint pain, muscle weakness, joint instability, reduced range of movement and grinding sensation of affected … Read more

Seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless, brown, slightly raised growths that give the appearance that they are sitting loosely on the skin. They are more common with advancing age and in those with a family history of these lumps. Although they can occur anywhere, they are usually found on the face and trunk (chest and back). The … Read more

Emphysema and another lung condition known as “chronic bronchitis” (persistent cough with phlegm) are both features of a common lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The symptoms of emphysema include breathlessness with exertion and eventually, as the condition progresses, breathlessness all the time. Emphysema puts the individual at greater risk of developing chest … Read more

Mindfulness is a process whereby we endeavour to be aware of the present moment in a kind nonjudgmental way. This is so different from the way we often practice our lives where we are often ruminating on the past or worrying and planning our future. There is formal mindfulness which is one or other form of meditation, … Read more

Nosebleeds occur from the tiny veins that are just under the thin surface of the central part of the nose. Bleeding usually occurs quite suddenly and often from only one nostril. In most cases, it happens out of the blue without any injury. However, only a small amount of blood is lost. Nose bleeding can … Read more

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract that can a ect the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), vagina (vaginitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis). One in two women will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. The most common type of UTI in women is cystitis (infection of the bladder). UTIs are caused by … Read more

Acne is a medical condition characterised by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts, usually affecting the face, back and chest. It is triggered by hormonal changes associated with puberty and usually begins in the teenage years. Acne often resolves after 8-10 years. More severe cases can lead to permanent scarring. Self-help strategies for acne include avoiding squeezing … Read more

Heart or cardiac failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to satisfy the needs of the body, leading to reduced perfusion and congestion. The heart becomes inefficient either because the muscle is weakened or because there is a mechanical fault in the valves controlling the flow of blood. The main symptom … Read more

Androgens are male sex hormones that increase at puberty and are needed for a boy to develop into a sexually mature adult. Testosterone is the most important androgen and plays a role in the development of the penis and testes, facial/body hair growth and sperm production. It also affects mood and libido (sex drive), promotes … Read more