Leprosy (or Hansen’s Disease) is a communicable, infectious disease that has, over centuries, been associated with continued social stigma. In ancient times, it was believed to be some form of divine “punishment”, while in more recent history it was thought to cause “limbs to fall off” of affected individuals. In this article, we delve into…
What’s in an FBC?
Every now and then, a doctor may prescribe you to have a full blood count, or FBC, (sometimes referred to as complete blood count, CBC) test done. This is usually carried out as part of the screening process to make a diagnosis, or may also be carried out as a routine check-up or to monitor…
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that results in constantly elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). Our blood glucose levels are usually regulated by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the absorption of excess glucose in blood circulation into liver, fat…
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that affects about 5% of the world’s population. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘familial tremor’ due to its tendency to run in families. Essential tremor is the most commonly occurring tremor disorder and is often confused with Parkinson’s disease due to the involuntary rhythmic shaking that both…
Migraine
A migraine is often recognised by its characteristic throbbing pain on one (more common) or both sides of the head. It can last from between hours to days and may be triggered by different events in different people. In general, women are three times more likely to develop migraines than men. While onset may occur…
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can affect people differently. It is predominantly prevalent in females (9 out of every 10 cases) and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues or organs, resulting in inflammation. Although there are about four different types of lupus, what we usually simply refer to as…
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Anaemia generally refers to a deficit in the number or oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (RBCs) in one’s body. There are several types of anaemia, which may result in some similar symptoms and complications, but which arise due to different reasons. The WHO regards anaemia as “a serious global public health problem”, enhanced by…
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that bridges the uterus to the vagina. It is the eighth most common type of cancer globally, and the fourth most common type to occur among women (after breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer). According to a scientific…
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the condition of having difficulty in falling asleep or remaining asleep. Intensity and frequency may vary from one case to another, and can often be improved with the introduction of certain lifestyle changes. Symptoms The most straight-forward symptoms of insomnia are: difficulty falling asleep at night (delayed sleep onset) waking up intermittently…
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris – or acne, as it is commonly known – is a skin condition that affects almost every individual at some point in their life. It is mostly incident among adolescents – around 14-17 years of age in girls, and around 16-19 years of age in boys. However, in some cases, it is more…
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