Physical Health (Page 2)

high blood pressure

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Have you had your blood pressure checked lately? Did you know that high blood pressure is dubbed as ‘the silent killer’? This is because many people who have high blood pressure are unaware of their condition due to lack of visible symptoms, which may lead to remaining undiagnosed for a long time, at times until it’s too late. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can kill you without even knowing that you have it. Causes include: high cholesterol an unknown disorder affecting the way your body regulates your blood pressure other diseases such as kidney disease medications such as oral contraceptives or steroids pregnancyRead More…

breast self exam

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As many of you are aware, October is known as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer happens to be the most common type of cancer in females. I have no doubt, that with every article you encounter in connection to this subject, you will probably see the words “screening is important” – and I agree. Both breast self exam and medical screening are important – and this is what I will be writing about today. Women are encouraged to perform breast self exam at least once a month, and although some might feel uncomfortable touching this area, it is good to remember that that 60Read More…

music speaks Ale's Project

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Driving back home following our ritualistic visit to my parents, we put on Alessia’s favourite sound track – Shrek. Alessia must have been around 2 years old at the time. Those days I used to welcome with open arms the red traffic light command. This vibrant colour, that many of us loathe seeing while driving, during this period in my life offered me the time to listen to my own breathing, it was within these brief moments that I allowed myself to reach within and reflect on my current state of being. “And then I saw her face, I’m a believer… YAY!” came the cuteRead More…

white cane

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White Cane Safety Day is observed worldwide every 15th October. On this day we are called to celebrate the achievements of people with vision impairment and people who are blind, since the white cane happens to be a valuable tool that helps in restoring mobility independence. And while the use of canes for people who are blind goes back centuries ago, the white cane saw its introduction in the early 20th century, when canes were painted in white for better recognition. Typically, on White Cane Safety Day, the National Federation of the Blind, which is the oldest and largest organisation led by individuals who areRead More…

Pink October 2021

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It’s that time of the year again… Pink October 2021 is finally with us! As you may already know, October is the month dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, the month where across the world we remind each other about the impact of breast cancer on women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer site amongst women in Malta, having both the highest incidence rate as well as the highest mortality rate amongst all female cancer sites. While the main cause of breast cancer remains unknown to this day, there are risk factors which, when present, increase the chance of developing breast cancer. Risk factorsRead More…

headaches

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Headaches are a common health problem. Most people experience at some time in their lifetime. Common headaches types The most common type of headache is a tension type headache. At least one in three men and half of women suffer from tension type headaches. Tension type headaches are described as a tightening around the head which is often in the front of the head or around the temples. It is present on both sides and is mild to moderate in pain severity. It is commonly associated with stress. Migraines is a common health condition affecting at least one in seven adults. It is more prevalent in womenRead More…

coronary heart disease

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Coronary heart disease, which is the major cause of death worldwide, refers to issues with the heart’s blood supply, where this is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fat within the coronary arteries. This process, referred to as atherosclerosis, can be caused by unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as smoking, poor dietary patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. Such factors can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, which increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Apart from the risk factors mentioned above, other non-modifiable risk factors can increase your risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease. These are age, gender and family history.Read More…

healthy pelvic floor

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How many times have you felt that you are not able to hold your urine? Does high impact activity have you running to the loo? What about worrying about it with a cough or a sneeze? Shame, embarrassment… unnecessary! This is a problem that is under discussed, but we are here to discuss! Most women tend to put this issue aside with the belief that it is unavoidable with age or after pregnancy. Well, SURPRISE! This is not always the case. These symptoms are more common than we think and are experienced by most women, however, can be treated. This is where your pelvic floorRead More…

alopecia areata

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Alopecia Areata, seemingly an autoimmune condition, is characterised by isolated coin-sized hair loss patches on the scalp and/or the body caused by specific cells from the immune system attacking the follicle, blocking it from producing more hair. The first symptom of Alopecia Areata is usually sudden patchy hair loss that can grow larger, at times joining up. Certain individuals experience fast hair loss where all their scalp hair is lost without any patches appearing first. Some individuals also experience tingling, itching, burning, headaches or even pain in the skin along with hair loss. Alopecia Areata does not cause permanent hair loss since the hair folliclesRead More…

BRCA positive

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In several countries, including Malta, there was an increase in the number of women asking for genetic testing when Angelina Jolie announced in May 2013 that she had a double mastectomy based on a BRCA positive test. BRCA testing is recommended for individuals with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. According to the Centres for the Disease Control and Prevention in the US there are 3 subgroups which develop increased risk of developing breast cancer. These include: those with relatives who developed breast cancer before age 50 those who develop breast cancer themselves before age 50 those who have a male relativeRead More…