Category: Health & Pharma

For many years, health experts have tried to understand the differences in the health needs of men and women, especially as they age. 

Several studies have revealed that women are more predisposed to these five common health issues that could be a threat to the quality of life if not addressed right away:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of hospitalisation among Australians, especially women more vulnerable to contracting these infections than men. A UTI occurs when bacteria multiply in the urethra and eventually reach the bladder.

Since women have a shorter urethra, they are more prone to contracting UTIs since bacteria can easily travel to the bladder and cause the infection. It’s important to have UTI medicine Australia at home to prevent UTIs from getting worse.

• Heart disease

In Australia, one-third of all deaths in women are caused by cardiovascular disease. Although men are also at risk for heart disease, women are more predisposed to it, especially after menopause where risk factors such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, and low estrogen levels can lead to heart disease.

In addition, a lot of women dismiss cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain, vomiting, and weakness as just simple exhaustion or heartburn, and the heart attack usually leads to death.

• Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Australian women. This year, an estimated 20,741 women or 57 people per day are said to be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why women are encouraged to do monthly breast self-examinations to identify any changes that need prompt medical attention.

• Stroke

More women suffer from a stroke than men because of some gender-related risk factors. For instance, studies have shown the link between pre-eclampsia, a condition where a woman suffers from high blood pressure while pregnant, and stroke. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, also puts women at a higher risk for developing stroke than men, on top of genetic and familial factors.

• Osteoporosis

As women age, they become more prone to developing osteoporosis, which is a disease that weakens the bones. Although men can also suffer from this condition, it’s more likely seen in post-menopausal women who are at a higher risk for developing fractures linked with osteoporosis. Other predisposing factors such as a low Body Mass Index (BMI), early menopause, and taking certain medications make women more vulnerable to developing osteoporosis.

Takeaway

As a woman, taking care of yourself should be your responsibility if you want to live a long and fruitful life. The good thing about these common health conditions is that they are preventable and treatable with early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention. 

So, make it a habit to be more sensitive to what your body is telling you. Make sure to live a healthy lifestyle and invest in checkups that will allow you to know your health status and go through treatment to get the best possible outcome for your health condition.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common types of thyroid disease, with a prevalence rate of 3.1% in New Zealand. But a lot of people still don’t fully understand what an underactive thyroid means, what causes it, and most importantly, who is at the highest risk for developing this disease. 

Here, we take a closer look at the five common risk factors for hypothyroidism:

• Gender and age. According to research, women are at a higher risk for developing hypothyroidism due to several factors related to gender. Being older than 60, for instance, makes a woman more prone to hypothyroidism than men of the same age. 

Pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are also considered risk factors for an underactive thyroid. Postpartum thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder diagnosed in women within the first 6 months after giving birth, and its most common complication is hypothyroidism.

• Hereditary. It is said that individuals with a family history of thyroid disease are at a higher risk for developing hypothyroidism than those who don’t. Start asking your elders or relatives if there is someone in the family who’s had hypothyroidism.

• Pre-existing medical condition. According to research, patients with existing medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk for developing an underactive thyroid as a complication of their disease.

• Anti-thyroid treatments. If you’re suffering from hyperthyroidism, you might have undergone radioactive iodine treatment and other anti-thyroid medications.

Although these are important, they can sometimes cause thyroid levels to go down more than the normal levels, which can result in hypothyroidism. Patients who underwent thyroid surgery to remove their thyroid or those who have been treated for thyroid cancer are also at a higher risk for hypothyroidism.

• Radiation therapy. If you’ve had any radiation exposure due to therapy or other methods in your neck and upper chest area, you are most likely to develop underactive thyroid, which requires prompt treatment.

Understanding the risk factors surrounding hypothyroidism is a crucial step in getting the best outcome for treatment. By telling the doctor your risk factors, it would be easier for him to determine your need to be screened for a possible underactive thyroid. 

It’s also very important to have yourself screened regularly if you have one or more of these risk factors even if you’re not feeling any symptoms yet. Early diagnosis is still one of the best ways to get a good prognosis for hypothyroidism because it gives doctors ample time to treat you with the right medications and procedures to help you recover from this condition.

You will probably be prescribed Eltroxin, a popular medication that works by replacing the hormone thyroxine that your thyroid is not producing enough of. Being one of the most popular medications for hypothyroidism, your Eltroxin dose will be based on your needs and you should take it exactly as prescribed to ensure that you don’t suffer from hyperthyroidism, which is also a common complication for patients who are getting treated for hypothyroidism.

Are you suffering from weakness and fatigue, but don’t know why? Are your hands and feet pale and cold? If so, you could be experiencing an iron deficiency. If this is the case, read on to learn everything you need to know.

Iron Deficiency 101

So, let’s start by defining what iron deficiency is. Iron deficiency is when your body lacks iron, which can be due to several reasons. Technically speaking, iron deficiency is an “anemia,” because iron limits hemoglobin production, which affects oxygen flow in the blood and through the body.

How Serious Is Iron Deficiency? Is It Dangerous?

Iron deficiency can vary in severity; it could be very mild, or much more serious. It is something that you generally want to nip in the bud when it’s only mild. If left unaddressed, it could lead to more serious health issues, like problems with the heart. Pregnant women are at risk too.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is extremely subtle, you might not even know you have it. However, if the issue persists and worsens, it’ll be more obvious; the symptoms will be clear. If you experience extreme fatigue, that could be a sign of iron deficiency.

The colouration of your skin can also clue you into whether or not you have iron deficiency. If the tone of your skin is too pale, for example. If you’re tired and fatigued a lot, that also could be an indicator you’ve got an iron deficiency.

Do you experience shortness of breath? Does your chest hurt? Does your heartbeat unusually fast? Headaches are another common symptom of many health conditions, including iron deficiency. If you experience dizziness or even some lightheadedness, that’s a clue.

Lack of blood flow is one of the issues of iron deficiency. Given this, if your hands and feet are pale and cold, it could indicate poor blood flow and also iron deficiency. Are your nails frail and prone to breakage? Is your tongue sore and inflamed? Keep an eye out for these symptoms.

Another more extreme symptom of iron deficiency is the urge to eat things like dirt or ice. This might seem strange but it has been known to be an actual symptom. A poor diet is also something to look out for.

What Can Cause Iron Deficiency?

So, what exactly can cause someone to experience iron deficiency? Well, it mainly occurs when your body lacks iron. Iron is important because it’s what creates hemoglobin; this is what allows your blood — namely red blood cells — to transport oxygen.

So, if your body isn’t creating a decent amount of iron, you won’t be creating enough hemoglobin. Because of this, your body will have poor blood flow. Iron deficiency can often lead to anemia developing, which is when there aren’t enough red blood cells in your blood.

But what causes a lack of iron production? There are several things; your diet could simply lack. The foods that you consume are typically where most of the iron comes from. The best foods to eat for iron include vegetables that are “leafy green,” meat, and eggs.

There are also specifically manufactured foods that have been fortified with iron to look out for. Perhaps your body is getting enough iron but it simply can’t absorb it. If you have issues with your intestines, this can be an issue regarding iron absorption.

Women can be at greater risk for iron deficiency for a few reasons. Women lose blood regularly due to their periods. Remember, it’s the blood that contains the red blood cells, which includes hemoglobin, which iron creates. Pregnancy can also cause iron deficiency.

What Do I Do About My Iron Deficiency?

The first thing you should do is to try to eat more iron-rich foods, like meats, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. Also make sure to address any digestive issues, because that could affect iron absorption. You could also use iron deficiency supplements; these are specifically designed to treat iron deficiency.

Are you currently dealing with bacterial vaginosis? If your discharge is strange, you’re itchy and emit a strange odour, you might have it. It’s an infection of your vagina, which is due to too much bacteria.

A healthy vagina has both good and bad bacteria; when bacterial vaginosis exists, there are too many bad bacteria. As a result, homeostasis is thrown off, and your vaginal environment is compromised.

All women at some point in time will likely get bacterial vaginosis. It’s not an overly serious issue, but it should still be addressed promptly when the issue arises.  

Keep reading below if you want to learn about 4 bacterial vaginosis treatment options available to you, all of which are home-based options.

1. Boric Acid

If you want to treat your bacterial vaginosis with a home-based solution, try boric acid. A study found that intravaginal boric acid, when used with antimicrobial therapy, was successfully able to treat bacterial vaginosis. Boric acid comes in vaginal capsules; don’t eat them, insert them.

2. Yoghurt 

If you want to use a natural product to remedy your bacterial vaginosis, then try using yoghurt. The healthy bacteria within the natural probiotic will combat the bad bacteria, encouraging a healthy vaginal environment. It’s recommended that you consume a single serving daily. 

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

One of the simpler, cost-effective options available is to use basic hydrogen peroxide. Did you know that a study from 2003 found that it can help alleviate bacterial vaginosis? In the study, they used 1 ounce every day for an entire week. There’s also minimal risk of side effects too.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Another home-based option for treating bacterial vaginosis is tea tree oil: a powerful essential oil that fights bacteria and fungus. Studies have shown that tea tree oil can help treat bacterial vaginosis, although more is needed to be conclusive.

If you plan to use tea tree oil, you’ll need to dilute it with olive oil, or another similar carrier oil. Make sure you aren’t allergic to the carrier oil that you decide to use. The ratio of tea tree oil to carrier oil should be anywhere between 5:1, all the way to 10:1.

You must mix your tea tree oil with carrier oil first. If you don’t, you can damage your skin from burns; lots of individuals have an allergy response to tea tree oil.

Before applying the mixed tea tree oil to your vaginal tissue, test it somewhere else on your body. You must observe how your skin responds to the essential oil; wait 2 days to see if any problems arise. If you’re all good after 48 hours, then apply it to your affected vaginal tissue.

For easy application, soak a tampon in the mixed tea tree oil, then insert it. You should keep it inside your vagina for about an hour before you remove it. If it causes any irritation of your vaginal tissues, remove it immediately.

Simply repeat this 2 to 3 times per day, but make sure you don’t sleep with it inserted in your vagina.

The way we travel has changed so much over the years. Instead of just worrying about our passport and luggage, we also now need to pack a travel health kit to make sure that we stay safe while we’re on the road. Aside from masks, alcohol, and wipes, here are five necessities that you should have in your kit:

• Prescription medications. If you or any of your companions have prescription medications, it’s vital to pack enough to last for your entire trip. You’re not sure if these medicines are available in your destination or how much they cost, so it’s best to have them on hand.

• Emergency medications. Aside from your prescription medications, it’s also smart to have some emergency medications handy. You need Esomeprazole tablets for heartburns, antihistamines for allergies, antacids for acid reflux, decongestants for colds, fever and pain medicines, cough drops, and some sleep aid if you ever get jet lag. You could also invest in some inhalers and EpiPens, especially if you’re travelling with someone who has allergies.

• First-aid supplies. You’ll never know when you or someone else gets injured while on the road, so it’s important to pack some essentials that will allow you to administer first aid in case accidents happen. These include antibacterial wipes, antibacterial ointments, a digital thermometer, antiseptic wound cleanser, aloe gel, disposable gloves, bandages, cotton swabs, and eye drops. 

• Prevention supplies. A lot of things can happen when you’re travelling, which is why it’s also crucial to pack some supplies to help prevent illnesses and injury. For instance, you can pack some vitamins and supplements to last your entire trip. You should also have some insect repellent, sunscreen, earplugs, and know some basic water purification methods, especially when travelling with kids.

• Documents. Aside from the essentials, you also need to pack some very important documents as part of your travel health kit in case you’ll need them while you’re on the road. For one, you need copies of your passport and travel documents, copies of all your prescriptions, health insurance cards, contact card with your complete address, email address, phone numbers, and family member in your home country, proof of yellow fever vaccination, contact numbers of emergency services, clinics and hospitals in your destination and the consulate or embassy of your country. 

So many things can happen during your trip, so it’s best to be prepared all the time. Having a travel health kit gives you more peace of mind knowing that you will have something to use in case of any emergencies while you’re on the road. 

Make sure to pack this kit properly and do your inventory after every trip, so you can replenish stocks that have been used up during your trip. This way, you can easily grab and pack your travel health kit whenever you need it and not have to worry about anything but having fun while you’re on the road.

These days, it’s vital to be prepared for anything that could happen. That includes making sure that your home pharmacy is well-stocked, especially if you have children. From antipyretics to pain relievers, it pays to have medicines ready whenever someone in the family gets sick, and you can’t rush to the hospital due to the pandemic. Here are five items that you need to stock in your home pharmacy:

• Antipyretics/Analgesics. With pain and fever being the most common ailments that family members experience, you need a well-stocked pharmacy with antipyretics and analgesics for both adults and kids. Choose a brand that’s been tried and tested to reduce fever within just 15 minutes. Liquid paracetamol, such as Dymadon, is among those medications ideal for pain and fever caused by flu, headache, and teething.

• Antacids and Intestinal medications. You’ll never know when someone in the family experiences a sudden bout of diarrhoea or constipation, so you need to keep stool softeners, antacids, laxatives, and other intestinal medications at home. This could include Omeprazole, Milk of Magnesia, or Cimetidine.

• Decongestants. With such drastic weather changes in Australia, it’s not uncommon for the household to catch a cold, especially during the cooler months. This is why you need to stock up on decongestants that will help deal with stuffy noses to help family members sleep well at night.

• Antihistamines. Chances are, someone in the family has allergies, or you might have a visitor who suddenly develops an allergy after eating seafood that you served. That’s why it pays to have antihistamines in your home pharmacy all the time. It could be the short-acting Benadryl or Claritin that lasts for 24 hours and is non-sedating. Make sure that you have both kid and adult formulations because you’ll never know who needs them in your house. 

• Antifungals. Whether it’s diaper rash, vaginal yeast infections, or Athlete’s foot, you can benefit from having antifungal medications like Miconazole in your home pharmacy. This will help you deal with the itchiness before you consult your doctor for more proper medications.

Of course, you also need to stock up on other home pharmacy essentials like gauze dressings, paper tapes, antiseptics, Band-aids, alcohol, and other first-aid products that will surely come in handy at some point. You should also look at the individual needs of your family members to make it easier to choose the medications that you should have on hand at all times. 

For instance, if your husband always experiences itchy eyes, then it would be smart to have some eye drops on hand. If family members have sinusitis and other allergies, you need to purchase nasal sprays and creams.

A well-stocked home pharmacy is a must these days when things could change very drastically, and you can’t just go out to purchase your needs. You can also feel more secure knowing that you have the things that you need within reach at all times.