 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
weight problem
Alcohol will cause you to put on weight, but only slightly despite being high in kilojoules, as the body cannot store alcohol. Where the weight comes from is the fat-filled snacks consumed in conjunction with drinking—potato crisps, nuts roasted in oil, savoury biscuits and dips, meat pies and sausage rolls. If you’re a regular drinker, you should include a lot of water and exercise in your regimen if you are to retain a good shape. But there are better reasons than body shape for avoiding alcohol altogether.
spider lines
Many women wonder if the little red marks just beneath the skin of their thighs are dangerous. In fact the complaint is quite common and seldom comes to much. They’re easily removed using the diathermy needle or laser. If you have many or a recurring problem, a fuller investigation by a doctor is advised.
appendicitis
Although less common these days, appendicitis is still the most common surgical emergency in hospitals. It isn’t caught, but occurs if the tiny wormlike six-centimetre tube attached to the large bowel blocks and becomes infected. In years past, if the condition went untreated, it often burst and infected the abdominal cavity, which led to death. Today, fluids and antibiotics usually fix a problem quickly. Any pain at navel level moving to the lower right side, with fever and vomiting needs prompt medical attention.
blurred view
Young people frequently complain of forehead headaches and print may seem blurry. It’s important that a sufferer visit their GP for a general medical check, with special attention to the head and eyes. It may be that an eye test and correction through contact lenses or glasses is needed.
figure enhancement
Despite some advertised claims, there is no simple, safe medical way to increase a woman’s dimensions. The use of the contraceptive pill will enlarge the breast, but this is temporary, as the hormones it contains are similar to those naturally produced during pregnancy. Although the bust increases in size, this reduces to the original size if and when medication ceases.
no snake oil
We hear a lot about essential oils these days, but what are they? They are present in many herbs, plants, flowers, fruits, bark, roots and resin of some trees. They grow in minute pockets, evaporate rapidly in air, giving the typical odour to many living plants. Pure essential oils have an effect on both mind and body, and forms the basis of healing called aromatherapy. Notice the relaxing, soothing effect of certain flowers, such as lavender. There are many everyday applications.
lump it
Following an ear piercing, a tender red lump may develop behind the ear near the ring. This is probably infected scar tissue, called keloid, and is more likely to develop among the olive-complexioned. Germs invade the raw surface over time, causing an abnormal growth and infection of scar tissue. Dabbing with tea-tree oil, Betadine or Dettol helps kill germs. Antibiotics may be required.
A: This condition is called intermittent claudication, and is due to an obstruction in the arteries to the leg. Imaging will indicate its extent. Today, many treatments are available, but begin by quitting smoking and shedding some weight. Some medications may help. Surgery includes bypassing the obstruction, often in the groin, or the artery may be cored out with a special device. Vascular surgery has made enormous advances in the past few years. Talk to your GP.
Extract from Signs of the Times, November 2003.
Home - Archive - Topics - Podcast - Subscribe - Special Offers - About Signs - Contact Us - Links
Copyright © 2006 Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ACN 093 117 689
Unassociated
advertisement:
This article comes from a
regular column in
Signs
of the Times.
