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Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
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Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
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cardiac jumpiness
If you often experience a seemingly jumpy, irregular heartbeat, there’s a new procedure available. Radio-frequency ablation has been around for some time and is carried out in major hospitals by a specialist. The procedure involves the introduction of an electrode into the heart where the beat originates. When irregularities occur, the spot is zapped and irregularities are controlled. It’s a proven technique for suitable patients. Talk to your GP.
the teen scene
The most common way of catching the “kissing disease” or glandular fever, which is spread via a virus in the saliva, is by kissing. Many other germs, including simple colds and flu, are also passed on this way. Think before you kiss; consider before you cuddle!
lumps ’n’ bumps
A person whose job requires a lot of typing may develop bony lumps or ganglions on the wrists, which gradually enlarge. Ganglions emerge when the internal sheath of the underlying strap-like tendon to the fingers ruptures, causing a fluid-filled lump to form. It may be aspirated (sucked out with a needle) by the doctor or surgically removed. The latter usually gives a permanent cure.
excuse me?
Many people (I think we’re talking men, here) seem to burp almost constantly. This is often as a result of swallowing saliva—probably hundreds of times without being aware of it—along with air. It must escape; otherwise distension, bloating and discomfort are inevitable. Carbonated drinks aggravate the condition, as do leafy greens and fried, fatty fare. By eating more slowly, better mastication and avoiding stress at mealtimes, the incidence can be reduced. If it appears to be something more serious, acid-suppressant medications are helpful. A breath test (for helicobacter germ) or endoscopic examination is advised.
pill weight-gain
Some contraceptive pills will cause some women to put on weight, while others don’t. The pill is notorious for causing fluid retention and apparent overweight. Most brands contain oestrogen and progesterone in varying amounts. Every woman reacts differently to each hormone. It is a case of trial and error, finding which one suits you best. All brands work in a similar manner.
natural
skin treatment
Although creams and steroid ointments are prescribed for itchy, dry skin, a lukewarm bath is often soothing. Place a cup of rolled oats into a sock, tie the ends and knead gently in the water. A milky fluid oozes out. This contains natural enzymes that soothe the skin. Oatmeal soaps can be purchased, but avoid soaps that are highly alkaline and so aggravate dry skin.
beauty blemishes
Disfiguring facial scars from an accident look unattractive and are difficult to camouflage or hide. However, many scars, especially on the face, gradually fade and even completely vanish with time. Thus many doctors recommend they be left for nature to take its course, for the body’s own repair system is amazing. But for persistent scars, there are various treatments, including chemical peels, cryotherapy, laser therapy and plastic surgery. Talk to your doctor before rushing off to a clinic.
A: First, talk to your GP about probable counselling. Otherwise a tragedy may occur, with a lifetime of regret. Recent laws prohibit the striking of infants and children. Getting more sleep will help you, which means discovering and fixing the causes of the baby’s obvious unhappiness. They are usually fairly simple.
Extract from Signs of the Times, January February 2004 .
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