Otitis Media
The human ear has three parts - outer, middle and inner. All three can get infected. Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It is most common in children and peaks between 6 and 18 months. The cause may be a bacteria or virus. It can affect one or both ears and may come with a "cold" type illness or just by itself. It is more common in indigenous children.
Sleep – What happens to your body!
In the 20th century, people slept for nine hours. By the turn of the 20th century this had shrunk to seven and a half. Since then our 24/7 society, complete with computers and smart phones has affected us all. Even one generation ago TV stations closed overnight. However, our need for sleep has not disappeared.
Warts and All
Warts, extremely common, especially among children, can appear anywhere and are most often found on the hands, knees and feet. These small eruptions on the skin are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (of which there are at least 70 types).
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence means no amount of voluntary effort stops the flow of urine. The two main forms of incontinence are urge where one cannot hold on when feeling the need to pass urine and stress where coughing, sneezing or movement can cause urine flow. Incontinence is far more common in women than men (affecting up to 50% of women) and while not being age specific, it is more frequent in later years.
Hepatitis C – Avoiding Damage
Hepatitis C was first "discovered" in 1989. Catching the virus was associated with blood infusions before 1990 but today the main risk factors are sharing intravenous drug needles, tattooing and body piercing (if not sterile). Hepatitis C is no longer officially classed as a sexually transmissible disease but its spread via sexual contact is still possible if there are cuts or open wounds. Needle stick injuries carry a very small risk. The virus is not spread by hugging or through sharing food.
