Herbal medicine - Better Health Channel.
Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease and enhance wellbeing. Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and need to be treated with the same care and respect. Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient ... [... more]
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Smog - Better Health Channel.
Smog consists of pollutants from car exhaust (and other sources), chemically reacting in sunlight to form ozone. Prolonged exposure to smog irritates the lungs and reduces lung functioning. Smog may also contribute to asthma and hay fever ... [... more]
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Appendicitis - Better Health Channel.
Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix, which is a small tube attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment includes surgery and antibiotics. The appendix is a thin tail, tube or appendage growing out of ... [... more]
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Fleas - Better Health Channel.
Fleas feed off the blood of humans and animals such as dogs and cats. A flea bite is intensely itchy, and secondary infections are common. Treatment options include anaesthetic creams and icepacks to reduce the swelling. Fleas are a type of ... [... more]
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Caffeine - Better Health Channel.
Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the brain and nervous system. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. Like many other drugs, it is possible to become dependent on caffeine and suffer withdrawal ... [... more]
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Thrush - Better Health Channel.
Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans, which lives in the vagina. Symptoms may include vaginal itching or burning, a discharge, and stinging or burning while urinating. Specific vaginal ... [... more]
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Smallpox - Better Health Channel.
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus or Orthopoxvirus. Smallpox was once a feared viral disease. An aggressive immunisation campaign eradicated smallpox by 1979 but small stocks of the virus remain in laboratories. Smallpox is caused by the ... [... more]
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Heroin - Better Health Channel.
Heroin is an illegal opioid drug that slows down the function of the brain and central nervous system. It is highly addictive and its initial effects include feelings of wellbeing and relief from physical pain. Adverse effects include the risk of ... [... more]
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Cystic fibrosis - Better Health Channel.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, life threatening genetic disorder in Australia. It severely affects the lungs and digestive system. There is currently no cure; however, with improved medication and treatment to manage symptoms, life ... [... more]
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Colonoscopy - Better Health Channel.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the large bowel. This procedure can be used to look for cancer of the colon or colon polyps, and to help diagnose symptoms such as unexplained diarrhoea or abdominal pain. The colon is the last ... [... more]
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Inhalants - Better Health Channel.
Some chemical substances, or inhalants, release fumes at room temperature. Breathing in these fumes produces a quick 'high', which is similar to feeling drunk. Some chemical substances release fumes or vapours at room temperature. Breathing in ... [... more]
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Drink driving - Better Health Channel.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle in Victoria with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 or more. Penalties include loss of licence, fines and even prison terms. In 2002, nearly one in three drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents were ... [... more]
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