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Hay Fever

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:12:27 GMT

Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic condition more common in spring but can run through to Autumn.

Symptoms can include:

Sneezing, runny, blocked or itchy nose
Watery, itchy red eyes
Cough
Postnasal drip
Fatigue

Some of the above can be symptoms of Covid-19. You will need to check with your GP if you are at all concerned.

Triggers:

Dust and dust mites
Pollen and grasses
Mould
Pet hair

Hay fever is your body recognising a harmless airborne substance as harmful, and your body produces antibodies to this harmless substance.

The next time your body encounters the substance, your body releases chemicals such as histamine, into your blood stream which causes a reaction that leads to signs and symptoms of Hay fever.

Complications can be:

Poor sleep
Worsening asthma
Sinusitis
Ear infection

Prevention:
There is no way to avoid getting Hay Fever other than lessening your exposure to allergens.
Taking allergy medication before exposure, as directed by your GP may be helpful.

Contact your GP if you can not get relief from over the counter allergy medications or if you have another condition that can worsen with hay fever symptoms.

Resources: Why do some adults develop hay fever, thoracic and sleep website,Mayo clinic website

Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health during COVID-19

Wed, 13 May 2020 01:15:25 GMT

COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways, and sometimes not for the better.

As we are all adjusting to a new norm, we are also dealing with the stress brought by the pandemic and the precautionary measures to combat this disease.

Chances are your mental health is taking a toll as well. Medical specialists - psychologists mostly - say that we must acknowledge our anxiety and fears and address them accordingly. These coping strategies may help lower down our stress levels.

So how do you take care of your mental health during COVID-19? Here are 5 tips to help you get by.

1. Stay Physically Safe

Stay home wherever possible and form new hygiene habits to combat the spread of COVID-19 in your family. This will also help you manage your anxiety better.

Knowing that you are home and away from any place that could compromise your health can lower down your stress levels.

2. Filter Out Media

3. Maintain a Regular Schedule

If you work from home, you can create a normal schedule: wake up, shower, dress up, breakfast, work, relax.

Following a routine helps your mind maintain a sense of normalcy in our lives. Just remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining a routine - a family may have a different style of doing things as compared to single people living independently.

Also set boundaries at the end of the day. For example, if you do work from home and you’ve clocked out at 5pm, do not entertain any communication from your office after that time.

4. Stay Connected

Staying at home does not mean you no longer have to see your friends and family for some time. You can stay connected using social media platforms and chat to them and host video calls.

These times can be extremely stressful for others, especially those who already live with some kind of mental health condition, and it’s best that you check up on them from time to time. Your presence and attention are enough.

On the other hand, if you believe that your friends on social media are only increasing your anxiety, you may opt-out from following them or even unfriending them should you believe that their posts are extremely toxic.

Staying connected doesn’t always mean having to read everything they share.

5. Seek Help

Are You Aware of the Cervical Screening Changes?

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:08:40 GMT

From December 1st 2017 cervical screening changed from a 2 yearly Pap test to a five yearly HPV test now called the CST (Cervical Screening Test).

Why has cervical screening changed?

We now know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with types 16 and 18 of HPV. Usually HPV infections are cleared by the body but these types of HPV can lead to the development of cancers. By switching to a test that looks for these and other specific types of HPV, we can detect the presence of these HPV infections often before any cellular changes have taken place.

All women between 25 and 45 are eligible for regular HPV testing. Additional testing in certain circumstances include women who experience any abnormal bleeding and young women who were sexually active before they received the HPV vaccination.

Once testing is complete, the laboratory sends the result to the doctor with a risk category that indicates when you should have your next test.

Remember that women of any age who experience symptoms including pain, bleeding or discharge should see their doctor or healthcare professional.