Is my chest pain serious?
Sudden chest pain can be very worrying. Usually linked to major, sometimes fatal complications like a heart attack or stroke, most people are careful to get chest pain examined immediately by a doctor. But not all chest pain is necessarily an emergency. Whether you experience a sudden, sharp pain, or a dull ache that persists […]
When to RICE
RICE is an acronym for the terms: ‘Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It refers to the steps that need to be taken immediately after an injury to a joint or muscle, to minimise any swelling or inflammation that may occur after the fact. Coupled with the use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen […]
Soft tissue injuries and how to treat them
Soft tissue refers to your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Sprains, contusions, as well as tendinitis and bursitis, are common soft-tissue injuries. These types of injuries usually occur in the back, ankle or in the neck. When these tender body parts are overworked, their strained or damaged soft tissue can cause mild to intense pain. Commonly, […]
Three health-warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
Our bodies are constantly ageing and changing. Certain changes are expected, such as greying hair and aching joints from time to time. But, there are also certain health-warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. They could be nothing, or the following signs and symptoms could be indicative of a bigger problem. Sudden drastic weight loss Most […]
How to tell if you need stitches
Getting a cut on any part of your body can be scary, especially if you draw blood. Some scrapes are merely scratches, while others are gushers that require further medical assistance. Stitches are for deep cuts that need to be closed up. Deep cuts usually will not close on their own and act as a […]
How broken bones are healed
Broken bones are a serious medical emergency. When you break a bone, you are in danger of serious complications such as chronic pain and blood poisoning. If you break a bone, get to the emergency room as soon as possible. A broken bone is called a fracture. At the hospital, the doctor will assess the […]
When to take your toddler to hospital
Toddlers are adorable. They are essentially tiny humans who are learning to utilise their bodies in a very new world. They climb, run, jump and attempt dangerous feats, albeit very clumsily. They also tend to explore crevices that are better left unexplored and in the process pick up nasty germs and infections. Some injuries and […]
Three Self Defence martial arts to consider
Running errands alone is a little scarier than it used to be, especially with the crime stats in South Africa being higher than they’ve been in years. It is best to equip yourself with the knowledge to escape a sticky situation and learning a few self-defence techniques could be lifesaving. Here are three Self Defence […]