Gout is a form of arthritis. The big toe is affected most but ankles, hands and knees also are involved. A gout attack usually comes on very quickly, often overnight, with extreme pain and swelling in the joint. The skin over the joint can become red and shiny. Without treatment, the pain usually goes away in about a week. Left untreated, however, over time attacks can become more frequent and more severe.
As our pollen levels increase at this time of year, so do the number of people suffering from hayfever. Allergies affect 1 in 5 of us and range from being a nuisance to having a significant impact on quality of life ...
A healthy gut is a key to a healthy you, with poor digestion being highlighted as a risk factor for arthritis, eczema, asthma, migraines, some cancers, chronic fatigue and diabetes ...
Every 90 minutes one New Zealander dies of heart disease, accounting for 33% of deaths annually. This is a problem for men and women alike but in May, the Heart Foundation are focusing on women because heart disease is the single biggest killer of women in New Zealand. They are aiming to have women take control of their health and work together to reduce these statistics.
Heartburn, reflux and dyspepsia refer to stomach pain or discomfort after eating. When we eat, the food goes down the oesophagus into the stomach, passing through a valve to keep it there to be digested. If the valve becomes slack, stomach contents can travel back into the oesophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest and acidic taste in the mouth ...
