We should be regularly checking our skin for signs of sun damage, and this is your gentle reminder. Skin cancers are caused by UV radiation damaging the skin, so it is best to wear sunscreen all year round. Fair skin, ageing, family history, or a large number of moles and other factors can make you more prone to skin cancers. If you are over 50 years, systematically check every part of your body monthly, including the scalp and soles of the feet. See your Doctor if you notice spots that are new, changing, rough or scaly, thickened or raised or aren’t healing. The first sign of a melanoma is often an unusual looking mole or freckle that may be itchy,...
Sleep restores our bodies and minds and allows us to keep functioning during waking hours. Insomnia describes either difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. We look at tips to develop better sleeping habits.
There may be many reasons for poor sleep and tiredness, one is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and it often goes undiagnosed. OSA is where a person’s upper airway collapses during their sleep ...
Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders play sport every year for enjoyment and to keep in shape. While exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, constant stop-start movements in many sports can place stress on muscles and joints. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your fitness programme and help prevent injuries.
The final months of the year can become incredibly hectic, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. When our bodies encounter a stressor, they react with a “fight or flight” response, causing a surge of chemicals and immune cells. Prolonged excessive stress can disrupt our immune regulation, create inflammatory conditions, and weaken the antibody response to infections, ultimately impairing immune function.
