Simple, accurate health tests for the home and the workplace.
The majority of people have heard of leukaemia and understand that it is a form of cancer affecting the blood. Before we explain what leukaemia is, it is helpful to have some knowledge about where blood is made and what it is made up of. What is bone marrow? Bone marrow is a soft spongy […]
The kidneys Your body has two kidneys one on each side of your abdomen, they are shaped like a bean. Each kidney is about the size of fist, the kidneys make urine, which then drains down the tubes (ureter’s) and into the bladder. The bladder then stores the urine until you pass it through the […]
What is irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome, known as IBS for short is a common disorder of the digestive system. Approximately 1 in 5 people in Britain suffer with IBS. It is usually more common in women but this may be just because more women seek medical attention for IBS. What causes irritable bowel […]
What is Hughes syndrome? Hughes syndrome, also known as antiphospholipid syndrome or ‘sticky blood’ is a disorder characterized by blood clotting, both in the arteries and veins. What causes Hughes Syndrome? Hughes syndrome is caused by the presence of antibodies in the blood, called antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies make the immune system work too hard, […]
What is a stomach ulcer? A stomach ulcer also known as peptic ulcers is an actual break / sore on the protective lining of your digestive tract. The digestive tract consists of the stomach, oesophagus, duodenum and intestines. Ulcers on the stomach are known as gastric ulcers, ulcers on the duodenum are known as duodenal […]
HIV and AIDS HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus it is a virus that attacks the cells in your immune system. As the immune system weakens your body loses its ability to fight infection. At the end of 2015 there was around 101,200 people in the UK living with HIV. Once a person becomes infected […]
What is blood pressure? As the blood circulates around the body, it is under pressure. The blood pressure is a result of the pumping action of the heart and the resistance of the vessels, through which the blood flows. When blood pressure is high it puts an unnecessary strain on the heart and blood vessels. […]
What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation (swelling and tenderness) of the liver, an organ which is essential to life. If the liver does not function properly, it can cause serious illness. Hepatitis is usually caused by a virus, but other factors like drugs, alcohol and toxins may play a role. There are several viruses […]
What is a healthy balanced diet? This section contains details on what a healthy diet should consist of and why each vitamin and mineral is an essential part of staying healthy. The majority of people in this country eat too much fat and not enough fibre and for most people a healthy diet is simple […]
What are haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen, enlarged veins located inside the lower part of the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). What causes haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids occur when veins in the back passage become swollen, because the flow of blood through them slows down or is obstructed – […]
What is gout? Gout is a painful type of arthritis that can attack both large and small joints, though it usually only attacks one joint at a time. The condition usually begins with pain in the big toe. Other joints that are affected include the wrists, fingers, ankles, knees and elbows. Gout has been around […]
What is gastritis? Gastritis is a broad term for inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis can occur suddenly ( acute gastritis) or gradually ( chronic gastritis). The term ‘acute’ means that the attacks are short, not necessarily that the symptoms are severe. The term ‘chronic’ means the infection has developed slowly […]
