General Health

What is inflammatory bowel disease? Inflammatory bowel disease is the chronic inflammation of all or part of your digestive system(gut). Inflammatory bowel disease is the term used for two conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can be debilitating and lead to complications. What is the difference between inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis? […]

What is indigestion? Indigestion is a common problem that most people will experience at some time. Indigestion is also called dyspepsia, usually by doctors. Indigestion causes an unpleasant pain or discomfort in the chest or stomach area. In most cases its usually mild and doesn’t cause many problems but some people can suffer frequent bouts […]

What is Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)? Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD for short is a common condition that occurs when acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus(gullet). The oesophagus is the tube which runs from the mouth to the stomach. What causes GORD? When you eat, food passes down the oesophagus, at the […]

What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis is a common condition commonly called a stomach bug. Gastroenteritis is an irritation of the stomach and bowel which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant but doesn’t usually last long and is usually out of your system in a few days. What causes gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis can be caused […]

What is athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a skin fungal infection, medically known as tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal skin disorders and it is estimated 70% of people will get it at some time in their lives. The name athlete’s foot gets its name as the infection is often […]

Legionnaires disease? Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The name comes from an epidemic in 1976, when 34 American Legion members all mysteriously died after staying at the same hotel. You are more likely to become ill with Legionnaires if you are over 50, have a weakened immune system, drink […]

A fungal infection can affect any part of the body but it is only when they overgrow does an infection occur and can include common infections such as Athlete’s foot, Jock itch, Thrush and ringworm. Fungi love warm, moist areas of the body especially folds in the skin (such as between your toes). A fungal […]

What is Acne? Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives, it is so common it is almost considered a normal part of growing up. Generally, boys are affected more than girls and the severity can range from mild to severe. What are the Symptoms of Acne? […]

The Thyroid Gland? The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland which can be found in the front of your neck just in front of the windpipe, below the Adam’s apple. This is where hormones are produced and released into the bloodstream. The major hormones the thyroid gland makes are called T4 or thyroxine and […]

What is glucose monitoring? Glucose monitoring is a way of testing the concentration of glucose in blood samples. This is usually taken from the fingertip. Please watch the video produced by Diabetest.co.uk about our NEW SD Codefree Blood Glucose Meter. Why are glucose monitors needed? It is essential that people who have type 1 or […]

What is alcohol? Alcohol is found in drinks such as beer, lager, cider, wine, alco pops and spirits (whisky, vodka, gin, rum). All alcoholic drinks contain ethanol (pure alcohol). The strength, colour and taste of alcoholic drinks depend upon the amount of ethanol and the ingredients used, for example grapes, hops or grains. Alcohol has […]

What is glandular fever? Glandular fever, also called infectious mononucleosis, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the name comes from the British researchers who first discovered it. The Epstein-Barr virus is part of the herpes group of viruses and is very common, however, like the other herpes viruses you may be infected […]