2013 April

Malaria

Malaria has been recognised as a disease for thousands of years. Descriptions of the disease date from as far back as 1700 BC in China, and 1570 BC in Egypt. The association between malaria and marshes (where mosquitoes breed) has also been long recognised. In fact, the name 'malaria' (from 'bad air' in the marshes) is based on this association.   
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Heart attack 

A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked by a blood clot. Signs of heart attack include chest pain, sweating, breathing difficulty, dizziness, nausea, pallor. Heart attack is a medical emergency. First aid focuses on helping the person take their heart medication, and having him sit still with knees bent. 
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Know your numbers for a healthy heart

Danie Gerber (46), former Springbok centre and national rugby hero, used to be the picture of health. Darting around opponents, sidestepping and counter-attacking, nobody would have suspected that the arteries of his heart were slowly clogging up. Feeling great and fit, he didn't suspect anything. 
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Good bacteria vs. bad bacteria

Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some are rather good for you. But the line could be a thin one. So, what should you know? The human body plays host to a number of micro-organisms, most of which are our friends. This is nothing to be grossed out about. In fact, the phenomenon of living in close physical association with other organisms ("symbiosis") is as common as life itself.
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Where complementary therapy fits in

Taking care of your body in the relaxed, calm way characteristic of complementary medicine can be refreshing. But how does it fit into the conventional medicine picture?
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