FAQs for the not so young

Many say reaching middle age is the start of a new life. This may be true, but the older one gets, the more vulnerable one becomes to specific conditions. Some could be mild, while others could be serious. Health24 has put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on some of the more common problems.

Cracked heels?
Do you feel as if you could sand a plank with your heels? Are bunions getting you down? Perhaps your toenails compare to those of a witch. Or even worse, is toe-jam getting the best of you? Many people are often embarrassed about their feet either because they look funny, or because they smell like sulphur. Have all your feet questions answered. Check out these useful FAQs.

And the pressure rises
Often called the silent killer, the only way you can really know if you suffer with high blood pressure is if you go for a simple test at your GP, or even a pharmacy. It's quick, easy and does not even involve any drawing of blood. But yet, there are still many questions that arise when it comes to this condition. Have a look at these interesting FAQs in our Hypertension Condition Centre.

Struggling to breathe?
Asthma is a long-term (chronic) disease of the respiratory system that affects the tubes carrying air to the lungs. Many people, young and old, suffer from this condition. Some don’t even know they have it. Have a look at these questions and answers to find out more about asthma.

Oh my head…
Feel like your head’s going to burst? Most headaches come and go and disappear by themselves after you’ve taken a painkiller. But for one person in ten, a headache is a terrible experience that might mean there’s something seriously wrong. Any questions? Check out these FAQs.

Suffering from the blues?
Feeling blue and down in the dumps? Everyone feels down or low at some stage, but when these lows last persist for weeks, the person may be suffering from a depressive disorder.

Symptoms of depression can include: low energy, no interest in sex, being unable to concentrate or make decisions, and you feel irritable. Check out these FAQs to find out more.

Stressed out? Just chill
Life just too demanding? And you’re starting to show the symptoms of stress – you’re tired, in a bad mood, you have no appetite, you feel aggressive. It is basically a physical survival response leading to a ‘flight-or-fight’ reaction. Want to know more about what stress can do to your body? Check out these FAQs.

Still puffing?
Your life clock is ticking by, and perhaps, now it's time to stop. Giving up smoking is like going into battle: you need to be prepared and to have your tactics worked out beforehand to give yourself the best chance of success. Read these FAQs, which might just help you in your attempt to stop smoking.

(Health24, November 2006)