Kealba Health Issues Website
Kealba health issues website has finally arrived. Just click onto the "health issues" icon on the school's homepage. Read some of the frequently asked questions, or email me your own health related questions and I will email you the answer back.
Try the new website out. Let me know what you think, or how the page could be improved.
DONATING BLOOD
Every time you donate, you can save up to three lives, as your blood donation is divided into platelets, red blood cells (which go to hospitals) and plasma which is used in blood products such as a burns treatment or a tetanus vaccine. That's three people you can make a difference to.
So who can give blood? Most people who are healthy, not suffering from an illness, are aged between 16 and 70 years (parent consent required under 18,) weigh more than 45 kg., and who meet guidelines designed to protect both you and the people who will receive your blood.
Will I feel weak? The volume of blood taken in a donation is replaced within 24 hours. Donating doesn't affect your ability to carry on and do most of the things you would normally do in a day. We don't recommend heavy exercise such as weight lifting on the day you donate, but the next day - go for your life.
Julie Alemis Health Promotion Nurse
(Ackowledgement to Australian Red Cross Blood Service.)
How do you know when you are dehydrated?
Thirst is not the first indicator. By that time you may have already lost half a litre of water (1%.)
Water makes up at least half an adult's body weight, so maintaining adequate levels is vital for survival.
1% loss - triggers thirst 2% stronger thirst, loss of appetite, discomfort 3% dry mouth, reduction in urine, light headedness 4% sleepiness, apathy, nausea, headaches 5% loss of concentration 6% increase in pulse rate 8% dizziness, mental confusion, weakness, laboured breathing 10% muscle cramps, swollen tongue, delirium 11% decrease in blood vol., failing renal function.
Julie Alemis Health Promotion Nurse
About Asthma
More info may be obtained by logging onto www.asthma.org.au.
Exercise Induced Asthma
According to the asthma foundation, exercise induced asthma:
- occurs in 80% of people with asthma,
- symptoms can begin during or after exercise,
- symptoms can appear with exertion,
- exercise induced asthma may vary considerably from day to day,
- exercise induced asthma can be managed.
Preventing Exercise Induced Asthma
- Premedicate with reliever medication (ie Ventolin) 5 to 10 minutes before exercise,
- warm up before exercise (ie stretch,) - cool down after exercise.
Treating Exercise Induced Asthma
If asthma occurs during or after exercise:
- stop activity,
- treat symptoms,
- return to activity if symptoms subside.
If symptoms re-occur:
- stop activity & do not resume,
- treat symptoms,
- seek medical assistance as required.
Hope this helps to manage your asthma better.
Women's Health
Up to 90% of the most common type of cervical cancer may be prevented if early cell changes are detected and, if necessary, treated. A pap smear reduces your risk of developing cervical cancer by identifying abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
How To Lead A Long Healthy Life
The Australian Society for Cellular and Molecular Gerontology states:
1. Consume anti-oxidant supplements to reverse free radical cellular damage.
2. Ensure adequate levels of nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 3 (this can also be taken via supplements.)
3. Exercise is helpful to maintain muscle bulk, especially low impact exercise such as light weights, power walking, cycling or swimming at least 20 minutes a day.
The Study of Human Happiness Project believes:
1. Laugh and smile as often as you can to generate healthy endorphins
2. Acknowledge there is nothing fundamentally wrong with you
3. Stop trying to gain the approval of others
4. Realise the world is not always a wonderful place, but don't be crippled by it
5. Be honest about your feelings and don't bottle up stress.
For HEALTH QUERIES, please direct all emails to Julie Alemis (Health Promotions Nurse). We will answer your questions and publish all questions and answers on to this page.
Email Julie at : health@kealba.vic.edu.au
Here are some useful sites to visit for more information on various topics regarding health:
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
www.healthyeating.org
www.adf.org.au/drughit
www.getontop.org