Medical Information
HIV Aids Information
What is Aids?
- Always use a condom.
- Have your partner and you tested, especially at the beginning of a new relationship.
- If you do test positive for HIV work closely with your Peermed GP to maintain good health.
- NEVER miss a dose of ARVs – the medication may then stop working.
- There is NO cure
- You cannot catch Aids from mosquitoes.
- HIV-positive people cannot be detected by their appearance.
- Aids is not restricted to gay men.
Hypertension
What should your blood pressure be?
Normal | 120/80 to 129/84 |
High Normal | 130/85 to 139/89 |
Hypertension Mild |
140/90 to 159/99 |
Moderate | 160/100 to 179/109 |
Severe | + 180/110 |
- Lose weight, especially if you have belly fat. Even a few kilograms will help!
- Watch your alcohol intake – an added benefit of this is that you will lose weight faster.
- Limit your salt intake
- It sounds boring, but you really should be eating more fruit and vegetables! Cut fat off your meat before you eat it, and try not to eat too much refined sugar – fizzy drinks are full of sugars!
- If you don’t exercise, start now. Begin with gentle exercise a few times a week, such as a walk around the block. Remember: if you haven’t exercised for a while, speak to your Peermed doctor first.
- The aging process can result in hypertension.
- Some medication can increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Tuberculosis
- Chest x-rays
- Analysis of sputum (mucus
- Skin tests
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Loss of weight
- Coughing
- Night sweats
- Are born in a country with a high rate of T
- Have a weakened immune system
- Live in a household with an adult who has TB
- Live in communities with inadequate health care
- As babies cannot tell you how they are feeling, do not take any chances. If your baby may have been in contact with a TB sufferer, come in and see your Peermed doctor as soon as possible.
Sexually transmitted infections
- in the general community, 25% of women have at least one STI
- about half of these are asymptomatic and hence remain undetected and untreated
- most of the remaining women with symptomatic infections delay or defer seeking treatment
- only about 2% of infections are treated within a reasonable time
- only about a quarter of those treated actually receive the correct drugs
- re-infection rates are likely to be high as partner treatment strategies are inadequate
- Itching and/or discharge from the vagina
- Discharge from the penis
- Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area
- Flesh-coloured warts around the genital area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during urination
If I am diagnosed with an STI will my Peermed doctor be able to cure me?
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- HIV
- HPV
Infertility
- Prolonged use of drugs
- Excessive stress
- Malnutrition
- Anabolic steroid use
- The wearing of tight underwear
- Surgery for example where a man has an obstructed vas deferens (muscular tube through which sperm moves).
- Hormone treatment and medication: in some cases, infertility is caused by high or low levels of hormones.
- Assisted reproductive technology: where a man has problems with sperm delivery, sperm can be removed from the testicle and injected into his partner’s egg. This is then implanted into the woman’s uterus (womb) and a normal pregnancy continues.
- Scarring from sexually transmitted infection
- Eating disorders such as anorexia
- Heavy drug use
Cholesterol
Our patients are our top priority and we care about your health. You’ll find these facts about cholesterol very informative and filled with simple ways to lower your cholesterol and lead a healthier life.
CHOLESTROL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Diabetes
We provide testing for diabetes and complete follow-up treatment and support.
DIABETES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Obesity
- Increasing age
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- A family history of diabetes
Influenza
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Aching muscles
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands regularly
- If someone sneezes near you, turn your head and cover your mouth and nose for a couple of seconds!
- Avoid congested areas if possible
Depression
By Dr P Naidoo
Depression is a common but often overlooked medical condition characterized by a depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure for 2 weeks or longer.
It has symptoms that include: feelings of worthlessness or guilt, appetite changes, fatigue, problems with sleep, weight changes, difficulty concentrating, agitation, slowness and suicidal thoughts.
It is further classified as mild, moderate or severe. Unfortunately people who are depressed, don’t often seek the necessary help .This is often due to fear and embarrassment. It is therefore vital that we recognise when someone is depressed.
From personal experience I find that providing support and allowing the person to speak or write down their feelings freely, is the basis on which treatment can be initiated.
Depression is a treatable condition. Patients require ongoing counselling from a psychologist and usually anti-depressants prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist. It is also wise to point out to the patient that treatment is for a minimum of 6 months.
Anti-depressants usually take effect after a few weeks, so it’s important the patient is compliant. Once daily doses are all that is needed to control the depressive symptoms. Fewer side effects and improved tolerance of the newer anti-depressants make it easier for patients to adhere to treatment.
At Peermed we are linked to several psychologists who provide excellent counselling services. Confidential appointments can be arranged. We also refer timeously to experienced psychiatrists. It is important for all of us to recognise the symptoms of depression as its impact on one’s life can be devastating.