General Health
camStudent health
The box below contains links for general health advice. Click on the conditions for further information
General advice is available from:
www.bad.org.uk Good website about skin problems from the British Assocaition of Dermatologists
www.hpa.org.uk Health Protection Agency
Helpful Information
Follow the links below for more information.
- Repetitive strain injury
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diarrhoea
- Cholesterol
- Low back pain and computer ergonomics
- Coughs
- Sore throat
- Emergency treatment of Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Carbon monoxide
- Insect bites
- Migraine
- Meningitis and Septicaemia
- Diabetes
- Glandular Fever
- Measles
- Acne
- Eczema and Psoriasis
- Cystitis
- Hayfever
- Wart and verrucas
- Ear Infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Athlete's foot
- Head injury
- Constipation
- Ingrowing toenail
- Mumps
- Influenza and Avian Flu
- Moles or Melanomas
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cholesterol
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a lipid or fat chemical that is made in the liver from fatty foods that we eat. A certain amount of cholesterol is present in the blood stream. You need some cholesterol to keep healthy.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood as part of particles called lipoproteins. Two important types of lipoproteins are
• Low density lipoproteins- LDL cholesterol. These are often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol as it is the one mainly involved in forming atheroma, which are small fatty lumps which develop in the inside lining of the arteries.
• High density lipoproteins- HDL cholesterol. These are often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol as it may prevent atheroma formation.
The atheroma makes an artery narrower. It can cause angina, heart attack, or stroke later in life.
You are more likely to develop atheroma if
• You smoke
• Have high cholesterol
• Are diabetic
• Are obese
• You don’t exercise
• Have an unhealthy diet
• Have a strong family history of heart disease or stoke
• Are from certain ethnic groups.
• You are male.
You should have a blood test to check your cholesterol if
• You have a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease. This means if you have a father who developed heart disease or stroke before he was 55 or a mother before she was 65.
• A first degree relative (parent, brother or sister) with a serious inherited lipid disorder e.g. familial hypercholesterolaemia or familial combined hyperlipidaemia. These are very rare.
What can you do to lower your cholesterol?
• A healthy diet i.e. low fat, high fibre, low sugar with at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
• Lose weight if obese
• A ‘statin’ medicine if you have a inherited lipid disorder, you have a chronic medical condition or if you have a very strong family history of heart disease or stroke. Please discuss with your doctor.
Decrease your other risks
• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Increase Exercise
• Keep alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
Source: www.patient.co.uk