The common cold can be described as an infection of the higher reaches of the respiratory tract, or in other words the throat, the nasal passages and the nose. It is interesting to note that there are over two hundred different virus’ that can presently cause the common cold, but the main culprit in adults is the rhinoviruses, of which there are a hundred different strains and are classified as nose virus’.

When an individual becomes affected by a cold, the symptoms usually show up around two days later and these include a sore throat, a runny nose and sneezing. Later symptoms can consist of watery eyes, headache, muscle aches, stuffed nose, and a general feeling of being unwell. The symptoms of a cold can last anywhere from two to seven days but in some cases may even last up to two weeks.

Common Cold

People who have a common cold may find that is accompanied by bronchitis, laryngitis, an ear infection or with those who suffer from asthma, a worsening of the condition. Common cold infections are so prevalent that it is estimated that an adult will suffer between two and five colds each year. Because of this, the condition is the leading cause of people missing work days through illness.

Contrary to belief, colds are actually not very contagious when compared to other infections. Prolonged and close contact is required for the virus to spread and it must get into the nose for there to be infection.

Vaginitis is the name given to an infection of the vagina.  Symptoms of vaginitis include a sore itching vagina with possible abnormal discharge.  There are various types of vaginitis and each type has its own cause and symptoms.  These different types are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, non-infectious vaginitis, and trichomoniasis.

Yeast or Candida infections are the most common type of vaginitis and are caused by an excess of the fungus Candida growing in the vagina.  Symptoms of yeast infections include a thick white discharge which causes the vagina to become itchy and red.

Vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis is a frequent infection which affects women of reproductive age and is caused by bacteria in the vagina.  Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include a thin smelly vaginal discharge although some women find they have no symptoms at all and only become aware of the infection during a visit to the gynecologist.

Non-infectious vaginitis can be caused by a reaction to products used such as soaps, fabric softeners, douches, vaginal sprays or spermicidal products.  It can cause the vagina to become itchy or burn and is accompanied by a vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina which is caused by a single cell parasite.  This form of vaginitis is a sexually transmitted disease and will cause soreness, itching, and burning of the vagina.  It can also cause a burning feeling when urinating.

Each type of vaginitis has its own treatment.  An anti-yeast infection is used to treat yeast infection.  An antibiotic is used to treat bacterial vaginosis as there is no remedy which can be purchased over the counter.  In order to treat non-infectious vaginitis it is necessary to cease using the product which caused the reaction and a cream can be used to relieve symptoms. Trichomoniasis is treated with an antibiotic but it is important to avoid any sexual contact until it has been treated.

Obesity occurs when excess weight causes health problems.  People with obesity usually have a BMI or Body Mass Index greater than 30.  Weight gain is usually caused when energy (calorie) intake is more than calories burnt.  There are many risks for people with obesity as it can contribute to an increase in a variety of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.  Some people are more prone to weight gain than others and this can be down to genes, however, most people find that obesity is a factor of lifestyle and eating behaviors.

Many people eat when they are depressed, lonely, anxious, stressed or just when they are bored.  Obesity is also linked to a lack of physical exercise.  In today’s day there seems to be more and more examples of children showing signs of obesity at an alarmingly young age.  Schools, parents and government organizations seem to be recognizing the need to encourage children to eat more healthily and to support exercise programs.

Obesity

There is a higher amount of processed, cheaper foods available on the market today which are higher in sugar, salt, and fat which contributes to the increase in obesity levels among young people.  Coupled with the trend for video games and increased numbers of TV channels it is no surprise that more and more young people are being diagnosed with obesity every day.

Diet and exercise are the most important factors when preventing obesity.  In order to lose weight people need to reduce daily calories and partake in at least 20 – 30 minutes of exercise daily.  Increased fruit and vegetables can help to feel full and reduce the chance of reaching for sugary foods which contain more fat.