Bulimia can be described as a disorder whereby the sufferer binge-eats and then uses some extreme measures such as vomiting to try and rid the body of the food eaten to prevent any weight gain. The symptoms of bulimia include a detrimental focus on weight or body shape, a sense of being unable to control food amounts eaten, taking laxatives or throwing up after eating (especially large amounts), and exercising to the extreme.

Bulimia

Individuals who are bulimic often go through cycles of weight loss and weight gain and can suffer from depression, dehydration, fatigue, anxiety, damage to the gums and/or teeth and persistent diarrhea. There is also the chance of developing problems with the bowels or kidney’s.

Bulimia is a disorder that is very often linked to stress, a low self esteem and emotional issues. It is generally thought to be more common than anorexia but at the same time is less noticeable because individuals who suffer from it usually remain at their average body weight. This is why the condition can go unnoticed for a long period of time.

Gender and the sexual orientation of an individual have been found to be linked to whether someone has an eating disorder.

The tonsils are small glands which are found at the back of the throat behind the tongue, and the infection of these glands is known as tonsillitis. Frequent recurring infections of the tonsils may result in an operation to remove them known as a tonsillectomy.  The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a viral infection and usually affects children from 5-15 years.  Tonsillitis can be passed from person to person through hand contact, airborne droplets or saliva.

The more common symptoms of tonsillitis include pain when swallowing, fever, coughing, tiredness, pain in the ear or neck, swollen tonsils, or swollen glands in the neck (lymph nodes).  Other less common symptoms of tonsillitis are constipation, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, vomiting or a ‘furry tongue’.  It can also cause abdominal pain in young children due to swollen lymph glands in the stomach.

Tonsillitis can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest and making sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids.  Painkillers and antibiotics can help to clear up the infection but it will clear up on its own over a few days.  There are also lozenges or sprays which can help to relieve pain in the throat.

The most effective way to avoid tonsillitis is to keep away from people who have the infection.  Do not use the same cups or cutlery etc as someone who has the infection and maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently.

Tonsillitis

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.