Will change to organ donor rules mean more transplants?

The government is proposing a big change by moving to a system of “presumed consent” in England.

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Turning pathogens against each other to prevent drug resistance

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The force is strong: Amputee controls individual prosthetic fingers

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Glass with switchable opacity could improve solar cells and LEDs

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Paying mothers incentivises breastfeeding, study finds

More than 10,000 new mums were offered up to £200 in shopping vouchers as encouragement to breastfeed.

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Huntington’s breakthrough may stop disease

Scientists say it could be the biggest breakthrough in neurodegenerative diseases for 50 years.

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Health24.com | Quick survey: Would you tell your boss about your mental illness?

We know from recent stats released by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) that mental health has vast implications on the workplace.

In October 2017, SADAG released update stats showing that 61% of respondents had disclosed their mental illness at work.

However, 69% of them experienced negative or no response when they discussed the situation. In fact, one person said, “It felt uncomfortable when sharing my mental health issues with management [sic].”

Sadly only 16% of those who had disclosed their mental illness felt comfortable doing so.

So here’s where we need your help – we’d like to find out how you feel about disclosing mental disorders and taking sick leave as a result thereof. It’s a short survey and you will remain completely anonymous – we have no way of knowing who you are.

“If an employee has depression but is at work, they are five times less productive than an employee who was absent due to depression,” Dr Frans Korb, psychiatrist and clinical psychologist said.

Please email mandy.freeman@24.com if you would like to get in touch.

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Health24.com | 5 ways to protect yourself against fungal infections this summer

The summer heat can be uncomfortable and make you perspire more than usual, creating the perfect environment for fungal infections.

1.  Public pools and showers

If you’re in the habit of using the swimming pool at the gym, or if you like to take a shower after splashing in the ocean, you are more susceptible to athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a fungal infection that causes redness, itchiness and cracked skin between the toes.

Avoid it: Always wear flip-flops when using public-shower facilities, and make sure the areas between your toes are completely dry.

feet splashing in swimming pool

2. Sweaty socks and shoes

If you wear closed shoes to work or if you work out a lot, you may be exposed to sweaty socks, which creates the perfect environment for athlete’s foot.

Avoid it: Let your feet breathe – go barefoot or wear opened-toed shoes whenever you can. Always put on clean, dry socks, and take off your sweaty gym socks as soon as you’ve finished exercising.   

girl putting on gym shoes

3. Hot, humid weather

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is especially common among children. It causes lesions on the exposed areas of the arms and legs as well as the face. These lesions start out as red patches that develop into blisters. Children are especially more prone to impetigo in summer as the bacteria flourish in warmer conditions.

Avoid it: Keep a close eye on scrapes or insect bites as bacteria can be spread via these wounds. Encourage your children to wash their hands properly, especially after playing outside.

children playing outside

4. Sweaty underwear and clothing

Jock itch, caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot, is an extremely itchy rash that occurs in the crease between the scrotum and thighs, but can spread to other parts of the groin. Jock itch is often picked up at the gym or can spread from your feet to your groin when you pull up your pants. During summer jock itch can become worse as hot, sweaty conditions encourage the fungus to grow.

Avoid it: Wear loose-fitting underwear and always change your underwear between gym sessions. Stick to cotton underwear as synthetic materials can cause more sweating.

guy sniffing underwear

5. Wet swimwear

Sitting around in your wet swimwear all day long in summer makes you more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections, since it creates the perfect condition for fungus to breed.

Avoid it: Always take a change of dry clothes to the beach or pool and change immediately after bathing. 

woman on beach

Image credits: iStock

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Health24.com | SEE: 7 gripping facts on surgery

The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.

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