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DefinitionFace lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves redirecting some of the skin and muscle tissue of the face and neck to counter signs of aging produced by gravity.PurposeThe purpose of face lift surgery, also known as facialplasty, rhytido... |
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FACELIFT - a patient's guide
Dr John de Waal - Plastic Surgeon, Auckland
Introduction
As the name suggests the procedure involves the lifting
... |
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DefinitionFactitious disorders are a group of mental disturbances in which patients intentionally act physically or mentally ill without obvious benefits. The name factitious comes from a Latin word that means artificial. These disorders are not malingerin... |
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DefinitionFailure to thrive (FTT) is used to describe a delay in a child's growth or development. It is usually applied to infants and children up to two years of age who do not gain or maintain weight as they should. Failure to thrive is not a specific di... |
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DefinitionFainting is loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. Known by the medical term "syncope," fainting may be preceded by dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of extreme weakness.DescriptionWhen a person faints, the loss of... |
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DefinitionFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited disorder of the inflammatory response characterized by recurring attacks of fever, accompanied by intense pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints. Attacks usually last 12-72 hours, and can occasion... |
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DefinitionFamilial polyposis is an inherited condition which primarily affects the large intestine (colon and rectum). Large numbers of projecting masses of swollen and thickened or tumorous membrane (polyps) develop on the inner lining of this part of the... |
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DefinitionFamily therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family. It may be conducted by a pair or team of therapists. In many cases the team consists of a man and a woman in order to treat gender-related is... |
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DefinitionFasciotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts away the fascia to relieve tension or pressurePurposeThe fascia is thin connective tissue covering, or separating, the muscles and internal organs of the body. It varies in thickness, density, elastici... |
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FATIGUE AND IRON DEFICIENCY IN ATHLETES - a patient's
guide
Dr Ruth Highet - Sports Physician
Which athletes are most at risk of fatigue?
Pro... |
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DefinitionFatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.DescriptionEveryone experiences fatigue occasionally. It is the body's way of signaling its need for res... |
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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition characterised by ongoing fatigue.
It i... |
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DefinitionFatty liver is the collection of excessive amounts of triglycerides and other fats inside liver cells.DescriptionAlso called steatosis, fatty liver can be a temporary or long-term condition, which is not harmful itself, but may indicate some othe... |
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DefinitionFecal incontinence is the inability to control the passage of gas or stools (feces) through the anus. For some people fecal incontinence is a relatively minor problem, as when it is limited to a slight occasional soiling of underwear, but for oth... |
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DefinitionThe fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is performed as part of the routine physical examination during the examination of the rectum. It is used to detect microscopic blood in the stool and is a screening tool for colorectal cancer.PurposeFOBT uses c... |
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DefinitionFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is the cutting, or partial or total removal, of the external female genitalia for cultural, religious, or other non-medical reasons. It is usually performed on girls between the ages of four and 10. It is also call... |
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DefinitionFemale sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) occurs when a woman is continually unable to attain or maintain arousal and lubrication during intercourse, is unable to reach orgasm, or has no desire for sexual intercourse.DescriptionThe disorder typically... |
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DefinitionFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of birth defects, learning, and behavioral problems affecting individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.DescriptionFAS is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. This co... |
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DefinitionFetal hemoglobin (Hemoglobin F), Alkali-resistant hemoglobin, HBF (or Hb F), is the major hemoglobin component in the bloodstream of the fetus. After birth, it decreases rapidly until only traces are found in normal children and adults.PurposeThe... |
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DefinitionA fever is any body temperature elevation over 100°F (37.8°C).DescriptionA healthy person's body temperature fluctuates between 97°F (36.1°C) and 100°F (37.8°C), with the average being 98.6°F (37°C). The body maint... |
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DefinitionFever evaluation tests, better known as febrile agglutinins tests, are performed to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that are sensitive to temperature changes. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to spe... |
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DefinitionFever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to the presence of a documented fever for a specified time, for which a cause has not been found after a basic medical evaluation. The classic criteria developed in 1961 included: temperature greater than 101&... |
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FIBRE - a patient's guide
Paula Messer - Dietitian, Southampton, UK
Overview
Over the decades, studies have shown the importance of
fibre in ... |
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DefinitionFibrin split products (FSP) are fragments of protein released from a dissolving clot. The fibrin split products test is one of several tests done to evaluate a person with blood clotting problems (coagulation), particularly disseminated intravasc... |
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DefinitionFibrinogen (Factor I) is a protein that originates in the liver. It is converted to fibrin during the blood-clotting process (coagulation).PurposeThe fibrinogen test aids in the diagnosis of suspected clotting or bleeding disorders caused by fibr... |
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DefinitionFibroadenomas are benign breast tumors commonly found in young women. Fibroadenoma means "a tumor composed of glandular (related to gland) and fibrous (containing fibers) tissues."DescriptionBreast fibroadenomas, abnormal growths of glandular and... |
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UTERINE FIBROIDS-a patient's guide
Editorial Team
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours formed from the muscular
la... |
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FIBROMYALGIA - a patient's guide
Dr Susan Smith - Family Doctor
What is it?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects between one and
... |
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DefinitionFibromyalgia is described as inflammation of the fibrous or connective tissue of the body. Widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points characterize these conditions. Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and fibromyositis are names given to a... |
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DefinitionFifth disease is a mild childhood illness caused by the human parvovirus B19 that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash. It is called fifth disease because it was fifth on a list of common childhood illnesses that are accompanied by a rash, includi... |
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DefinitionFiliariasis is the name for a group of tropical diseases caused by various thread-like parasitic round worms (nematodes) and their larvae. The larvae transmit the disease to humans through a mosquito bite. Filariasis is characterized by fever, ch... |
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DefinitionFingertip trauma covers cuts, accumulation of blood (hematoma), bone breakage, or amputation in the fingertip.DescriptionThe fingertips are specialized areas of the hand with highly developed sensory and manipulative functions. Large sensory and ... |
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THE FIRST SIX WEEKS OF LIFE - a parent's guide
Dr Simon Rowley - Paediatrician
Introduction
The first six weeks of life are an important time for both
... |
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FIRST AID KIT FOR TRAVELLERS
Editorial Team
Introduction:
It is important to be prepared for minor medical problems
when travelling overseas... |
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DefinitionFish and shellfish poisoning is a common but often unrecognized group of illnesses related to food. Three of these illnesses include ciguatera, scombroid, and paralytic shellfish poisoning.Ciguatera... |
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FITNESS TO DIVE - a patient's guide
Dr Stephen Adams - Visiting Doctor to the Royal NZ Navy
What level of fitness is required for diving?
This a relative term. There... |
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DefinitionFlesh-eating disease is more properly called necrotizing fasciitis, a rare condition in which bacteria destroy tissues underlying the skin. This tissue death, called necrosis or gangrene, spreads rapidly. This disease can be fatal in as little as... |
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INFLUENZA - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Influenza makes you feel much worse than a cold
It is highly contagious and spread by c... |
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FLUCLOXACILLIN - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Brand name:
Floxapen
Flucloxin
Staphlex
Use: ... |
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DefinitionFluke infections are diseases of the digestive tract and other organ systems caused by several different species of parasitic flatworms (Trematodes) that have complex life cycles involving hosts other than human beings. Trematode comes from a Gre... |
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DefinitionFluoroquinolones are medicines that kill bacteria or prevent their growth.PurposeFluoroquinolones are antimicrobials, medicines used to treat infections caused by microorganisms. Physicians prescribe these drugs for bacterial infections in many p... |
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FOLIC ACID - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
USE: Folate deficiency; lower incidence of spina
bifida if taken during pregnancy.
Folic acid ... |
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DefinitionFolic acid is a water-soluable vitamin belonging to the B-complex group of vitamins. These vitamins help the body break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars to be used for energy. Excess B vitamins are excreted from the body rather than ... |
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DefinitionFolic acid deficiency, an abnormally low level of one of the B vitamins, results in anemia characterized by red blood cells that are large in size but few in number.DescriptionFolic acid is necessary for growth and cellular repair, since it is a ... |
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DefinitionThe follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH in the blood. FSH is a hormone that regulates the growth and development of eggs and sperm, and this test is used to diagnose or evaluate disorders involving the pituitary gla... |
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DefinitionFolliculitis is inflammation or infection of one or more hair follicles (openings in the skin that enclose hair).DescriptionFolliculitis can affect both women and men at any age. It can develop on any part of the body, but is most likely to occur... |
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CHILDHOOD FOOD ALLERGIES - a parent's guide
Vicki Martin - Dietitian
What is a food allergy?
Food allergy is the result of an immune reaction by the
body to normall... |
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THE FOOD GROUPS - a patient's guide
Jo Wilson - Dietitian
Carbohydrates
All of the food groups - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
are essent... |
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FOOD POISONING - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Food poisoning is relatively common, especially during the summer months.
There are sever... |
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FOOD SAFETY - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Food safety is crucial to avoiding food poisoning
Safe cooking means handling, storin... |
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DefinitionFood poisoning is a general term for health problems arising from eating contaminated food. Food may be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, or toxins present within the food itself, such as the poisons in some mushrooms or ce... |
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DefinitionFoot care involves all aspects of preventative and corrective care of the foot and ankle. Doctors specializing in foot care are called podiatrists.PurposeDuring an average lifetime, each person walks about 115,000 miles and three-quarters of peop... |
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Definition"Foreign" means "originating elsewhere" or simply "outside the body." Foreign bodies typically become lodged in the eyes, ears, nose, airways, and rectum of human beings.DescriptionBoth children and adults experience problems caused by foreign ob... |
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DefinitionFracture repair is the process of rejoining and realigning the ends of broken bones. This procedure is usually performed by an orthopedist, general surgeon, or family doctor. In cases of an emergency, first aid measures should be evoked for tempo... |
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DefinitionA fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force.DescriptionA fracture usually results from traumatic injury to bones causing the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage to be disrupted... |
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FRAGILE X SYNDROME - a parent's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Fragile X syndrome is an inherited condition and is the most common
inherited mental handicap.
It ... |
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DefinitionFragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. Individuals with this condition have developmental delay, variable levels of mental retardation, and behavioral and emotional difficulties. They may also have characteris... |
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DefinitionFrostbite is the term for damage to the skin and other tissues caused by freezing. Frostnip is a mild form of cold injury.DescriptionIn North America, frostbite is largely confined to Alaska, Canada, and the northern states. Recent years have wit... |
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FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES - a summary of the health benefits
Dr John Birkbeck -
Nutritionalist
What
do we get from vegetables and frui... |
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