Checkup for Friday June 6
A weekly round-up of news affecting your health
By National Medical Writer Clifford Fram
INJURY STRESS
Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among people who suffer a major injury, says an emergency department specialist.
It affects up to 30 per cent of patients, who usually start suffering symptoms within three months.
Although most people recover without intervention, some people can become seriously distressed if they are not diagnosed or treated, says Associate Professor Tony Joseph of Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
Symptoms include reliving the event and avoidance of reminders.
If untreated these can lead to social isolation, relationship breakdown and psychological dysfunction, says Prof Joseph, a speaker at a major international conference in Hong Kong on June 14.
MALE MAINTENANCE
Men are more likely to take their car for a checkup than see a doctor themselves, says a leading medical specialist.
That's part of the reason they are 35 per cent more likely to die from cancer than women, says Professor Mark Frydenberg of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Marking men's health week, he said men should see their GP for a checkup.
They should also never ignore blood in the urine, bladder problems, erectile dysfunction or fatigue, which could be symptoms of cancer or other diseases.
PROSTATE TEST
Researchers believe they have found a way to detect prostate cancer in semen.
They say molecules in the fluid indicate both the presence and severity of the cancer.
This could provide an alternative to the problematic PSA test, says researcher Dr Luke Selth, who is based at the University of Adelaide.
HERBAL HEALTH
People who use herbal medicines and supplements are being urged to find out about possible side effects and interactions with prescription drugs.
An example is kava, which is used to treat anxiety but may cause liver problems, according to an article in the latest issue of Australian Prescriber magazine.
"People taking kava should avoid alcohol, tranquillisers and sleeping pills," writes Dr Jerome Sarris of the University of Melbourne.
"Whether people are taking kava or any other complementary medicine, we urge them to be careful and talk to a health professional about all the medicines they are taking."
SELF-COMPASSION
Menopausal women with high levels of self-compassion (self nurturing) often cope better with hot flushes than other women.
A University of Melbourne study shows women with high levels of self-compassion find hot flushes to be up to three times less disruptive to daily life than women with low self-compassion.
This can protect them from depression and helps them stay healthy and happy, says researcher Lydia Brown.
"Women typically have lower self-compassion than men," she says.
Although more research is needed, the study shows self-compassion training may be an alternative to hormone therapy to help women cope with hot flushes.
DIABETES GUIDELINES
GPs are being urged to take a patient-centred approach to managing and preventing type 2 diabetes, according to new guidelines.
Effective action by a GP can help prevent or delay the condition, say the guidelines published by the College of General Practitioners and Diabetes Australia.
This means GPs should encourage simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Early detection is also essential, says college president Dr Liz Marles.
If left undiagnosed or poorly managed, type 2 diabetes can cause blindness, limb amputation, kidney disease, heart attacks, stroke and early death, she says.
