News

Fun Fact

Did you know that malaria and yellow fever forced Scotland into an unhappy union with England in the late 1600s?

But surely there’s no Malaria or Yellow fever in Scotland? Correct! But they were both present in Panama. Scotland invested huge sums of money and sent hundreds of settlers there in 1698 in an attempt to set up a colony and perhaps create a trade passage over the narrow isthmus. The mission was a disaster: the settlers died by the hundreds from the tropical diseases that had arrived in the new world with African slaves. Scotland had no choice but to accept a bail-out from the English, and surrender its sovereignty.

Thankfully, unlike those ill-fated Scots, we now have effective ways to protect ourselves against illnesses that we may not encounter in Australia. Before you travel, even back to your country of origin, talk to your doctor about how to stay safe. Dr Redhuan Akram and Dr Angela Hawkins are authorised to prescribe the yellow fever vaccine, which you may require if you are going to sub-Saharan Africa, South America or the Caribbean.

Health Fact

Tummy bloating is a common but unpleasant symptom for many people. It can be a source of pain, discomfort and even breathing difficulties. It has always been thought that bloating relates to excess wind produced by reacting to certain foods. However, new research suggests that in some people it may be an abnormal reaction of the diaphragm and abdominal wall muscles that occurs immediately after eating specific foods or relating to stress.

So, there may be more options for dealing with bloating than you imagine. If bloating is something that is a problem for you, speak with your doctor to assess the cause of your symptoms as sometimes the cause can be more serious.