In South Africa, patients with advanced illnesses often find themselves in primary palliative care. This care aims to be holistic and patient-centered. It should also be compassionate and respect the patient's experiences. However, there is a big gap in understanding what dignity means to these pati
The rise in cases of prostate cancer and metabolic syndrome is undeniable. These health issues are becoming more common due to changes in how people live and the makeup of the population. These two conditions often go hand in hand. However, the shared biological processes that cause both are not
Heart problems are a big deal worldwide. They cause a lot of deaths and cost a ton of money. One way to tackle this is by changing lifestyles through education and advice. A recent study looked at how nurses can help with this. In China, a group of adults with heart issues was split into two. One g
When it comes to tobacco products, there's more than meets the eye. Pesticides are often used in tobacco farming. This means that when people smoke, they might be inhaling more than just tobacco. The focus here is on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in waterpipe tobacco, also known as hookah or s
Hernias are a common issue. They happen when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Ventral hernias are a type of hernia that occurs in the abdominal wall. They can be painful and may require surgery to fix. Two methods are often used to repair th
Glaucoma surgery has come a long way. It is now possible to lower eye pressure with less invasive methods. One such method is the use of subconjunctival bleb-forming devices. These devices can reduce intraocular pressure more effectively than minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. They are also less a
Surgeons often create a temporary opening in the gut, known as a stoma, after certain types of rectal surgery. This is done to give the join lower down a chance to heal without any issues. There are two main types of stomas: ileostomy and colostomy. Both have their fans, but there is no clear winner
The world of medical tech is always looking for better ways to handle conditions like epilepsy. One big hurdle is creating wearable devices that can keep an eye on brain activity for long periods. These devices need to be smart, efficient, and always ready to go. That's where brain-inspired spiking
Malaria is a tricky foe. To beat it, health workers need to spot the parasite accurately. They often use rapid tests, which are handy and quick. These tests look for a specific marker in the parasite. However, some parasites lack this marker, leading to false negatives. Plus, these tests miss low-de
The loss of muscle, known as sarcopenia, is a serious issue for many people with cancer. It can make it harder for the body to fight the disease and respond to treatment. A recent study looked at how sarcopenia affects people with advanced biliary tract cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. The s
