Ang Kalatas July 2016 Issue | Page 21

THE MESSAGE . BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA www . kalatas . com . au | Volume 6 Number 10 | JULY 2016 FOOD & HEALTH

21

HIV campaign encourages testing among Fil-Aussies

AN ongoing HIV Testing campaign across Australia urges people from culturally diverse backgrounds , including Filipino- Australians , to get tested for HIV .

The campaign , an initiative of the NSW Ministry of Health , aims to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing and reduce HIV transmission . Manager of the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service ( MHAHS ), Ms Barbara Luisi , said the campaign encourages gay and homosexually active men to get tested for HIV . It also asks people from a country with high rates of HIV and those who have had unprotected sex with a person from a high risk country to get tested .

" About 12 per cent of people with HIV in Australia are unaware they have the virus . About 30 per cent of new diagnoses among people from culturally diverse backgrounds in 2014 were diagnosed late . As well as unknowingly passing the virus onto others , people with late diagnoses also suffer poorer health compared to those diagnosed on time ,” said Ms Luisi .

There are many benefits to being diagnosed with HIV early , according to Associate Professor David Templeton , Senior Specialist at the RPA

As we see it , a smile is not just about the teeth . Our whole face consists of skin , muscles and soft tissues that move constantly . Everyday exposure to different elements and pollution add to the wear and tear of facial skin . Unfortunately , this wear and tear can result to unpleasant features etched in our skin . Wrinkles , lines , grooves and depressions are the battle scars of life . They are the result of decreased production of collagen , elastin and hyaluronic acid that help support and provide volume to our skin .

The interplay between the mouth and surrounding structure of the face is responsible for the harmonious

Sexual Health , Sydney Local Health District .

“ It ' s important to get tested for HIV early because , although you might feel healthy , the infection can still damage your health . The sooner you are diagnosed , the earlier you can access treatment , so you can lead a full and healthy life ,” said Dr Templeton .

Bringing about a change in community perceptions about HIV and it ’ s testing , however , remains a work in progress , according to the Wa ’ el Sabri , Senior Community Development Officer at the MHAHS .

" HIV / AIDS awareness is low in many culturally diverse communities , including the Filipino community . The stigma attached to HIV means it ’ s difficult to talk about and causes anxiety about testing . As well as the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive , people worry about confidentiality ,” said Mr Sabri .

Getting a HIV test is now

appearance of your face as a whole .

A dento-facial aesthetic makeover is about enhancing your smile by restoring the natural beauty of your facial structure using safe , minimally invasive techniques and materials . This is done through facial injectables such as Botulinum Toxin Type A ( BTx-A ), a purified natural protein that is injected into the skin to work on the underlying muscles of the face ( ie . antiwrinkle injections that relax the muscles and allow the skin to become smooth and more youthful-looking . Another way to enhance your look is through dermal fillers in the form of Hyaluronic Acid ( HA ), which help hydrate and provide volume to our skin to keep it looking young ( ie . lip easier and faster than ever before . A mix of high quality , safe and innovative HIV testing services such as rapid HIV testing , express clinics , after hours and drop- in clinics , faster results and online bookings are all part of the new era in HIV testing in NSW . Soon , HIV home testing kits can be ordered online . People can also request a test from their GP .

The multilingual Ending HIV equation of the campaign promotes three steps to eliminate the spread of HIV by 2020 :

Test More - more of us need to get tested more often , as this is the only way that infections can be diagnosed and access to treatment can be increased . How often depends on a person ’ s lifestyle and sexual behaviour .

Free and anonymous HIV tests are available at sexual health clinics located across Australia . At sexual health clinics you do not need to have a Medicare card or give your

Dento-Facial Makeovers : What is it ?

Your Mouth , Your Body , Your Health

DR . ROUEL VERGARA

rouel . vergaradmd @ gmail . com

fillers , filling lines and grooves and sunken areas of the face ).

WHY CHOOSE A DENTIST FOR YOUR FACIAL ENHANCEMENT ?

This is simply because a dentist ’ s training and expertise is all about the understanding of facial structures and anatomy . Knowing where all the nerves , blood vessels and muscles in the face are crucial to not only achieving the best results , but also avoiding potential complications . real name . Treat Early - advances in HIV medicines offer improved health benefits for people with HIV and can reduce traces of the virus in their body to an undetectable level . This significantly reduces the likelihood of transmitting HIV .

Stay Safe - condoms and other risk reduction strategies remain central to the fight against HIV so people need to maintain a culture of safe sex

HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact . Condoms are one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of HIV .

There is currently no cure or vaccine available for HIV / AIDS , but there are effective treatments that can greatly slow the effect HIV causes to the body .

For further information on free and anonymous HIV testing , please contact your local sexual health clinic , listed under Sexual in the White Pages . To contact a service using a telephone interpreter , call 131 450 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call . Discussions through an interpreter are always confidential .

Some of the major sexual health clinics In Australia include : NSW : Sydney ( 02 ) 9382 7440 | Liverpool ( 02 ) 9827 8022 | | Melbourne ( 03 ) 9341 6200 | Brisbane ( 07 ) 3837 5611 | Adelaide ( 08 ) 8226 6025 | Perth ( 08 ) 9224 2178 | Hobart ( 03 ) 6166 0990

If you have further queries regarding dentofacial makeovers and how can it improve your smile and overall appearance , I highly recommend you to talk to a certified dento-facial aesthetic provider .

If you have any further questions and concerns about how diet affects your oral health , I highly recommend that you seek professional dental advice as soon as possible .

Dr . Rouel Vergara , is a general dentist practitioner focusing on patient-centred dentistry . He is a member of the Australian Dental Association and various dental organizations in Australia and overseas , and is also actively involved in providing lectures and workshops for dental health professionals in the Asia Pacific region . Dr . Vergara is the principal dentist of New Leaf Dentists in Erina , NSW .

CYSTITIS

Healthwise

FE WATMORE

Registered Nurse

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder usually caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli ( E . coli ). When infected , the bladder is unable to store the usual quantity of urine . Cystitis is the most common type of urinary tract infection ( UTI ), particularly in women .

Urine is made in the kidneys , which sit on either side of the spine in the back of the abdomen . From the kidneys , the urine passes down the ureters ( thin tubes ) to the bladder . The bladder is a muscular bag that stores urine from the kidneys , where it is stored until you have the desire to pass urine . Urine is passed to the outside of the body through a short tube called the urethra .

Cystitis occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra , infect the urine and inflame the bladder lining . If left untreated , the infection can ‘ backtrack ’ deeper into the urinary system from the bladder and reach the kidneys . A kidney infection is serious and needs prompt medical attention as it can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure . SYMPTOMS OF CYSTITIS :

The symptoms can be mild to severe , which include :

• Frequent urination

• Persistent feeling of urgency to pass urine

• Burning sensation or a ‘ scalding ’ sensation on urination

• Strong-smelling urine

• Cloudy or bloody urine

• Discomfort or pain in lower abdomen

CAUSES OF CYSTITIS :

• Urinary infections are usually caused by bacteria , which can rapidly multiply in the warm urine . Usually enters through the urethra but sometimes from the kidney or bloodstream . Cystitis is not as common in men as women because men have a much longer urethra running the length of the penis .

• Common cause of cystitis in women is sexual intercourse , where bacteria are being moved from the genital area into the urethra .

• Any condition that makes it difficult for the bladder to empty properly , as an enlarged prostrate in men or a stone in the urinary tract can also result in frequent cystitis .

LONG-TERM PREVENTION OF CYSTITIS :

• Pass urine as soon as you feel the urge rather than holding on

• Drink plenty of water every day to flush your urinary system

• Wear cotton rather than nylon underwear

• Avoid using perfumed soaps , talcum powder or any deodorant around the genitals

• Avoid bubble baths

• Treat vaginal infections such as thrush or trichomoniasis promptly , as these organisms can encourage cystitis .

TREATMENT FOR CYSTITIS :

• Seek medical advice . The doctor will test your urine to check which micro-organism is present .

• Antibiotics may be prescribed .

• Though urinary alkalinisers are available over the counter , it ’ s best to ask the doctor the necessary treatment to investigate any underlying disorder

REFERENCES :

• betterhealth . vic . gov . au / health / conditionsandtreatment / cystitis

• www . mydr . com . au / womens-health / cystitis-bladder-infection

• The Heinemann New Family Medical Encyclopaedia / Cystitis

If tihs ad cahugt yuor atetntoin , imaigne waht

can do for yuor busienss .