Raising Awareness of Epilepsy

Health & Wellness

Epilepsy is a common condition in our community and can develop at any age, regardless of gender or ethnic group. According to Epilepsy Australia, research suggests that some 3–4% of the Australian population will develop epilepsy at some stage in their lives.

At one stage it was believed that epilepsy was a disorder of the young, as it appeared most people experienced their first seizure before the age of 20. However, people over 55 are now recognised as being the most vulnerable. This rapidly growing demographic group is subject to the kinds of cerebrovascular (circulation of blood to the brain), respiratory and cardiac events that can lead to epileptic seizures.

There are many causes of epilepsy, which vary with the age at which seizures begin and the nature of the seizures. However, in 50% of cases, the cause is unknown.

In many cases of epilepsy in young children, genetics play an important role. But research has shown that genetics can be a factor in developing epilepsy at any age. It appears that certain people are more prone to having seizures than others. This is, at times, described as having a ‘low-seizure threshold’. Read More >

Brain Week

Health & Wellness

This year, Brain Awareness Week is taking place on the 13^th to 19^th March. Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research, and unites the efforts of organisations worldwide in celebrating the brain for people of all ages.

In Australia, the Brain Foundation is a charity that is dedicated to funding research around the country into neurological disorders, brain disease and brain injuries. This research aims to advance diagnoses, treatment and patient outcomes.

The brain is a large and complex organ, and is made up of more than 100 billion nerves communicating in numerous connections called synapses. Different parts of the brain work together, and control numerous aspects of daily living, including breathing, sleep, coordination and balance. Read More >

Should you go gluten-free?

Health & Wellness

The term ‘gluten-free’ appears everywhere in our modern society. Dietary gluten is often blamed for causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating and excessive wind, as well as lethargy and poor concentration. There is a range of expensive gluten-free products now on the market, and sales of these products are growing rapidly. Today many people avoid gluten in the belief that it will improve their health or help them to lose weight. Health professionals have expressed concern that increasing numbers of people are self-diagnosing gluten allergies and intolerances.

So what are the facts?

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barley. Other grains such as rice or corn do not contain gluten. A majority of gluten is found in wheat products such as bread and pasta, as well as processed foods such as soups, sauces, gravies, salad dressings, and seasonings. It has no nutritional value on its own, and can be found in unexpected foods. Wheat products form a large part of our modern diet.

For the majority of the population, gluten has no effect on the body. However for about 1% of the Australian population, gluten can be harmful. These people suffer from coeliac disease.

According to Coeliac Australia, in people with coeliac disease the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, which causes damage to the small bowel (intestine). It affects people of all ages, both male and female. Various symptoms are associated with coeliac disease, including gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting), fatigue, easy skin bruising and others. Treatment involves a strict gluten free diet for life. Read More >