MediScene
Bloody stools? Don’t ignore
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi It is a hush-hush topic that many people are very reluctant to talk about. Rectal bleeding is a common symptom but people are embarrassed to discuss it, not only with their families but also their doctor, says Consultant General Surgeon Dr. Wasantha Wijenayake who has specialised in colorectal surgery. The bleeding can [...]
MediScene
Sri Lanka, take note, don’t go the US way
Pointing out that it is much more expensive to treat cancer than to prevent it, US cancer expert Edward E. Partridge, M.D has a few lessons for us By Smriti Daniel Sri Lanka can learn from the U.S – not what we should do, but what we shouldn’t do, says Dr. Edward E. Partridge, M.D. [...]
MediScene
Be prepared for sudden changes
Coping with Stress 2 By Dr. Raveen Hanwella In my last article I discussed how to cope with stress that is brought about by loss. This month we look at the other significant cause of stress, which is role change. This could be taking up a new job, graduating from school or getting married. Even [...]
MediScene
With a little help from my friends
In 2005, two professional women, both survivors of breast cancer helped form “Mithuruwela”, the first support group for cancer patients and their families in the country. Anne Abayasekara tells their story of their continuing work islandwide Cancer is still the No.1 dreaded word. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), more than 100,000 patients had [...]
MediScene
Rich red tomato is good for your heart
Chomping on tomatoes could cut the risk of heart disease by a quarter, according to new research. Lycopene is an antioxidant which gives tomatoes their rich red colour and is found in high levels in the fruit as well as products like tomato juice, ketchup and passata. A new study by scientists at Tufts University in Boston, [...]
MediScene
Women, listen to your body
Prof. Shyam Fernando, a consultant physician and Professor in Clinical Medicine discusses common ailments that could hit you By Smriti Daniel This week we take a look at five important conditions that affect women and can pose serious threats to their emotional and physical health. Guiding us through the list is Prof. Shyam Fernando, a [...]
MediScene
Wash those germs away
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi It is a very simple, routine activity that will ensure good health and prevent the need to go to doctors or hospitals. Washing hands thoroughly, with clean water and soap, is essential before or after certain activities stresses Consultant Community Physician, Dr. Dhammica Rowel of the Family Health Bureau, cautioning however that [...]
MediScene
Keep your grey cells ticking with a good old cuppa
By Fiona Macrae It’s the national drink that millions of us turn to when we need a pick-me-up. But tea does far more than just help to wake us up. Scientists say the traditional cuppa can keep the mind sharp into old age. And the benefits of drinking as little as one to three cups [...]
MediScene
Eczema: No cure but control
By Smriti Daniel Eczema affects people of all ages but the age at which it strikes can provide a hint of what’s to come. “Eczema is an inflammation of the skin due to various chemical mediators that act within the skin,” says Dr. Chalukya Gunasekera, a Consultant Dermatologist at the National Hospital, explaining that the [...]
MediScene
Diet fizzy drinks up diabetes risk
Diet fizzy drinks can raise the risk of diabetes by 60 per cent, startling new research has revealed. A study of more than 66,000 women found those who drank artificially sweetened drinks were more likely to develop the disease than those who indulged in regular, ‘full fat’ versions. Women who drank fizzy drinks had a [...]
