A-Z of health information displaying “O”

Overweight and obesity are essentially preventable diseases...

The hormones leptin, insulin, oestrogens, androgens and growth hormone are factors in obesity...

Once children are overweight, it takes a lot of effort for them to return to a healthy weight...

If your child is overweight, you can help by making healthier lifestyle choices for yourself...

Obesity surgery is not a form of cosmetic surgery, nor an alternative to good eating habits and regular exercise...

Obsessive compulsive disorder can have a profound effect on a person's life...

Living with a person with OCD can have a major impact on family and friends...

An obstetrician-gynaecologist is a specialist doctor who cares for women and specialises in pregnancy, childbirth and reproductive health...

An obstetrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to look after mothers and babies during pregnancy, labour and straihgt after birth...

Occupational therapists help people to live more independent lives...

Occupational therapists take a holistic approach to healthcare and treatment...

There are different types of breast cancer, and around 70 per cent are sensitive to the female sex hormone oestrogen...

The OPA promotes the rights, interests and dignity of people with a disability...

It is important to talk with your healthcare professionals about any continence issues that you may experience when you are in hospital, so staff can investigate and help to solve the problem...

Eating well and drinking plenty of water while staying in hospital is important to your health and recovery...

Medications play an important role in your recovery...

Managing your pain can help your recovery in hospital...

Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. Find out how you can prevent falls around your home...

During a stay in hospital, your skin may be affected by staying in bed or sitting in one position for too long, your mobility, your hydration and diet, and your physical condition...

Stay physically and mentally active in hospital as this can help you recover faster and reduce the chance of problems when you go home...

If you cough or choke when you are eating, or find that food or medication ‘sticks’ in your mouth or throat, you may have a swallowing problem...

Choosing extra virgin olive oil as part of a healthy well-balanced diet may reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases...

An oncologist treats people with cancer...

Ophthalmologists specialise in the treatment of the eye...

Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood behavioural problem characterised by constant disobedience and hostility...

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that causes blurred, grey and dim vision...

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, test and correct vision problems...

A standard eye examination with an optometrist includes a screening for all common eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts...

A medical specialist who treats injuries and other conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face...

Oral thrush, mouth ulcers and cold sores are common oral conditions in babies and young children...

Oral sex is using your mouth, lips or tongue to stimulate your partner’s genitals or anus. Both men and women can give and receive oral sex...

Discover the facts about organ and tissue donation, decide about becoming a donor and discuss your decision with the people close to you...

Kidneys are often donated after death but more people are choosing to donate one of their kidneys while still alive (living kidney donation)...

Transplantation varies depending on the transplant organ or tissue so speak with your medical team about surgical procedures, recovery and medications...

Organic foods are farmed in a more environmentally sustainable way than conventional foods...

Orienteering organisations remove hazards where possible or clearly signpost them and warn all participants...

Orthodontics involves the use of a range of corrective devices, such as braces and plates, to encourage the teeth to align properly...

An orthodontist is an oral health professional who treats misaligned teeth and jaws...

An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, both surgically and non-surgically...

Orthoptists assist in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease...

An orthoptist is a healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose and treat people with vision and eye movement disorders...

Postural hypotension is the lightheaded feeling you may get if you leap out of bed very quickly...

People who have chronic foot or leg problems that interfere with their health may be prescribed orthoses by their podiatrist...

An orthotist/prosthetist helps people of all ages who need artificial limbs and other supportive devices...

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is a painful knee condition that affects adolescents...

Many people will experience symptoms of osteoarthritis as they age...

Osteomyelitis means an infection of bone which can either be recent or longstanding...

Osteopaths focus on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves and circulation work together to maintain health and wellbeing...

Osteopathy recognises the importance of the musculoskeletal system to a person?s health and wellbeing...

Regular weight-bearing exercise and maintaining a diet rich in calcium from childhood will help reduce bone loss at menopause...

Osteoporosis in children is rare and usually caused by an underlying medical condition...

Up to 25 per cent of all fractures that occur in people with osteoporosis and osteopenia, occur in men...

OSFED is now one of the most common eating disorders...

Ear correction surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to move prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears...

Otosclerosis eventually affects both ears, but the condition doesn?t cause total deafness...

The first International Conference on Health Promotion was a response to growing expectations for a new public health movement...

Many women with early stage ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms...

If you are worried about your alcohol or drug use or, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 for counselling, information and referral, or speak with your local doctor...

Only about five per cent of pregnant women actually give birth on the exact date they are due...

Depending on your situation and country of origin, you may be required to pay the full cost for medical treatment provided to you by a public hospital, and you may need to have health insurance for...

Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as RSI, is caused by repetitive movements or awkward postures...

You can help your child to develop healthy patterns for life and avoid obesity...

The female body shows several signs of ovulation and you may experience some or all of these signs...

Ovulation pain is usually harmless, but can sometimes indicate various medical conditions such as endometriosis...