A-Z of health information displaying “P”

A person with an artificial cardiac pacemaker can live a normal life and can still perform moderate to strenuous activities...

A paediatrician is a specialist doctor who improves the health of children and young people...

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic condition that causes abnormal enlargement and weakening of bone...

Always see your doctor if you have ongoing pain to find the best pain-management option for you...

If you think your child is in pain, always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment...

A person with cancer who obtains pain relief is likely to sleep better and have more energy during the day...

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

Palliative care - personal stories...

There are culturally sensitive palliative care services that will help you and your family...

There are end of life and palliative care services that provide safe, inclusive care for people who identify as LGBTI...

You can have inpatient palliative care in a hospital or a specialist inpatient palliative care unit...

There are culturally sensitive palliative care services that will help you and your family...

Palliative care information and advice is available from Palliative Care Victoria...

It is okay to speak up and make a complaint if you think something is wrong with the service being provided...

Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community...

Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community...

When caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, it is important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing so that you will have the energy and strength required for your role as carer...

The pancreas helps to digest food, particularly protein...

The causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, but smokers are at greater risk...

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic...

Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can be severely disabling...

Panic disorder is not the same as anxiety or a single panic attack. Most people experience anxiety and up to 40 per cent of us have a panic attack at some stage during our lives. People who have...

Paranoia is the irrational and persistent feeling that people are ‘out to get you’ or that you are the subject of persistent, intrusive attention by others...

The parathyroid glands make hormones that regulate calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the bones and blood...

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of parechovirus to others, both for those infected and their carers...

Physical activity is an important part of health and wellbeing, and girls should remain active as they grow up...

The birth of your first child can significantly change your relationship with your partner and may impact on other relationships...

It is important to manage feelings like anger and frustration so that you can enjoy parenting...

Puberty is a time of great change for your child, and for you as a parent too. You can help your child in many practical ways, mostly by being reassuring...

A person can become a single or sole parent for many different reasons. You may have chosen to start a family on your own, you may be separated or divorced, or your partner may have died.  As a...

There is a range of non-government agencies available to help families under stress in caring for their children...

As a foster carer, you are providing a safe and supportive home for a child or teenager who can’t live with their family of origin. You may face challenges that affect you physically, emotionally and...

This confidential telephone helpline offers information and counselling about parenting issues...

People with Parkinson?s disease can help manage their symptoms through medication and support...

Constipation is a common complication of Parkinson's disease...

Communication is the best remedy for all types of relationship problems, including sexual problems caused by Parkinson?s disease...

It is important to create a safe environment at parties so that everyone can have fun.  Staying safe means avoiding injury or assault, not hurting anyone else, and not ruining an event or...

Partying at schoolies week can be fun, but you need to be aware of the risks, which can include accidents, robbery, violence and sexual assault...

Partying is fun but being out of it on alcohol or drugs can put you at risk of unwanted or unsafe sex...

With a few simple plans in place, a good time can be had by all at a teenage party – even the parents...

Don't advertise a party via SMS or the internet to limit the risk of gate-crashers and violent situations...

Passive smoking means breathing other people's second-hand tobacco smoke. Passive smoking increases the risk of serious illness in both children and adults...

A pathologist is a doctor who studies disease...

Patient-centred care, also known as ‘person-centred care’, is about treating the person receiving the care in the way they want to be treated...

All men and women develop progressive patterned hair loss as they grow older...

In Victoria, the state government funds non-government organisations to deliver alcohol and drug treatment services for free or at a reduced cost to eligible Medicare card holders...

The cost of having a baby in Victoria can vary considerably, depending mostly on whether you use the public or private health system...

Peer groups can be a very positive influence on your teenager's life...

Pelvic floor exercises are designed to improve muscle tone and prevent the need for corrective surgery...

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when an infection spreads from the vagina to the cervix and fallopian tubes...

People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them...

Pericarditis symptoms may be similar to those of heart attack and include chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms...

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) has a helpline offering information, referrals and counselling to anyone who is concerned about how they are (or someone else is) coping during and...

Brushing teeth regularly helps to prevent gum disease and early treatment can help save affected teeth...

Peripheral vascular disease is the reduced circulation of blood to a body part (other than the brain or heart)...

Peritonitis is a life-threatening emergency that needs prompt medical treatment...

The options for children needing care away from their families include foster care, kinship care, residential care, voluntary care and permanent care...

After experiencing abuse, neglect or rejection, many children are slow to put their trust in anyone...

A personal monitoring service that responds to calls for assistance...

There are personal and relationship services available to you that offer counselling and relationship advice...

Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from illness...

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who helps people with personal health and fitness goals, exercise and fitness programs and education...

Make sure your personal trainer is properly qualified before entering into any agreement...

Most children with Perthes' disease eventually recover, but it can take anywhere from two to five years...

If you use pesticides to control pests around the house, make sure you use as little as possible...

If you have pest problems that you cannot manage yourself, you may need to hire an authorised pest control operator...

Chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics and hormones are used to boost food production and ensure adequate food supply...

PET scans are tests that show how an organ or tissue is working...

It can be a real struggle on some days but if you get through that day the next day is normally ok. You’ve got to ride the humps and the bumps.”...

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Australians have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world...

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People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the...

Peyronie's disease causes abnormal fibrous lumps that make an erect penis curve...

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps cover the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines, making them more affordable...

A pharmacist is a professional who specialises in preparing and dispensing medications, including medicines, ointments and tablets...

PKU is an inherited disorder that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods...

Choosing the right fitness centre or service provider requires some research...

It’s important for your health that you get enough physical activity every day, and that you limit your sedentary behaviour. But getting the amount of physical activity you need doesn’t have to be...

Just 30 minutes of moderate activity each day can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing certain conditions or diseases...

Pick an exercise or fitness activity that appeals to you and suits your lifestyle...

There are many excuses we can come up with to avoid being active, but the truth is there is always a way to fit some physical activity into your day...

Many men are only motivated to become more active after they have a health scare...

Physical activity can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease...

If you can't make the time to exercise for yourself, do it for your family...

You are more likely to keep up a healthy lifestyle change if your chosen activity suits you...

If you've been inactive and want to begin physical activity, see a doctor first...

If you think physical activity is boring, try exercising with a friend...

Common physical disabilities and the issues relating to having a disability – find information on diagnosis, treatment and disability services...

Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support...

Physiotherapists are experts in body movement and function...

If you want to have your body pierced, choose an experienced, registered practitioner to reduce the risks of infection and scarring...

Yoga and Pilates both improve muscular and postural strength...

Acne is common and can make people of all ages feel embarrassed, but treatments can help if acne is causing distress...

Pins and needles is a sensation of uncomfortable tingling or prickling, usually felt in the hands or feet...

Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated...

Generally, pituitary tumours are benign and slow growing, and pituitary cancers are extremely rare...

Generally, pityriasis rosea is a one-off event - once it has gone, the rash doesn?t reappear...

Belief in a treatment may be enough to change the course of a person's physical illness...

Placenta previa means the placenta has implanted at the bottom of the uterus, over the cervix or close by...

Placental abruption means the placenta has detached from the wall of the uterus, starving the baby of oxygen and nutrients...

If you have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability, you can make future legal, financial and health decisions now to ensure that you or the child gets the support needed if you can...

If you have preferences about how and where you want to die, it is important that you tell your carers, family, friends and healthcare professionals...

Even after a plaster is removed, the bone is still healing, so take care for at least another month...

A specialist plastic surgeon specialises in invasive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery...

Play environments can be safe and beneficial for your child. With proper planning, you can make sure your child gets plenty of playtime activity...

Treating any infection of the upper respiratory tract quickly will reduce the risk of developing pleurisy...

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death in young children...

Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease, especially in young children...

Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children and the elderly are most susceptible...

Podiatrists treat conditions of the feet and legs...

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned or given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine...

Polio is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening paralysis and possibly death...

You need several doses of the vaccine before you are fully protected against polio...

Pollen allergies cause seasonal hay fever and asthma and can be treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays or asthma medication...

Around 75 per cent of Melbourne?s air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions...

Polycystic kidney disease is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia and equally affects men and women of different ethnic backgrounds...

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition associated with irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes and mood changes...

Polycythaemia vera is characterised by the production of too many red blood cells, caused by abnormal function of the bone marrow...

Typical symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include severe muscle aches and stiffness, particularly in the neck, shoulders and thighs...

Polymyositis is hard to diagnose and may be mistaken for muscular dystrophy...

Nasal polyps can sometimes interfere with breathing...

Porphyria can affect the skin, nervous system, gastrointestinal system or all of these, depending on the specific type...

The Post Acute Care (PAC) Program provides short-term services and support for those who need extra help at home after a public hospital stay...

As all young people approach their final years of school, it is a good idea to focus on planning for the future and exploring the various pathways that are available to them...

People with post-traumatic stress disorder often experience feelings of panic or extreme fear, which may resemble what was felt during the traumatic event...

Postnatal depression can happen either a few days or weeks after the birth, with a slow or sudden onset...

Always consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any postnatal exercise program...

Make sure your abdominal muscles have healed before you do any vigorous tummy exercises, such as crunches...

Bad habits such as slouching and inactivity cause muscle fatigue and tension that ultimately lead to poor posture...

Family members may be involved in making healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions and it is not a medical emergency...

A feature of Prader-Willi syndrome is the child's excessive appetite, which often leads to obesity...

This immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation...

A midwife or doctor will use abdominal palpation during an antenatal visit to examine a baby's position and development...

Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy happens in almost one in four pregnancies...

It's very important for you and your baby to be looked after from the start of your pregnancy until after the birth of your baby...

Most women take a drug of some kind during pregnancy, sometimes without realising the potential for harm...

Morning sickness is typically at its worst early in the day but it can strike at any point during the day or night...

An obstetric emergency may arise when a woman is pregnant, or during her delivery.In this case, extra care is needed. A woman may need a lot of tests and treatments, and extended hospital stays. She...

There is no evidence that pre-eclampsia is caused by emotional stress, working too hard or not getting enough rest...

Sometimes, babies arrive early. It’s important to recognise premature labour, in case you and your baby need medical care...

A range of tests is available to pregnant women to confirm pregnancy and monitor the baby's development in the womb...

All women experience pregnancy differently, and you will experience different symptoms at different stages of your pregnancy...

When a woman does not want to become a parent, her pregnancy options may include abortion or adoption...

Pregnancy is counted as 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period...

Compared with women in the healthy weight range, women who are carrying extra weight are less likely to conceive...

Pregnant women with asthma need to continue to take their asthma medication as it is important to the health of both mother and baby that the mother's asthma is well managed...

Pregnant women in Victoria can choose who will care for them during their pregnancy, where they would like to give birth and how they would like to deliver their baby...

If you are pregnant and have specific cultural or language needs, the first step is to notify your local maternity hospital about your requirements...

Good nutrition during pregnancy can help to keep you and your developing baby healthy...

Immunisation can protect a woman and her unborn baby against many infectious diseases...

Smoking while pregnant exposes a woman and her unborn child to an increased risk of health problems...

It's important to look after your teeth and gums when you're pregnant, as gum disease can affect your baby...

Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities...

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time. But it can also make you feel uncomfortable, unwell, worried and make you wonder how you are going to cope. And it doesn’t stop when the baby...

Whether you are the baby's father, the pregnant woman's partner or are supporting a single mother-to-be, you have a crucial role in ensuring she gets the pregnancy support she needs...

Sometimes, a home pregnancy test may be positive when a woman isn’t pregnant...

Maternal serum screening can indicate increased risk of abnormalities in the unborn child, but is not a diagnosis...

Ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check the baby's development and to help pick up any abnormalities...

Amniocentesis is a prenatal procedure that your doctor may recommend you have during pregnancy. The test checks for fetal abnormalities (birth defects) such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis or spina...

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a pregnancy test that checks the baby for some abnormalities...

Labour is divided into three stages. The first stage is dilation of the cervix from 0 to10 cm, the second stage is birth of the baby, and the third stage is delivery of the placenta. Labour typically...

The symptoms of premature or early menopause are the same as for menopause at any age...

Sometimes premature labour can be delayed to increase a baby's chance of survival...

Premature ejaculation is only a problem if it happens frequently...

Most menstruating women have some form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)...

Get the most out of your consultation by preparing for your health or medical appointment...

Preparing for a hospital stay includes knowing what to take, making sure your home, work and family commitments are taken care of and making arrangements for your return home...

Preparing for surgery is important. Maximising your recovery will depend on how you prepare for surgery...

Start your hospital discharge planning before you leave hospital. Speak with your healthcare team to understand the hospital’s discharge process to get the support you need in place...

Pressure sores can be difficult to treat and may lead to serious complications...

There are things you can do to reduce the chance of getting an infection while you are in hospital...

Preventing sleep concerns (10) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years – It is important that your preschooler feels secure and loved. You can do this by responding to them in a warm and positive way...

Preventing sleep concerns (7) – babies 0 to 6 months – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences...

Preventing sleep concerns (8) – babies 6 to 12 months – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences...

Preventing sleep concerns (9) – toddlers 1 to 3 years – To strengthen the bond with your baby as they grow, you need to provide lots of love, attention and different experiences...

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts within the liver...

Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health care system when they have a health problem. This is usually your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist...

There are laws that set out how healthcare professionals can collect and store your health information and when they are allowed to share it...

PrivateHealth.gov.au is an Australian Government website that explains how private health insurance works, and who and what is covered...

The pelvic floor and associated supporting ligaments can be weakened or damaged in many ways, causing uterine prolapse...

Prostate cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, so discuss treatment options with your doctor...

One of the treatments for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy (previously called hormone therapy)...

Men with a family history of prostate cancer, or men who have had a raised test result in the past, will benefit most from regular testing...

The prostate gland produces fluids that protect and feed sperm cells...

Many men experience urinary changes as they age, which may be caused by inflammation or enlargement of the prostate gland...

The aim of a radical prostatectomy is to remove the cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body...

The human body can't store protein, so it must be supplied daily from the foods we eat...

Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community...

Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community...

People who have birds as pets, poultry workers and anyone working in aviaries or pet shops, are most at risk of catching psittacosis...

There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be well controlled with treatment...

A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and emotional problems...

Psychoanalysis is a treatment based on the theory that our present is shaped by our past...

Psychologists are educated in the science of how people feel, behave and react...

In psychosis, the everyday thoughts that enable us to lead our daily lives become confused...

A pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth of the conjunctiva that may affect one or both eyes...

Adjusting to the many changes that happen around puberty can be difficult for both parents and young people...

Pubic lice (crabs) are spread through skin-to-skin contact and can cause small red areas or sores and itching...

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure on the lungs...