A-Z of health information displaying “S”

Sadness is a feeling that everyone experiences. It is part of life. We can respond to our sadness in ways that help us feel better...

Safe driving is up to every individual on the road. You can be a safe driver by being alert and ready to take action at any time...

safe steps is a service for women and children experiencing family violence...

Most injuries to babies do not occur by chance - many are predictable and largely preventable...

You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished...

Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and may permanently damage the fallopian tubes...

Too much sodium (salt) can cause high blood pressure and many other health conditions...

SANE helps people affected by mental illness to lead a better life...

Sarcoidosis is not a cancer or any other sort of malignant tumour...

If you have scabies, your sexual partners and all members of your household will also need to be treated...

Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder may be difficult because the symptoms are similar to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia...

People with schizophrenia do not have 'split personalities' and they are not intellectually disabled...

Simple ways to make your child's school lunch healthier...

Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that commonly affects school-aged children...

Supporting students with a disability to make the transition to primary and then secondary school can require careful planning...

Most cases of sciatica resolve by themselves within six weeks to three months...

The most common symptom of scleroderma is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face...

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine...

Scooters can travel at fast speeds and falls and collisions are disturbingly common...

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age...

Scurvy is uncommon in Australia but anyone whose diet is inadequate in vitamin C is at risk...

You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis...

Hospital security arrangements ensure the safety of all staff, patients and visitors and provide a safe and secure environment for everyone...

The less sitting or lying down you do during the day, the better your chances for living a healthy life...

It is important that you tell your doctor about any complementary medicine products and therapies you are using...

There are a range of dental services available to assist you with any dental health problems you or your family may have...

Your local doctor or general practitioner (GP) is your first point of call for non-emergency and preventative medical care during clinic hours...

Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine...

Allied health professionals are university-trained health practitioners who work as part of your healthcare team...

The Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) helps people to help themselves recover from addiction...

Self-care and support for parents and carers of young children (14) – The birth of a baby is a very exciting, happy and rewarding time your life...

Self-harm and self-injury is when people hurt themselves on purpose, usually in response to intense emotional pain or negative feelings, thoughts or memories...

Seniors online is an online community filled with useful information for older people in Victoria...

Bacteria in the bowels, urinary tract, mouth and skin can cause disease if they get into the bloodstream...

Browse the vast range of health services & support options available to Victorians. Learn about the different types of services, what they do, how you can access, contact details, costs, and more...

Victoria’s health system offers a vast range of services and support to Victorians across the state. Whether you are seeing a doctor, going to hospital for surgery or in need of emergency or crisis...

Services are available in Victoria for people with dementia, and their partners, carers and friends...

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain, particularly in the young and physically active...

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a potentially fatal type of pneumonia caused by a virus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). There is currently no cure or vaccine. Treatment...

Sewage contains harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa...

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

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...

By four, most children are curious about certain sexual issues, and they need honest answers to their questions...

Some parents find it hard to talk with their primary age children about sex, but help is available...

Mothers are more likely to talk about intimate, emotional and psychological aspects of sex than fathers...

It is normal to have mixed feelings about having sex with someone else...

If you suspect sexual abuse or have been told about it by a child, you must report it...

As a parent, you have an important role in helping your child recover from sexual abuse...

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour or activity that makes the victim feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened...

SACL is a telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced sexual assault...

Menopause, the final menstrual period, is a natural event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years...

People with intellectual disability can express their sexuality in satisfying ways...

Symptoms of fish and shellfish allergies vary and range from milder reactions to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)...

A person working the night shift is at greater risk of various disorders and accidents...

There are many types of E.coli bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, some types of E.coli produce toxins (poisons) that can cause gastroenteritis (gastro). One of these types of E.coli is...

Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent...

'Shin splints' refers to pain felt anywhere along the shinbone from knee to ankle...

Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox...

Shock is when there is not enough blood circulating in the body. It is a life-threatening medical emergency...

Make a shopping list for healthier food choices ... 10 tips for healthy shopping...

Victorian State Nutritionist, Veronica Graham talks about the benefits of shopping at fresh produce markets...

Duration: 1:10

A person with short bowel syndrome is likely to be deficient in a range of important nutrients...

If you are short-sighted, you will have trouble seeing objects clearly in the distance and they will appear blurry...

Shoulder pain is common in our community. The good news is that with appropriate treatment pain will improve so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy...

Severe paruresis (fear of urinating in public) can affect a person's life in a similar way to agoraphobia...

Like any language, Auslan continues to evolve to meet the communication needs of people who are deaf...

If you suffer from sinusitis, it?s important to see if there is any trigger which can be treated...

Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed with medications and products such as artificial tears and saliva...

Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas. If you notice anything unusual, including any change in shape, colour or size of a spot, or the development of a spot, visit your doctor as soon as...

Encourage your child to be SunSmart ? whatever their age...

People who work outdoors are in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer...

The major cause of skin cancer is over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other sources, such as solariums...

A suntan is a sign of skin damage ? there is no such thing as a 'safe' tan...

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...

The body begins repairing a wound immediately and the process may continue for days, weeks, months or even years...

The skin is a good indicator of health - if someone is sick, it often shows in their skin...

Children with slapped cheek do not need to be kept home from school or day care, as cases are only contagious before the onset of the rash...

A child needs a daytime nap until they are around two and a half to three years of age...

Your child may have only a few scary dreams a year, or be troubled by nightmares much more often...

Sleep disorders can prevent some people from getting enough sleep...

Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness - it can have a number of different causes...

Around one in three people regularly have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep...

A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and may fall asleep several times a day...

Sleep research suggests that teenagers need between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night...

Sleeping habits are learned, so try to set up a bedtime routine for your baby as soon as you can...

A person with sleep apnoea may wake hundreds of times every night...

A fatigued person is accident prone and more likely to make mistakes and bad decisions...

Fatigue is thought to cause about one in six road accidents - make sure you get enough sleep...

You can retrain your body and mind so that you sleep well and wake feeling rested...

A newborn with slow transit constipation may not pass meconium until 24 hours or more after being born...

Smallpox was once a feared and highly contagious viral disease...

What do the experts say about electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes – simulate the act of smoking, but you don’t burn tobacco when you use them...

Along with nicotine, people who smoke inhale about 7,000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke. Many of these chemicals come from burning tobacco leaf. Some of these compounds are chemically active and...

Children are less likely to smoke if their parents do not smoke...

Resources to stop smoking are available in a variety of languages and are distributed free of charge...

If you want to quit smoking, think about how much of your weekly income is going up in smoke...

When you decide to quit smoking, it can help to find out what to expect as you work through the process. Some people have only a few mild symptoms when they quit but others find it harder.  While...

Breathing in other people's cigarette smoke can be harmful to a person with asthma, especially a child...

Smoking is thought to be a factor in age-related macular degeneration and blindness...

A smoker's excess risk of heart attack reduces rapidly after only one year of not smoking...

People who smoke should visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and have regular oral cancer checks...

You would have to gain over 40 kilograms above your recommended weight to equal the risk of heart disease posed by smoking...

Tobacco causes more illness and death than any other drug...

Smoking kills more Victorians every year than road accidents, alcohol and other drugs combined...

While the smoking rate in Australian Aboriginal communities is decreasing, it is still more than three times the national average. Smoking is the cause of one in five deaths in Aboriginal communities...

Snoring isn't harmful but may lead to long-term sleep deprivation...

Pay attention to basic safety precautions to reduce your risk of injury from winter sports...

You can help reduce your risk of winter sports injuries with planning, preparation and proper equipment...

Common causes of injuries to soccer players are player contact, falls and tackles...

A person with social phobia experiences anxiety in situations where they are likely to be scrutinised and observed by others...

Social workers are trained to help people experiencing a range of issues including family problems, anxiety, depression, crisis and trauma...

Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts...

Consumption of drinks containing added sugar is associated with weight gain, reduced bone strength and tooth erosion and decay...

There is no such thing as a safe solarium tan...

Solutions to sleep concerns (11) - babies 6 to 12 months – If your baby’s sleeping patterns are not affecting you or your family and you have strategies that work, then you do not have a sleep...

Solutions to sleep concerns (12) – toddlers 1 to 3 years – It can be difficult to know whether your toddler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern...

Solutions to sleep concerns (13) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years – It can be difficult to know whether your preschooler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern...

The soybean may be a superfood that can reduce the risk of a range of health problems...

If your baby is sick at birth or born too early (premature) they will be cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN) by highly experienced medical and nursing...

Specialist clinics at hospital provide services that are located in a hospital. This helps the service get the best outcome for your treatment and care. Specialist clinics in hospitals are an...

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

Speech pathologists (therapists) work with people of all ages who have communication or swallowing difficulties...

Speech pathologists help people who have problems with communication and swallowing...

Smaller varicose veins are usually treated by sclerotherapy ? the injection of irritant chemicals into the affected vein...

Australia has about 2,000 species of spider but most species are relatively harmless to humans...

Folate can prevent up to 70 per cent of spina bifida cases if taken daily for one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy...

Most people who have a spinal cord injury are young males, who have a greater tendency to indulge in risky behaviour...

A child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 rarely lives beyond three years of age...

Surgically removing a diseased or damaged spleen is possible without causing any serious harm to the person...

Any conditions that cause a rapid breakdown of blood cells can place great strain on the spleen and make it enlarge...

People with HIV or hepatitis B or C participate in a wide range of sports without restrictions, and the risk of transmission to another player is extremely small...

Make sure that some family outings offer opportunities for physical activity, such as playing sport together...

Good nutrition and a healthy diet are essential to improving your sports performance...

Around 62 per cent of Australians adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines to gain the health benefits of increased fitness and reduced body fat...

A sports injury may be more severe than you think...

It is important to get the correct treatment for a sprain or strain as soon as possible after the injury to help you recover quickly...

Squash can be a fast-moving, sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout...

Eye protection is recommended to prevent eye injuries...

The St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre offers support, information and referrals to people who are in difficult situations...

Hospital patients are more likely to be infected by golden staph because of surgical or other wounds...

Choosing the right kindergarten to suit your child’s needs takes planning and research...

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

There are some simple things you can do to stay safe when drinking...

Duration: 3:12

Stefan Tegelj is a peer mentor with Eating Disorders Victoria. After losing over 20kg and getting to his goal weight, Stephan still thought he was fat - what he saw in the mirror did not reflect his...

Duration: 3:31

Becoming part of a stepfamily involves adjusting to a number of changes...

Steven talks about his major trauma incident...

Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of a particular characteristic or attribute, such as mental illness. When someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness...

A stoma is an artificially created hole (stoma) in the abdomen so that faeces can still leave the body...

The symptoms of stomach cancer are usually vague and can be common to other medical conditions...

Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection or medication, not stress or poor diet...

Strawberries are a popular summer fruit that can be eaten fresh, added to salads, made into sauces and jams and used in desserts. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain some...

Streptococcal infection ? group A can cause sore throats (pharyngitis), scarlet fever or impetigo (school sores)...

Group B streptococcal bacteria can cause a wide range of illnesses in susceptible people including newborns, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer. Out...

Stress affects people in different ways, but a balanced lifestyle can help you manage everyday stress...

Over time, stretch marks lose their bright colouring and become silvery, shimmering lines...

When starting out an exercise program, it's really important to do a warm up and cool down before and after exercise...

Duration: 2:25

Stroke is the second biggest killer of Australian women and kills more women than breast cancer...

Stroke is rare among children and babies, but it can occur...

A stroke interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain and is a medical emergency...

Everyone can reduce their risk of having a stroke by making a few simple lifestyle changes...

Early treatment and rehabilitation after stroke helps many people to regain a lot of function...

Throughout your life, the number and strength of your relationships affect your mental and physical wellbeing. The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links...

Children who stutter should see a speech pathologist, preferably before they start school...

Styes may be red and sore, but they generally do not cause any damage to the eye or eyelids...

A subarachnoid haemorrhage is any bleed located underneath one of the protective layers of the brain known as the arachnoid layer...

Subdural haematomas are blood clots formed underneath one of the protective layers of the brain...

Some people need to explore different treatment options for drug dependency before they find what works for them...

Dual diagnosis means someone has both a mental illness and a substance use problem...

You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke...

Too much sugar in the diet can contribute to health problems, so limit foods and drinks with high amounts of added sugar...

In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for males and females aged between 15 and 44. We can all play a role in preventing suicide by looking out for possible warning signs, reaching out...

The grief felt by family and friends can be deeper when the cause of death is suicide...

A suicide attempt may be an early warning sign that a person is developing a mental illness...

The Suicide Call Back Service is a confidential 24-hour crisis support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...

SuicideLine is a confidential 24-hour crisis support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...

Winter activities such as snow skiing or snowboarding pose a high risk of sunburn...

Support groups offer valuable advice and support and give you the chance to share information with others in a similar situation to you...

Take surfing lessons to learn the correct technique and get started safely...

The main cause of injury when surfing is contact with a surfer?s own board or that of another surfer...

Major surgery can require some time to recover from. After your discharge from hospital, you may need intensive physical rehabilitation, or to simply take it easy for a few days. Make sure you get the...

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

Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in which a woman carries a child within her uterus on behalf of another person or couple...

If you have survived a traumatic event, whether you were injured or not, it's important to recognise that trauma also causes emotional harm. Survival is often associated with complex emotional...

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...

Sweat's main function is to control body temperature...

Swimmer's ear can be triggered by exposure to water or mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning...

Swimming is fun, and a great way to keep fit and make friends...

There are simple steps for all visitors to follow to keep pool water clean for healthy swimming...

It takes only seconds for a child to drown, so never take your eyes off children near the water...

Check your swimming pool regularly to make sure the water is safe for swimming...

The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (Victoria) is a telephone helpline that gives advice, information, counselling and referrals to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people in...

Synthetic drugs aim to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy...

If you are infected with syphilis and do not seek treatment, you can remain infectious for up to two years...

Syringomyelia is the growth of a cyst in the spinal cord that may result in paraplegia or quadriplegia if not treated...