Health Corner

What is Varicella infection? Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is highly contagious and is spread by airborne transmission of droplets from the respiratory tract or from the vesicle fluid of the skin lesions of chickenpox or herpes zoster infection. Affected persons present with fever and itchy rash. The rash usually develops over 5 days with formation of vesicles and appears first on the scalp and face, moves to the trunk and then to the limbs. The rash occurs mainly over the trunk. The vesicles are itchy, and then dry up and...

Many mothers in Hong Kong juggle work, childcare, and household chores daily, making them like superheroes who seem to do it all. However, prolonged repetitive work, physical strain during pregnancy, or a backward shift in center of gravity while walking can easily lead to sciatica. What exactly causes sciatica? What are the symptoms? How is it treated? And if pregnant, will it affect the baby? Let's explore these questions. How can you test if you have sciatica? Strictly speaking, sciatica is a symptom caused by nerve root compression due to herniated discs, degeneration, bone spurs, or...

What is scoliosis? Can people with scoliosis exercise? Will having scoliosis affect fertility? Is carrying a heavy school bag the cause of scoliosis? Parents face many questions and often feel anxious and worried. Generally, scoliosis is not life-threatening, but daily care is important. It is a misconception that people with scoliosis should avoid exercise; in fact, they should exercise more. How is scoliosis defined?Scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature of 10 degrees or more. Normally, the spine forms a straight vertical line, but signs such as uneven shoulders, asymmetrical...

What are the symptoms of cervicogenic headache?Cervicogenic headaches typically present as unilateral or sometimes bilateral pain, often more pronounced on one side. The pain is usually described as tension-like, pressure, or dull ache, and is accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. The pain often starts at the suboccipital area (base of the skull) and radiates to the temporal (above the ear), frontal (forehead), or periorbital (around the eyes) regions, and sometimes may extend to the same side’s arm. The symptoms often worsen with neck rotation, tilting, or maintaining the same...

What harms can high heels cause?People without immunity to Hepatitis A or B, who have never received vaccination and are at risk of infection, should be cautious. Harm 1: Toe DeformationMedical studies have long proven that wearing high heels over time can deform toes and the soles of the feet. Pointed shoes exert great pressure on the big toe, causing enlargement of the joint beside the big toe (Bunion). Severe cases lead to overlap of the big toe and second toe (Hallux Valgus Deformity), requiring surgery. Toe deformation is not only unsightly but also painful, affecting walking and should...