Haemorrhoids are most common among adults aged 45-65 . However , it does not mean that young people and children do not get them . It is also common among men than women but a woman is most likely to get them during pregnancy .

TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS :

• Internal – occurs when there is too much pressure on the internal haemorrhoidal veins . The only sign that it exists is bright-red blood that appear on the surface of the stool , in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper . If the pressure and swelling continue , the haemorrhoidal veins may stretch out of shape , and if severe may bulge through the anus to the outside of the body . Pain is not usually common , unless a blood clot forms or an infection occurs .

• External – the external haemorrhoidal veins around the anus can also become swollen , causing external haemorrhoids . The swollen veins bleed easily , either from straining or rubbing and irritation from draining mucus may cause itching in the anal area . If blood clots form in these haemorrhoids , the pain can be severe .

CAUSES OF HAEMORRHOIDS :

• Pregnancy

• Ageing

• Chronic diarrhoea / constipation

• Sitting for long periods on the toilet

• Obesity

• Hereditary

SYMPTOMS OF HAEMORRHOIDS :

• Faecal leak

• Lump near anus

• Swelling in the anal region

• Lumps protruding from the anal region

• • Discomfort and pain

• Itching or irritation

• Bleeding , usually painless . ( Blood spotting may be noticed on the toilet paper or toilet bowl )

PREVENTION & TREATMENT FOR HAEMORRHOIDS : Preventing and treating haemorrhoids primarily rely on eliminating constipation . A diet high in fibres , vegetables , fruit , cereals and plenty of water will help produce soft stools that are passed easily and regularly .

Certain medications can be bought over the counter ( ask pharmacist ) to assist with relieving constipation .

Always consult your doctor if simple home remedies or procedures have not worked . The doctor may order band ligation of haemorrhoids or surgery as a last resort .

REMEMBER :

• Avoid straining

• Go to the toilet when needed and not wait

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods to avoid pressure on the veins

• Good diet

• Keep body weight down

REFERENCES :

• Haemorrhoids – Better Health Channel

• Haemorrhoids : Facts , Causes and Treatments – Medical News Today

• Haemorrhoids-emedtv . com / haemorrhoids . html

• The Heinemann New Family Medical Encyclopaedia

The Australian Government will continue to support drug and alcohol treatment services across Australia with funding of more than $ 75 million a year .

The Turnbull Government will continue to support drug and alcohol treatment services across Australia with funding of more than $ 75 million a year .

Across Australia , around 150 groups that provide direct drug and alcohol treatment and support services will be given guaranteed funding for another two years until 30 June 2019 .

This includes services such as drop-in centres that provide counselling and information , withdrawal management and rehabilitation clinics .

This is in addition to the National Ice Action Strategy Funding of $ 241.5 million for

drug and alcohol treatment currently being rolled out .

The funding further strengthens the Turnbull Government ’ s efforts to make sure people seeking help are able to access services in their community , provided by a range of organisations and tailored to local needs .

This continued funding for direct treatment services is important to individuals and families struggling with drug and alcohol misuse , and will maintain the availability of treatment for people seeking help .

Under new funding arrangements , more than $ 42 million per annum ( over two years ) will be transferred to Primary Health Networks ( PHNs ) to align with drug and alcohol treatment funding provided through the National Ice Action Strategy .

The remaining funds will be distributed by the Department of Health to large organisations that provide services over multiple PHNs .

PHNs will use the additional funding to continue to fund drug and alcohol treatment services to increase the availability of treatment for people seeking help where , and when they need it .

For more information about the Government ’ s Drug and Alcohol Program , visit the Department of Health ’ s website – health . gov . au .

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia . Alcoholism has been a cause of concern for communities and government policy-makers . From figures gathered by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare , here ’ s some facts from the Australian Alcohol and Drugs Foundation ( adf . org . au ).

37.3 % of Australians aged 14 years and over consume alcohol on a weekly basis .

The age group with the greatest number of Australians who drink daily is 70 + years .

Around 1 in 5 ( 18.2 %) Australians over 14

drink at levels that put them at risk of alcoholrelated harm over their lifetime .

Around 1 in 6 ( 15.6 %) people aged 12 years or older had consumed 11 or more standard drinks on a single drinking occasion in the past 12 months .

1 in 4 women drink alcohol while pregnant , even though the Australian alcohol guidelines recommend not drinking during this time .

$ 7b is generated by alcohol-related tax . But alcohol costs society $ 15.3b annually .

Alcohol caused more than twice as many deaths ( 3,494 ) than road accidents ( 1,600 ) in 2005 .

1 in 10 workers say they have experienced the negative effects of a co-worker ’ s use of alcohol .

Young Australians ( aged 14 – 24 ) have their first full serve of alcohol at 15.7 years on average .

72.3 % of 12 – 17 year olds have not consumed alcohol in the last 12 months .

17 % of 15 – 18 years old say they had sex when drunk which they later regretted .

Alcohol contributes to the 3 major causes of teen death : injury , homicide and suicide .

Friends or acquaintances are the most likely sources of alcohol for 12 – 17 year olds ( 45.4 %), with parents being the second most likely source ( 29.3 %).