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ADHD and Autism in Children: Similarities, Differences and When to Seek Help

By Midrand Medical Centre
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A child who struggles to sit still, cope with change, follow conversations or manage big emotions may leave parents wondering what lies beneath the behaviour. ADHD and autism are different neurodevelopmental conditions, but some of their outward signs can look surprisingly similar. Understanding the pattern behind the behaviour is more helpful than trying to identify a child from a checklist. On this page Two neurodevelopmental profiles Where ADHD and autism look similar Clues that may distinguish them Can a child have both? What an assessment involves Support for children Two different neurodevelopmental profiles What is ADHD? ADHD primarily affects the regulation of attention, activity and impulses. A child may have an inattentive presentation, a hyperactive-impulsive presentation or a combination of both. Symptoms begin during childhood, occur in more than one setting and interfere with everyday functioning before they support an ADHD diagnosis. What is a...
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12 Ways Your Body May Be Telling You to Cut Back on Sugar

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Sugar is not poisonous, and enjoying something sweet does not mean you have failed at healthy eating. The concern is the amount of added or free sugar that can quietly build up through drinks, sauces, cereals, snacks and everyday convenience foods. Your body cannot calculate your sugar intake for you, but certain patterns may suggest that it is time to look more closely at what you are eating. On this page What counts as free or added sugar? Appetite, energy and concentration Digestive, sleep and visible changes Longer-term metabolic clues How to cut back realistically What counts as free or added sugar? Free sugars include sugar added during manufacturing, cooking or at the table, as well as the sugars in honey, syrups, fruit juice and fruit-juice concentrates. The naturally occurring sugars inside intact fruit, vegetables and plain milk come packaged differently and are not usually the main target of sugar-reduction guidance. What matters most is your overall e...
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Location: South Africa
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Sardinemaxxing for Better Skin: Smart Nutrition or Social Media Hype?

By Midrand Medical Centre
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A humble tin of sardines has become an unlikely social-media beauty star. Fans of “sardinemaxxing” claim that eating sardines regularly can calm acne, hydrate dry skin and create a noticeable glow. Sardines are certainly nutritious, but healthy skin is more complicated than one trending food. On this page What is sardinemaxxing? What sardines bring to the table What the research says Possible downsides A balanced approach What exactly is sardinemaxxing? Sardinemaxxing is the online trend of eating sardines frequently in the hope of improving health, appearance or both. Unlike many wellness trends, it is based around a genuinely nutrient-dense food. The exaggerated name, however, can make the practice sound more powerful and extreme than the evidence supports. What sardines bring to the table Omega-3 Fatty Acids Sardines provide the long-chain omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. These fats form part of cell membranes and help regulate inflammatory processes throughou...
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Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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12 Everyday Foot Problems - and What You Can Do About Them

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Our feet carry us through thousands of steps, busy workdays, school runs and everything in between. Yet it is easy to ignore discomfort until a small problem begins affecting the way we walk. Many everyday foot conditions respond well to early care, sensible footwear and a little patience, while persistent or worsening symptoms deserve professional attention. On this page Why small foot problems matter Skin and nail problems Toe shape and joint problems Common causes of foot pain Daily foot care Why small foot problems matter Foot pain can change the way you stand and walk, placing extra strain on your ankles, knees, hips and back. Skin breaks and infections also need particular care if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or a weakened immune system. A regular look at your feet can help you catch changes before they become more difficult to manage. Skin and Nail Problems 1. Blisters Blisters usually develop when shoes, socks, heat and mo...
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Location: Midrand, South Africa
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What to Know About Mumps

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Mumps is a contagious viral illness that is best known for causing swelling near the cheeks and jaw. Although many people recover fully, mumps can sometimes lead to complications, especially in teenagers and adults. It spreads through saliva and respiratory droplets, which means it can move quickly in homes, schools and other close-contact settings. Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of mumps and its complications. On this page What is mumps? 1. Symptoms can start before the swelling 2. Mumps spreads through close contact 3. Treatment is mainly supportive 4. Complications can happen 5. Vaccination helps prevent mumps Closing thoughts What Is Mumps? Mumps is caused by a virus that commonly affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands near the cheeks and jaw. This swelling can make the face look puffy and may cause pain when chewing or s...
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Location: South Africa
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12 Types Of Headaches – And What The Pain Really Means!

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Headaches are very common, and most are not dangerous. However, different headache patterns can point to different causes, and some symptoms need urgent medical attention. It helps to notice where the pain is, how quickly it started, how long it lasts, what it feels like and whether it comes with other symptoms. If headaches are frequent, severe, new or changing, it is always best to discuss them with a doctor. On this page Understanding headaches 1. Tension-type headache 2. Migraine 3. Cluster headache 4. Sinus headache 5. Hormonal headache 6. Caffeine withdrawal headache 7. Medication-overuse headache 8. Exertion headache 9. Eye-strain headache 10. Hypertension-related headache 11. Post-traumatic headache 12. Thunderclap headache Closing thoughts Understanding Headaches Primary and secondary headaches ...
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Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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What To Know About An Adult Autism Diagnosis

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Receiving, or even considering, an autism diagnosis in adulthood can bring up many emotions. Some people feel relief because their life finally makes sense, while others feel overwhelmed, uncertain or even sad about how long they went unsupported. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, which means it affects how a person communicates, processes information, experiences sensory input and manages everyday demands. An adult diagnosis does not mean autism suddenly appeared; it usually means it was missed, masked or misunderstood earlier in life. On this page Why autism may be diagnosed later 1. Autism looks different from person to person 2. Many adults seek help after burnout 3. Assessment looks at childhood and current life 4. Diagnosis can help people understand themselves 5. Mental health support still matters Closing thoughts Why Autism May Be Diagnosed Lat...
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Location: Gauteng, South Africa
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The Essential Health Checks for Men Over 40

By Midrand Medical Centre
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Turning 40 is a good time to become more intentional about your health, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms. Many important conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, can develop quietly for years. Regular health checks are not about expecting bad news; they are about finding risks early, preventing complications and making confident decisions with your doctor. A yearly check-up can also give men space to talk about energy, sleep, stress, sexual health and family history in a practical, supportive way. On this page Why health checks matter after 40 1. Blood pressure and heart health 2. Cholesterol, diabetes and weight-related risk 3. Prostate and bowel cancer screening 4. Skin, testicular, eye, hearing and dental checks 5. Mental health, sleep and sexual health Closing thoughts Why Health Checks Matter After 4...
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Location: Midrand, South Africa
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