Health & Well Being

Hepatitis B should not stop love

IF you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B you can have a girlfriend, boyfriend, get married and have children, just like anyone else.

HOW IS HEPATITIS B TRANSMITTED?

The main ways hepatitis B is transmitted are: • At birth, if the mother has hepatitis B (the most common way to be infected particularly in people born overseas due to poor prevention) • Blood to blood transmission – including through medical, dental and cosmetic practices using unsterile equipment (particularly those performed overseas), tattoos, piercings, sharing personal hygiene equipment including razors and toothbrushes, sharing injecting drug equipment, and traditional practices that involve skin penetration • Sexual transmission

HOW IS HEPATITIS B NOT TRANSMITTED?

• Hugging and kissing • Preparing or sharing food, drinks or eating utensils • Sharing bathrooms, showers, toilets or towels • Sneezing or coughing • Insects bites • Any other social contacts

If you do have hepatitis B what should you do?

Hepatitis should not stop you from having relationships and getting married. Telling a potential partner that you have hepatitis B can sometimes be scary – especially if you really like/love the person. You should know that you deserve and can have a happy and fulfilling relationship with an accepting person. Hepatitis B can be easily prevented from passing on to your partner and children. You may want to have information to help you and your loved ones. You can access information at www. eccq.com.au/bbv including the B Healthy booklet and the Hepatitis B factsheet in different languages. You can also talk to us and we can help you to talk to your partner if need.

If you have hepatitis B you may want to:

• Disclose or not disclose to your partner but you will need to ask your partner to get tested and vaccinated if needed. Your partner may have already had immunity (protection) to hepatitis B due to a past hepatitis B infection or the hepatitis B vaccination. Many people had a hepatitis B in the past and cured naturally without even knowing they had it. • Always using a condom if your partner is not immune to hepatitis B or before completing hepatitis B vaccinations. Condoms can also prevent other STIs and pregnancy.

You will also need to: • have regular life-long check-ups with your doctor including liver function tests, viral load, Fibroscan, and ultrasound for certain groups and take treatment if required. The chance of developing serious liver diseases like liver cancer will be very low, and you can live a normal life like others. • keep a healthy life style and avoid alcohol.

Remember most adults (95%) will not develop chronic hepatitis B after being infected, they will clear the virus within 6 months without treatment and also will not get it again.

All people who are going to start a new sexual relationship should have a sexual health check to make sure they don’t have any infections that can be passed sexually, this includes hepatitis B (even if they have never had sex) and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) e.g. chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea. This can be done either at your GP or a sexual health clinic: (https://www.health.qld.gov. au/public-health/topics/ sexual-health/find-a-sexualhealth-service).

WHAT ABOUT HAVING CHILDREN?

Hepatitis B is not a genetic disease. Most mothers with hepatitis B can have a hepatitis B free baby in Australia.

If the mother has hepatitis B they should: • See their doctor as soon as they know they are pregnant. • Have their viral load (DNA) checked during pregnancy so treatment can be provided if it is high to help reduce the risk of passing on the infection during the birth. • Any baby born to mother with hepatitis B is given the usual hepatitis B vaccination at birth as well as hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to protect the baby. • Babies born to mothers who have hepatitis B can breastfeed their babies because breastmilk doesn’t contain the virus. Breastfeeding should only be avoided if their nipples are cracked and bleeding – they should then wait until they have healed. • Mothers can give birth to their baby naturally and will only need caesarean sections if it is deemed medically necessary.

If a father has hepatitis B: • He cannot pass the infection to the baby when the baby is conceived

• He can only pass the virus to the baby through blood contacts as mentioned before. Make sure the baby receives all the hepatitis B vaccinations required like other babies.

Remember: the best protection against hepatitis B is successful vaccination for sexual partners and babies. Get tested 3 months after completing vaccination to make sure the vaccine works.

ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and Sexual Health Program provides free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages. Please contact us at: Website: eccq.com.au/bbv Phone: 07 3844 9166 Email: health@eccq.com.au If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Ph: 4226 4760

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Home Remedies for Back Acne

Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

HEY GIRLS, Back acne is as horrible as facial acne. People who suffer from facial acne are most likely to suffer from back acne as well. However, back acne is pretty difficult to treat as it is not readily visible and is hard to reach as well.

The main cause of acne is hormonal imbalance. They start during the puberty period due to the over secretion of hormones and goes away once an individual reaches their twenties. Stress, sleep deprivation, bad eating habits and hectic schedules are some other reasons that can cause acne. Here are some homes remedies that will help you know how to get rid of back acne.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BACk ACNE 1. BAkING SODA

Baking soda is a natural exfoliator that unclogs the skin pores and balances the skin pH levels. Besides, it gives antiseptic and antiinflammatory effects. To get rid of back acne, dilute the baking soda with water in 3:1 ratio. Apply the paste on your back and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this at least twice in a week.

Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of baking soda, juice of half lemon, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five tablespoons of honey, and spread it on the acne-prone area.

2. LEMON JUICE

Lemons contain citric acid, which is ideal for the treatment of acne. It helps open up the pores and clean them as well. Squeeze a lemon in a bowl and dab it with a cotton bowl on the acne-prone area. Let it stay for a few hours and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Alternately, fill your bathtub with water and add rose water and lemon juice in equal portions. Soak in for 30 minutes. Later, wash off with clean water.

4. OATMEAL

Take a cup of cooked oatmeal. Add half lemon’s juice and a teaspoon of honey. Mix them well and rub the mixture on the affected area using your fingertips. Keep it for half an hour and then wash it off with warm water. Do this at least twice a week. It makes the acne dry and reduces swelling.

5. TOMATO PULP

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and comprise of natural bleaching properties. Cut the tomato into half and take out its pulp. Rub it on the acne scars. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

6. TURMERIC POWDER

Turmeric is a strong spice that not only adds flavour to cuisine but alleviates several skin issues. It has antiseptic and exfoliating properties that effectively cure the problem of acne. Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder to a tablespoon of milk cream. Mix both the ingredients properly. Apply on the back acne scars and leave it on till it dries. Do this at least twice a week for effective results.

Turmeric can leave stains on clothes. Therefore, it is suggested to wear an old t-shirt, while using this remedy.

9. ORANGE PEELS

Orange Peels contain retinol that revitalizes the skin and wipes out the dead cells. The vitamin C content in orange helps lighten the skin tone. Dry some orange peels in sunlight. Later, grind those dry peels in a mixer to make a fine powder. Add some water or glycerine to make a paste. Now, apply it on the back and let it dry completely. Wash it off with normal water. You can do this daily.

10. CUCUMBER

Cucumber moisturizes the skin and restores its natural layer. Moreover, lighten the acne scars as well. Extract the juice of two cucumbers and wash your back with this juice two times a day.

Alternatively, make a thick paste of cucumbers and apply it on your back. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water. Follow this remedy every day for better results.

11. HONEY

The anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties in honey helps get rid of back acne scars.

Apply raw honey on the acne-prone area and let it dry. Clean it with water. Do this twice a day to fasten the healing process.

12. POTATOES

The vitamin C in potatoes controls the production of collagen. Besides, it contains niacin and vitamin B that regenerate the skin cells. Take a large potato and peel it. Now grate the potato and massage your back with a potato mash. Leave it on for a few minutes. Allow it to dry and then wash with warm water.

14. PINEAPPLE

Pineapples contain bromelain, a compound that works as an antiinflammatory agent. Besides, the ascorbic acid present in pineapples reduces the scars. Simply, extract the juice from a pineapple slice. Apply the juice on the back using a cotton ball. Let it stay for 25-30 minutes and then wash it off. Do this every day to get rid of acne scars.

15. NUTMEG

Nutmeg is used for several skin treatments, as it has anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and is also an astringent. It helps lighten the acne scars and treats the acne as well. Take a tsp each of nutmeg powder, honey and cinnamon and mix all together. Apply it on the scars and clean after 30 minutes.

Nutmeg can be harsh on the sensitive skin, and it is, therefore, advisable to do a patch test, before you apply it on the back.

As always suggest please do patch test because everything is not for everybody and that is the reason why we discuss these many different things. We’ll discuss this topic further next month.

Hope you will enjoy using these natural remedies. Keep smiling and You can also find helpful information on my website, hetvihairandbeauty.com, check us out on Facebook and call me if you want to book an appointment. Nimisha Modi: 04 1235 0013.

Complete your Census today – it’s not too late

FIelD Officers are visiting communities across the country to encourage people who haven’t completed the Census to do so today. They’re dropping off reminders or a paper form, in line with local COVID-19 restrictions.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates it has received more than 9.1 million completed forms in the 2021 Census, which includes those completed online and by paper.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “while the response to date is positive, there are people who still need to complete their Census.

“It doesn’t matter where you live – in an apartment block, student accommodation or a house. You need to complete your Census as soon as possible.

“People can complete online at www.census.abs.gov.au or by calling us on 1800 512 441 to request a paper form.

“If you have completed a paper form, remember to mail it back to the ABS using the replypaid envelope.

“Every response matters. It’s important to remember that Census data helps plan and deliver crucial services to individuals, families, and communities so we urge people to complete their Census today.”

The ABS is also reminding people with a second residence—investment property or holiday rental—to let us know if the house was vacant on Census night, Tuesday 10 August.

“It’s a simple process to ‘report address was vacant or unoccupied’ through the Census website if your holiday home or investment property was empty on Census night,” Mr Henderson said.

“It’s important that we get an accurate picture of the number of unoccupied or vacant properties because the Census counts all households across Australia in addition to counting people.”

For people who need assistance completing their Census, there are a range of supports including in-language fill the form sessions available at www.census.abs.gov.au/ language

You can also call 1800 512 441, or for help in your language you can call the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 who can provide information about the Census questions and what to consider when answering them.

The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and fines can apply if someone refuses to complete their Census.

What is the Census?

The Census was held on Tuesday 10 August 2021. It is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

Census data is used to inform important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure, and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families, and communities.

How can people complete their Census?

People can complete the Census online, on their mobile device or by paper. A number of options are available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census staff, and phone and online help.

For in-language support, people can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

Conducting the Census in a COVID environment

We expect most people will complete their Census online with no in-person contact from us. More information on conducting the Census in a COVID-19 environment can be found at keeping the community safe during COVID-19.

How do people know if the Census instructions and Field Officers in their area are legitimate?

Census instructions will feature the official Australian Bureau of Statistics logo and the 2021 Census branding. See further information about how to identify a Census Field Officer on the website.

Is the Census compulsory?

The Census is compulsory* under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and fines can apply if someone refuses to complete their Census. Under the Census and Statistics Act 1905, the Australian Statistician can issue you a Notice of Direction, which directs you in writing to complete the Census. The notice explains that if you don’t complete the Census, you can be prosecuted and fined up to $222 a day. *See the 2021 Census Privacy Statement for more information.

aap Ki Sehat – your heath September episode features dr abha Chikarsal

BRISBANE, the September episode we had the pleasure of talking to Dr Abha Chikarsal, a wellexperienced, General Practitioner on the series "Ap Ki Sehat, meaning Your HEALTH Program, initiated by IMA, QLD, Australia.

Dr Abha said, she is a primary care physician and a general practitioner, who had migrated to Australia fifteen years back , She further said that women’s health came naturally to her but she felt she would need to upskill in the field of general practice. She has now upskilled in women’s health by completing national certificate course in reproductive and sexual health under the family planning alliance Australia has completed training and is able to provide all these services in general practice to women.

Another area that she specialises in is skin cancer as she is working in a skin cancer clinic too. For women she can provide all conception related advice and treatments, she realises the sensitivity around this subject and provides mental health advice to her patients.

The full episode can be viewed on the face Book and You Tube channel of Australian Indian Radio, all past episodes of the series can also be viewed there. The series have been made possible with the assistance of IMA, QLD and is facilitated by Dr Cyril Fernandez.

Dr Abha’s advice is that prevention is better than cure and that two pillars of healthy lifestyle were exercise and good nutrition while maintaining normal BMI. This was the part one of the series and she will be back with part two.

Aap Ki Sehat features on the face book live channel of Australian Indian Radio on the first Saturday of every month and on audio only version on Australian Indian Radio on the first Sunday of every month at 10:00AM.

dr abha Chikarsal