Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are widespread in industrialized countries, and can be influenced by genetic factors and the individual’s lifestyle. Healthy eating habits can help prevent cardiovascular disease and alleviate existing conditions. Losing weight, stopping smoking and getting enough exercise also have a positive effect.

Allergies can occur in both children and adults. The most common allergies are to pollen and dust mites. But some people develop allergies to certain foods or pet hair. An allergy test can tell you whether you have an allergy or an intolerance.

Almost one per cent of the population develops epilepsy over the course of their lives. That is about 80,000 people in Switzerland, 15,000 of them children. (source: Swiss League Against Epilepsy). There are many different forms of epileptic seizures.

50% of the Swiss population have back pain several times per month or even per week (Source: representative survey by Rheumaliga Schweiz). Those suffering from back pain need to know what causes it and what they can do to avoid it.

Examples of lung disease are asthma and tuberculosis. Smoking in particular damages lung health. So, there is information in various languages to help you stop smoking. This is to help all sectors of the population to understand the preventative messages.

As we age, the risk of dementia rises. Women are more commonly affected than men. This condition takes various forms, one of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia cannot be cured, though it is treatable.

A cancer diagnosis can be very unsettling for patients and their families. Having suitable information can allay some of the fears. Besides the medical facts about the various types of cancer, it is also important for patients to know how handle their disease.

Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. It affects about 500,000 people in Switzerland, both adults and children. The first step is to find out more about the illness and preventative measures. Information is also available about gestational diabetes.

There are thousands of diseases. Some are common; others are rare. A disease is considered rare when it affects no more than five in every 10,000 people. Roughly 8,000 rare diseases have been described so far. There is a wealth of information about some diseases, whereas very little exists about others. But information is important when it comes to treating or living with the disease.