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Mammograms for women over 50

Health

Mammograms for women over 50

Excessive perspiration

Wellbeing

Excessive perspiration

Imagine waking up and being unable to communicate. This frightening scenario happens to about a third of stroke survivors, says speech therapist Bernadette Matthias. The condition, known as aphasia, is caused by damage to parts of the brain that are responsible for language. It can lead to difficulty with understanding speech, problems with reading and writing, as well as trouble with speaking. In a surprising twist, though, some aphasia sufferers can sing. Matthias, who is also the director of the Conservatorium of Newcastle Brainwaves Choir, explains that this is because the brain uses different networks for processing speech and language than it does for music. Music in the mind While language is mainly managed on the brain’s left side, music “activates a great deal of the brain across both sides,” Matthias says. “You can sing but not be able to speak because of that rich interconnection of the brain – when music occurs it activates a lot more than just speech alone.” Furthermore, s

Wellbeing

Why some stroke survivors can’t speak but can sing

What is a panic attack – and where do I go for help?

Wellbeing

What is a panic attack – and where do I go for help?

Incorporate more steps into your day

Wellbeing

Incorporate more steps into your day

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Wellbeing

Carbon monoxide poisoning