Managing a Gout Attack

Gout attacks are unexpected and painful; here’s how to get a handle on them. 

 Few things in life are more painful than a gout attack, so if you’re awakened in the wee hours by a joint that is tender, swollen, red and radiating heat, you’ll want to act fast. Here’s what you can do when a gout attack starts to ease the pain of the attack and reduce the risk of others.
Take medicine you have on hand. Start treatment immediately with over-the-counter ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), but never take aspirin, which can actually worsen an attack.  If you have had an attack before and your doctor has prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication to take in the event of another, take your prescribed medication as your doctor directed. If you are already taking a uric acid-lowering drug to reduce the risk of attacks, continue to take that drug through this attack.

http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/gout/articles/how-to-stop-a-gout-attack.php

About Gout Key Messages for gout sufferers and their families.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can be well managed or effectively 'cured' with the right treatment
With delayed or no treatment, gout can cause serious damage to joints and kidneys. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in your blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints

http://goutnz.org.nz/about-gout/ 

Gout Causes and the Symptoms of Gout

There are many gout causes and gout symptoms that are linked to gout but it is normally attributed to a higher level of uric acid in the body which over time if not expelled sufficiently, forms needle like crystals in the joints. If you suffer from gout your body at times can’t expel the uric acid effectively and this build-up of uric acid creates the condition called Gout, Gouty Arthritis or Tophi.
Uric acid is a metabolic end product following the digestion of purines found in most foods. As uric acid crystallizes in the joints, it produces needle-like formations that begin tearing into the synovial fluid sacks and cartilage. People who suffer with gout usually either overproduce uric acid or under excrete it. In severe cases a person may fall into both categories, causing severe gout attacks over and over again
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http://www.goutcare.co.nz/gout-causes-symptoms/ 

Gout is the second most common form of arthritis in New Zealand, and it is often said to be the most painful.

 Do you have: A family history of gout, high uric acid levels or are you Maori, pacific? Then you may have one of the risk factors for gout.
It causes sudden  attacks of pain, often coming on overnight. Within 12-24 hours there is severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. It can affect any joint but usually the first attack affects the big toe or another part of the foot. The skin over the joint may also become red and shiny.
 
http://www.arthritis.org.nz/information/forms-of-arthritis/gout/

Gout - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

I have Gout and I do not drink... it is not true... that alcohol causes Gout... I do not drink alcohol And I get Gout...  I have only one kidney... due to cancer of my right Kidney... it was removed... I have arthritis of the spine... and also my knees... it is the longest this week I have had gout for... I am at long last on Allopurinol... so lets hope this works for me... it is so painful... I have a cardboard box in my bed... so as the blankets do not touch my foot... and I do not wear shoes... while I have gout... too much pain...  Gout is caused by high level of uric acid in the blood...  Ann...

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Gout - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. 
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect toe, foot, ankle, knee, hand and elbow joints.  Symptoms include pain, swelling and shiny redness over the affected joints.   Treatment of acute gout attacks is designed to relieve pain and inflammation, primarily through medication.  Diet and other lifestyle changes can help prevent future attacks. 
Gout is a painful form of arthritis (inflammation of the joints). It is sometimes referred to as gouty arthritis.  The most common place for gout to develop is the ball of the big toe; however the joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hands and elbows can also be affected.  It is unusual for gout to affect more than one or two joints at a time.  

https://www.southerncross.co.nz/AboutTheGroup/HealthResources/MedicalLibrary/tabid/178/vw/1/ItemID/171/Gout-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment.aspx#causes 

Ovarian cancer awareness highlighted

February is ovarian cancer awareness month and that means women are being reminded to be aware of the symptoms of the condition in the absence of a screening programme.

Ovarian cancer is the biggest killer among gynaecological cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation is urging women to become aware and educated about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which is one of five gynaecological cancers - which also include cervical, endometrial, vulval and vaginal.

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/top-stories/a/30700957/ovarian-cancer-awareness-highlighted/