Your doctor may order an ESR test to help detect inflammation in your body. This can be useful in diagnosing conditions that cause inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases, cancers, and infections. An ESR test can monitor inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Your doctor might also order this test if youâre experiencing fevers, some types of arthritis, or certain muscle problems. The ESR test is rarely performed alone.
March to May heralds Australiaâs autumn, a season of fiery foliage in Canberra and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Australiaâs winter, from June to August, offers snow skiing in the Australian Alps. Alternatively, take a winter sun holiday.
The winter solstice is the year's shortest day, but the start of winter also launches the sun's steady climb toward the long, warm days of summer. This year, the northern winter solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 21, at 5:44 a.m. ET (10:44 UTC). It happens at the same moment no matter where you live, but because we've divided Earth into 24 times zones, people around the world will observe it at 24 different times of day.