There are estimated to be 26,000 people in the UK who are HIV positive but don’t yet know and that is worrying because the earlier HIV is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. This week the first legally approved HIV self testing kits hit our shelves in the UK. As a doctor I would always rather see someone in my clinic …
NHS Choices Menopause Advice
Below is a short clip from the NHS Choices website with current advice and information on the Menopause.
Pre Eclampsia with a Second Child
I had pre eclampsia with my first child and am now expecting my second although with a new partner – will I get it again? The risks of pre eclampsia are greatest in the first pregnancy but I’m afraid a previous episode does increase your likelihood of it occurring again and in fact your body will know that you have …
Morning Sickness
I am suffering badly with morning sickness. Please help! A. In theory morning sickness is worst first thing because you haven’t eaten overnight but in reality it can happen at any time of the day. It is caused by a combination of low blood sugar and pregnancy hormones so eating little and often helps. High carbohydrate foods like dry toast …
Post Natal Depression
Around half of all new mums feel a bit tearful on the third or fourth day after having a baby (1). It’s called the “baby blues” and is quite different to postnatal depression which may start anything up to six months after the birth (1). It is much more common than most people realise. One in eight new mums (2) …
Oral Health
What are the most important things you can do to look after your teeth at any age Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes – ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to do it properly. You would be amazed how many people don’t! Clean between your teeth with interdental brushes, …
Is My Baby Ill?
Recognising illness in a child under six months can be difficult. They can’t tell you where it hurts and symptoms may be vague. The important thing is to know what is normal and knowing your child’s temperature is a good start. Normal body temperature is 36.9C (98.4F) but some children may be little higher or lower so take your baby’s …
Polysistic Ovary Syndrome
I think I suffer from PCOS as I have gained weight steadily for years now and have even developed embarrassing hair on my face. Luckily I’m blonde, but you can see it in certain lights and it’s destroying my confidence. What can I do to sort this and get my energy back? A.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects as many as …
Eczema (Brad Pitt is a sufferer)
Body confidential – eczema (Brad Pitt has it) Like Brad Pitt, around one in ten adults suffer with eczema. Here are my top tips on keeping it under control Swap soap for an emollient, such as aqueous cream, which will keep the skin hydrated. Avoid extremes of temperature. Heat causes us to sweat and makes eczema worse whilst cold air …
Pins and Needles
I get pins and needles in my legs and need to move them about a lot at night. What’s causing this and is there any way I can stop it? You might be describing Restless Leg Syndrome, also called Ekbom’s Syndrome. It affects one in 10 of us at some point and is characterised by tingling sensations in the legs …