Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
DAWN HARPER
WILL MY BONES BE WEAK TOO?
Q As a teenager, I was anorexic and my family were very unsupportive. That led to my becoming estranged from my parents for over 20 years. We have gradually started to reconnect, and I have discovered that my mum has had several fractures as a result of osteoporosis. Should I ask for an X-ray?
AIt’s possible to have quite advanced osteoporosis (thinning bones) and it not show up on a standard X-ray, but you have two significant risk factors for developing osteoporosis – having a family history of the condition, and having been anorexic. Speak to your GP about a DEXA scan, which is the best way to find out if you have thin bones.
HELP! I’M CONSTANTLY SICK
Q I seem to be catching every cough and cold going at the moment. I’ve had to see my GP several times, but they won’t give me antibiotics. They are making redundancies at work and I’ve had to take so much time off that I’m beginning to worry about my futureat the company. I take zinc and vitamin C supplements every day. Is there anything else you can recommend?
A Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. This is why your doctor doesn’t want to prescribe them for you. There is a herbal remedy called pelargonium, which is recommended by NICE as a self-help treatment for coughs and colds for anyone over 12 years old. I usually recommend a dose of 20mg of the root extract.
*GRANSNET AND RELATE. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Do I have SAD?
Q This winter, I have turned into a bit of a hermit. I have spent most of it holed up at home and have got into some bad eating habits, resulting in me gaining a stone in weight. This has
