Q: I went to buy a pair of sunglasses but got very confused in the shop. The prices vary widely and the labels say all kinds of things like “UV” and “polarized”.
A: “Polarized” sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. They are useful for driving. UV stands for “ultraviolet”, rays that cannot be seen. It is best to buy UV and polarized glasses, “wrap around” so that light does not enter from the sides of the glasses. Protection against long term exposure to the bright tropical sun is needed to prevent early cataract formation and macular degeneration.
Dementia scare
Q: My mother and her sisters all have dementia. At least I think so. They repeat themselves and are very stubborn and unreasonable. I am scared it is hereditary and I will become like that too!
A: Brains age in everyone. You do however have some control over how fast it ages and degenerates. Studies have shown that keeping the neurons active with puzzles, scrabble and card games helps. Regular physical activity also keeps the brain active. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol need to be controlled. Perhaps your mother and aunts did not exercise regularly?
Pest problem
Q: My daughter has head lice and I am worried I will get it.
A: Lice are a problem in school going children. Lice can crawl along bed sheets, towels and furniture and settle on your head. Instead of chemical treatment (to which the lice soon become resistant and it is likely to make your hair fall) you could comb out her hair (and yours) with a fine toothed comb every day, seated on a white sheet. Any lice, which fall out, need to be killed. Squash them or putting them in kerosene. If the infestation is very bad, you could give her with ivermectin tablets. Check with your paediatrician for the correct dose.
Binge drinking
Q: I went out with my friends and had a lot to drink. I could barely lift my head the next day because of the severe headache. Is there anyway to prevent a hangover?
A: Alcohol produces toxic chemicals that are carried to your brain. They are responsible for the headache and nausea. This can be prevented to an extent by eating a protein rich meal before heading out and drinking plenty of water in between the drinks. Water washes out the toxins and helps with the hangover headache. Incidentally, coffee is no help. Nor is paracetemol. The combination of alcohol and paracetemol may damage your liver.
Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore. Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in