Q: Is it true that a cup of coffee wakes you up and makes you alert?

A: Coffee contains caffeine, which does act as a short-term brain stimulant. It will give you a "boost" in the morning. The brain uses sugar as fuel, so if you drink a cup of coffee with sugar it will help you kick start your day. Tea will do the same thing. Too much of coffee or tea will make you jittery though!

Food for exercise

Q: I need to eat something before I exercise but sometimes my stomach feels very heavy with the snacks I eat.

A: A banana contains calories, electrolytes and minerals which are ideal for exercise. Also, as it contains fibre, the calories are released slowly, sustaining you through your exercise. You can get the same effect from two small pieces of peanut barfi.

Gas problems

Q: I have a lot of gas and it comes out at both ends. Not only is it uncomfortable, the sounds are embarrassing.

A: Everyone has "gas" but in most people, barring occasional accidents, they are able to control it. You need to find your triggers. It may be when you eat an excess of dairy products (like ice cream). If you think hard enough you can probably isolate the triggers. Fizzy drinks, fruit juice and fried items aggravate it in most people. Increasing the water intake reduces gas. If the gas problem is accompanied by abdominal pain, loss of weight or anaemia you need to consult a physician and undergo investigations.

Ovarian cancer

Q: My aunt has ovarian cancer and I am afraid that I may get it.

A: Ten per cent of the ovarian cancers have a genetic basis. It occurs in women who carry the BRAC1 or BRAC2 gene. There is an association with breast cancer as well. Just having the gene does not mean you will develop cancer. You can reduce your chances by maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and avoiding estrogen therapy after menopause. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and non specific. They include a feeling of bloating, pressure in the lower abdomen and frequent urination. Screening can be done with a pelvic examination, ultrasound or CT scan. The levels of CA 125 are also elevated in the blood.

Diarrhoea

Q: I often get loose stools after I eat out. I try to avoid salads, I do not eat street food and I change restaurants often.

A: Restaurant menus are often contaminated with bacteria. They are sometimes wiped down but this does not occur frequently. You could try washing your hands after you order and drinking only bottled water.

Senior fitness

Q: I walk for a half hour a day. Recently my grandson told me that just walking was not enough and that I need to go to a gym.

A: Senior citizens benefit from a combination of aerobic activity (walking, jogging, running , cycling or swimming) for 30 minutes at least five days a week and anaerobic training. Weight training with small dumbbells should be done at least twice a week. 8-10 different movements should be done. Flexibility and balance exercises need to be done for 10 minutes a day. Yoga is ideal for this. You can buy the dumbbells and do the exercises at home. You can hire a yoga teacher or learn from television programmes, books and the Internet.

 

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