Junk food addict

Q: My daughter refuses to drink milk and have proper meals. She, however, has no loss of appetite when it comes to snacks like chips, chocolates and noodles.

A: Once children get "hooked" to synthetic, artificially flavoured snacks like chips and noodles, it is difficult to wean them off. These provide "empty calories" with little nutritional value. You will have to start retraining her with meals at meals times. Remember children need two healthy snacks in addition to three meals a day. The important thing is not to panic, and think that you have to "feed her something" as she has refused her meal. Children will eat if they are sufficiently hungry. Your anxiety and tension about this will affect the child and make her more adamant.

Bone deep

Q: My grandmother, mother and aunt had osteoporosis. Two of them also fell and fractured their hips. I am scared the same thing will happen to me.

A: You can keep osteoporosis at bay, despite the genetic component, if you exercise regularly from a young age. You can at least teach your children this healthy habit to protect them from osteoporosis. You need to do light weight training with one or two kilo dumbbells, maintain flexibility with yoga and stretching, do balance exercises and an aerobic exercise such as walking , jogging or running for a half hour five days a week. Swimming is a very good exercise but unfortunately since there is no weight on the bones and joints, bone density is not benefitted. You can also take regular supplements of calcium citrate or carbonate.
 

Bumpy skin

Q: My face has broken out in pimples but I'm already 23!

A: Sometimes, if the facial hair in men is thick and coarse, it can grow back under the skin causing these bumps. This can occur especially if the shaving technique is not correct. Try washing your face with a loofah, using an anti-bacterial soap such as Neko. Apply an antibacterial ointment (Bacitracin or Neosporin) on the bumps. Always shave in the same direction as the hair. And consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
 

Too much motion

Q: I have been having diarrhoea six to seven times a day for more than six months. I cannot travel or concentrate on my work. I have also been losing weight.

A: Chronic diarrhoea needs to be evaluated. It could be due to poor absorption of certain nutrients or sensitivity to sugar, milk or fat. Endocrine disturbances (like hyperthyroidism), infection by some parasites or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can also be responsible. It could even be cancer. You need to see a doctor immediately. You will probably need stool and blood tests, X-rays and may require an endoscopy.

Till a diagnosis is reached, avoid milk, sugar, wheat, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

It is dangerous to overdose with loperamide, entroquinol and other OTC preparations without a diagnosis.

 

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