Medical Hotline with Dr James Wright

add-ed
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a major problem for some parents of affected children. But at what point on a spectrum of behaviour can it be said to occur? That line is a fine one, but the antics of children at the far end tell us that something is definitely not right. Child specialists often prescribe medication, which frequently has a favourable effect. Others say behavioural (non-drug) treatment is better. The good news is that when the child grows up, the syndrome vanishes— irrespective of treatment.

#1 health generator
Life can be hectic and stressful, and too little sleep aggravates things. Unless you’re getting around seven or eight hours sleep, both your mind and body suffer. Your sleep comes first, as it is the most important single factor in maintaining good mental and physical health. You can get away with too little for a few years, but not indefinitely.

fat fighter
Many who eat a lot of fatty foods risk suffering stomach discomfort later, all due to gall-bladder malfunction. This small, pear-shaped sac lies under the liver just below the right rib cage. It collects and stores bile salts manufactured by the liver then contracts, propelling liquid into the digestive system, helping in the digestion of fat. If inflamed, it rebels and produces pain, which can extend into the shoulder. An ultrasound gives a quick diagnosis. If this is a problem, begin by eating fewer fatty foods and more high-fibre foods, drinking more water and taking more exercise.

natural cleaners
It isn’t necessary to disinfect everything you touch. During the course of one’s life, from infancy on, the body’s immune system naturally develops antibodies to germs, preventing infection. So unless exposure occurs, there will be no in-built protection. Alternatively use natural cleanser-disinfectants such as lavender, geranium, tea-tree (probably the best known), chamomile, bergamot, citronella, lemon, lime, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, peppermint or pine.

good games
Kids spend too many hours hunched over computer keyboards. Expect, in a few years time, permanently bent spinal columns, so that sitting or standing straight is an impossibility. Forward-bent necks are called kyphosis, a virtually incurable condition. If at all possible, get your child to play outdoors. Vigorous activity helps activate muscle fibres, simultaneously treating and preventing a crooked neck and back.

gravity problem
Many women, as they age, feel embarrassed by a sagging bustline and loss of their former more attractive lines. The breast consists of skin covering fat in which milk glands and ducts are buried. There is no muscle tissue, so larger breasts inevitably sag, especially after childbirth and breastfeeding. Most are fuller and tighter before a period, when there is a fluid build-up, but this wanes after hormonal changes.

toys r good
It’s never too early to give kids educational toys. They help develop the mind as well as physical skills. Looking through books, putting squares and triangles in holes that match and memory games are all worthwhile.

Related Sites

Dr Wright

Home Health Education Service

Losing Stress

Q: My girlfriend said her dad went to a grand final, was emotionally involved, would jump and down like a lunatic, and when his team lost, he dropped dead. Would that be for real?

A: Unfortunately, yes. There have been many cases when enormous emotional stress has caused a sudden heart attack. However, it’s almost certain there was an underlying pre-existing heart condition. That’s why we constantly suggest people—say from mid teens on—have a regular medical check, even if there are no obvious symptoms. Many conditions remain undetected, violently erupting when least expected.

Extract from Signs of the Times, May 2004.

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