Dr Dillner’s health dilemmas
Dr Luisa Dillner on the everyday health issues that affect your life
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While it hasn’t been proved that physical activity mitigates your likelihood of getting the disease, the evidence shows a strong link – so get moving
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Many of us worry that our breath smells, but it’s hard to diagnose yourself. Oral hygiene is the key to preventing halitosis
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The latest research suggests that those ending work younger are more likely to die earlier than those staying in jobs. But is the data clearcut?
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The experts are unanimous: holidays do you good, and you should take more of them. Here are the pitfalls to avoid …
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Experts say no but many people link their attacks to stress or emotional upset
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Meningitis is a killer – so immunisation is appealing. But at up to £390 for a full, three-jab course, and with limited effectiveness, it’s a hard choice to make
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Our sedentary lifestyles are increasingly being blamed for a range of problems. Stand-up and treadmill desks might seem to be the answer, but is it worth shelling out for one?
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Research shows that male rats are less stressed if they spend more time together - the same could be true for humans
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The family of a woman in the US who died from ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder has been awarded damages. So how much of a risk does talc pose?
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A new study has suggested that organic milk might contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better for you
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One study implies that boredom make you likelier to die earlier, but another concludes that it spurs creativity …
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Everyone over 18 should be screened for the condition, says a US task force. Meanwhile, UK officials say it should only be done for those at high risk. Who’s right?
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Divorce and separation can have a hugely detrimental impact on children. But Swedish studies show that having them live with each parent half the time is the best way to help them cope
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Relationships with friends and family reduce the risk of disease at every stage of life, says a new study. So should we all be getting out more?
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A study this month showed that sleeping more at weekends could raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease. So, should you really get up on a Sunday?
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In the age of celebrities flaunting flat stomachs weeks after giving birth, many women feel insecure about how long it takes them to heal. But a new study suggests it might take several months to get back to normal
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If you are in a couple, it will make you happiest if you have it once a week. But having it more often won’t increase your happiness
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Twenty per cent of crashes involve a driver who falls asleep at the wheel, so what are the best ways to avoid the risk?
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A study found that it improved spatial awareness, so it might make it easier to find the way home from the pub. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we are talking about rats, not humans
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New research suggests that having a dog may reduce the risk of asthma, and other studies have shown that children with pets have fewer colds. But there are downsides
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Six months has become the accepted norm for introducing solid food to your child – but a new study suggests starting earlier could help prevent allergies
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Getting angry a lot could increase your chance of an early death, if you are a man, a new study has found
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A news study suggests that daily sex helps ensure that sperm isn’t attacked as an invader – and that the fertilised egg implants into the uterus
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Increasing your intake of plant-based food shouldn’t lead to weight gain – unless you only eat starchy foods or forget to cut down on your calories
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Urban myth states that if you pick food up off the floor quickly enough, it’s still safe to eat – but scientific tests suggest it’s slightly more complex
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It is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, so losing small clumps doesn’t usually mean imminent baldness – hair almost always grows back. Pattern baldness, however, has no magic potions to treat it
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Although recent research has linked goth culture with a higher risk of depression and self-harm in teenagers, most are perfectly happy. Stigmatising the sub-culture further is not going to be helpful
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New research shows that omega-3 may have little impact in stalling dementia – so maybe it’s time we stopped bankrolling a billion-dollar supplements industry
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A new study shows that, like yawning, laughter really can be infectious. It can even help people to recover from depression
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Lack of sleep is bad for your health – and studies show it can also affect women’s desire for sex
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New research describes car interiors as ‘breeding grounds’ for micro-organism and bacteria, including E coli and Bacillus cereus. But then, is there anywhere that isn’t a breeding ground for such nasties?
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Experts now believe that, rather than spending hours on the treadmill, the smart way to condition your body is to do shorter, more intensive bursts of exercise
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Many of us overlook the benefits of an afternoon nap, but airline pilots are among those who know just what a quick snooze can do for them
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Surely high blood pressure is something only old people need to think about? Not according to a new study – the ill-effects begin when people are in their 20s
What is computer vision syndrome – and how can I prevent it?