Dr Dillner’s health dilemmas
Dr Luisa Dillner on the everyday health issues that affect your life
-
How much screen time should I let my teenager have?A new study says that up to six hours a day is perfectly normal, and unlikely to do any harm – as long as your child is doing fine at school and getting enough exercise
-
Is the gym the best place to exercise?A new study says gym-goers are indeed fitter and healthier than non-members. But there are other ways to stay fit, and some of them may be even more beneficial
-
Why is sex painful for some women – and what can they do?Up to one third of women may experience pain during sex, but most never seek the treatment they need
-
Can acupuncture relieve your baby’s colic?A new study suggests so – but don’t start sticking needles into your child. A detailed look at the results shows things aren’t so clear cut
-
How can I cope better with stress?Some people can bounce back from life’s pressures, but others do not seem to have the capacity. Can anything help them to strengthen their emotional armour?
-
Is too much protein bad for you?The market for protein supplements is now mainstream – but many of us already eat twice as much protein as the World Health Organisation recommends
-
Can insomnia be cured by online therapy?Up to half of us have problems sleeping – and some experts say online treatment may soon become the norm. But which tool should you use?
-
Should humans drink cow’s milk?The consumption of cow’s milk is in decline as lactose intolerance does for dairy what gluten intolerance has done to bread. But if you are northern European, you are genetically modified to consume milk
-
Can worrying about your health make you ill?People with health anxiety are more likely to develop heart disease, says a study – news that will only make them more stressed. Psychological therapy is the best treatment …
-
What should I take paracetamol for?The drug has no measurable effect on acute back pain, according to a new study – so what should you be using it to treat?
-
Should I let my dog lick my face?It may seem like a harmless display of affection, but allowing your pet to ‘kiss’ you could be dangerous – or even fatal
-
Does taking more selfies make you happier?Taking photos of one’s self is often thought to be addictive and unhealthy. But a recent report suggests it could actually improve your mood
-
Is flossing your teeth a waste of time?The US health department has stopped recommending it, but the NHS is still in favour. So, should you bother?
-
Is casual sex bad for your wellbeing?For some, hookups and one-night stands can lead to increased confidence – but, for others, it can damage self-esteem and cause psychological distress
-
Can you tell how drunk you are?A new study has found that boozers out on the town are more likely to underestimate their drunkenness if their companions are also drinking heavily. The lesson? Take a sober friend with you
-
Should children be able to give consent for medical treatment?Can adolescents be trusted to make decisions about their health? New guidance from the US says those as young as seven should know their options
-
Should I stop using antibacterial handwash and gels?With the FDA banning a number of chemicals associated with antibacterial products, maybe it’s time to go back to old-fashioned soap and water
-
Can statins improve my sex life?New research suggests that statins can improve erections as well as reducing cholesterol, but they may only work for some conditions
-
Why is it so hard to keep weight off?You finally reach your desired weight, only to find it creeping back up. Now, researchers think they have discovered why
-
Do women’s periods really synchronise when they live together?A 1971 study claimed that the dates of housemates’ periods move, then align – but that long-held belief is being challenged by evidence and new studies
-
Should people over 40 work a three-day week?While some work is good for your brain, doing more than 60 hours a week into your 40s is worse than doing nothing, according to a recent survey
-
Can doing fun activities cure my depression?If you are feeling down, learning to tap dance or going out with friends can enhance mood, even if you don’t want to do them
-
How do I reduce the risk of having a stroke?Doctors now think that 90% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes, including eating less salt and processed food, quitting smoking and exercising more. Should you be changing your habits?
-
Should I take multivitamins during pregnancy?Some brands of multivitamins claim to provide mothers-to-be with the maximum nutritional support needed for a baby, but at high prices. However, evidence doesn’t support their claims, or the prices they charge
-
Should I take statins?Some doctors are sceptical about the benefits of taking statins, while others believe people are suffering heart attacks and strokes because of misleading information
-
Will I get acne if I eat fatty foods?Greasy food is often thought to cause spots, but there are worse culprits for zits
-
What is computer vision syndrome – and how can I prevent it?For the millions of people who work in front of a screen, headaches, sore eyes and a painful neck are all too common. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to avoid discomfort
-
Can exercise really reduce the risk of getting cancer?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
-
What can I do to avoid bad breath?Many of us worry that our breath smells, but it’s hard to diagnose yourself. Oral hygiene is the key to preventing halitosis
-
Does early retirement mean an early death?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?
-
Will a holiday make me happy – and if it does, how long will it last?The experts are unanimous: holidays do you good, and you should take more of them. Here are the pitfalls to avoid …
-
Are my emotions giving me migraines?Experts say no but many people link their attacks to stress or emotional upset
-
Should I pay to vaccinate my child against meningitis B?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
-
Is a stand-up desk really healthier?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?
Should I take vitamin D every day?