Dr Louise Selby, 36, is a GP based at a large practice near Guildford in Surrey. She has been a doctor for over 10 years and has a strong interest in alternative therapies. She has two children, Anna, three, and Bella, one Ease varicose veins
Lately I have noticed that the veins in my legs are becoming more visible and pronounced. My legs have also started to ache, and in hot weather my ankles swell up. I want to be able to wear shorts and skirts but my legs look really awful. I'm only 35. Could I have varicose veins already?
Yes, it's possible to develop varicose veins at 35. They affect 30 per cent of adults, but are more common if there's a family history of them or you're overweight or pregnant. The veins appear, bulging and twisted, just under the skin. This occurs when the vein wall weakens, causing it
to dilate. When this happens, valves that prevent blood flowing back down your legs stop working properly and this then affects the circulation.
Varicose veins are unsightly but often nothing to worry about. However, your aching and swollen ankles are classic problems. In severe cases, the skin on the lower legs may even develop ulcers.
Losing any excess weight will help keep them at bay, and graduated compression support stockings will stop your ankles swelling and ease some of the aching Elbeo has some for £4 (The Leg-Care Company ; 01288 359599). Raise your feet when sitting to help reduce the swelling, and apply cool witch-hazel solution (Boots Witch Hazel, £2.19, www.boots.com to soothe.
Sclerotherapy injecting chemicals into the veins can be a good solution for smaller ones. Surgical options include stripping out larger veins and making small cuts to remove the smaller ones (avulsion). Radio-frequency ablation or laser ablation destroy veins with heat.
Speak to your GP about options, or find out more at www.besttreatments.co.uk
Can a pill help me lose weight?
According to an article I read recently, there is a new slimming drug you can buy over the counter. I've been trying to lose weight for a year without success. I'm too busy running my own company to spend any time in the gym and I often eat ready-made meals, which doesn't help. How do I get hold of this drug and is it safe? You are referring to the Alli tablet made by GlaxoSmithKline. It's expected to be approved for use in the UK next year, but it's not a wonder drug it's only effective when combined with a healthy diet and willpower, and side effects include diarrhoea. Trials suggest that once people stop taking the drug they regain all the lost weight.
Being overweight means you're at risk from health problems including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, so it's important to make a long-term healthy-eating plan a priority. It is difficult, but if you're organised and committed, it is possible.
Cut out ready-made meals and junk food and stick to a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. Think about joining a dieting group it's easier when others are spurring you on. Our shedietclub.co.uk also offers tailor-made weight-loss plans and healthy-eating strategies, as well as motivation and support. Incorporate regular exercise into your day. Regular brisk walking will help control your weight and reduce stress!
For further advice, visit www.weightconcern.org.uk.
Send travel sickness packing
I suffer from terrible travel sickness, which makes me dread foreign holidays. I've been invited to France this year, which means travelling by car and ferry.
I really want to go but I can't face the headaches and nausea that I know I'll get. I'm 32 and have been suffering for as long as I can remember. What can I
do to alleviate the symptoms?
Travel sickness affects 30 per cent of adults in the UK. Your symptoms are caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages from the eyes, and motion-detecting hair cells in the inner ear.
You can minimise this by sitting in the front of the car or by the window on a ferry, getting lots of fresh air, only eating light meals before or during travel, and sleeping as much as possible during the journey. However, in the car, it helps to be the driver rather than a passenger as drivers seldom suffer from car sickness.
There are a number of medications you can take. Hyoscine is thought to be the most effective try Boots Travel Calm Tablets, £2.49 (www.boots.com). The dose should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before travelling. It can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, so do not take this if you are going to be behind the wheel. Or try an antihistamine, such as cinnarizine (Stugeron 15, £2.99, www.boots.com), or cyclizine (Hayfever and Allergy Relief tablets, £7.79, www.boots.com). These can be bought over the counter and are not as effective as hyoscine, but have fewer side effects.
Ginger is a popular alternative remedy for motion sickness. Try taking a flask of ginger tea with you to drink on your journey. Some people also find motion-sickness wristbands helpful. These work by putting pressure on an acupuncture point to relieve nausea. Available from www.boots.com, £6.99.
Contact us with your questions
If you have a question, email doctor@shemagazine.co.uk, or use the 'Ask the doctor' box below. Selected questions will be answered in SHE and here on our website.
For additional health and medical advice visit our sister website netdoctor.co.uk or click here to see more medical Q&A from Dr Louise Selby.
These answers are for information only, and not meant to replace professional medical care by a qualified medical practitioner. The information should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. We strongly advise readers to consult your GP about any health problems you may have.
Copyright © 2007 SHE magazine
