LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER
Your health risks closely mirror your mother's, so knowing her history is crucial. These are the top 10 questions to ask, writes our Fabulous doctor
1 Did your mother, aunt or sister have breast or ovarian cancer? About 10 per cent of cases are genetic, so if several close relatives are affected, ask about genetic screening and have regular mammograms after 50.
2 Is there a history of diabetes? You're five per cent more likely to develop type 1 if a parent has it; and 80 per cent more likely to develop type 2 if other family members suffer and you are obese. Stick to a healthy lifestyle and be aware of symptoms.
3 Has your mum or gran shrunk in height or had broken bones? Osteoporosis could be to blame so, as it often runs in families, stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, take extra calcium and exercise to safeguard yourself.
4 If any close relative has died of heart disease or a stroke, check your cholesterol as these conditions are hereditary. One in 500 has a gene that causes raised cholesterol.
5 Has any relative had bowel cancer at a young age? Around 10 per cent of cases have a family link, so ask about colonoscopy tests and watch for changes in bowel habits.
6 Is there a family history of depression? This is more significant in cases of severe or manic depression and depression at a young age. Be aware of symptoms and seek help if you think you're at risk.
7 If any close family members have had the eye condition glaucoma or macular degeneration, you're more likely to be affected. Both are treatable so have regular eye tests.
8 Has Mum had a thyroid problem? This can be inherited, so ask your GP for advice.
9 Was anyone in the family alcoholic? Some genes can make you enjoy the effect of alcohol more, which could lead to addiction.
10 Did any relatives have pre-eclampsia in pregnancy? It can be genetic and causes high blood pressure, so your GP should monitor your pregnancy if you're at risk.
CELEB CLINIC
The Comic Relief trek up Mount Kilimanjaro was no laughing matter for Cheryl Cole, 25, who suffered altitude sickness halfway up. The condition can cause nausea, nosebleeds and exhaustion, while the star found that she was left feeling "emotional and strange" during the trek.
Altitude sickness is caused by a drop in air pressure, which reduces the amount of oxygen entering the lungs. It can affect people of any age and fitness level. The symptoms will usually pass as the body adjusts.
In Cheryl's case, an anti-sickness jab helped her get back on her feet, and
the singer was well enough to join her fellow climbers to reach the top.
Attagirl!
NEED TO KNOW Headache? Here's what your pain is trying to tell you*
Pain on one side and nausea: Probably migraine, particularly if your eyes are
more sensitive to light. Speak to your pharmacist.
Aching behind the eyes: May be eye strain from reading or staring at a
computer. See an optician.
Throbbing: If it's worse when you tip your head forward, it may be
sinus-related. Drink plenty of water and take a decongestant.
Dull ache: Could be a tension headache due to stress. Take a
paracetamol with plenty of water.
Email your health questions to: drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk
COMPILED BY: BETH GIBBONS PHOTOGRAPHY: CAPITAL, PHOTOLIBRARY.COM *ANY HEADACHE THAT IS ACCOMPANIED BY OTHER SYMPTOMS SUCH AS BLURRED VISION, SLURRED SPEECH, TINGLING OR CONFUSION REQUIRES URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION. PERSISTENT HEADACHES SHOULD ALSO BE CHECKED OUT BY YOUR GP
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Where are you going
By John. Posted October 20 2009 at 5:11 PM.