Q: I have really smelly feet and it's starting to embarrass and depress me, especially as they seem to be getting worse now the weather's hotting up. I'm wearing sandals more and I'm sure people at work can smell them. I always wash my feet, dry them properly, wear clean socks and have tried every shoe-odour product I can think of. Can you help? Michelle, 29
A: The odour from feet comes from bacteria in sweat, which breaks down into chemicals that smell more than sweat itself. Anything that allows perspiration to accumulate makes matters worse - but if your feet still smell in sandals, it sounds like you may have a fungal infection between the toes, which can be treated with an anti-fungal cream such as Canesten or Daktarin, available from all pharmacies. I'd recommend wearing cotton socks and lightweight leather shoes, which allow your skin to breathe. Ask your chemist for some Anhydrol Forte or Driclor antiperspirant, containing 20 per cent aluminium chloride solution (around £3.50 each). These are roll-on products that actively reduce the amount of sweat you produce.
Q: I have inverted nipples - does this mean I might have problems breastfeeding when I have a baby? Megan, 33
A: Don't worry, you can still breastfeed with inverted nipples. The nipple tends to be drawn inwards by the action of tiny muscle fibres surrounding it and this is often worse if you're cold or tense. You can encourage your nipples to stand outwards by manipulating them with your fingers from either side and then applying a warm flannel to keep them there. Preparation like this will help when you're breastfeeding. Latching on might be more difficult for your child and you might get a little soreness in the early stages, but using a breast pump before feeds can help to bring out the nipple. Your midwife can help show you how to get your baby drawing a deep mouthful of your breast and you'll find that an erect nipple isn't a necessity.
HEALTH HERO: CAFFEINE
A morning coffee could do more than stop
you nodding off at your desk - it could dramatically reduce your risk of
depression, according to a new study. Researchers at Cardiff University
compared caffeine habits and depression levels in 3,000 men and women, and
found that those who drank 140mg a day (around one and a half espressos)
were half as likely to be affected by depression. Brings a whole new meaning
to the expression being 'full of beans'!
FACT Vs FICTION
Red wine can help you lose weight: FICTION
Recent
research has suggested that red wine could reduce your body fat, but I'm
afraid to say this is really just wishful thinking! Drinking red wine is
actually more likely to make you put on weight. A glass contains about 150
calories, plus the alcohol tends to lower your blood sugar and stimulate
your appetite, making you want to eat more.
COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT, BETH GIBBONS PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOPE, ALAMY
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