I am male and 56 years old. I have never had any diseases. Suddenly, I found that I have to pass urine frequently. When I feel an urge to pass urine I cannot control it and there is discomfort while doing so.

You may be suffering from a bladder infection. This can be diagnosed by doing a urine examination in the laboratory. Also, there may be some obstruction to the free passage of urine. Most likely, it is an enlargement of the prostate. It is likely at your age. Consult a urologist, but drink 4-5 litres of water per day while you are waiting for the appointment. Also, take a mild analgesic like mefenamic acid or paracetamol. Even if the symptoms improve, please do not become complacent but consult an urologist.

Fiery finger

I got into a fistfight. When I woke up the following day, I found the middle finger of my right hand swollen and painful.

Ice the finger for two minutes at a time five times a day. Take paracetamol 500mg and then consult an orthopaedic surgeon. You may have a hairline fracture of the bone, which an X-ray or scan can pick up. It may require temporary immobilisation. It would be best if you took proper care of this because it is your right hand.

Diet drink

I love aerated drinks and tend to drink the diet version. I read that aspartame, the sweetener in diet cola, causes cancer.

All chemicals are harmful to the body. Drink plain water or soda if you prefer. If you want cola drinks, have just one a day, diet or sweetened. The quantities of chemicals that must be consumed to cause cancer are very large. I doubt that you consume that many cola drinks.

Some studies have shown an association between aspartame and cancer. The WHO has issued a statement stating that there is limited evidence of a possible carcinogenic effect in humans.

Late puberty

My 18-year-old daughter has not matured. She has not started menstruating.

Menstruation usually starts in girls the same age as their mothers and aunts. It usually sets in between 10 and 14. As she is 18, it is delayed and she definitely needs to be investigated. The problem, maybe genetic, could lie in the uterus, the ovaries, the pituitary or the thyroid. A gynaecologist will be able to sort out the problem.

Train the brain

I am 87. These days, if somebody tells me something or I decide on a course of action, it takes a few seconds before I can initiate the movement or thought. Am I imagining this?

You’re probably not imagining it. It may be because your brain is slowing down. You have to train your brain. You can do this by doing rapid alternative movements. In many countries, they found that juggling is a very convenient way to do this. All you need to do is to buy three rubber balls, of a convenient size that you can hold in your hands. Throw them up one at a time and catch them. Do this 20 or 30 times a day.

Morning fall

I fell while trying to get up early in the morning. Though it was frightening, luckily, no bones were broken. I am 62 years old.

You may have been drowsy and disoriented because of deep sleep. This also sometimes happens if you take sleeping tablets for insomnia. Keep a walking stick hooked over the end of your bed and consciously use it every time you get up. Also, practise the balance exercises in yoga. Check the medications (if any) you are taking with your doctor to see if any of them can cause this.

The writer has a family practice at Vellore and is the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in