q My feet smell so bad that I’m not eager to take my shoes off.
It would help if you soaked your feet in a basin of warm water to which 5ml of vinegar has been added. After five minutes, pat your feet dry. Change your socks every day. Buy two pairs of shoes so that you can alternate them. That way, one pair will “dry out” for 24 hours. That gives bacteria (which causes the smell) less chance to grow in the sweaty, damp shoes.
Sleepless and snappy qMy work is mentally, not physically, challenging and the hours are long. I find it difficult to sleep and snap at everyone.
You are probably mentally exhausted. This can result in difficulty concentrating and a short fuse. Take a 5-minute break every hour. (Set a timer for this.) Incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily schedule. You will sleep better.
Loose grasp qI am 75 years old and find it difficult to grasp objects.
Consult a doctor and get tests done to rule out medical causes like diabetes, hypothyroidism, carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
In the meantime, walk briskly for 10 minutes daily, carrying a one-kilo dumbbell in each hand . If you don’t want to purchase weights, use two one-litre bottles filled with water.
Night sweat qI wake up night after night drenched in sweat. I tried lowering the temperature on the air conditioner, but that did not help.
Night sweats may occur in women because of hormonal changes during menopause. In that case, they will spontaneously subside in a few months. If you are not in perimenopause, medications for thyroid disorder or diabetes can precipitate this. It can also occur because of thyroid disorders or tumours or cancer, particularly lymphomas. You need to get it sorted out.
Chest pain q I thought I regularly developed heart pain but the chest pain has been diagnosed as acidity.
Cut back on coffee, cola, sauces and chocolate. Eat small meals and chew slowly. Drink 3-4 litres of water a day. Take 30ml of homemade curd every morning on an empty stomach. Do not lie down immediately after eating.
Hiccups q I get hiccups frequently. It is uncomfortable and a source of amusement for bystanders.
Hiccups are funny, except to the sufferer. Mostly, they go away on their own. You could try holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag (not plastic) for five minutes or gulping water. If hiccups last for more than two days and are accompanied by abdominal pain or vomiting, consult a doctor.
Quick workout q I have only 20 minutes a day to spare. How can I get in an efficient, practical workout?
Increase the efficiency of your workout by doing HIIT (high intensity intermittent training). Every three minutes, walk or jog fast for a minute. Carry two or three-kilo dumbbells as you walk. Wear a backpack with five kilos of books or papers when you work out.
Skin tags q I have many skin tags on my neck. They are non-itchy and painless.
Skin tags develop in areas with friction. They are cosmetically unappealing but harmless. They may occur because of endocrine problems so check your blood sugar levels. There are several unproven anecdotal ways to remove them, like applying vinegar or toothpaste. The best way is to consult a dermatologist. They use electrocauterisation or cryotherapy for removal.
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
