I cannot afford gym fees. Also, the gym is far from my house. I want to make a habit of exercising regularly.

It is not essential to join a gym to be healthy, though the companionship and motivation it offers might keep you more regular. It is possible to walk or jog at home itself in an imaginary figure of “8”. A one-litre bottle filled with water can act as a one-kilo dumb-bell and be used for exercising. The body’s own weight can be used for squats and crunches. The important thing is to stay motivated and regular. Aim for 40-60 minutes of activity daily to stay healthy. All you need to buy is a good pair of shoes.

Puffy face

My face is puffy and swollen every morning. Is it because I have diabetes and high blood pressure?

Some of the medicines prescribed for diabetes and high blood pressure can cause puffiness of the face. If you are on steroids for some other problem, that too can cause your face to swell. It could also be due to endocrine issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome. Even sinusitis can give your face a swollen appearance. Allergies or insect bites cause only temporary swelling with itching. Consult your physician to rule out these causes.

Mammogram age

At what age should I get a mammogram done?

Women aged 45-50 should get an annual mammogram. After that, once in two years is enough. Women over 75 don’t need regular mammograms.

Heartburn

Every night, I get severe burning pain in my chest. I went for several ECGs but they were all normal. My doctor says it is because of heartburn.

These attacks will be reduced if you eat 30ml (1 ounce) of curd on an empty stomach every morning, drink at least three litres of water a day and do not lie down for at least an hour after eating meals. Certain foods can also trigger this, so try avoiding very spicy or deep-fried foods. Eat your meals on time, chewing well and not gulping down. Caffeine in cola drinks, coffee and tea can also precipitate such attacks.

Heart attack

Both my father and uncle died suddenly from heart attacks. I am scared that I will follow suit.

You can try to prevent this by not smoking, maintaining an ideal body weight, controlling diabetes and lipids, and exercising regularly. In addition, try to maintain regular sleep-wake hours and get seven to eight hours of sleep.

Painful blisters

I developed painful, non-itchy blisters on the lower half of my chest.

It sounds like Herpes zoster — caused by a flare-up and reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can occur after the age of 60, in people who have had chickenpox in their childhood. It flares up along the distribution of a single nerve. Untreated, it lasts for 2-3 weeks. It can cause pain along the nerve root. This can be treated with antiviral medication and is most effective if started within three days. Medication reduces the duration and severity of the attack.

Oozing rash

I have rashes on my earlobes, which tend to ooze and itch. What should I do?

If the red, itchy rashes are on the earlobes and recurrent, it is probably “contact dermatitis” — an allergic reaction to the metal in your earrings. Discontinue wearing earrings for 2-3 weeks. That usually provides sufficient time for the allergy to subside. Also, apply coconut oil or liquid paraffin during the day. Finally, use 1 per cent steroid cream and take an antihistamine at night.

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