Life&Style February Issue - MaltaRightNow.com

| HEALTH |
D C Q&A
John Cutajar M.D.
(doctor of medicine and surgery)
Contact us with your queries. If you have a medical question email us at: life&style@media.link.com.mt or write in
to: DOC Q & A, , Life & Style, Media.Link Communications Co Ltd, Triq Herbert Ganado, Pieta HMR 08. Please
state your age, sex, initials and town. A selection of questions will be answered in the magazine but our doctor cannot
enter into personal correspondence.
The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you’re worried, see your GP.
Q I suspect my 16-yearold
daughter is taking
drugs. I have no proof, it’s
a ‘mother’s intuition’ based
on her present lifestyle.
Can you tell me please
what physical symptoms
and social factors I should
be looking out for? As she
smokes I suspect at the
moment she’s smoking
the occasional joint. I am
terribly concerned. I’m
sure there must be many
mothers who are equally
concerned to know what
symptoms to look out for.
Ms A.P. - Qormi
A This is an extremely vast and delicate
subject. First I will address your direct question.
It can be very difficult to identify a person who
is starting to try out drugs. Physical symptoms
may include irritability, anxiety, restlessness,
lethargy, aggressive behaviour, depression, lack
of interest in usual activities, loss of appetite,
frequent nosebleeds, eye irritation, inability to
concentrate and memory lapses. Despite the
long list, symptoms may be mild and barely
noticeable. Moreover, none of these are specific to
drug abuse and each could easily be due to other
less serious causes. Typically there would also
be some social factors such as a sudden change
of friends, secretive behaviour, petty theft or
deterioration in progress at school. You may want
to keep a lookout for unusual smells or stains
on clothes, any marks on her arms, legs or lips,
unusual tablets or powder, scorched metal or foil,
and the possibility of any alcohol, prescription
drugs, cash or valuables going missing from the
house. I understand your concern, but do not let
this become an obsession. Any sixteen-year-old
would expect to be treated as an adult, even if
his or her behaviour demonstrates immaturity.
Probing into her life and expressing what she
may perceive as excessive concern will only
make things worse for both of you. Healthy
communication is the key to guiding children to
a life free of substance abuse. Whether she is
taking drugs or not, she should be made aware of
the devastating effects of smoking, alcohol and
drug abuse on health and life. Be available for
her to discuss the problems, fears and thoughts
which might be pushing her towards such a
lifestyle. Sensing that you love her and that
she can trust you will help her understand that
following your advice and making responsible,
healthy choices will after all be in her own best
interests.
Q I have had diabetes
for three years and have
always been able to control
it. I have an enormous
amount of energy and run
a big family. The worry I
have is that I am losing
weight and am down from
9.5 to 8.5 stone. I find I
can’t sit and relax and
am always on the go. I
maintain a proper diet. Can
you tell me how I could put
on some weight? Could a
change of insulin help?
Ms B.F. - Valletta
A There are many possible causes of weight
loss. These may very well be associated with
your diabetes, but may also be totally unrelated.
High blood sugar levels lead to high levels of
sugar in the urine, with consequential loss of
large amounts of fluid and dehydration. There
is usually polyuria (passage of large volumes of
urine) and polydipsia (excessive thirst), and this
can be severe enough to cause significant weight
loss. Another possible cause is over-activity of
the thyroid gland, which can result in weight
loss despite a normal or even increased appetite.
I suggest you discuss this with your general
practitioner. Most importantly your diet and
diabetic control will be re-evaluated. If control
is not optimal, a change of insulin treatment
might be needed as you suggested. Thyroid
gland function will also be checked by clinical
examination and a blood test. Maintaining a
proper diet is important. Do not make dietary
adjustments with the aim of gaining weight
unless advised and told how to do so by your
doctor.
Q I have a PC at home
and I would like to know
what kind of problems I
might experience from
excessive use. Ms B.B. - Msida
A Your concerns are justified, as the longterm
incorrect use of computers and related
equipment is associated with increased health
risks. Excessive and habitual use can cause
postural neck and back pain, stress, headaches,
irritability, sleep disturbance, eye strain, eyesight
decline and many other problems. Computer
users should sit comfortably without placing any
strain on their neck or back. Avoid crossing or
bending legs and ensure adequate leg-space.
Screens should be in a central position rather
than to the side, at a height which allows
comfortable neck posture. Frequent breaks are
advisable and anti-glare screen filters can help
protect against eyestrain and headaches.
L&S | FEBRUARY ’07 25