Bounce Magazine May 2015

MAY 2015 | ISSUE
MAY 2015
#31 | HEALTH
ISSUE #31
& WELLBEING
Questions
for Dr Bella Smith
1) How do I boost my Vitamin D
levels?
The clocks have gone forward, the sun is starting
to shine and spring has sprung. This is the perfect
time to boost our vitamin D levels after the long
dark winter as we absorb 80% of vitamin D
from the sun and only 20% from our diet. There
is a fine line between being safe in the sun and
allowing the benefits of the sun for our bodies.
At this time of year the sun is not
strong and being out in the morning
or afternoon with little or no suncream
on is ok and allows us to boost our
vitamin D. As the summer approaches
we will need stronger factor sun cream.
2) I want to try to get
pregnant, what should I do?
It’s very exciting when you decide that it is the
time to start a family and healthy living is key
to optimising your chances. Eating healthily,
exercising, stopping smoking and cutting down
alcohol are all very important for conception.
If you are slightly overweight by losing a few
pounds may increase your chances of regular
ovulation and thus increase your chances of
getting pregnant. Boys should try to wear loose
underwear as sperm become more active and
mobile when they are not too hot. Taking vitamin
supplements can help with overall health but
make sure that these are ‘pregnancy friendly’
for the woman. Use the help of ovulation kits or
phone apps to enable you to be more sexually
active during your most fertile period. Finally give
it some time - this is a natural process that can
take some months or even years. Depending on
your circumstances enjoy this process but seek
help or advice from your GP if you feel things are
moving too slowly.
3) What can I do about Excessive
Sweating?
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition where a
person sweats excessively often
from there armpits, hands or
feet and starts to interfere with
their daily life. Sometimes
there are other underlying
causes for the sweating such
as the menopause, anxiety or
medication, but often there is
no cause. A healthy lifestyle
involving exercise, a healthy
weight, good sleep and a
well-balanced diet may help reduce
sweating. Other advice includes avoiding alcohol,
caffeine, hot drinks or spicy food and wearing
light-weight light-coloured loose-fitting clothing
may also help. There are good deodorants that
you can try some over the counter and others
prescribed by your GP. Some people benefit from
Iontophoresis for sweating of their hands and
feet, and this involves a weak electric current
that temporarily blocks the sweat glands. This
can be very useful for hands and feet. If you are
interested in finding out more about this go to
www.drbellasmith.com.
Dr Bella Smith, is a GP in Woodbridge
and Cosmetic Dr in London & Ipswich,
with Gilmour Piper - see www.
gilmourpiper.co.uk or call 01473 217592
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