ASK THE DOCTOR:
readers’ health concerns
Q My mother has become very absentminded. Is there any way I can tell whether it is just old age or something like dementia? What symptoms should ring alarm bells? Z.M.
You will need to take her to her GP for a full assessment as there are many conditions that can mimic dementia, such as depression or urinary tract infection, or the use of some medications. Warning signs include having trouble with everyday tasks; loss of interest; personality or behavioural changes; and difficulty with recent memory.
Q I’ve heard that fish oil is not as good for heart health as previously thought. Is it still worth taking fish oil for arthritis? L.D.
The recommendations about fish oil have ebbed and flowed for years. It is clear that we need omega 3 fatty acids for good health. Good sources include fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil. Fish oil supplements do seem to help reduce inflammatory arthritis.
Q I play a lot of netball and now find my knees painful. Can you give me any advice? J.K.
Netball can be hard on your knees because it involves jarring jumps and twisting
Q I have brittle, splitting nails and am unsure what is causing them. Could they be caused by something like washing up liquids or is there an important vitamin or mineral missing from my diet? I would really like to fix them. A.D. Q Could you please give me some advice on what to do about a heel spur – are there exercises I can do to help it, or a particular shoe that might help? A.W.
This is a common problem. Repeated hand wetting and drying is the most common cause. Chemicals, detergents and alkalis can also cause brittle nails. Supplements which may help your nail health include biotin, silicon, vitamin E and fish oil. movements, and knee injuries are the most common injury. Your GP can refer you to a sports physiotherapist who will assess you and give advice on treatment for your pain. Netball New Zealand has a Netball Smart injury prevention programme – visit netballnz.co.nz to find out more about this. A heel spur is a bony calcium deposit on the underside of your heel. It is a sign of inflammation and often associated with plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist may assess the biomechanics of your foot. Strapping your foot or orthotics may help. The pain can be reduced by wearing supportive footwear, and doing stretching exercises for your foot and calf muscles.