THE DOC REPLIES

MY grandson is 15 but has been telling his family he’d like to live as a woman. Will he grow out of this?

Hormones play havoc during our teenage years. Adolescents explore their sexuality and can be quite unsure of themselves. Due to media coverage, the public now has a much greater awareness of these issues. It is important to take his feelings seriously and be sympathetic. This may be a phase and, as he matures, he will become more confident with his own sexuality. In the meantime, it is important to listen and provide support.

I’VE always wanted to have my crooked nose straightened and am planning to have it done privately. Is this a safe procedure?

All procedures have risks, both in relation to the surgery and the anaesthetic required. Obviously, a reputable surgeon in a reputable facility is recommended. The NHS will sometimes deal with nasal problems, especially if they are severe or were caused by an injury. Whether you choose or are offered NHS or private treatment, the important thing is to discuss the risks and benefits with the person carrying out the procedure beforehand.

MY daughter says I should use a sunbed to get some vitamin D. Is it safe?

on our skin when we are outdoors so getting out in the fresh air is certainly better for your health than using a sunbed. We also get it from our diet, especially oily fish such as salmon and mackerel as well as red meat and eggs. Many cereals are fortified with vitamin D.

I’VE been waking up in the morning and my wedding ring feels tight. I’d like to think it was shrinking in the night – but is it possible my hands are swelling? Should I ask my GP?

It is not unusual for fingers to swell overnight, especially if you are lying in a warm bed. Often this will cause increased blood flow to the extremities which can cause a bit of swelling, making rings feel tight. If you are concerned about it, take the ring off before you go to bed. If you are otherwise well, then I do not think there is any cause for concern.

HOW can I tell if I’ve got bed bug bites? I have started getting bites on my back and legs and wondered if there was a way to rule out bed bugs.

Bed bugs can get into the bed but also into other furniture. Not surprisingly one tends to get bites in the areas directly in contact with the bed. They are usually small, red, itchy, sometimes blistered spots. It can sometimes take a few days after exposure before the rash is obvious. They usually clear up without leaving any significant mark. They do not need any specific treatment. A moisturiser and possibly an antihistamine tablet will relieve the symptoms. The bugs are the size of a very small seed but are often very hard to find. It is possible to get pest control experts to deal with bed bugs – but in general getting rid of the mattress will do the job.

MY heart takes over an hour to settle back to a normal pace if I do some vigorous exercise. It seems like a long time. Should I be concerned? I’m 47 and otherwise have no health problems.

Heart-rate recovery after exercise is dependent upon your level of fitness. If you are not accustomed to doing a lot of vigorous exercise then the heart-rate can remain elevated for some time. When we exercise vigorously the heart rate increases and the time that it takes to go back to normal will depend on how long you have been doing the vigorous exercise for, and what your resting fitness is like in the first place. If you have no other health problems and you are not experiencing any chest pain when you are exercising then there is no real need for concern.

Sunbeds would definitely not be recommended as a source of vitamin D. The body creates it from direct sunlight