Ask the doctor
QI am a vibrant woman of 86 years old. While I’m not the raging beauty I once was, I am interested in caring for and protecting my skin. How can you make the most of your skin when you’re in your 80s? K.H., WA. Skin health is internal and external. The “inner glow” comes from lifestyle decisions like a healthy diet, minimal or no alcohol and never smoking. Protection from the sun is important at all ages and moisturising twice daily more important with advancing age. You can ask your doctor about a prescription cream called tretinoin (a form of Vitamin A) which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration from sun damage.
QI’ve tried every diet imaginable and I can’t seem to lose weight. I’m not an overeater, I don’t snack. I’ve eliminated foods like sugar and bread and my weight’s barely budged, whereas other people’s would have fallen. Could there be another reason? H.P., Vic. See your doctor to check for medical conditions such as underactive thyroid, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome. You may need to increase the amount of exercise you do. It may be that the food you are eating is more than your metabolism needs. Alcohol is also often a source of extra kilojoules.
Q I love fruit, but I sometimes get hives from it due to its salicylate content. Do you have any recommendations? And does it matter if the fruit is ripe or unripened? S.S., NSW.
Fruits highest in salicylates include apples, apricots, berries and cherries. Interestingly, the salicylate level in fruits and vegetables is higher when they are unripe and decreases as they ripen. I advise you to see a dietician to work out your food allergies. Keep an antihistamine handy if you get hives.
Q I took HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to manage menopause for nearly 20 years until a few years ago, when my doctor advised me to stop. Before I started my bones were terrible. Today, I’ve lost 5cm in height but kept my hair and am still regaining health. Did the prolonged period of taking HRT protect my bones in any shape or form? J.C., SA.
Bone breakdown causes osteoporosis, which increases the risk of a fracture. HRT can slow bone loss and new research shows that in some cases, HRT can improve bone density and structure in women after menopause and up to age 60. There are specific osteoporosis treatments which may be more suitable for you now, so discuss the risks and benefits with your GP.