ASK THE DOCTOR
Q I am 50 and find that when I get my cholesterol checked one doctor says it’s high and I should work to lower it, and the next time with basically the same results another doctor says don’t worry too much as your good cholesterol is high. Whom should I trust? J.B., SA It is difficult when you get conflicting medical advice. High cholesterol is one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but it needs to be considered alongside other risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, diabetes, blood pressure and family history. On the website cvdcheck.org.au/calculator/ you can calculate your risk and this helps to make a decision about medication. Of course, lifestyle measures are important for your general health too.
Q I have seen an app that helps you learn progressively to run to 5km. It seems like a cheap, good way to improve fitness, but at 54 years old and as a beginner, do I have to worry about the impact on my bones? S.H., NSW Weight-bearing exercise is good for your bones. You do need to think about your joints, though. Depending on your general fitness, 5km is not overdoing it, provided you build up to it gradually. Have a check-up with your doctor first.
Q What’s the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath and which would be better for treating a stiff neck from sitting at a desk? V.W., NSW For neck problems, I prefer a physiotherapist with special training in spinal physiotherapy. Aiming to improve a person’s ability to move, physios use their expertise in anatomy and physiology to treat many health conditions. Avoid having any sudden neck manipulations because of the risk of a complication, vertebral artery dissection, causing stroke. An osteopath can stretch and massage the soft tissues and muscles of your neck and back, but tell them not to “crack” your neck.
Q I have asthma and have just been diagnosed with house dust mite allergy. Will this make my asthma worse? What can I do? M.O., Qld
House dust mite allergy is a common trigger for asthma. Steps to reduce exposure should focus on your bedroom, as the greatest exposure to house dust mites is from your bed. Remember to clean blinds and curtains regularly and open the curtains and air your bedding in the sunshine. Use dust mite-resistant pillows, quilts and mattress covers. Remove soft toys or wash and dry them weekly. Wash bed linen in water hotter than 55°C and hot tumble dry. Where possible, remove carpets and floor mats and have washable floors. Wear a mask when you are dusting or vacuuming. Freezing soft toys overnight or dry cleaning kills the mites but doesn’t remove the allergen. More at nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/