Ask our doc

Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…

Seasonal shift Q I’m working a night shift on Christmas Eve. Is there a safe herbal stimulant to keep me going the next day? Courtney, Leamington Spa

A Herbal preparations such as caffeine, ephedra, yohimbe and ginseng can act as stimulants but won’t make up for missed sleep. They can have side-effects, too, including palpitations, raised blood pressure and hallucinations. Best to avoid alcohol, have a stiff coffee and try to rest!

Booze promise… Q Every year, I resolve to cut down on alcohol but it doesn’t work. Can pills help? Steph, Douglas

A Drugs can help if you’re severely dependent on alcohol. Finding support might be a better first step. Ask your GP or see nhs.uk/ live-well/

alcohol-support. Tell friends and family of your resolution, cut back gradually and have drink-free days.

Freeze my fat! Q Does fat-freezing to lose weight work? Mel, Darlington

A Applying extreme cold to areas of your body makes fat cells die without damaging skin or muscle, as they’re less sensitive to cold. Fat-freezing can help trim small bulges, but won’t lead to weight loss or a drop in dress size – that still takes diet and exercise!

Stop taking pills? Q I take blood-pressure tablets but my BP’S now fine. Can I stop the pills? Wilhelmina, Bournemouth

A Tablets only control your blood pressure (BP), they can’t cure it, so it may rise if you don’t take the pills. BP can fall, especially if you’ve got fitter or lost weight. See if your GP can reduce your dose.