Health And Happiness

Ifeel like I catch every bug or virus going round – is there anything I can do to strengthen my immune system? Joan, Bristol

During the summer, I suffer from such bad swollen ankles and puffy feet. What can I do? Claire, Birmingham

I’ve recently been diagnosed with IBS and stressing about it has made the symptoms worse! Will it ever get easier? Melanie, Poole For more information, visit www.pharmacy2u.co.uk Distressing news stories can be worrying for people of all ages but for children especially, it can lead to real fears and anxiety. Kristen Harding from the childcare agency Tinies (www. tinies.com) says that although it’s impossible to hide everything from children completely, you can take steps to help your family react better to difficult situations.

YOUR REACTION If you are watching the news with your child, they will have a close eye on you and will base their reactions on how you react. It is therefore a good idea to be careful with how you act. Keep a level head and stay calm when you hear an upsetting news story. OPEN UP Don’t be afraid to communicate about what is happening in the news. By not communicating, children can often allow their imaginations to run away with them and will build their worries into much bigger issues.

BIGGER PICTURE It can be difficult for children to contextualise the news which means they can sometimes overreact to what they see. By explaining the background to the story, children can get a better sense of security. You can discuss ways to help those affected. This is a good way to turn the conversation towards people’s ability to pull together in the face of tragedy.