The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

Because of Covid-19 I have been thinking about quitting smoking. How can I get help?

If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, your lifetime risk of death from a smoking-related cause is around 50%. About 100,000 people a year in the UK die from smoking and long-term smokers can expect an average of 10 fewer years of healthy life than a non-smoker, so it is definitely a good idea to stop. Thinking positively, the younger you are when you stop, the better, but scientists have discovered that no matter how late you stop you still get benefit - your body will try to repair itself. There is very good smoking cessation support within the NHS. Health boards have invested heavily in support measures like Quit Your Way, to help people stop smoking, either in groups or during the pandemic, remotely. You can be referred by your doctor, self-refer or seek support from your pharmacist. This is especially helpful if you haven’t managed to stop in the past - it is always worth trying again. Try writing a list of reasons why you want to stop. Set a date for stopping and prepare for it properly: get rid of smoking paraphernalia and let people know you are quitting. You can access a Quit Your Way Scotland advisor on 0800 84 84 84.

What is the best way to remove ticks?

Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible with either a tick hook or fine-tipped tweezers and then pull upwards with steady even pressure. The important thing is not to crush the tick and cause its infected stomach contents to flow into you. When you have done that, clean the area of affected skin thoroughly. See a doctor if you have a spreading rash or target mark develops.

Is it true there is a condition called Laughing Death and what is it?

Yes. It is also known as Kuru, which is a transmissible prion disease. In the past, it was mainly found in the Fore people of Papua New Guinea who ate the brains of dead relatives. It is a disease of the nervous system which causes poor coordination, tremor and random laughing or crying, ultimately leading to death.