your health Ask Dr Rosemary Leonard

Got a medical problem or need health advice? Ask GP Dr Rosemary Leonard

This Month... Looking after your eyes Dealing with • • post-menopause loss of libido Excess wind •

QIs it true that staring at a computer screen all day is bad for your eyes? And what about reading in dim light?

Astaring at a computer screen all day long can put strain on the muscles that keep your eyes focused, making them feel tired. Reading in dim lighting can have the same effect. you are also likely to blink less often when looking at a screen, making your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. But neither looking at a screen or reading in low light will lead to any permanent damage to your eyes, or increase the need for stronger prescription glasses. However, to help prevent eye strain, when reading, have a light shining directly on the page

(not over your shoulder), and when

looking at a screen, look away and rest your eyes briefly every 20 minutes. Adjust the lighting so it doesn’t create a glare on the screen, and make a conscious effort to blink more so that your eyes stay well lubricated.

QMy gas is embarrassing! I’m aware I often produce really smelly wind – what was called “silent and violent” in my youth. It’s really embarrassing. I don’t have any pain or bloating, but I’m aware I’m often really antisocial. Any suggestions?

AThe average person generates between 0.6 and 1.8 litres of gas every day, from two sources. some is from swallowed air, so try to avoid fizzy drinks, and to eat more slowly. However, the majority of gas comes from the trillions of bacteria living in the large intestine, and they are important in digesting

food. some types of bacteria can produce several sulphur-containing compounds that are the main odour culprits, and they thrive especially on foods that contain carbohydrates that are resistant to being broken down in the stomach and small bowel. The bacteria then get to work on them in the large bowel, producing smelly gas in the process. The main culprits are pulses, but peas, broccoli, cabbage, parsnips, raisins and prunes can have the same effect. Altering your diet may help but make sure you eat enough fibre so you don’t become constipated, which can also make the tendency to smelly wind worse. you may find it helpful to try and alter the balance of bacteria in your gut by eating fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, or taking a probiotic such as symprove.

QMy sex drive has gone – how can I resolve this? I’m 52, and my periods stopped around two years ago. I’ve been anxious recently and my libido has fallen through the floor. My daughter is away travelling, and my father is ill, both of which aren’t helping my mood. My GP has suggested I have a low-dose antidepressant, but wouldn’t HRT be better at my age?

AAt two years on, your ovaries will now well and truly have stopped working, and certainly low libido could be due to very low oestrogen levels. Going on HRT may help, but it’s unlikely to give you the sex drive you had when you were younger. Boosting oestrogen levels may also help your anxiety a bit. However, HRT is linked with a slightly increased risk of getting breast cancer, especially if you take both oestrogen and progesterone for more than five years, after the age of 50, and stopping it can be difficult, as it can trigger hot flushes and sweats. As you admit, other factors in your life may be contributing to your anxiety, and a low-dose antidepressant, combined with some counselling, might be a more effective remedy for your anxiety and disturbed nights, and therefore may improve your libido.