Similar stories continue to roll across my screen. Such as ..... “ I feel a compulsion to wash my hands. Which I do with soap and water, dry, then feel better. But an hour later, the same urge recurs, tiny at first, but then impelling me to repeat the ritual. What should I do?”
Or it might be a fear of leaving the house, locking the door when leaving finally, then running back to check the lights are off. Or to re-write a list of duties to do ....” The list is endless. Some younger persons hate stepping on joins in the footpath, must always start with the right foot, balance left with right, collect sticks and put them in even rows. Age range is from infancy to adulthood, and even old age.
Can you see yourself there somewhere?. Or course, we all scratch some part of the anatomy, rub the nose, clear the throat – often for a good reason at first. But it continues, and also becomes a “habit”. It is not very nice for onlookers either – a bit embarrassing.
OBSESSIVE COMPLULSIONS
These people all suffer from the same issue. Its official name is OCD – short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Even though it usually stars in a mild inoffensive way, it can take hold, and overtake a persons life.
Like the handwashers, and those tied to the house. These are linked to a family called the “phobias” - hidden fears of something. There are thousands of them. Spiders, snakes, mice, tunnells, heights, deep pools, caught in traffic (between trucks), locked in a room or small space.
A variety of interventions are on hand. In the past, medical hypnotherapy was able to cure the majority. It could take from a few weeks to months. Alternatively, CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy (by psychologists) is often effective., At worst, if all else fails, use of the SSRI medication is useful. This alters the way nerve impulses are transmitted. There are several available, and most “cure”, either alone or in combination with the other interventions. It may take anywhere from 6-12 weeks. After that medication maybe gradually wound down, not but not stopped abruptly.
NATUROPATHY
Q:
What’s your view on naturopathy?
A:
Heaps of information offered is excellent, specially regarding food intake, diet, and lifestyle modifications. There is a huge emphasis on fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, water, herbs, berries, nuts, legumes and reduced animal fats. The emphasis on “prevention” makes sense. Why wait till you’re sick before you seek medical advice. However, if you have a heart attack, nothing beats getting to a major public hospital ASAP for standard western medicine. Everything plays a part in the health cycle.
If nature decided to grow pubic hair, why do women undergo the misery of having it ripped out, wax, laser, razor, all very uncomfortable.
A:
Pubic hair has many functions. Firstly, nature has a small modicum of modesty. I said “small”. Secondly, it improves air circulation. Sweat accumulates here and abraids the skin. Hairs and air help it evaporate to provide natural cooling. A little fat gland on each shaft (under the skin) provides a thin coating of fat over the skin, which helps kill germs and waterproofs it. Removing it can abraid the skin allowing superficial infection. Now sit back and think. Currently laser is the best bet if you consider removal essential. (Money has a lot to do with it too!)
I woke up this morning and rejoiced. I am the luckiest guy in the world. And I am healthy too. A few weeks ago a good friend suddenly died. Which makes me feel even luckier. Make the most of every day is now my motto.
A:
I agree. Each day is a winner. However, it is largely how you make that day. Grizzle and groan and moan, and see the negatives, and you will be miserable – guaranteed. Conversely, being determined to make it a winner, you are a grinner.
I have a large knob at the base of my left toe, and it is starting to turn outwards. This makes it more prominent, and it now rubs on the inner part of my shoe often making it red and swollen, So I tend to wear very open shoes. I am in my early forties.
A:
This is a “bunion”, usually occurring in older person, but nobody is immune. Various orthopaedic shoes are available (or purpose made for you) which accommodates the enlargement. However, it will gradually worsen. Surgical removal is the ultimate cure. At the same time, any other misplaced toes can be re-aligned. It is uncomfortable, and takes a few months to heal, but is worth the temporary misery.
Many sun protection lotions contain a SPF factor, but this varies with brands. Often it is 15 or 30, occasionally 50 and I saw a 90 the other day. Are the higher figures more protective.
A:
Today, SPF 30 is considered adequate for the Aussie sun. The greatest protection is in the early lower figures. 15 was originally widely used. 30 is much better, but 50 or 90 only marginally better. Stick with 30 products, my skin specialist says.
Coughs, colds, aches and pains, feeling off colour, painful joints, sweaty and miserable? Whatever your symptom, or illness, Dr James Wright. may help you, and answer your questions.
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Dr James Wright is associated with lovely Vimiera Retirement Village (vimieravillage.com.au) in the leafy Sydney NSW suburb of Eastwood. It is operated by Mediaid Centre Foundation (mediaid.org.au), a non profit Public Benevolent Institution which provides housing for the elderly, as well as providing a large amount of health information.
