Doctor
Gill Jenkins's profile
| BBC Host | Hello, and welcome to tonight's Live Chat with Dr Gill Jenkins WOW! Here's the first question. We're off... |
| Stu | Can you give me advice on how to deal with work and deadlines? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | Two things. One is try to relax about it, don't get worked up. Two, get organised. In terms of relaxation, you know you have work but if you plan it properly you can plan some "me" time, some things you want to do in between your work schedule. If you know you have a deadline, divide the work you have and plan each piece to fit into a certain timescale, like a day or morning. Ensure you have a quiet place to work and you need discipline to set yourself a time period to work within. When you have done a two or three hour session of work, go away and do something you want to do, to clear your mind; the worst thing is to leave it all until the deadline. If you have friends with similar work schedules, support each other and try to plan your work time to coincide so then you are free to see each other in the downtime. |
| Miranda | What is the best food to eat to help you concentrate in an exam? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | Our brains need energy and it's no good starving yourself over exam periods. You need protein foods in small regular amounts and some carbohydrates, although too much you will feel drowsy. Energy foods, such as energy bars, are useful and will help you think. Also make sure you're not dehydrated, as that will reduce your concentration. |
| Stargirl | Dr. Jenkins, I weigh nearly 12 stone and I can't seem to lose weight. I do eat healthily too- how can I lose weight? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins |
You need to consider your weight and height to realise whether you are really overweight. We work by a BMI, which is the relation between your height and weight. On the BBC Health website, there's a BMI calendar so have a look at that. Weight is a simple balance of energy in and energy out. Some people are fortunate to be slim, no matter how much they eat, but if you are overweight, you need to reduce your energy input. The easiest way is not to crash diet but to reduce your diet by 1 or 2 items a day and long term, you will lose weight. People have been found to lose weight easily on more frequent meals so try breaking up your food into 10 smaller meals a day. Ideally if you want to cut something out, the fat is what you need least, so a low fat diet should help you lose weight. Alternatively, increase your exercise, maybe walking a bit further, getting off the bus one stop early or walking up stairs. It's more of a lifestyle change. Taking up a sport is good if you're interested but pointless if you don't really want to do it. It's difficult over Christmas but you need willpower once you decide to do it! |
| Minme | I suffer from very serious panic attacks, I have them very regularly and they're ruining my life- what should I do? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | You may be surprised how common these are especially at stress times like exams- the first step is to recognise that they are not life threatening and you will eventually conquer them. It will help to talk to somebody, maybe your doctor or nurse; they may have suggestions such as relaxation tapes or other relaxation therapy and counselling and general support. Many people find that they get very good at recognising the early signs and learn to take time out to relax before the attack deepens. It's all about building your confidence and so anything that will make you feel better and in control of your life, will reduce the number of panic attacks you get. |
| Becca | I think I might have depression. I have done some online tests and they all say I should visit a doctor but I don't want to worry anybody, what can I do? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | I think you should visit your doctor, who will not be worried but should be able to reassure you, either that you're not depressed or, if they think you are, that there is support for you. Again, depression is very common in mild forms and can be seasonal or reactive to stress in your life. However, if it is affecting your life, then you need help. There are many forms of help, from psychological support, behavioural support and medication, should it be necessary, but I would urge you to see your doctor, that's what they are there for. |
| James | I think I might be anorexic. It's coming up to Christmas and I know I'll be expected to eat heaps of food and I really can't face it. What can I do? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | The first thing you must do is talk to somebody. Depending on who you feel will be empathetic - your family members, a friend, a teacher or your doctor ... Christmas is a difficult time for people with eating disorders and it is a time when many people feel pressured to eat or drink. You need to be able to control this whilst at the same time you must realise that you do need food to survive. From the number of people who go on diets after Christmas, it's obvious we all know we eat too much and there are pressures to have the food people have prepared as a special treat. Anorexia can affect any age, and both sexes, and people of any background. I hope you find the support you need. |
| Gaz | My girlfriend dumped me because I have loads of spots, which is causing me loads of stress and I want to get rid of them. I have got antibiotics from the doctor but they don't seem to be working. Have you got any other things I could try? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | She's not much of a girlfriend if she dumped you because of spots! The reason we get spots is changes in your hormones and it's not necessarily linked to hygiene, although keeping your skin clean will help a little. You may want to use a medicated facial wash. There are also creams and lotions available to treat skin, such as oxy treatments. The antibiotics will be slow to take effect but give them time; they do work for most people. It's been shown that spots are actually beginning to develop about 18 months before you see them appear. If you have tried them for three months and nothing is changing, go back to your doctor. The other thing that helps is sunshine on your skin. Eventually, for almost all people, acne settles and your skin will clear. |
| Hulabalooza | Help! I have a real big problem with shyness. You might think it sounds stupid but it's starting to affect my schoolwork and my life now! It's making me depressed! Everyone notices it. |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | We all have our personalities- some appear to be outgoing and some people know they are very shy. We can't change who we are but if your shyness is affecting your social life, it may be time to do something. Your doctor may be able to help or counselling may help to look at why you are shy, what you want from relationships and to show you ways to improve your confidence because, for most people, it's linked to a lack of self confidence. Talk to your friends and if you have a close friend, get their support. If they're your friends, they shouldn't put pressure on you to socialise when you don't want to. It's surprising how many people are shy but bluff it out and appear to be confident when, inside, they're cringing. Either way, anything that improves your confidence will decrease your shyness when you are talking about it. |
| Me | I get bad circulation to my hands and feet in winter- any advice on how to stop this? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins |
If you are elderly or have conditions such as diabetes, there may be medical reasons for your poor circulation, which need management by a doctor. However, if you're young or otherwise well, unfortunately it may just be the way you are and you have to learn to adapt your life to it. There's no real option other than keeping your fingers and toes well wrapped up in the cold and avoiding the downward spiral of getting them cold. Often this tendency runs through families so talk to your Mum or Dad and see if they have found ways to deal with it. The tendency to chilblains is less common now we have central heating but there is no substitute for protecting your skin and keeping yourself warm in the first place. There is medication that may help in extreme cases, but it's generally better to put an extra layer of natural fibre clothing on, like an extra pair of socks. |
| Gertie | I had a breast lump in the summer it has now gone should I still have it checked? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | This would depend on your age and whether there's a history of breast lumps. If you're young and well with no history, it's not likely to be anything serious, it's more likely to have been a cyst or fibroadenosis which is a hormonal effect that is not serious and tends to vary with your menstrual cycle. If, however, you are middle aged or have a family history of breast problems, now is a good time to talk to your doctor and even consider having a mammography, which is an x-ray of the breast. |
| Helpme | Please help...I don't know what to do- I sweat loads! |
| Dr Gill Jenkins |
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where your sweat glands overwork. A few people get it very badly and there is medication, although for most of us, it comes on if we're anxious, stressed or at certain times of the month if you're a girl. Make sure your clothing is made of natural fibres, which allows your skin to breathe. Hygiene is important as bacteria on the skin loves sweat and will grow more in sweaty people, making you smelly and more prone to skin infection. Occasionally, it's due to conditions such as thyroid problems. It may be worth getting your doctor to check this out. You may also find diet makes a difference, particularly if you have very spicy foods or large amounts of alcohol or caffeine. Unfortunately, you may have to blame your parents as it does have a tendency to run in families. Be aware of using stronger and stronger antiperspirants. If they're not controlling it, you need to see your doctor. |
| Gareth | I have recently had glandular fever and am worried that the stress of exams might make it return. I do my GCSEs in the summer so am keen to avoid anything that might bring it on again. Any tips? |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | We see a lot of students who have had this and stress times can bring it on. Plan your work in advance, try to avoid leaving it all to the last minute. Make sure your diet is good. It may be worth taking a multivitamin. It's important to get a lot of sleep as tiredness can cause a recurrence. It's important to talk to your tutors beforehand. You'll get a better response if you've warned them you've had it and it may occur, than if on the day you complain about it. Also, avoid anybody who has other infections, which can trigger reoccurrence. For anyone who's coming up to an exam, be kind to yourself. Don't choose this time to add other stresses such as extra projects or dieting. Good luck. |
| BBC-Host | That is all we have time for. Here's Dr Gill Jenkins with a final word... |
| Dr Gill Jenkins | Your doctor is there to help you. If you find they are not sympathetic, if possible, change doctors. Many people tend to see the doctor their parents have chosen but it's better to find someone who you're comfortable with. You have a right to change if you feel you're not getting someone who's interested in your problems. Remember, the doctor is there to listen to you. Try to be confident about what you want to say. If needs be, even taking a list with you or take a friend as an advocate. |
| BBC-Host |
Thanks to our guest Dr Gill Jenkins, and to all of you who logged on tonight. Sorry if your question didn't get answered - there just wasn't enough time to cover them all. |
