Doctor Google: Mapped (UK)

How can I lower my blood pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force your heart uses to pump blood around your body, and extreme levels can indicate poor health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, among others, so keeping it at an average rate is essential.

Symptoms of high blood pressure can include headaches or heart palpitations, and the risk of this condition increases with age. You can make lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure and prevent it from becoming a problem in the future. These changes include adopting a diet with a reduced salt intake, exercising regularly, and reducing caffeine.

Why can’t I sleep?

Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can result from various factors, but for the sake of your health, it is essential to identify the source as soon as possible. Some of the most common causes of insomnia include stress or anxiety, recreational drugs, and caffeine.

Every adult is different, but if you are struggling to get your 7-9 hours of sleep, there are some things you can try. According to research, the perfect sleeping conditions include a quiet room between 15.6 and 19.4°C. If you are still restless, consider including physical activity as part of your daily routine or practice meditation before bed to help clear your mind.

What are the signs of skin cancer?

Skin cancer is commonly caused by ultraviolet light, which is typically associated with exposure to the sun. It is understood that some factors can make people more predisposed to skin cancer than others, including those with pale skin and old age, but regularly applying sunscreen is the best way to reduce your risk of developing this disease.

As the skin is an external organ, many of the common signs and symptoms of skin cancer are visible. These can include, but aren’t limited to, changes in existing skin spots, an ulcer lasting more than four weeks, or having a mole with poorly defined borders.

What is the best sunscreen for my face?

As previously identified, sunscreen can be life-saving, but with many product variants, which one do you choose? While no sunscreen can completely shield your skin from harmful rays, it is recommended that you use one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. To maximise your protection and skin health, apply sunscreen every couple of hours when exposed to the sun.

Why do I feel sick after eating?

Nausea, or feeling sick, can cause lots of short-term discomfort but can also indicate a more serious health condition. Suppose the uneasiness in your stomach goes away without vomiting. In that case, you shouldn’t necessarily discount it as it could be a sign of a food intolerance/ allergy or an underlying health condition such as kidney or liver disease.

Avoiding anything that you can identify as a trigger should help to keep nausea at bay, but anti-motion sickness medication can also help to alleviate symptoms. However, if the post-meal nausea is accompanied by blood in your vomit or stool, then you should consider seeking medical attention.