The resident doctor of GMTV answers readers’ real-life health concerns...

The problem: panic attacks
How can I prevent my panic attacks from happening – they are affecting my whole life? Michael, 47, Leicester

DR HILARY’S ADVICE
Panic attacks are truly terrifying but you can learn to overcome them.

The important thing to realise is that by avoiding the situation and places that can trigger them in the first place, you can inadvertently make matters worse. 

That’s because they become even more of a challenge, the more unfamiliar and unusual they are. Graduated exposure is the key. This means gingerly exploring those situations one little step at a time – preferably with a friend or counsellor to guide you – and dealing with each wave of anxiety as it arises. By controlling the fear with deep breathing, muscle relaxant techniques and positive thinking you can face the world again. See your GP for referral to a clinical psychologist who is skilled in this subject.

The problem: quitting smoking
I’ve been advised by my GP to stop smoking as I have ongoing health problems. But I’m worried about putting on weight, especially as I am now middle-aged. How can I make sure I don’t pile on the pounds? Gary, 47, London

DR HILARY’S ADVICE
Smoking is incredibly addictive but if you have the willpower to quit you will certainly have the willpower to keep your weight down. The trick is to replace those inevitable cravings with activities and distractions which do not involve food. Taking up a new sport, spending time with friends (who don’t smoke), going shopping – anything, really, that takes your mind off the habit has to be good. And if you must put something in your mouth as a cigarette substitute, opt for a healthy snack such as celery sticks, raw carrots or fruit. Chewing gum can help – especially Nicorette if the nicotine cravings are insistent. Within one month you’ll be over the worst, a lot healthier, and hopefully, still in good shape.

The problem: high cholesterol
I’m worried that with a family history of heart problems I could be at risk, too. How can I improve my cholesterol level? John, 53, London

DR HILARY’S ADVICE
The answer is simple – by eating a diet lower in saturated fat you can lower your level. So avoid red meat, especially the fattier types, anything fried and full fat dairy products too.  Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut back on other carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes and opt for grilled fish, rice and a Mediterranean style diet instead. Exercise regularly too. By reducing your intake of fat and burning up the cholesterol through physical exercise, your heart and circulation are protected.

The problem: my baby won’t sleep
My 13-month-old baby still won’t sleep through the night. We have tried everything – please help. Alana, 28, Leeds

DR HILARY’S ADVICE    
The first thing to check is that there is no medical reason why your baby will not sleep. Sometimes an ear infection, sore throat or tummy pain can be responsible so a quick once-over by your GP would be a good first step. You can also take the opportunity to discuss the problem and feel confident that a sleep management plan can start without worrying that something else may be to blame. Babies and infants vary hugely in the amount of sleep they need and you may just have an alert one! Try to stimulate your baby as much as possible during the day and encourage night-time rather than day-time sleep. Until a good sleep routine is established take it in turns with your partner to get up in the night – and remember – if your baby is well – it doesn’t really matter if occasionally he or she lies awake with a cot mobile or other toy to play with.

The problem: too long on the pill?
I’ve been on the Pill for 15 years. How long is too long and can this do any harm? Jo, 35, Ely

DR HILARY’S ADVICE
The idea that women who use an oral contraceptive pill and are happy with it should have a ‘break’ from it after any length of time is an out-dated and illogical one. There is no benefit in doing so – either to keep a woman healthier or to retain future fertility – and in fact it can often have a down-side as a significant number of women experience an unwanted pregnancy as a result of other contraceptive methods failing. If the Pill suits you and is regulating your monthly periods, there is no reason to stop taking it even after 15 years. Your fertility – should you want it to return – will return within a matter of weeks and women still sometimes get a nasty surprise when they fall pregnant aged 50 or more. So if it suits you – stay with it.

Pictures: getty images