Back Pain

Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The spine being made up of 24 bones and associated cartilage and tendons supports the whole weight of the upper body and, therefore, it is understandable that sometimes it sometimes goes wrong.

Because of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for more than a few days. If, as usual, the pain has been caused by abuse i.e. lifting too heavy weights etc, be sensible and take things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back.

Take paracetamol, which will not only relieve the pain but will help to relieve inflammation.

Burns

Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing.

If the bum is larger than four or five inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Colds

Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed and take plenty of drinks. If you have a headache or are feverish, take paracetamol as instructed on the packaging. Antibiotics will have no affect on the common cold!

Chickenpox

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3 - 4 mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches.

During the next three to four day's further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn 'crusty' and fall off. Oily calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help.

The most infectious period is from two to three days before the rash appears and up to five days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last 'crusts' have dropped off.

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