What women doctors want you to know: health stealers

We’re not saying they’re better than their male colleagues, simply that some female medics may have fascinating nuggets of health advice that could benefit women. We asked 25 experts to share their vital stay-well secrets. here's what they said about hidden health stealers...

Iron overload

‘If you see your GP because you're tired all the time and have aches and pains, you'll usually be tested for anaemia. Your doctor may then tell you all is well - in fact you have a really good supply of iron - and that's why haemochromatosis is often missed,' says Dr Pixie McKenna, a presenter on Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses. ‘It's an inherited condition that causes harmful iron overload and is very common in people of Celtic origin - 1 in 83 are carriers. Yet it's easily detected by having a blood test, and treatment is just like giving blood.'

Inflammation

‘Chronic inflammation increases with age, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke,' says BBC GP Dr Tricia Macnair, who explores the subject in her book 'The Long Life Equation' (New Holland, £5.99). ‘It's also linked to a range of age-related conditions, from Alzheimer's to diabetes. You can curb it by adding anti-inflammatory superfoods to your diet along with fish rich in omega-3s and brightly coloured fruit and veg. Include grapes, berries and peanuts, which contain a protective compound called resveratrol, acai fruit, probiotic yogurt, garlic, onions, buckwheat and pulses. But steer clear of saturated fats, sugars and starches because they increase inflammation.'

Migraine

If you've never before had one of these searing headaches with nausea and even vomiting, you might blame it on stress, a hangover, or food poisoning. ‘Migraine often strikes for the first time in your 40s, so if you are not sure what it is, keep a diary,' says Dr Ann McGregor, director of clinical research at the independent City of London Migraine Clinic. ‘If the headache is episodic, painful enough to disrupt your life, you feel sick and light bothers you, it's likely to be migraine, and you can get tailored treatment to help.' If you develop headaches (or a different type of headache from normal) at any time, do check with your doctor.

And see our special on coping with pain 

Moisturisers

Many of these products contain a percentage of sunscreen, which shields you from skin cancer and wrinkles but also limits the skin's absorption of vitamin D. ‘It's a balancing act,' admits Dr Susan Lanham New, reader in nutrition at Surrey University and advisor to the National Osteoporosis Society. ‘You can afford to leave 5% of your body surface - like your face, neck and hands - bare for 20 minutes, but be careful not to burn.'

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