Chest X-rays worth the risk
Q: I have been smoking for more than 30 years. Except for an occasional bout of bronchitis, I have been in good health. However, my doctor said I should have annual chest X-rays. Is it a good idea, considering the cumulative effect of radiation? Also, could it be too late by the time problems are picked up on the film? Dr Rose writes: Routine chest X-ray screening is controversial. While it would appear to make good sense that individuals at risk such as yourself undergo routine screening, or anyone exposed to mining, agricultural or textile dusts, studies have by and large failed to show significant differences in death rates between groups who underwent screening and those who did not.
However, most scientists now seem to agree that there is a demonstrated difference in long-term survival rates. Early detection of cancer does not necessarily guarantee a better survival rate, but it gives you, and your doctors a better chance to look for the best treatment. The radiation from modern equipment is minimal, and balanced with the potential benefit to a high-risk individual, it should not be a concern.
Q: I read about a wrist band apparently effective for motion sickness. My 11-year-old daughter suffers from car and sea sickness. Is it safe for her? Dr Rose writes: Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that specific acupressure points along the inside edge of the wrists can affect one's sense of balance and related symptoms of nausea and dizziness. For nausea associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions such as viral inflammation of the inner ear structures, acupressure appears effective..
A new product has been developed based on the same concept. It looks like a wrist band and contains two plastic ball-like structures which, when worn on the wrists, apply pressure to certain acupressure points. It has no harmful side effects, and is quite safe for children.
Q: I am a chocolate fanatic and I am unclear about the effects of sugar on the body. Is it a stimulant or tranquiliser? Many parents think sugar produces hyperactive children but I personally find sweets to be quite soothing.
Dr Rose writes: People react differently to the effects of sugar. While it is true that sugar can cause hyperactivity in a small number of children, it generally has the opposite effect on most people. Sugar acts as a tranquiliser on most people by relieving anxiety and stress and even inducing drowsiness. In others, it may even have anti-depressant qualities.
However, be cautious about the amount of sugar you consume. It has no nutritional value other than supplying calories, and provides a burst of energy which is short lasting. Sugar also causes cavities in the teeth.
Q: My sister just gave birth to a baby girl with a cleft palate. What causes it? Dr Rose writes: Cleft palate occurs in one in every 600 babies. It can range in severity from a slight split in the upper lip to a wide fissure in the roof of the mouth. In severe cases, it causes the baby to have feeding problems. Surgery is now successful in the majority of cases.
A leading factor in the occurrence of cleft palate is maternal smoking, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, often before the woman realises she is pregnant.
Malformations of facial and other physical features can be detected using ultrasound.
