Health

Dear Doc, Is there really a breast cancer gene? If my grandmother and mother both had breast cancer, the likelihood of me getting it is high, but does that mean I’m genetically disposed? I’m nearly 50 and have done my regular mammograms, and so far so good.Barbara Simmons Dear Barbara, There are genes associated with breast cancer and they are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Their mutation is a

Dear Doc, I started putting on weight during COVID, and as I’m over the age where life is supposed to begin, I can’t seem to shed the pounds. I know that I can exercise and modify my diet to lose the weight, but how do I get rid of the very dark skin where my legs are still rubbing together because of the weight? This is a common concern for individuals who have chafing from the increased

Dear Doc, To have a hiccup once in a while is normal, but I have for the last couple of months been having bouts of hiccups more regularly. Since COVID I have been gardening, which means more physical activity than I’m used to, and it is after that I realised I started having hiccupping bouts. I’m sure there is a connection, so could you explain it fully for me? Thank you.- Mons. W. Merryville.

UV & You by Nick Nunes Though not celebrated across the world or as yet endorsed by the United Nations, July was recognised as UV Safety Awareness Month in the United States. For a country that experiences pretty severe sunshine year round, Barbados should definitely be on board with advocacy for ultraviolet (UV) awareness. According to Winchester Hospital, “Dark-skinned people, including

CRYSTAL NICHOLLS PERFORMER TO NUTRITION COACH by Katrina Welch “WHEN I WAS AT UNIVERSITY, I USED TO EAT A SLICE OF PIZZA AND DRINK A CAN OF COKE EVERY SINGLE DAY. I FIGURED BECAUSE I WAS DANCING EVERY DAY I DIDN’T NEED TO WATCH WHAT I EAT.” These are the words of Performer and Wellness Coach Crystal Nicholls who first started dancing at the age of five and has followed her passion

MENTAL HEALTH AND CARIBBEAN MEN by Dr Kadisha Douglin Isn’t everyone at risk for mental illness? Aren’t women more likely to be diagnosed with common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety? Why single out men’s mental health? While it is true that women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, and more likely to attempt suicide, men are more