Formula feed
I want to go to a friend’s wedding, but my 3-month-old will need a couple of bottle feeds. Can I just take boiled water in sterilised bottles and add powdered milk?
Sarah, Southampton
I wouldn’t recommend this for newborns, but you should be OK if you follow the instructions carefully. Properly sterilise the bottles, then fill to the top with just-boiled water. Leave no air in the bottles. They must be sealed with an airtight lid. When you want to make up the feed, just tip some of the water away and make up the feed in the usual way. Also make sure also that the teats are kept sterile until needed. Bottles prepared in this way will be OK for a whole day.
Waste of money?
I’m feeling very run down, and thought I’d try some supplements. What do you think about these? Are they any good or would I just be wasting my money?
Sam, Loughborough
People who eat a well-balanced diet don’t need supplements. But nowadays, for many people, eating is as much about pleasure and convenience as it is about nutrition. It’s been estimated that just 10 % of people have a diet that provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals and ‘trace elements’. A good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement may be useful for a good background nutrient boost. I can’t predict whether you’ll feel any better if you take this, but you could consider it.
Pain in the neck
For months I’ve had a stiff painful neck from behind my ear to the tip of my shoulder. When I turn my head it seems to pull on it. I’ve tried Ibuprofen gel but it isn’t getting better. What else can I try?
Jess, Bradford
You’re describing pain in the trapezius muscle, that goes down the back of the neck, forms the ridge of the shoulder and inserts around the shoulder joint. This could down to activity, posture, tension, or due to wear and tear in the neck vertebrae. If gel such as Ibuprofen hasn’t helped, you could try anti-inflammatory tablets. I also suggest a wheatbag that can be heated up and wrapped around the neck. If it’s not settling, some physiotherapy would be the next step.
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