I’m delighted Julianne Moore is getting an Oscar nod for her role her role as a linguistics professor with early-onset Alzheimer’s in the film Still Alice, released here in March.
Dementia is a devastating condition, and seems especially cruel when it cuts someone down in their prime. Last year Cate Blanchett won Best Actress for portraying another woman gripped by illness.
In that instance it was psychosis. Cynics might suggest playing ‘strung-out’ characters is a short cut to Oscar glory, but I totally disagree.
Cut down in her prime: Julianne Moore as Alzheimer's sufferer Alice in Oscar-nominated film Still Alice
It’s important that Hollywood tackles these difficult diseases that in reality affect a huge number of people.
These two actresses may appear in all their airbrushed perfection in adverts, but neither shy away from taking on tough roles in their day jobs.
And it seems the reality check does not stop there – Reese Witherspoon has also been nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her role in the film Wild, a true story of a woman coping with the death of her mother from cancer.
Cinema is sheer escapism. But it is important for films to tackle gritty and oft-ignored subjects, as it provides comfort to those who may be suffering in silence.
I have stopped taking statins after three years due to the side effects: a lack of energy and muscle pain. I now feel much better, but the pain is still there, with joint stiffness. It will go away, won’t it?
It is estimated that more than 100 million prescriptions a year are written for the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins. Your muscle symptoms – known as myalgia – are believed to affect between five and ten per cent of patients taking them. Pain, weakness, tiredness, stiffness, cramping and a much rarer, more serious breakdown of muscles known as rhabdomyolysis are all reported.
It can take up to a year of taking the medicines before noticing any symptoms at all. Certain people are more prone to these side effects, including women, the elderly and those with diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney and liver disease.
A GP or cardiologist should advise whether statins can be safely stopped or substituted given the individual’s personal risk of a stroke or cardiac event
Coming off a statin must involve a careful consideration of the risks and benefits in terms of one’s quality of life with these symptoms, versus the benefits of cardiovascular-disease prevention. The side effects can sometimes be reduced with a lesser dose or a change of tablet.
A GP or cardiologist should advise whether statins can be safely stopped or substituted given the individual’s personal risk of a stroke or cardiac event. When patients stop statins, the muscle pains tend to subside within a few months. If muscle pains continue, it is wise to look for other causes of myalgia including thyroid and rheumatological conditions.
It is often suggested that people should take a supplement known as CoQ10 to help with statin-induced myalgia. The research is still inconclusive; however, since we know it is well tolerated, it is worth a try.
I have rosacea and have been prescribed Metrogel, which I apply morning and night as instructed. I’ve also been advised to use sun-tan lotion on top, but the combination has left my skin dry and feeling tight. Can you advise?
Rosacea is a common condition affecting roughly ten per cent of the population, and most commonly women above the age of 30. The condition is a collection of symptoms including spots, flushing and redness that looks like sunburn.
Sufferers also get broken spider veins on the skin, a burning sensation in the face and, in severe cases, thickening of the skin, particularly on the nose.
Sun damage seems to play a part in the severity of the condition and sufferers should avoid the sun. This means wearing a high-factor sun cream (more than 30) on the face that protects against UVA and UVB.
However, it is important to use one designed for sensitive skin, as the sun block itself may contain ingredients that irritate the skin. A non-irritant medical moisturiser such as Diprobase should be available over the counter without prescription.
Usually glamorous Strictly dancer Ola Jordan hospital this week with a suspected broken leg; not really surprising given her participation in TV show The Jump
This prevents the drying out of the skin often seen in rosacea, and especially with antibiotic creams like Metrogel.
I urge patients with skin conditions to engage with other sufferers for advice. Patients can do this through the online forums at the British Skin Foundation.
I often meet teachers who are ill from stress. So I was interested to read that a council spent £3,600 snooping on teacher Kim Shaw, who was signed off sick for stress-related conditions. Suspicions of malingering were seemingly raised on account of the kitten-heels she was wearing. I never realised there were requisite clothes for specific diagnoses…
Usually glamorous Strictly dancer Ola Jordan hospital this week with a suspected broken leg; not really surprising given her participation in TV show The Jump.
I do have to ask why she (or any right-minded person) would opt into one of the riskiest reality shows in television history, especially given that a fully functioning body is very much her livelihood.
YOU AGREE! WE CAN HELP SAVE THE NHS
I was overwhelmed by the positive reaction to my five-point plan, right, on how we can all do our bit to help solve the NHS crisis. Here’s a selection of the letters and tweets from fellow professionals, politicians and, most importantly, you, the patients.
‘Ask not what your NHS can do for you, but what you can do for your NHS. Self care works.’
Paul Trevatt, nurse (tweet)
‘Most of us know when we are really poorly and need to call the doctor. We cannot keep taking, we have to learn to look after ourselves as much as we can.’
Mrs V. Spence, Lichfield, Staffordshire
‘Challenging, but right from Dr Ellie. All politicians need to do more on the patient-responsibility agenda.’
Andy Burnham, Labour Shadow Health Secretary
‘Everything you said is so true –why aren’t there more people in healthcare with your ideals? It is about time we started charging people who do not turn up for their appointments.’
Mary Stock, Newport, Gwent
‘Well said, Ellie! I’m a receptionist at a surgery and need this in leaflet form to give out to patients.’
Emma Morrison (tweet)
‘I agree wholeheartedly with your column. People could help so much if only they’d stop and think, “How can I help myself?” ’
Florence Hall, Essex
‘Your five-point plan is excellent and could be used to address the problems inherent in the NHS. The Government needs to listen to advice from the professionals.’
David Barnett, Bradford
‘There is a great deal of wastage in the NHS that we need to get rid of. We have to remember the word ‘‘health’’ in the NHS. That means no more boob jobs, nose jobs or vanity plastic surgery that should be saved up for and performed in a private hospital or clinic.’
M. Thompson, Greenock, Renfrewshire
‘Well done, Ellie. And please, politicians, stop treating the electorate like children. Healthcare is not free.’
Ben Miller, radiologist, Birmingham
‘Well said, Ellie. Your column should be printed on a leaflet and posted through everyone’s door.’
Rachel Charles (tweet)
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2914669/ASK-DR-ELLIE-brave-stars-bringing-real-life-big-screen.html#ixzz3P901gbgF
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