Health Do you have a problem youd like answered? If so, write to us at: Inspire magazine, 1 Cambridge Technopark, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8PB or email inspire@versusarthritis.org Ask the doctor iSTOCK.COM / SOUTH_AGENCY Whether its a health niggle or emotional problem, Inspires DR SARAH JARVIS gets straight to the point Q Im on Humira, and my grandson has chickenpox. Isit safe to visit? Jane H, via email FIND OUT MORE If you want to read more about treatments for arthritis, go to versusarthritis.org/aboutarthritis/treatments Dr Sarah Jarvis answers: I would strongly suggest you stay well away from your grandson for the next few weeks. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella virus, is highly infectious. It takes anything from 10 days to three weeks after being exposed to chickenpox to develop symptoms. Its usual to have a fever, and possibly tiredness, a headache and/or tummy pain, for a few days before the rash develops. You can catch chickenpox from someone who has it from a couple of days before their rash starts until the spots have completely scabbed over. Most people who have had chickenpox will be immune to catching it again. However, youre at much higher risk if your immune system is compromised by a medical condition such as blood cancer or medical treatment. This includes biologic drugssuch as Humira, which calms down your immune system, and manyof the other disease-modifying drugs to treat arthritis. If you do develop chickenpox, the symptoms are likely to be more severe. Youre also at higher risk of developing complications, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). You need to bear in mind that its not just your grandson who could pass it on to you. If he has brothers or sisters, or if his parents havent had chickenpox before, they could catch it and pass it on to you before they develop the rash. Chickenpox is caused by the same virus as shingles. You dont catch shingles once youve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your system for years. For some reason, it can be reactivated drugs or conditions that affect your immunesystem are common causes. However, while youcant catch shingles, you can catch chickenpox from someone withshingles, so you need to take thesame precautions as for someone with chickenpox. Ask the expert LYNDA ATTIAS is a Helpline Worker with Versus Arthritis i Q I have osteoarthritis in my hips and knees, and it has been suggested that I lose weight. Is there a particular diet I should follow? Stephen, Derby Lynda Attias answers: Losing excess weight can be very helpful for your hips and knees, as extra weight can strain your joints. Thepressure put on your knee is five to six times your body weight, so even a small amount of weight loss can really make a difference. Eating healthily and trying to lose some weight can be great for your overall health, and can help with any pain youre having. We talk about a Mediterranean diet being helpful for osteoarthritis. This includes eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, pulses, nuts, and olive oil. It would also be good if you could include a few portions each week of oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Its important to cut down on saturated fats which are found in processed foods such as cakes, pastries and biscuits. There are also health benefits to cutting down on full-fat dairy products. If you have a sweet tooth, you could try replacing sweet treats with plain popcorn, vegetable sticks and fruit. Theres more information about diet and nutrition in our Diet and Arthritis booklet. Trying to lose weight on your own can be hard, so why not join a group? Setting goals with other people can be a great motivator. Many Versus Arthritis groups run sessions on nutrition. To find your nearest group, just give our helpline a call. A referral to a nutritionist can also be useful, so speak to your doctor about this. To find out more, call the free Arthritis Helpline on 0800 5200 520. Were open weekdays, from 9am to 8pm. You can also call us if youd like a chat with one of our helpline advisers, whether its about your condition or something else.