My sister-in-law is lactose intolerant, what does that mean?

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. People with lactose intolerance don't produce enough lactase, a substance your body uses to breakdown lactose, so the lactose stays in the digestive system where it is fermented by bacteria, causing the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

My three-year-old child is lactose intolerant, what can I do about it?

If your child is lactose intolerant, they may still be able to consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms following advice from a dietician or your GP. This is quite safe, but you may need to adjust to find out how much they can comfortably eat or drink. If they are unable to tolerate any lactose, speak to your doctor, as they may be able to refer you to a dietician for nutritional advice. Its important young children have certain nutrients in their diet to ensure healthy growth and development. You can also visit www.nhsinform.co.uk for more information.

What is depression?

Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. We all go through spells of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people still think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. They range from lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains.

The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short time, rather than being a sign of depression.

It's important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.