I regularly feel nauseous after eating. I like my food and I am not pregnant. Is there any possible reason?

There are a number of reasons why you may feel ill after eating and the important thing is to understand when it might be happening. If it is not after every meal, is there a particular food or type of food (spicy meals for example) that produces this reaction?

If you have this feeling after each meal then do see your GP as it could be a symptom of something else such as Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (known as GORD). This is fairly common, affecting around a fifth of the population each week. It is useful for your GP to know about your diet so keep a record of your food and drink and note any feelings of nausea that have followed. If your feeling nauseous is associated with unplanned weight loss see your GP urgently as it may be a sign of a more serious condition affecting how you absorb food.

I want to be more active but I don't want the expense of joining a gym. Are there any activities I can do without the cost?

Any form of exercise is good for you and there is no need to go to great expense. Simple changes to your lifestyle, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift when you have the chance, all count towards your recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Also have a look at www.activescotland.org.uk which has lots of ideas for getting out and being more active with friends and family. If you have support and make exercise a social occasion you will find it easier to keep to your resolution.

What is tennis elbow?

The medical name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis and is a condition that results in pain around the outside of the elbow. It often occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint.

The pain usually occurs on the bony lump on the outside of the elbow, known as the lateral epicondyle, hence the medical name. Pain can also occur on the inner side of the elbow, which is known as golfer's elbow. Despite these names and associations, pain can be caused by any number of activities.

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There may also be a feeling of pain travelling down the forearm towards the wrist. It can vary in severity but symptoms normally include; pain when lifting or bending the arm, pain when gripping small objects (such as writing with a pen) and recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm, just below the bend of the elbow.

Symptoms can last up to a year although most people recover after six weeks.

Diagnosis will often be done through a simple discussion of your symptoms. This is a well known and treatable condition.

If the condition does not clear up, an X-ray may also be taken to rule out arthritis in the joint. Your GP may also ask for an MRI or ultrasound scan to see if there is another cause such as a trapped nerve, but this is rare.

In most cases treatment is about resting the joint and managing pain user over-the-counter medication. This includes paracetamol and anti-inflammatory gels and creams. A local pharmacist should be able to advise on the right type of product in each case.

You may also be referred to a physiotherapist who will work with you on a planned course of treatment to strengthen the muscles in this area and increase or maintain the range of movement in the joint.

In very severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended but this is unlikely as it has been shown that there can be a number of side effects, including an increased risk of recurrence of the injury. Tests have also shown that corticosteroid injections are less effective than rest and physiotherapy over 52 weeks.