My husband and I are expecting our first child.

Are there any sources of information dedicated to father-to-be?

I would recommend that your husband visits the Dads section at http://www.readysteadybaby.org.uk/dads/index.aspx

The online resource includes information on getting prepared for becoming a dad, as well as giving your baby the best start. It includes sections on pregnancy, birth, legal rights and responsibilities and looking after a baby. There are also antenatal and postnatal classes run by NCT which are designed for both Mums and Dads. Find out more here: http://www.nct.org.uk/courses

My friend is undergoing treatment for cancer and I have heard that some complementary therapies may be able to help ease some of the side effects of her treatment. Is this something that is recommended?

There are many types of complementary therapy. They include acupuncture and acupressure, aromatherapy and other forms of massage, homeopathy, and reflexology.

Complementary therapies work alongside medical treatments for a lot of illnesses and can help you deal with the emotional effects they cause. None of these therapies claim to cure illnesses. It's important that you do not stop any current treatment. If your friend is currently having treatment for an illness, or taking any medicines, discuss any planned therapy either with their specialist or GP to check that there are no reasons why they should not go ahead. Some complementary therapies may interact with other medicines, so always ask a specialist or nurse before going ahead with treatment. Most doctors are now comfortable with medical and complementary therapies being used together (a 'holistic' approach) to offer support. So your friend shouldn't be afraid to talk about their plans.

When considering complementary therapies:

€¢ Always use a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional body. The British Complementary Medical Association can give you the names of registered therapists and advice on what to look for.

€¢ Check the cost of treatment beforehand to make sure you are being fairly charged.

€¢ Talk it over with your doctor or nurse and ask for their advice, especially if you are going to have a therapy that involves taking pills or medicines.

€¢ Ask your doctor or nurse if there are complementary therapies available at your treatment hospital, or through your GP's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners.

€¢ Choose the complementary therapy that suits your individual needs. If you are not sure and would like to know what other patients have found helpful, contact a patient support group. Some support groups offer complementary therapies.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving.

If you have vertigo, you may feel as if you're moving even when you're standing completely still.

Other symptoms which can occur with vertigo include:

€¢ feeling sick

€¢ vomiting

€¢ difficulty standing

The symptoms of vertigo can be barely noticeable or so severe that the loss of balance prevents you from perfoming everyday tasks.

Depending on the cause, an episode of vertigo may last several seconds, minutes, hours or days.

Vertigo is not a fear of heights. It is commonly caused by a problem with the balance mechanisms in the inner ear. However, it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain.

Possible causes of vertigo include:

€¢ benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) - where certain head movements trigger vertigo

ۢ M̩ni̬re's disease - a condition that also causes tinnitus (ringing in your ears) and hearing loss

€¢ migraines - severe headaches

€¢ vestibular neuronitis - inflammation of the vestibular nerve which runs into the inner ear and sends messages to the brain that help control balance

Mild vertigo is common and not usually serious. However, vertigo that reoccurs or persists may need further investigation See your GP if you have recurrent or persistent vertigo. They'll be able to confirm or rule out a more serious cause and recommend appropriate treatment.If you get vertigo associated with new limb weakness,slurring of speech or facial droop seek urgent medical attention.