I think one of my friends has a drug problem.

What should I do?

All you can do is be there to support your friend, and encourage them to recognise that they need help. Make it clear that although you're concerned about them, you still care about them.

The first and most difficult step for people who misuse drugs is to recognise that they have a problem and they need help to deal with it.

Some people know that they have a problem but find it hard to stop taking the drug, even though they're aware of the consequences.

Others may need someone else to help them realise that they have a problem.

Try to be as patient and calm as you can.

As soon as your friend recognises that they have a drug problem, they should see their GP who can give them advice and support and refer them for specialist treatment

FRANK provides a free confidential helpline that offers information about drugs and drug abuse. FRANK is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 77 66 00.

Will I be tested for chlamydia during my smear test?

No. Cervical screening tests (smear tests) don't include tests for chlamydia.

Cervical screening tests help to prevent cervical cancer by checking the health of your cervix (neck of the womb) and detecting abnormal cells. Smear tests do not include tests for chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea.

If you're sexually active and under 25, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme recommends that you should be tested for chlamydia each year or when you change your sexual partner. Regardless of your age, you also should get tested for chlamydia if you or your partner think you have symptoms of chlamydia or if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner.

If you think you or your partner may have chlamydia, it's important to get medical advice so the infection can be treated with antibiotics. If chlamydia is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

WHAT IS... ECTROPION?

Ectropion is a common eye condition, especially in older people, as age tends to weaken the delicate muscles around the eyes. Ectropion causes the lower eyelid to droop away from the eye, and sometimes jut outwards. This leaves the inner surface of the eye visible and exposed, which can leave it teary, sore and vulnerable to infection.

Diagnosis

Ectropion can be diagnosed by your GP with a quick, physical examination of the eyes and eyelids. No special tests are usually necessary as the symptoms are so obvious.

Treatment

Ectropion can be relieved fairly simply. Surgery to tighten the skin and muscles that hold the lid in place is the most common and effective treatment.