How can I produce more breast milk?

Dear doctor, I broke a collar bone six weeks ago and went to a traditional medicine man who massaged me with herbs. However, I really feel pain and when I went back, he massaged again with more herbs in vain. What else can I do?
Absolom Okot

Dear Absolom, the collar bone or clavicle is the most commonly broken bone of the body leading to pain that increases with shoulder movement, swelling and tenderness around the broken area and sometimes, inability to move the shoulder.

Treatment of a broken clavicle varies with the type and location of the fracture so that if the skin is injured by the broken bone (compound fracture), immediate and aggressive treatment helps avoid infection. If the fracture pieces are not aligned (displaced fracture) or the bone is broken into many pieces, surgery is necessary to correct the problem. Restricting the movement of the broken bone and properly aligning the broken parts are important in bone healing.

For the clavicle, wearing an arm sling or the so called figure-eight strapping and sometimes plaster (rarely used today) for about three to six weeks for children and six to 12 weeks for adults; the time taken to heal is very important. Physiotherapy may also be prescribed in addition to this.

Many people believe fractures are better treated by traditional doctors who use various antics in their treatments but most of which may result in complications. One such antic is drawing a picture in the sand of the shadow of the injury which may just delay treatment.

Massaging of broken parts apart from causing serious pain and more displacement of the fracture may cause them to injure other structures like blood vessels and nerves. Herbs are unlikely to penetrate skin and cause effect.

At six weeks with pain, it is likely that you have got complications which usually include infection of the fracture and failure or delay to unite. You need to visit a doctor especially for bones for help!

Dear doctor, I have bleeding germs. Which foods have vitamin C so that I take them?
Johash Binzira

Dear Johash, Gums are useful in holding and protecting the teeth. Since they are close to the teeth, they prevent entry of germs.

Bleeding of the gums is mainly due to injury since many people brush hard.

Infection or inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is also another cause. Many times one may bleed once in a while but if bleeding persists, then it may be a sign of a disease like leukaemia or, bleeding disorders due to drug intake or a disease called haemophilia. It is true that nutritional conditions including lack of vitamin C and K may lead to gum bleeding problems just as pregnancy hormonal changes, and poor oral hygiene.

Many Ugandans will consume tones and tones of vitamin c supplements at the hint of bleeding gums and yet this requires a dental check so that proper treatment is given. Fruits like oranges are rich in Vitamin C.

Dear doctor, why are ulcers and cancer common today? Is it because of HIV/Aids?
Yakobo Musajjakawa

Dear Yakobo, the majority of peptic ulcers are caused by infection of the stomach by a germ, Helicobacter Pylori. The germ is acquired mainly from eating contaminated food or drink! Proper food and water hygiene is necessary to prevent it.

Painkillers like diclofenac, aspirin, indocid and brufen also cause peptic ulcers. Increasing self- prescription for pains including headaches resulting from the increasingly common stress and anxiety may also be to blame!