Every time I swim in plankton-rich water I end up with an ear infection. What can I do?

"I always take antibiotic ear drops with me to use after I've showered. My preferred drops are Gentisone, as there is a small amount of steroid in them which can reduce the inflammation which is the main cause of the pain..."

I have recently undergone knee replacement. When will I be fit enough to ski?

"In three months, you are close to the time when you should be fine to ski, but there are a few mitigating factors. You must make sure you are as close to your normal weight as you can be, to reduce stress on your knees..."

Hiking in the Dolomites

There is a 28-day hike from Munich to Venice through the Dolomites. I have seen guide books in German. Where can I get the same information in English?

I’ve won a free holiday in Barbados but am scared of flying. Anything I can do?

"Effective long-term cures are available, but they can take a while. They mainly involve psychological re-training in which you sit in a flight simulator and learn deep-breathing exercises..."

Yoga and the stars

Our guide to who does what and where you can join in the fun.

On a bender in Ibiza

Do you fancy ending up flat on your back in the Balearics? Jane Knight discovers a new way to chill out in one of the island's thriving yoga centres.

My wife is 36 weeks pregnant. Will she be fit to travel on Eurostar?

"You need to check with Eurostar. With airline travel, international carriers usually rule that no one can fly after 32 weeks of pregnancy, but they can bend the rules and often let people fly up to 36 weeks if they have a doctor's note..."

Do I need a medical certificate to go diving if I have asthma?

"If you have asthma, you need to get passed as fit to dive by a certified diving medical referee. Your GP probably won't have the necessary experience to do this, but the Professional Association of Diving Instructors can give you details of someone in your area who does..."

Pedal power

What's the best way to raise money for charity? Shake a tin in the street, perhaps, or host a bring-and-buy sale? Al Humphreys decided to go one better - by taking three years out of his life to do a sponsored cycle ride around the world. Here he tells us how the first year has gone

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health