'I knew mum was dying but I couldn't tell dad or my sister' TV doc reveals secret heartache.Byline: BY MAEVE QUIGLEY DISHY dish·y adj. dish·i·er, dish·i·est 1. Slang Gossipy; sensational: published a dishy tell-all. 2. Chiefly British Slang Good-looking; attractive. TV doctor Mark Hamilton has revealed that he knew cancer was killing his mum but kept it hidden from his father and sister. Mark's mum Anne died from a brain tumour in 1995 and his dad Roy died of a heart attack 18 months later. But although he was a qualified doctor, Mark didn't tell his dad or his sister Paula about the seriousness of his mum's disease. He said: "She had been fit and healthy but contracted cancer of the brain. "The tumour was removed but nine months afterwards she died. "It was difficult because I knew she was going to die but I couldn't let on to my dad and my sister. They wanted to have hope that she'd be all right." Mark's latest series of How Long Will You Live? has been tackling Ireland's major ailments from diabetes to obesity. And tonight on RTE (1) See runtime engine. (2) (Real-Time Executive) The operating system used in the HP 1000 series. See HP 1000. 1 at 8.30pm the doctor will be trying to help 26-year-old Geraldine Goodison quit smoking while staying stress-free. Mark said stress is a problem that needs to be tackled when it comes to health. He added: "Stress is a real ailment ail·ment n. A physical or mental disorder, especially a mild illness. that can be measured. And even though it is psychological it can have real physiological and physical knock-on effects. "It can cause heart problems, depression and anxiety and it will have physical effects if it is not dealt with properly. "Stress when managed properly can be helpful and help you meet demands but you have to make sure that you are not constantly worried and have time to relax. "You need down time and you need to balance your life. If you don't you will end up feeling unable to cope. You can get aches and pains, irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), condition characterized by frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease process. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the lower left quadrant, bloating, and flatulence. , high blood pressure, headaches and things that will put you at risk of other illnesses in the future. "But exercise is a brilliant way to manage it. You need to be clever, work smarter instead of harder and use your time productively." As a busy doctor in an accident and emergency ward with a TV and radio job too, Mark said he manages his own stress by cycling to and from work. He added: "It's different for everyone but you need to get some exercise and cycling and getting out into the fresh air helps me. "And I'm saving the planet a little bit by not using all that petrol." Mark said every little bit helps - even parking in the furthest space in the car park. He added: "But you can also be creative and explore the side of you that makes you relaxed and happy. "Anything to take the pressure off the accelerator works, for example we've had everything on How Long Will You Live? from falconry falconry (fôl`kənrē, fô`–, făl`–), sport of hunting birds or small animals with falcons or other types of hawks; eagles are used in some parts of the world. to pottery to windsurfing. "But it's important to try and stop stress before it gets to the stage where you have to see your doctor." The tumour was removed but nine months afterwards she died CAPTION(S): ADVICE Dr Mark Hamilton tackles Ireland's major ailments; No1 for telly BAD HABIT bad habit Unhealthy habit Clinical medicine A patterned behavior regarded as detrimental to physical or mental health, which is often linked to a lack of self-control. Cf Good habit. Dr Hamilton helps Geraldine Goodison quit smoking |
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