Since moving to the country, our children spend more time outside. Should we apply suncream more regularly, or is too much bad for the skin? And are there any high-factor brands without nasty additives?

Organic, chemical-free suncreams contain ingredients to nourish and heal as well as protect the skin. Skin pigmentation, time of day, location and weather all affect how long you can safely stay in the sun. Solar Safe (from Adams, Woolworths or 0870 225 2020) monitors harmful UV radiation: when it changes colour, you know to reapply sunscreen or seek shade. Also try Lavera Sun 25 SPF Kids' Sun-Spray (01557 870203) and Green People's 22 SPF with aloe vera and edelweiss (greenpeople.co.uk). Betacarotene (from colourful fruits and vegetables) and vitamin E (in peppers, avocados, nuts and seeds) increase resistance to sunburn.

My back is painful the whole time. It keeps 'clicking' and I have been trying to cure an incipient middle-age stoop by improving my posture. I suppose the two might be related. Who should I see?

Your attempt to alter your posture and any unbalanced, sudden or stressful movements (particularly if your musculature is untoned) may indeed be causing the back pain. A chiropractor can examine a patient with mechanical pain (and, if necessary, take x-rays), and formulate a treatment plan. This may well include exercises along with ergonomic advice, in order to minimise the chances of the pain recurring. Try to get hold of a personal recommendation, or contact the British Chiropractic Association on 0118 950 5950 (chiropractic-uk.co.uk).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

· Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.