Q My 11 years old girl used to get sick 5-6 times a year, most probably its flu or cold or sore throat with a high fever although she is a swimmer, she swims 2-3 kilos daily, shall I think about reducing her swimming or how can I improve immunity?

I would recommend that she should continue swimming because it will help her to build immunity. Ask her to avoid swimming on the days when she is ill. Apart from this make sure she has a well balanced diet, adequate hydration and regular sleep for 7-9 hours. Also if the incidence of her falling ill has started after she started to swim than you should consider changing the place where she swims and see if there is any difference in her frequency of falling ill.

Q Diagnosis of high cholesterol

The diagnosis of high cholesterol levels is based on a simple blood test. Usually a complete Lipid profile is advised to test the levels of different components of cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL ( 2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal. An acceptable HDL range is between 40- 60 mg/dL (1.04-1.56 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels should be maintained less than 150 mg/dl. High levels of HDL have a protective effect against heart disease whereas high levels of LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q How does aids kill cells in immune system?

The AIDS is caused by the virus HIV, which attacks the CD4 cell (T-cells) of the immune system. Because, CD4 cells have a specific protein for the HIV. The HIV also affects other cells like B cells and macrophages which are the main part of the immune system. Thus, limiting the action of the immunity of the affected individual. Due to decreased immunity, the individual is prone to any infection leading to further decline in the health status of the individual. In most of the cases, the individual dies due to some other infection to the AIDS patient.

Q Can yoga help relieve the symptoms of ibs?

Yes. Yoga helps in relieving the symptoms of the IBS. Yoga focuses on deep breathing, de-stressing and restoring balance to entire body. You can do forward bending which helps soothe a hyperactive bowel. You can also have Knee-to-Chest Pose and the Twists to feel better and get rid of the IBS.

Q If unwanted-72 is taken 12 days before the expected menses, will menses be regular and on time and it is taken within 72 hours of sex?

In some females the pill can cause menses to be delayed or early or it can even come on time. Some people might even get spotting which may even continue till next normal period.

Q What can you tell me about Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a Mental Health disorder that generates significant emotional instability. This can lead to a variety of other stressful mental and behavioral problems. When you have borderline personality disorder, you often have an insecure sense of who you are. Your self-image, self-identity or sense of self often rapidly changes. You may view yourself as evil or bad, and sometimes you may feel as if you dont exist at all. An unstable self-image often leads to frequent changes in jobs, friendships, goals and values. This is because people with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty accepting gray areas; things seem to be either black or white. The common symptom of borderline personality disorder are overwhelming feelings of distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger, difficulty managing such feelings without self-harming, for example by abusing drugs and alcohol or taking overdoses, difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, sometimes, periods of loss of contact with reality, in some cases, threats of harm to others. Treatment may involve a range of individual and group psychological therapies (psychotherapy) carried out by trained professionals.

Q I am allergic to condom what is an alternative ?

If you are allergic to latex condom you can use polyurethane condom. Other options that you can consider is use of spermicidal gel and withdrawal method. For some the spermicidal gel that are used with condom can cause allergic reaction, hence it necessary to rule out that. If you married than you can ask your wife to start oral contraceptive pills.rnrn 

Q Biotin and vitamin e for hair?

Both the biotin and vit E are helpful for the growth of hair.

Q My two year daughter fell from the slide this morning. In evening she passed white stool with bad smell.

Episode of fall and the white stool does not seem to be connected. But at the same time white coloured stool can not be ignored. Stool gets its normal yellow- brown colour due to bile. White colour stool indicate that either the bile is not produced or it is obstructed. Hence it should be evaluated by the doctor. Consult your family physician at the earliest.

Q What are the characteristics of a pedophile?

Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder. It is characterised by a person who is 16 years of age or older and have primary or exclusively sexual interest in prepubescent children i.e generally 11 years or younger. The age gap should be at least 5 years or more to be diagnosed as pedophilia.