Q what steps should I take if I think Ive got an STI?

If you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), go to your GP or local Sexual Health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic. Most STIs can be treated, but its important to get any symptoms checked as soon as possible. The indications of when you should go for checking include pain when passing urine,itching, burning or tingling around your genitals, blisters, sores, spots or lumps around your genitals or anus, black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear (this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice). Unprotected sexual intercourse with unknown person should also get a checking.

Q What kind of diet is not advisable for when you have pain in neck and shoulder?

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle are on second rank when it come to pain in body like neck and shoulder pains. Modern food habits are actually producing harmful effect on body by promoting accumulation of toxins in body. These type of food include: chocolates, ice-creams, food containing caffeine, highly processed food, canned or preserved food specifically with MSG, junk food or fast food, food high in sodium and sugar, high fat dairy products, meat, cigarette, wine, beer or any other alcoholic drink etc. These type of food in diet put your body under constant metabolic stress and promote production and accumulation of unhealthy chemicals or toxins in your body. This combined stresses, irritate and spasms nerves and skeletal muscles resulting in pain. So, healthy way to avoid or reduce neck and shoulder pain is to eat healthy, well cooked, preferably home made and fresh food including lots of veges and fruits.

Q Body too thin...some diet tips

Weight gain depends upon your diet and exercise pattern. Include calorie and protein rich foods in your diet such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk and milk products, nuts, pulses etc. Every morning have a glass of milk with honey and 2 bananas. Consume handful of mixed nuts everyday. Weight gain should be healthy and hence you should limit your intake of junk food. Instead of 3 large meals have 5-7 small meals. Join a gym and practice weight training under supervision.

Q Do I need a tetanus jab (vaccine) after an accident or injury?

Yes. It is necessary to get an injection of TT after an accident or injury. Because the bacteria of tetanus are present in the soil which can infect you if not vaccinated.

Q How fast are calories absorbed?

The calories absorption depends on the physical and mental well being of the person. It also depends on the age, sex, occupation, environmental factors etc. It varies from person to person. Some one doing heavy physical work spend the calories early than other one who does relax work in the office.

Q I am 14 and I get chest pains whats wrong with me ?

To evaluate whats wrong with you, we need further details about nature of your pain, your gender and lifestyle. Some of the common causes of chest pain at your age could be due to acidity, stress, anxiety, prolonged cough, trauma to the chest region, etc. Chest pain due to heart disease is less likely at your age. If it is recurrent and very sever, get yourself examined.

Q Can eating plain cornstarch be harmful?

Cornstarch is a commonly used cooking ingredient. It is safe to eat plain cornstarch. This is unlikely to cause significant health concerns.

Q What is "Selective Mutism"?

Selective mutism is a condition in which a person who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak in given situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually begins in childhood. It usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety. Its important to understand that when the mutism happens, the child is not voluntarily refusing to speak but is literally unable to speak, feeling frozen. In time, they learn to anticipate the situations that provoke mutism and do all they can to avoid them. Example: selective mutism while interacting with the opposite sex. Other attributes of children or adults with selective mutism are nervousness, socially awkward, clingy, excessively shy or withdrawn, stubborn or aggressive. Behavioral therapy forms the mainstay of treatment with medications used in a few older patients. Most children will work their way through SM with sympathetic support, although they may remain reserved and anxious in social situations.

Q What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a medical disorder in which male has difficulty either in getting an erection or maintaining an erection till the completion of sexual act. It can be caused due to excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, excessive physical or mental stress, diabetes, high blood pressure, ageing, side effects of certain drugs, post surgery. Treatment will depend upon the cause and include oral medication, penis pump, surgery, implants.

Q Are there different types of memory loss?

Memory loss is called as amnesia in medical terms. There are several types of amnesia. Such as : Anterograde amnesia, retrograde, post traumatic amnesia, dissociative amnesia, childhood amnesia, lacunar amnesia, drug induced amnesia, global transient amnesia, source amnesia, korsakoffs syndrome.