Q After what age children can drink coffee?

Children under 12 are generally recommended to avoid caffeine or to limit its intake. Because, Caffeine is absorbed very quickly into the body and then passes into the central nervous system. In low doses caffeine can affect the body causing decreased appetite, increased urination, hyperactive behaviour and difficulty sleeping. The harmful effects may occur when a child consumes more than 4.5 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight.

Q How to deal with acute stress?

Relaxing or chilling out as they say is the easy and excellent way to deal with acute stress. The aim is to do something which would help you reorient yourself away from stress and get back to the normal state, similar to what you were before the stress hormones kicked in. You can do this by taking in some deep breaths and breathing the stress out. A quick warm bath can do the trick. Brisk walk or a small jog drains the stress. Speak the stress out to a friend. Count backwards from 10 to 1.This not only works in case of anger but also dissolves stress well. Figure out the acute stressors and incorporate meditation or yoga into routine to keep your calm through any stressful situation.

Q Sir, My dad has HIV positive..What is the treatment for me? What are the precautions should be taken for family members to be free from HIV?

Just because your father is HIV positive, it doesnt mean that you too are. Yet, you must get tested once to confirm. The only precaution to be taken by you and your family members is to avoid sharing razors with him. The biggest risk is to your mother due to sexual intercourse. It can be prevented if they always use condoms. The rule of thumb is that there should be blood to blood contact with him. All other activities such as sharing food, hugging, kissing, sleeping or any other family activity with your father is absolutely safe.

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 Are growing pains real?

Growing pains are seen in children of the age group 5 to 12 years. Thses always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids have pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees. The children with growing pains can be helped by massaging the area, stretching or by placing a heating pad on the area.

Q 22 year girl have white discharge continuously. How we can prevent it? In last 3 months, she has lost more than 10 kg weight.

Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal and is seen in most females. It is the response of body to maintain internal hygiene. However if the discharge is constant, foul smelling, causes itching, is blood stained then it is a matter to worry. Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infection of the vaginal area are common causes. It is necessary that you get yourself examined by a gynecologist. Try and maintain hygiene in the genital area. Wear loose cotton under garments. Stay well hydrated. Avoid douching and using deodorant pads and tampons.

Q How can I help my child avoid and manage stress? and tension headache?

Following measures can help your child to manage stress and tension headache: Identifying and avoiding the known triggers. Taking well balanced diet. Enroll your child in any physical activity like his/her favorite sport. This will help to de-stress. Make sure your child gets good quality 7-9 hours of sleep on regular basis. Try and talk to your child if anything at school or at home is bothering him/her. Lastly ask him/her not to skip medicines prescribed for the headache.

Q I am 43 year old man and my wife 41 year we have 4 year and 6 month daughter. We are very confused whether to go for second child as my only daughter feels very lonely. Can you advice?

First, determine whether you and your wife are physically, mentally and financially ready to have a second child. It is definitely possible to conceive at this age; however there are many factors that you should take into account before arriving at a decision. A womans fertility decreases drastically in her forties so there is a major possibility that your wife may have to use donor eggs to achieve pregnancy. The risk of complications during pregnancy such as diabetes and high blood pressure increases. Moreover, there are higher chances of premature and still births. You may need to use assisted reproductive techniques thus escalating costs. I am not trying to discourage you, but giving you the facts. On the other hand, some women do get pregnant well into their 40s, and many of them have complication-free pregnancies and healthy babies. Both of you should make an informed decision after knowing all the pros and cons. For any further clarification, visit a gynaecologist who will brief you about all available options. Do consider the possibility of adoption too.

Q I have notice white substance attached to my tonsils, I am suffering from tonsillitis and fever, can you please explain what is this?

Exact diagnosis cannot be made without examining your throat. However probable cause for your complaint can be bacterial infection of the tonsils or tonsilolith also known as tonsil stones. I would recommend that you consult an ENT specialist, who after an examination can tell you the exact cause and start you with appropriate treatment.rnrn 

Q I am patient of Kidney stone for last 10 years yearly one to two stones pass through my urine system Stone analysis test carried out and there is presence of calcium and oxalates and traces of uric acid pls give some dietary advise Thanks

Following are some tips to prevent kidney stones : 1. Water! Typically, kidney stones are caused by dehydration (not getting enough water). If you live in an area with hot, humid weather or where clean water is rare, your odds of getting kidney stones are tripled. Therefore, you must begin your natural treatment with drinking at least 10 tall glasses of water a day. 2. Distilled! If you live in a country with the option of distilled water, buy it! Distilled water is pure from any and everything including minerals that could aid in the formation of kidney stones. Distilled water is almost perfect for flushing your system and passing stones. 3. Citric acid present in lemons have been known to dissolve hard materials, even stones. Add a lemon to your drinking water to spruce things up. 4. Play again! Get outside or in the gym and do a little exercise. There are thousands of reasons to exercise but besides feeling better about yourself, you can actually give your body a boast of overall health. And overall health includes flushing the kidneys. 5. Cranberry juice from concentrate! By drinking cranberry juice, you can maintain your urinary tract which will help prevent kidney stone formation. 6. Citrates! Citrates reduce the build up of uric acid and eliminate the build-up of calcium salts which cause the formation of kidney stones. To get an adequate amount of citrates, drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juices such as carrot, grape and orange juices.