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 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 My wife is breastfeeding. Can she take iron and calcium medicine. My baby is 11 months old

If she has deficiency then she can take. It is actually advisable for a lactating woman to have calcium supplement. Also encourage her to have well balanced and nutritious diet.

Q What is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is a condition in which the muscles of the pelvic floor shows disability to work as they should be. Factors such as being over weight, pregnancy, menopause, disorder of the nerves in the pelvic region can lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Treatment will be determined by the underlying cause.

Q Dental carries severe pain when I have

Dental caries are seen due to the infection of the bacteria. The infection is represnted by an plaque formation and which further leads to tooth decay if not treated in time. You have to take the preventive measures like brushing your teeth and flossing them at least twice a day. If the pain is severe, you must consult the dentist to take the proper treatment and medications.

Q My three-month-old baby has cradle cap. His head smells sour, is this normal? Does cradle cap have an odour?

It is very normal to have an odor to scalp of your baby. This is generally due to sweat glands and its secretions. This smell may become more intense due to use of cradle cap. There is nothing to worry about it.

Q Using woolen blanket during summer can cause hair fall?

There is no scientific evidence to prove that using woolen blanket in summer can lead to hair fall.

Q What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that dont exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like theyre being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult even frightening to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

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 avoid dandfuff?

There are many reasons for dandruff - Stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive dryness of the scalp, fungal infection, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy, long illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair coloring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc. You can do following things to prevent hair loss: Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair. Using your fingertips to massage your scalp will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth. Take 10-12 jaswand (hibiscus) flower +200gm methi (fig) seeds soaked in coconut oil for 7 days then boil it sleeve it and use it daily for head massage it prevent hair loss, promote new hair growth and hairs become thick and restrict dandruff formation. In a week massage your scalp with yoghurt(curd) or aloe-Vera pulp or neem leaves paste which has antibacterial properties which help to clear dandruff formation. Instead of using chemical shampoo, use rita to wash the hairs; take 7-8 rita soaked for whole night boil in the morning in water gently massage and wash the hairs with this mixture.Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night. Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair. Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause buildup of sweat and grime. Take plenty of water keep yourself hydrated. Take care.