Q How can I tell when Im ovulating?

Ovulation usually occurs 12-15 days before your period starts. So if your periods are regular, you can easily determine your ovulation period by subtracting 14 days from the expected date of the next menstrual cycle. One in 5 women experience mild abdominal cramps when they are ovulating. You can also use a basal body thermometer to check your basal body temperature which shows the lowest reading followed by a sudden rise when you ovulate. During ovulation, your cervix becomes softer and gives out more discharge (mucus) than normal. You can also buy ovulation kit available in chemist to determine your ovulation.

Q Why is babys head dropping when crawling?

Crawling is seen at the age of 6-9 months of the baby. During this period, the baby tries to hold his head high and try push ups to move forwards. Developing head control varies from baby to baby. Some may develop quickly while other may take time. But, if your baby is unable to hold at all, then you must consult your paediatrician to rule out the cause.

Q Is it possible that you catch any disease from this minimally invasive surgery - I assume all tools used - needles, scalpels etc are clean/new - should I be worried? I had 2 very small hair transplants and both surgeries were completely clean and very modern - just am concerned over the cleanliness of tools used - should I worry?

Almost all the standard institute for hair transplant follow all the necessary aseptic precautions while doing any kind of procedure. Hence you should not worry.

Q Is it normal for a 12-year-old boy to play and fondle with his penis?

Its normal for kids of of all age groups to play with genitals out of curiosity about their growing body. This is seen in both boys and girls. Younger kids do it because they feel good about the way it feels. It is not harmful or abnormal in anyway. Do not get angry or reprimand your child. Try and educate them that it might lead to infection sometimes. Some kids even do it to seek attention but this is rare.

Q What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

The reasons which cause mental illness- Significant interpersonal loss and family instability, such as death of loved one, misfortune, poor relationship with family, domestic partner violence, separation, and divorce, emotional detachment have all been identified as risk factors. Financial stress, unemployment, and a drop in socioeconomic status can also be triggers for mental illness. This is also the case for a range of acute and chronic health problems, such as pain syndromes, or diagnoses of conditions like HIV or cancer. Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions.

Q Can people get infections from animals?

Yes. Diseases passed from animals to man are called zoonoses or zoonotic illnesses. The animals can pass some bacterial, viral and fungal infection either by direct contact or by the contamination of the food and water. They may also lead to allergic reaction in some cases. Infections from animals can be particularly dangerous to babies and young kids, pregnant women, elderly people, and people whose immune systems have been weakened by illness or disease

Q Is there any reliable tips to reduce weight as I am working woman and do not find time for exercise but yes if you can suggest diet I can follow

When it comes to losing weight, good eating plan and regular exercise schedule go hand in hand. It is not possible to achieve permanent result by substituting one for another. Along with healthy eating a minimum of 150 mins of exercise in a week can make huge difference. As far as eating healthy is concerned you can make following changes in your routine. Instead of three large meals, have 5-7 small meals. Replace refined foods with whole grain foods. For example replacing white bread with brown bread. Include plenty of fresh fruits and green veggies in your meal. Avoid intake of processed foods, junk foods and sugary drink. Make sure your there is some amount of protein rich food in your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk, cheese, curd, paneer are good source of proteins.

Q I had a unprotected sex with my partner, wanted to know if she is pregnant

Unprotected sex always carries with it the risk of pregnancy. If your partner misses her period, get her tested by a urine pregnancy kit available at chemists.

Q Will having sex during pregnancy harm my baby?

If you have an absolutely normal pregnancy, you can safely have sex between the 3rd to 8th month. However, if you have any risk factors or complications like spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, abdominal pains or cramps, broken waters, a history of cervical weakness, a low-lying placenta ( placenta praevia), a history of miscarriage or a twin pregnancy, its best to avoid intercourse. Your gynaecologist is the right person to advise regarding the safety of intercourse keeping your pregnancy (whether normal or risky) in mind.

Q How do I grow height? Im 14 from Canada and my height is 4 10"

Growth of height is determined by following factors : your genetic background , your overall nutrition level, tendency to fall repeatedly ill, etc. In males maximum height can be achieved by the age of 18-20 and in females up-to the age of 15-16. So you have a good scope of improving your height. Take care of following things to boost your height : Increase dietary intake of proteins like groundnut, soya beans, milk and milk products, eggs, chicken and fish ( if you are non vegetarian ). Have calcium rich foods like milk, spinach, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables. Do some kind of physical activity. Cycling and swimming are best to increase height. Take enough rest, Stay well hydrated.