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 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 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 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.

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 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 Can high SGOT and SGPT levels affect pregnancy?

Raised SGOT and SGPT levels indicate that there is some disorder associated with the liver. However whether it will have any effect on the pregnancy or not will be determined by the underlying cause for raised SGOT and SGPT levels. So it is necessary that your wife consult her gynecologist.

Q Whats the treatment of nervousness?

Nervousness by itself is not considered a serious problem. If nervousness is related with an anxiety disorder treatment is needed. The Nervousness refers to fearful thoughts with basic physical symptoms. The most important tool for reducing nervousness is exercise. It allows you to easily reduce your nervousness because it increases production of relaxing neurotransmitters while simultaneously burning hormones caused by stress and tiring the muscles so that anxiety symptoms are less severe. Sleep deprivation has a profound effect on nervousness. So sound sleep at least for 7 to 8 hours is necessary. Nervousness may be produced due to empty time, so stating busy is helpful to reduce it. Get yourself involved in work. Take interest in your hobby. Writing a diary is also good way as it provides a mental outlet. Consultation with a doctor is necessary if the symptoms are not controlled and are causing disturbance in mental and physical health.

Q My mother has recently develop big abscess in her axilla left side she is not able to even move her arm doctor says to put a cut but she is very much afraid how can I help her with home remedies

Whenever an abscess occurs, it has to be drained in order to get relief faster and in complete form. Home remedies will subside the pain, but the pus will not be completely dried with the help of home remedies. Hence it is necessary that your mother listens to her doctor.

Q Why do babies spit up?

Spitting up tends to peak at age 4 months, and most babies stop spitting up by age 12 months.nThe reason for it is babies have esophageal valve still in developing phase that means its immature yet so it results in backward flow of food. Until this valve take time to mature, spitting up may be an issue — especially if your baby eats too much or too quickly. Having food too much or hurriedly cause air to get inside babys stomach along with food. While sucking milk from breast or bottle nipple, babies engulf much amount of air too. This is then come out along with some liquid in the form of spitting. Try these tips to help your baby keep his food down: 1. Hold your baby in a fairly upright position when you feed him. 2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings. 3. Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your babys stomach. 4. Try to avoid distractions or noises while feeding him, which will reduce his air intake.