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 How does umbilical cord work?

During the prenatal life umbilical cord is the connection between the foetus and placenta. It consist of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The vein does the function of carrying oxygenated and nutrients rich blood form the placenta to the foetus. The two arteries do the work of carrying deoxygenated and nutrient depleted blood from the foetus back to the placenta.

Q Does vaginal cream cause breast growth in men?

What exactly do you mean by vaginal cream? In any case, gynaecomastia (breast growth in men) is genetic and has no co relation with any cream.

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 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 Whats causing my palpitations and how can I get rid of them?

The causes for palpitations are - strong emotions such as anxiety, fear, or stress; palpitations often occur during panic attacks; caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or illegal street drugs such as cocaine; some medical conditions, including thyroid disease, a low blood sugar level, anemia, low blood pressure, fever, and dehydration; hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause etc. In most cases, palpitations are found to be harmless and often go away on their own. Treatment depends on the cause of your palpitations. Some lifestyle changes like exercise and yoga and quitting smoking and alcohol help a lot.

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 Very severe spasms in calf muscles every night. I am 35 year old woman always remain over worked

Excessive physical exertion, dehydration, deficiency of potassium, magnesium or calcium, poor blood circulation are some of the causes of cramps in calf region. However excessive physical exertion seems to be the probable cause in your case. Following tips may help: follow a well balanced diet, include foods like banana, coconut water regularly in your meals, stay well hydrated, include some stretching exercise in your routine, give hot fomentation over the calf muscle. If all these measures do not help consult your physician to prescribe you medications.rnrn 

Q what is the home treatment to cure diarrhea?

You can lose a lot of liquid in diarrhea, but you also lose electrolytes, minerals such as sodium and potassium. For this you have to stay hydrated through water mixed with sugar and salt. Yogurt helps to maintain friendly bacterias in your gut. Avoid milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Get enough rest. Chamomile is good for treating intestinal inflammation, and it has antispasmodic properties as well, so taking chamomile tea is healthy in diarrhea. Starchy foods, such as precooked rice or tapioca cereals, can help ease your tummy. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanosides, which have antioxidant and antibacterial properties, as well as tannins, which combat diarrhea. Orange peel tea is a folk remedy that is believed to aid in digestion.

Q Tips for coping with family stress?

It is said "you can choose your friends but you can not choose your family". Children, elderly parents, relatives all can be a source of stress. Following are some tips to manage family stress: 1. Adjust your priorities. Dont take unnecessary duties and responsibilities. 2.Take advice from people whose opinion you trust, and get specific advice when issue arise. 3. Accept any help thats offered. 4. Use effective coping strategies and dont put impossible pressure on yourself. 5. Fit in some time for yourself, and explore your feelings. Be kind to yourself and build up your confidence if it has been damaged. 6.If you do get upset, go for a walk, have a nap, or find somewhere private to call a friend and get it off your chest. 7. Read a good book which lifts your spirits. 8. Lastly take care of yourself. Take time for relaxation. Use stress management techniques and be alert to any symptoms.