Q Are condoms 100% effective?

No condom can be effective in preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 100% of the times.n Condoms fail to provide protection sometimes from infections spreading from sores on the skin uncovered by a condom, for eg. at the base of the penis or scrotum. But a properly used condom can protect against STDs better than anything else. Some factors to consider in order to ensure the efficacy of condom are: check date of expiry, use latex, keep them away from heat, use water-based condoms, open carefully to avoid tearing, remove holding at the base of penis, choose condom with reservoir tip to hold semen after ejaculation. Consult a doctor if the condom breaks or slips off. Although not 100 % perfect, condoms are the best way of protection if one is going to have sex.

Q Can stress and anxiety cause rash?

Yes. Corelation between the mind and the skin has long been established. Stress and anxiety can cause skin rashes (urticaria/hives) in some people. Additionally, stress can also worsen certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

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.

Q What kind of diet is not advisable for when you have pain in neck and shoulder?

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle are on second rank when it come to pain in body like neck and shoulder pains. Modern food habits are actually producing harmful effect on body by promoting accumulation of toxins in body. These type of food include: chocolates, ice-creams, food containing caffeine, highly processed food, canned or preserved food specifically with MSG, junk food or fast food, food high in sodium and sugar, high fat dairy products, meat, cigarette, wine, beer or any other alcoholic drink etc. These type of food in diet put your body under constant metabolic stress and promote production and accumulation of unhealthy chemicals or toxins in your body. This combined stresses, irritate and spasms nerves and skeletal muscles resulting in pain. So, healthy way to avoid or reduce neck and shoulder pain is to eat healthy, well cooked, preferably home made and fresh food including lots of veges and fruits.

Q Is there any relation between obesity and headache?

There are studies which suggests that obese people are at increased risk of developing migraine. Hence it is advisable that you maintain a healthy weight.

Q Do men suffer from menopause like women?

The phase of life similar to menopause is called as andropause in men. It is marked by lethargy, sadness, weariness, lack of drive, irritability, poor concentration and sometimes loss of sexual desire in middle-aged men. This leads to boredom, lack of fitness, heavy drinking and lack of self-esteem.n Though, male menopause is controversial, as there isn~t any calculable fall in the levels of male hormones in middle age like females have fall in sex hormones drastically, yet it is advised that men experiencing the symptoms should exercise regularly and eat healthy, nurture a hobby, and have a peaceful mind and renew interest in life.

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 Body too thin...some diet tips

Weight gain depends upon your diet and exercise pattern. Include calorie and protein rich foods in your diet such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk and milk products, nuts, pulses etc. Every morning have a glass of milk with honey and 2 bananas. Consume handful of mixed nuts everyday. Weight gain should be healthy and hence you should limit your intake of junk food. Instead of 3 large meals have 5-7 small meals. Join a gym and practice weight training under supervision.

Q Entamoeba histolytica infection

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasite and you must start anti parasitic drugs under care of a physician. Here are a few guidelines to avoid reinfection as well as to avoid spraeding infection to others. 1. Wash your hands before eating and after using the washroom. 2.Wash fresh vegetables carefully. Many people get E. histolytica by eating contaminated raw fruit and vegetables. 3.Wear gloves when gardening or working with soil or sand, because it is contaminated with the eggs of the parasites. 4.If you have pet, deworm him regularly.

Q I have white stuff in my milk ducts and I want to know it its cancerous

Discharge of white material from breast can be normal as well as abnormal. An abnormal discharge would be from any one breast, it would be without any touching or squeezing. It may have a bad smell. A careful investigation and examination is required to comment anything. It is advisable that you consult a gynaecologist who based on your symptoms and breast examination can give you the correct diagnosis and treatment. Also if the discharge turns out to be abnormal there is no need to worry as most of them are easily treatable.