Q Is ensure a safe drink to have while on both chemo and radiation for metastasized stomach cancer? I have read articles stating that ensure is filled with sugar, which can actually be counterproductive in cancer patients

Ensure drink can be had as a supplement to regular meals but not as a replacement. It is best to stick to actual food in order to get energy and necessary nutrition. As long as you have a small quantity (1 serving a day), you shouldnt face any problems. However, there is a possibility of Ensure interacting with certain medications, so it is imminent to discuss this issue with your treating physician.

Q Can a girl get pregnant from semen on her buttocks?

No. But if the semen rolls down to the vagina then there is a chance of getting pregnant.

Q Though it takes lots of courage to commit suicide why suicidal people are called coward?

Committing suicide is considered wrong and unjustifiable. Suicide gives up all your future, everything you could have done, because you cant put up with the past or the present. People usually commit suicide when they lack the courage to go on. Its like giving up on the hope that things will ever get better. Under the influence of emotional despair, a suicidal person kills himself in total disregard for those who care for him, those who would have helped him. However at the same time, it is not right to call suicidal people cowards. In fact, they need maximum help and support from those around them. One should lend them a helping hand until they start feeling better about themselves and the situations in their life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is important for suicidal people to remember, "this too, shall pass."

Q What is oppositional defiant disorder?

Oppositional defiant disorder is mental condition seen in children. It is characterized by non co-operative behavior, disobedience, anger and annoying behavior towards any one in authoritative position. A child with oppositional defiant disorder will get angry easily, show temper tantrums, will not obey rules, annoy people deliberately, argue with person in authority, etc.

Q Does moon phase has some connection with mental illness?

There are studies which states that symptoms of a person suffering from mental illness aggravates during full moon. There are also studies which say that moon phases only has effect on schizophrenic patients. However, many recent studies have found no co-relation between the moon phases and mental illnesses.

Q Does sex cause hair-loss?

No. Sexual intercourse has many health benefits and has no connection with hair-loss.

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 How to deal with acute stress?

Relaxing or chilling out as they say is the easy and excellent way to deal with acute stress. The aim is to do something which would help you reorient yourself away from stress and get back to the normal state, similar to what you were before the stress hormones kicked in. You can do this by taking in some deep breaths and breathing the stress out. A quick warm bath can do the trick. Brisk walk or a small jog drains the stress. Speak the stress out to a friend. Count backwards from 10 to 1.This not only works in case of anger but also dissolves stress well. Figure out the acute stressors and incorporate meditation or yoga into routine to keep your calm through any stressful situation.

Q What can i do if my child is overweight?

Overweight children are more likely to grow up into overweight adults, so your concern for raised weight of child is appropriate. It is usually better that the child maintains their current weight while they continue to grow in height. Making changes to your family~s lifestyle can make a real difference to your child~s weight. Eat regular meals, together as a first step towards a healthier diet. Use homemade food rather than relying on ready-made meals to help you to lower the fat and sugar content in your meals. Avoid the diet like snacks and meals that are high in fat or sugar, such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks, and aim to replace these with healthier alternatives such as fruits. Exercise is helpful to burn extra calories in your child. Kindly focus on light exercises done by your child like standing up, moving around, walking at a slow pace and less energetic play. Also active play (such as hide and seek and stuck in the mud), fast walking, riding a bike, dancing, swimming, climbing, skipping rope, gymnastics are helpful depending upon the age.

Q I have diarrhea,headaches,nausea,upset stomach,and pain. since 4 days

The symptoms you are suffering from are indicating an gastrointestinal infection by the microorganisma like bacteria or parasites. You must take the light diet and take more water to control the dehadration cuased due to diarrhoea. It may be due to certain other pathologies like appendicitis, crohns disease, intussuseption etc. It is necessary to rule out the cause and treat the diarrhoea at the early stage because dehydration may lead to life threatning complications.