Q My 11 years old girl used to get sick 5-6 times a year, most probably its flu or cold or sore throat with a high fever although she is a swimmer, she swims 2-3 kilos daily, shall I think about reducing her swimming or how can I improve immunity?

I would recommend that she should continue swimming because it will help her to build immunity. Ask her to avoid swimming on the days when she is ill. Apart from this make sure she has a well balanced diet, adequate hydration and regular sleep for 7-9 hours. Also if the incidence of her falling ill has started after she started to swim than you should consider changing the place where she swims and see if there is any difference in her frequency of falling ill.

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.

Q What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a medical disorder in which male has difficulty either in getting an erection or maintaining an erection till the completion of sexual act. It can be caused due to excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, excessive physical or mental stress, diabetes, high blood pressure, ageing, side effects of certain drugs, post surgery. Treatment will depend upon the cause and include oral medication, penis pump, surgery, implants.

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.

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 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 What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(adhd)?

ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorders diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. The primary cause behind ADHD is heredity. Symptoms include lack of attention, easy distraction, boredom, careless mistakes, daydreaming, non completion of tasks, forgetfullness, constant fidgeting, talking excessively, difficulty waiting for anything and physical restlesslessness- always moving about from 1 activity to another. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. It is usually treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Q How soon can I use tampons after giving birth?

You should not be using tampons for at least 6 weeks after childbirth. The uterus sheds lochia during this period for which you must stick to a sanitary napkin. Tampons can easily introduce infection since the tissues of the vagina have not yet healed completely. Once the discharge of lochia has stopped and your vaginal musculature has returned back to normal, you can start using tampons.

Q Should older people eat more than teenagers?

The amount of calorie a person should consume is dependent upon his/her physical activity level. So if an elderly person has an highly active lifestyle than he/she may require more calorie per day as compared to a teenager who has a sedentary lifestyle and vice-versa.rnrn 

Q Can local honey cure seasonal allergies?

Honey contains powerful antioxidants, antiseptic and antibacterial propertise. It is said to cure some allergies particularly localised honey to that area can cure seasonal allergy as the bees feed on pollens of that area which finally form honey. At the same time there are studies showing that its effect is nothing more than a placebo.