Q What is Hyper Tension

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure. Every time the human heart beats, it pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries. Systolic pressure more than 140 and diastolic pressure more than 90 is usually considered as hypertension.

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 My nails are brittle and de-shaped especially toe how can I deal with it?

Most common causes for the condition are- hypothyroidism, iron and vitamin deficiencies, inadequate protein intake, dehydration, etc. Here are some of the tips for you- Take well balanced nutritious diet. Include protein rich foods like lean meats, eggs, chicken, fish, legumes, pulses, milk and milk products in your meals. Keep your nails short. Get your blood tested for thyroid function.

Q What causes sudden diarrhea in infants?

Common causes for acute diarrhoea in infants are: any infection either viral, bacterial or parasitic etc, change in the babys diet or the breast-feeding mothers diet, any sensitivity to medicines, use of antibiotics by the baby or breast-feeding mother, food allergy or poisoning etc.

Q What are the characteristics of a pedophile?

Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder. It is characterised by a person who is 16 years of age or older and have primary or exclusively sexual interest in prepubescent children i.e generally 11 years or younger. The age gap should be at least 5 years or more to be diagnosed as pedophilia.

Q My 10 year old daughter continues to wet the bed. Not every night, but i thought it would stop as she grows but still hasnt. I wonder if there is something medically wrong.

If you daughter has nocturnal enuresis sometimes, it may need further evaluation, as this is not so common in teenagers. There are some factors that may affect urine control in teens. These include excessive intake of caffeine drinks like tea or coffee, deep sleep pattern which can be a normal for growing teen, excessive emotional stress or fear of something, inconsistent sleep timings etc. These things can be corrected in order to fix the problem. Other things to give consideration are certain medications, diabetes of other medical diseases, family history of parents having the same problem, urinary tract infection, etc. If she is having this problem since her childhood, then this can be considered as primary nocturnal enuresis and she can be out of 2% of girls who continues with this till they reach their teen. This thing can be improved with proper counselling to her. Making her to use bathroom before going to bed. Limiting her fluid intake before going to bed. She can be effectively treated with moisture alarms while asleep. It will be less likely that she will need medications for this. Proper counselling and educating her may motivate her to take initiation to cure herself. You may take her to physician to rule out underlying disease if any.

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 the difference between schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder?

Many people believe that schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder are one and the same. However they are distinctly different. In schizophrenia the person has hallucination and delusion of something that is not present in reality., In multiple personality disorder the person has two distinct personality that controls a persons behaviour. It is associated by memory impairment. They do not have hallucinations. Many people with schizophrenia often have a more difficult time functioning in normal society. People with multiple personality disorder, can often lead successful, normal lives with healthy, happy relationships with others.

Q Where can I get help to stop smoking?

It is appreciated that you want to quit smoking. The best person to help you to quit any bad habit is YOURSELF. The inner voice is very important to do something which you think impossible. Nothing is impossible when YOU have decided to do it, rather someone else keeps you poking. If you think you need help, you can consult with your physician, friend, family member or any one to whom you believe the most. Dont quit suddenly because it may lead to some adverse effects; keep gradual decrease in the frequency and the number of smoke.

Q When does babys immunity start?

Initially immunity to the baby is provided by the antibodies that are passed on from mother. Immunity is also provided by breast feeding. By the age of 5, most children have a fully developed immune system.