General Physician

Q: I am a 45-year-old male suffering from constipation. I exercise regularly and walk everyday, despite that my constipation doesn’t decrease. Please help.Michael Caine

A: Irregular bowel habits and constipation are the first symptoms of a physiological (the branch of biology concerned with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts or the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions ) imbalance. One may also experience constipation due to conditions like: pelvic floor dysfunction, inadequate amounts of fiber in your diet, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, lack of physical activity, Irritable Bowel (the intestine ) Syndrome (a group of symptoms which consistently occur together),changes in lifestyle and travel, certain systemic diseases and medications, under-active thyroid, anal fissures and haemorrhoids, injuries to the spinal cord and so on. Reduce your intake of lentils and sprouts; include more beans, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables; drink plenty of water throughout the day. In the morning, drink a glass or two of warm water with husk. If the problem persists, you must consult a doctor, who will advise some medication accordingly.

Q: I’m 15 years old and would like to know how to overcome an urge that’s bad for you and has become a habit (like biting nails)? I know that it’s bad and unhealthy but I can’t seem to stop. I want to and have tried to stop myself, but to no avail. I really don’t want anyone else helping me and finding out about this habit, not even a counselor. How can I do this alone? Please help? Shayaan

A: The simplest way to stop is not to try stopping it. The first thing to do is to identify what makes you want to do it and consider just how bad you will feel after. Be aware of the trigger and then divert your attention and do something else instead. It’s a life skill that we adults use in all sorts of situations.
Q: I have a four-year-old who has Down’s syndrome. My older sister has four wonderful kids without disabilities. She’s always been competitive, and her toddler is already surpassing my son development wise. For example, I said I was starting to potty train my son, and she began bragging that her youngest already uses the potty. This sort of response happens a lot. Should I tell her that I feel hurt ? Ammara
A: You should absolutely tell her that your feelings are hurt. She’s being a dolt and needs to know it. If she must compete with you, tell her to do it otherwise, but demand she leave the kids out of it. Then return to your good work of loving and protecting your son.

Q: Can a couple be too close? My husband and I work in the same company, drive together, meet for lunch, and email each other. If I don’t page him every hour, he calls to check up on me. If I spend an evening with friends, he complains. I love him, but after two years of marriage, I feel trapped; any words of wisdom? Nicole Kidman

A: What you’re describing is not a close relationship, but an obsessive one. If you want your marriage to last another two years, plan time for yourself and with your friends that does not include your husband – and tell him to do the same. As for words of wisdom, here goes: It’s much better to be apart and wish you were together than to be together and wish you were apart.

Q: My wife and I moved to a new house and met a couple who copy everything we do. If we buy something, they buy it too. My wife got a new haircut; the woman styled hers the same way. What’s going on?Arnold Schwarzenegger

A: Two possibilities: Your neighbours are aliens from another planet, learning to act as humans. Or they are regular folks who think you and your wife are very cool, and want to be just like you. Style cloning is a bit creepy, but don’t sweat it. Be polite and keep your distance. They’ll start mirroring others soon.

Q: My son lost his business and stopped coming to family parties where gifts are exchanged. He says he can’t afford it and doesn’t want to be a free-loader. How can I get him to come? We want his kids to get presents and have fun too.Tom Cruise

A: Send a cheque to him privately and show confidence that he’ll get back on his feel. Then throw a “no presents” party for the whole family.