I am 40 and have shaved my pubic hair completely off for at least 10 years. Some people tell me it is fine, some say it is better than long hair and some people tell me it is bad for me. I like it because it feels better and cleaner. Can you please tell me if there is a problem with me doing this?

I have been with Weight Watchers since January of 2010 to the present and have been with Curves since May 2011. I am 5’1"

I currently weigh 149 pounds. My goal weight is 132 pounds. I started WW at 154 pounds...in April 2011 138 pounds...lost 16 pounds in 14 months. I have been going through perimenopause. Since April a constant weight gain to my current 149 pounds. Two weeks ago I lost 4 pounds!!! After having a period for three weeks of spotting, light flow, heavy flow, light flow, spotting, then finally stopping. Then the next week I gained 3 pounds back! I have been going to Curves twice a week. With a hectic schedule I am lucky to be able to get there at all! I enjoyed the last article from Speaking of Women’s Health and noticed it is sponsored through Cleveland Clinic.

I felt comfort in the article and that we could have contact with you as a resource. I am grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for the care and concern that you have given to my daughter and her husband on behalf of their son~our sweet grandson. Our grandson is being followed by the pediatric neurology physicians. Thank You so much.

I hope that you might be able sort out my weight gain~menopause issues. I am discontinuing WW and I have been so far enjoying Curves.

Thank You in advance for your time,

Lewisa

What is the best or most viable source for those of us in our eighties and more, to lose a few pounds sensibly?

Sunscreen is the easiest way to protect yourself from the sun’s dangerous rays. However, application isn’t just rubbing it on when you’re at the beach. There is a lot for you to learn about sunscreen and which is best for each time you are out in the sun.

How Should Sunscreens Be Applied?

Sunscreens are very effective when used properly. Follow these guidelines to give yourself the most protection:

Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go

Your skin is how you present yourself to the world. It is important to keep this first impression healthy not only to look at, but for our long-term well being. The skin on our face can be challenged throughout our lives, from the first acne of our teenage years to the wrinkling of our later years.

Facial Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin

If you are prone to acne, choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide,

How to Take a Baby's Temperature

If your baby’s skin feels warm, you should take baby’s temperature to check if he or she has a fever. The safest and most comfortable method of taking your baby’s temperature is by placing a thermometer under baby’s arm. It is not safe to put a thermometer in your baby’s mouth, and a thermometer placed in the rectum can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

To take baby’s temperature under the arm, place the thermometer high up in the

When outdoors, keep your baby’s skin covered or keep the baby out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Unless advised by your healthcare provider, do not use lotions, oils or powders, as they can cause irritation.

Common Newborn Skin Conditions

Several skin conditions can affect your newborn. Most do not need treatment and will heal themselves in less than a few weeks. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of certain skin

Diapering

Clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Wash it well with soap and water after each bowel movement. Baby wipes may be used if baby’s skin is not sensitive to them. Do not use powder or cornstarch on diaper area, as these can breed bacteria.

Changing and keeping your baby girl or boy clean can be an overwhelming task. Use the guidelines listed below when changing your newborn’s diaper.

Girls

During diaper changes, gently

Ask your doctor what his or her policy is regarding keeping your discussion and treatment confidential. You have the right to privacy regarding sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. If your life (or someone else's) is at risk, the doctor may be required to disclose private information to keep you safe; he or she will tell you prior to this disclosure, in almost all cases (with exceptions such as if you were unconscious). Billing may or may not be confidential. So please ask your

There are two components of a sports physical: the medical history and the physical exam. The history is an important tool in identifying conditions that might affect an individual's ability to participate and/or perform in sports.

History Examination

Issues addressed during the history portion of the physical include:

Allergies Episodes of dizziness or collapse during activity Family history of serious illnesses History of asthma History of excessive

As much as we wish to protect our children forever, sometimes they will face difficult life choices. During their teen years, they may be tempted to use drugs, tobacco or alcohol. Some teenagers may become depressed for a variety of reasons. These problems can seem severe and parents need to be there to help them navigate through the tough times.

Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol Guidelines

Drug abuse is a serious problem that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences.

As your child grows into a teenager, he or she may be tempted to make more mature decisions— especially as other teenagers engage in risky behaviors. Tattoos, piercings and sex are all important topics that should be discussed thoroughly with your teen. Some teenagers may be ready for these big experiences, and some may not.

Tattoos and Piercings

Teens of every generation have their fads. Most teenage fads are harmless and eventually fade away without permanent damage.

It is not uncommon for your baby to experience sleeping issues. However it is important for you, as the parent, to be able to recognize when problematic sleeping behaviors are causing other heath issues, or are a clue to another, deeper health issue. Learn more by viewing the information listed below.

When Should I Seek a Doctor’s Help?

Sometimes, problems with your child’s sleeping can occur. These behaviors can be similar to normal sleep behaviors at first glance.

Scoliosis has many different symptoms that, when caught early, can be treated effectively. Explore the information below to learn more about the warning signs of the disease and how scoliosis can be managed and treated.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Q: My 14-year-old daughter seems to lean to one side, and her shoulders are uneven. What might be causing this?

A: Your daughter should see a physician to be evaluated for possible scoliosis, or

Physicians look for a number of signs and symptoms to determine if a foreign object has been inhaled or ingested. Inhaling that causes coughing, gagging and choking is the first indication. However, the lining of the larynx and trachea can adapt to the object. There may be no symptoms for a period of time, after which the child may have:

Asthma Bronchitis Cough Fever Pneumonia

How Can a Physician Diagnose the Problem?

First, the physician will ask

A child can choke to death within 2 to 5 minutes. Recognizing quickly that choking is occurring is critical. Look for the signs listed below to identify when your child may be choking:

Sudden difficulty breathing (without crying or cough). Clutching at the throat. Turning red in the face, then ashen blue. Loss of consciousness from lack of oxygen (asphyxia).

If a child becomes unconscious, you can assume that he or she has a complete obstruction of the airway.

Choosing the Right Car Seat For Your Child

When trying to find the right car seat, it is important to be familiar with the different types of car seats available. Learn more about infant-only, convertible, combination and booster style car seats by viewing the listing below.

Infant-only seat

Infant-only seats, also known as rear-facing seats, are placed in the back seat of the car. Your child should use an infant-only seat from birth until he or she is 1 year old

What Causes Ear Infections?

Children commonly get middle-ear infections, meaning that there are bacteria behind the ear drum. Pain is the main symptom. Other ear infection facts include:

Antibiotics are generally quite helpful and Tylenol can help with pain. Complications can include a small tear in the ear drum, which heals quickly. The infections are not contagious.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is generally considered a contagious bacterial

Bottle-feeding a baby seems simple at first glance. However, there are a lot of steps involved in making sure your baby is being fed properly. For a healthy, happy and full child, make sure to follow the proper instructions before feeding.

Sterilizing the Bottle

Bottles and nipples need to be sterilized before use. To sterilize the bottle, place it in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes or run through entire cycle in dishwasher. After the bottle has been sterilized and

Are there "secrets" of good communication with teens? While adolescence can be a trying period for both child and parent, the home should not become a battleground if both parents and young people make special efforts to understand one another. View the following guidelines for additional help when dealing with family communication.

What Parents Can Do

As a parent, you can make communication between you and your teenager much smoother. Try the tips listed below: