Ask Us questions

Full Index of Past Questions

Each week we choose one new Ask Us question and post the answer. Feel free to search or browse our past questions and answers to see if yours is already there.

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I am in anorexia recovery right now. I am scared that I am going to lose control and gain too much weight because of my metabolism and not eating anything. Will my metabolism speed up and burn enough calories as I recover?

Posted 22 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you for asking this question. When anyone restricts food intake for an extended period of time, the body’s metabolism responds by slowing down because the body needs to conserve … read more

I’m not a vegetarian. I eat chicken rarely, and I sometimes drink milk, but I don’t have any other source of protein. How do I get protein in my diet?

Posted 18 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Great question! Protein is really important to eat because it helps build bones and muscles. It acts as a building block for enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals that are … read more

On most days, I have a really hard time concentrating and sitting still. I have been struggling with this for a long time and I am beginning to wonder if I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Do you recommend that I see someone once COVID-19 calms down a bit?

Posted 15 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Excellent question, thank you for asking. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) may be more common than you think! According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 9.4% of all school … read more

I’ll still be able to go to the doctor’s office for my annual physical this summer, right? I know that we should be wearing masks and avoiding in-person interaction because of the pandemic, but that makes going to the doctor more important, right?

Posted 11 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Annual physicals (or routine check-ups) with your health care provider are still important. These visits are helpful to make sure you are healthy and to get … read more

I’ve had a red rash half way down my breasts. It’s not itchy but sometimes I get little spots on my breast too. Is this normal?

Posted 10 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you for your question. A rash is a tricky thing to diagnose (find the cause) because there can be many different reasons why it’s occurring. Talk to your health … read more

I’ve been on the combined pill for years to control my period. If I am thinking about having sex, but I don’t want to get pregnant, how accurate would I have to be when taking the pill and for how long before having sex?

Posted 8 June 2020 under Ask Us.

Great question, thank you! The combined pill contains two active hormones: estrogen and progestin (a hormone that is similar to progesterone). Just like with any birth control pill, whether you … read more

How am I supposed to cope? How do I live with this now and for the rest of my life? I’m a senior and this week should have been my last week of school. No goodbyes. No graduation. No senior baseball season. No senior play. No senior prom. Nothing.

Posted 26 May 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you for writing in – you are giving voice to what so many seniors are feeling right now. This is not the senior year anyone expected or planned for. … read more

I am a virgin, but sometimes when I’m doing jumping jacks, it sounds like my vagina is clapping. Why does this happen? Can I make it stop?

Posted 21 May 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you for your question. Our bodies can make a lot of different sounds, sometimes they’re funny and other times they’re downright embarrassing. Either way, it’s important to remember you’re … read more

I always drink a cup of coffee every day in the morning, even at 13 years old. About 10-20 minutes later, I always get cramps and have to go to the bathroom repeatedly. Is that normal?

Posted 18 May 2020 under Ask Us.

Great question! Coffee is a natural diuretic (makes you have to pee), and for many people it also has a laxative effect (makes you have to poop). This is partly … read more

My stomach sticks out but I’m not technically overweight. I’ve been doing 50 sit-ups in bed every night for about 5 months. It doesn’t seem to be helping. Should I tell my parents about my secret exercise, and how do I get rid of belly fat?

Posted 14 May 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for asking this question! Every body is different and unique. There is not one body shape or size that is right for everyone, and many different factors, including genetics, … read more