I’m worried about my 16-year-old son having sex – how can I talk to him without embarrassment?

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Do you feel tired all the time?

Sometimes the things we do to increase our energy it may actually be making us more tired.

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Dr Zoe Williams helps a reader who wants to know how to approach the subject of sex with her childCredit: Olivia West

One energy The drink may perk you up for a short period of time, but because it’s loaded with sugar and stimulants, you’ll probably pass out shortly afterward.

The same goes for foods high in simple carbohydrates and sugar, such as sweets, sweets and white bread.

If you’re feeling sleepy but can’t take a nap, drink a large glass of water, take a walk outside, and eat something that contains protein and fiber, which will be digested more steadily for prolonged energy.

If you’ve been tired all the time for a few weeks for no apparent reason, talk to your GP.

Conditions that cause decreased energy include mental illness, pregnancy, menopause, sleep apnea, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid problems or, in rare cases, cancer.

Therefore, consider whether there are any other changes to your usual state.

Here’s a selection of what readers asked me this week. . .

MY SEXUAL FEARS FOR SON

P: I AM worried about my son becoming sexually active. He is 16 years old. What can I do?

A: This is a really good question and I’m sure there are plenty of parents of teenagers out there who feel the same way.

Firstly, it’s important to talk about this, and if your gut feeling is that now is the right time, it probably is.

I’m a parenting expert, and here’s how to have that awkward conversation about sex with your teens

As parents, we should try not to let our own embarrassment get in the way.

It’s okay to be a little embarrassed about certain topics, and it’s okay to let your child know that you feel that way.

But it’s also important to get over it and talk anyway.

You know your child best and the best way to approach them, but here are some tips from me.

Fire a warning shot. Let your child know that you intend to bring up the subject, perhaps by telling him that you will – for example, “next time we’re in the car, just the two of us.”

As for the chat itself – it’s generally better to choose a less intense environment.

So instead of sitting at the dinner table, discuss the topic when you’re in the car, walking, or even playing football together. This way, there is less eye contact and more time to think.

NextDon’t try to say everything you want to say at once.

Little and often is the way to normalize conversations, and revisiting things reaffirms your position. It also gives your child a chance to be open and vocal if they want.

It’s important to be honest and direct – but also remember to listen carefully, be patient and give them time to think before speaking and allow them to finish each thought before interrupting.

Ideally, they should talk more than you.

Respect your child’s opinions and wishes – by doing this you can build trust.

What you want is for your child to feel like they can discuss everything openly with you and ask for advice and support when needed.


Q: FOR about a month now, I have been suffering a lot with pain in my left heel.

I work in restaurants, so I’m always on my feet, five days a week.

Dr. Zoe also helps a reader who is really suffering from heel pain

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Dr Zoe also helps a reader who is really suffering from heel painCredit: Getty

Despite having tried many things – ice bottle rollers, stretching, creams – I still feel pain.

Should I see a doctor or is there something else to try?

A: Yes, it is definitely time to see a doctor or alternatively a physiotherapist.

Some practices may offer patients a physiotherapy consultation without seeing a GP first, so it’s worth checking, either by calling your practice or filling in a form on the website.

There are many causes of heel pain and it sounds like you have taken a very sensible approach to treating the condition first.

But since it’s not getting better, it’s important to see a professional. opinion and some guidelines.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause and tends to affect the bottom of the heel.

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is also quite common, but it causes pain in the back of the heel.

A heel spur, which is an overgrowth of part of the bone, can also cause pain in some people. If there is pain in other parts of the body or other symptoms, it is also important to consider arthritis or systemic causes.

Sometimes a period of relative rest is needed to help you calm down, which can be tricky if your job involves standing.

Could you take a short break from work to see if the pain eases?

If necessary, your family doctor can support you with this.

Consider your footwear carefully – opting for cushioned soles or adding insoles or heels to your shoes can take some of the pressure off.

Avoid flip-flops or unsupportive shoes and high heels.

Ibuprofen gel, stretches and ice packs are useful treatments, so it’s worth continuing with them, and your pharmacist will be able to help advise on things like insoles and pain relief tablets while you wait to see a GP or physiotherapist. .

What is causing your hot flashes?

Q: MY partner is 79 years old and has had two strokes, lost both legs to diabetes, and continues to have hot flashes but doesn’t sweat.

He says it’s a burning sensation under the skin. His face becomes very hot and red, his temperature is normal, as is his blood pressure.

Doctors can't find the cause of a reader's hot flashes

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Doctors can’t find the cause of a reader’s hot flashesCredit: Getty

He has had many tests done by the doctor and the hospital, but no one can find the cause.

They told him there is nothing more they can do. Basically, they washed their hands of him.

A: I’m sorry to hear that your partner has had such significant and debilitating health problems.

It’s clear that his diabetes has been severe and long-standing enough to cause serious complications, and I wonder if the diabetes has damaged some of the small nerves in the facial skin.

Nerves help us control our temperature by stimulating the skin to become red (or sweaty), and if they are damaged, a person may be more or less likely to experience facial flushing.

The response may no longer just happen adequately in moments when we need to calm down.

If high blood sugar over time has permanently damaged these nerves, finding an effective treatment can be challenging, but sometimes understanding why it is happening can be helpful.

This may be something to explore further with your partner’s team of diabetes specialists.

I also want to mention a phenomenon called gustatory flushing, which occurs when people blush (and sometimes sweat) in response to eating.

This will be familiar to many of us if we have had spicy food, but in some people it can happen whatever they eat.

You didn’t mention a link to eating, but I thought I’d mention it just in case.

Tip of the week

IF you have trouble drinking enough water, buy a bottle with a straw so you can drink without thinking.

Use an app like Water Reminder, place a cup near the bathroom sink to drink from every time you wash your hands, and eat water-rich foods like cucumber, melon, and pineapple.



This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story

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