The AnswerBank Articles

Is there a new test for prostate cancer - to save going through the other, off-putting one

asks bronskiA. The 'off-putting one' you refer to is the digital rectal examination (DRE). Although it may not be the most agreeable of tests, it's painless and effective. Before it comes to that,01:00 Mon 03rd Sep 2001

What happens to you if you are struck by lightning

asks Bronski:A. Chances are you'll survive. About 20% of all people hit by lightning will die. Men are struck four times more than women. However, this may be because they are more likely to be01:00 Mon 03rd Sep 2001

I've always been very sensitive to criticism, even when it's not directed at me personally - is there any technique for dealing with it

asks rtell:A. Most people feel free to criticise those around them - their friends, family, colleagues, even complete strangers. The amount of harm this criticism can cause depends on your individual01:00 Mon 03rd Sep 2001

Are henna tattoos dangerous

asks Sander: A. Painting henna patterns on the body is a tradition in India, where it is called mehndi, and also in Morocco and Fiji. It became popular in the West after Madonna had her hands01:00 Mon 27th Aug 2001

Is it true that panic attacks are caused by a faulty gene

asks jayne b-t:A. Panic attacks are a reaction to a stressful situation - triggers can be anything from a crowded room to a spider. They can last seconds or up to half an hour. During this time the01:00 Mon 27th Aug 2001

I have a very bloated tummy. What can I do to stop it

asks Stephanie: A. There are many reasons why you could have a bloated tummy. For example, it could be a symptom of a condition, such as an ovarian cyst or fibroids (growths in the uterus) both of01:00 Mon 27th Aug 2001

How can I improve my child's hand-eye co-ordination

asks M Scott: A. There are lots of ways - ball games, building bricks, cutting paper... Ball games are probably a good way to start as they are physical, and inactivity is a growing problem with young01:00 Mon 13th Aug 2001

What's the best way to avoid jet lag

A. Jet lag happens when you travel out of your normal time zone and suddenly it's morning in the middle of what is your night back home, or you have to go to bed when normally you'd be having lunch.01:00 Mon 13th Aug 2001

Do aphrodisiacs work

asks Johnjo: A. There's no evidence that they do work, but that doesn't mean to say they don't. The reputation of, for example, oysters and champagne, is a powerful aphrodisiac in itself. Add a lovely01:00 Mon 13th Aug 2001

Are there exercises specially for toning up your face

Are there exercises specially for toning up your face asks Sporty: A. Yes, there are facial exercise routines which have been specially designed to tone up the face. Q. Why do we need to exercise01:00 Mon 06th Aug 2001

My friend seems to be having a recurrence of temporal lobe epilepsy, but the only symptoms are occasional collapses with an associated muscle weakness. She exhibits none of the other symptoms of TLE - any ideas please

asks Snailspace:A. It sounds like a form of epilepsy called 'atonic' seizures, where all the muscle tone is lost and she simply drops to the ground, but is able to get up straight away. However, a01:00 Mon 06th Aug 2001

I keep hearing about measles parties as a way to immunise your child. Is this a good idea

asks H Gray:A. The 'measles party' originated in the 1950s and 60s as a way to give children immunity from childhood illnesses, such as measles and mumps, which were more serious if caught as adults.01:00 Mon 06th Aug 2001

What is more beneficial to a child - being an easy-going or a very strict parent

asks johnjo:A. Recent research confirms that it's the 'firm but fair' approach that works best. Researchers who are currently following 4,300 young people in Edinburgh as part of a 20-year study for01:00 Mon 30th Jul 2001

What is the best exercise for firming up breasts

asks djtaz:A. Breasts are composed of fatty tissue, not muscle. Their only natural supports are Cooper's ligaments - finger-like ligaments that project horizontally from the breast wall. If stretched01:00 Mon 30th Jul 2001

Is it true that Titanium used in dentistry bonds to organic tissue naturally: like a post crown without any cement to hold in place

asks Mike: A. Yes, that pretty much sums it up. Titanium implants are a new way to replace missing teeth. Teeth implants are the new buzz words in dentistry (as opposed to 'drill' which has a buzz01:00 Mon 30th Jul 2001

How can I avoid morning sickness this time around

asks riley:A. Morning sickness, which is the miserable feeling of nausea common in the first half of pregnancy, should be known as 'pregnancy sickness' because it can happen at any time of the day. 01:00 Mon 23rd Jul 2001

Is it true that some shades of sunglasses are dangerous

asks Jayne b-t : A. Yes, a report by Boots scientists recently says that sunglasses with fashionable coloured lenses could cause big problems - especially pink, blue or orange lenses. Q. Why A. They01:00 Mon 23rd Jul 2001

How do I get an ass like Angelina Jolie's What exercises actually do any good in that area

asks Shine: A. Boobs are old news - more and more women want a pert bottom now. Not surprising, perhaps, when you learn that the average rear is broader than ever - in the last 50 years it has grown01:00 Mon 23rd Jul 2001

Will I ever meet the man of my dreams

Asks Steleve: A. That's in the lap of the Gods, Steleve, but here are a few ideas for increasing your chances... Go to IrelandYou could take yourself off to the village of Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare in01:00 Mon 16th Jul 2001

Is there any way to get rid of thread veins

asks modge: A. Thread veins - or spider veins - are tiny veins which are usually invisible in the skin. When they expand, they appear red and spidery, usually on the nose, cheeks and legs. They are01:00 Mon 16th Jul 2001