Being Girl : Ask Anna : Agony Aunt

Question:
During period, which are the things we should avoid and take during period? Can we have sex?

Anna's Answer:
You can eat your normal diet even when you are menstruating. Some girls who get sore breasts or bloating feel better if they reduce the amount of salt that that eat and cut back on processed foods and junk foods.

Regarding sex during your period: There is no medical reason to abstain from sexual intercourse when you are menstruating. It is a personal decision. Make sure that you protect your bedding from being soiled, and protect yourself re: sexually transmitted diseases.

Question:
I've just broken up with my first boyfriend and I can't stop thinking about him. Is there anything I can do to stop myself from doing so I really want to move on with my life but I feel like as though he's stopping me. Whenever I think of him, I end up feeling devastated and moody for the whole day. This affects everything I do, including my appetite. What should I do? Thank you for listening.

Anna's Answer:
Tools for surviving a breakup

When you're going through a break-up, you need your friends more than ever. If you're having a really rough time, tell them so that they can be supportive.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and a relationship can't go from break-up to best friends overnight either. You might be friends--even good friends'again, but just not for awhile.

It's important to remember that if a relationship fails, it doesn't mean you've failed or that there's anything wrong with you.

A relationship is between two people and just because it doesn't work out with a particular person, doesn't mean you won't ever have a healthy, happy partnership. This is a good time to write a list of the things you like about yourself and the things you're good at.

It's important for you to get enough sleep and eat well. You'll feel more stable and less emotional.

It's extra-important to stay away from drugs or alcohol when you're going through a break-up'they may make you feel better for a short time, but you'll feel even worse after their effects wear off.

Question:
How do I know if I am in love?

Anna's Answer:
This is the million dollar question!

Love is different things to different people so there is no easy definition that I can give and there is no test you can take.

In addition there are different types of love. The love you feel towards a parent or child is likely to be different to that you feel for a boyfriend or partner.

It is something only you can decide. Check out this great article on BeingGirl - it might give you some help.

http://www.beinggirl.com.sg/advice/sx_chemistry.php

Question:
I had my first period a while ago and am due for my next one soon. Is it too early to use tampons?

Anna's Answer:
There is no special age you have to be to start using tampons. You need to be able to read and understand how to properly use tampons and be responsible enough to follow the guidelines that you can find in each tampon box. Some girls start using tampons with their first menstrual periods because they are swimmers or other types of athletes. Some girls want to understand their cycle more and wait a few months before they begin. The choice is yours.

Question:
Do you have any tips for controlling greasy hair?

Anna's Answer:
Everybody has different hair types and you need to choose the right product for your hair. Greasy hair happens when too much oil is produced. This often happens during puberty. Hair will look dull and limp and it is difficult to style because the oil makes it heavier. It also gets dirtier more quickly than normal hair because it attracts the dirt.

Beautiful and healthy hair is about choosing the right hair care products. All you need to make sure is that they are adapted to your hair type and nourish and protect your hair.

I suggest you try shampoos/conditioners designed for 'Greasy Hair'. Check out Pantene and Clairol HerbalEssences.
Question:
I really like my boyfriend but he is toooooo pushy - what should I do?

Anna's Answer:
You were probably taught as a child to never go along with any kind of pressure. That you should say, "No" or walk away from situations that don't feel right to you - no matter how reassuring or pushy another person is. Well guess what? This is the golden rule in sex and relationships for the rest of your life. If you don't want to do something, if you feel pressured, if there's a strong voice inside you thinking "this doesn't feel right" or "No," then you should say "No" - loudly and clearly. That includes everything from not kissing a guy just because he wants to kiss you, to not giving in to sex just because you feel pressured.

Be true to who you are, make decisions that feel right for you, and act out of your own needs - not someone else's.

Question:
Around the time of my period I get really bloated what should i do to stop this?

Anna's Answer:
Many women find themselves feeling a little bloated around the time of their periods and unfortunately there is not too much you can do about it. My advice would be a little gentle exercise; this will help you feel better!

Question:
My Auntie has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I am worried I might get it too!

Anna's Answer:
Breast cancer is extremely rare in teens and lumps are often harmless. There's a great article in my archives called "Why do I need to be breast aware", which will help you understand what's normal for you and explain the importance of checking your breasts regularly. (Anna's archives).

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Anna.

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