Why are boobs different sizes?

Sep 30 2007 DR GARETH SMITH

SCHOOL PALS MOCK ME AT GYM CLASS

Q I AM 14 and all the girls make fun of me at PE because I have one boob bigger than the other. Will this go away? I am too embarrassed to talk to my mum about it.

A THIS is perfectly normal. Most women have one breast that is slightly bigger than the other. You will not have stopped growing yet so it is more likely that the smaller one will catch up.

You should talk to your mum. She probably went through what you are experiencing as body shape and puberty tend to be genetic.

If the teasing gets really bad, talk to a female teacher you get along with.

Q I AM about to start my son on solids. Is there anything I should avoid giving him?

A IT is best to avoid gluten, found in oats and barley, in a very young child as some experts think it may contribute to a condition called celiac disease in later life.

Avoid added salt and sugar and don't give him shellfish as it may trigger an allergic reaction. Honey is also not good for babies as it contains bacteria that his tummy won't recognise and obviously avoid undercooked eggs.

Q OVER the last few months I have had a really cold neck and feel tired all the time. Am I just being a hypochondriac?

A SEVERAL things could cause a cold neck but the two that spring to mind when accompanied by tiredness are an under-active thyroid and seasonal affective disorder.

It is a little early for SAD, especially if you have had it for a few months, so get your GP to check your thyroid function.

Q HOW can I stop my five-year-old son grinding his teeth at night? I am worried he is going to damage them.

A TURN back the clock 30-odd years and this could be my mother writing in as I was a terrible teeth grinder.

Bruxism (the medical name) is very common, affecting around one in three kids. No one really knows why they do it and generally other than making an unpleasant noise it doesn't do them any harm.

Most grow out of it but in some cases it can cause headaches and sensitivity in the teeth and if is still going on when his adult teeth come through it can cause them to wear down.

Talk to the dentist about it at his next check up to see if he needs treatment. In the meantime, buy earplugs!

Family casebook

COLD COMFORTS

SUMMER is over and it's time to start preparing for a change in the weather.

Studies show that taking echinacea cuts down on colds and viruses so start now. Also try vitamin C and zinc supplements to boost your immune system.

If you are elderly seal any draughty windows and doors and remember lots of thin layers of clothing are warmer than one or two thick layers.

If you are prone to low moods, try a lightbox. They are available in most large chemists but my favourite is the Litebook - available from justbuyonline.co.uk - which clears my winter blues.