Dear Readers:
I think my life experience is what qualifies me to write this column. I made every mistake imaginable. But have learned from them. Most important I still remember what it was like to be 12, 13, 14, 15, and so on. Currently I am a single mom, I have two wonderful boys. One in college. We are all happy emotionally. We love life, and know that you can too. I try to be the kind of parent that understands. I know that I can help you to understand where you parents are coming from, and help you get over the difficulties of being young. You can even have your parents write to me and I will help them to get over their fears and at least respect you and your feelings. I have been married and divorced twice, so I have experience in that field also. But now I own my own home, and my own business and am successful. Lots of luck to you! Hope to hear from you.
Website: Ask Michele
E-mail: cobweb2@comcast.net
Gender: Female
Location: Connecticut
Occupation: accountant, internet marketing, creative writing
Age: 56
Member Since: March 22, 2005
Answers: 1331
Last Update: June 20, 2010
Visitors: 84174
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Hey everyone, this question is for people who are really educated in like the body & medical stuff...
Well this morning I woke up around 4 AM and i couldn't go back to sleep because my chest was hurting.. like it was right under my boob - so i went to my moms room & told her what was happening and what it felt like and stuff.. but the hole thing is it only hurt when i breathed in ---- too hard. so i'm not sure what it is or what to do.. my mom was going to take me to the doctors today but i said lets wait and see how it is tommorow.. my dad thinks that it may be like i was coughing (im kind of sick) and that my lung is brusied or something because i was coughing so hard.. or when i was dancing i pulled a muscle.. i told him that i have never had that happen before & he was like it's ok.. it takes time to go away & stuff. well it is my first time happening other than when you get that pain in your lung that like hurts when you breath and you feel like you need to put your hand in the bottom of your lung& pull up to make it go away..& in a while it does. this isnt what im talking about though... pleasee give me some advice as to what it could be..
Dont be like "OMG YOUR GOING TO DIE GO TO THE HOSPITAL" .. i just want someone that knows a little about this to answer =)
Oh yeah, and i will definitley rate♥ (link)
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It could very well be a pulled muscle. If the pain is localized, meaning all in one place. And you have no other symptoms, like fever, tired, feel achy all over, than is it not a cold in yourlungs, or pleurisy which is an infection of the area that separates your lungs from your chest cavity. Pleurisy can cause pain when you breath. YOu said you were coughing very hard, and yes that can cause a pulled muscle. The other thing that it could is a broken or fractured rib, and I have seen this happen in the eldery, and they can get it from coughing hard, but youseem too young for that. Unless there is something wrong with your bones, like they are brittle or something, then it is not likely that you would fracture a rib from coughing. If there is not bruise on the outside of our skin, then you did not bang it on anything. So again, Ithink it is a pulled muscle,and yes it takes time to heal. Try to rest so that it can heal. Place warm compresses on it for 20 minutes, then cold compressed for 20 minutes.
Hope this helps
Michele
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my prom date asked me what the color of my dress was. i am curious as to why he would asked does anyone have a clue?
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SO he can get you flowers that match. Flowers for your write or a corsage. Also sometimes the boys wear shirts that match their dates dress.usually this is all his mom's idea, so that you with both look so cute inthe pictures.
Michele
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i am 23 and 11 weeks pregnant , I work but have loadsa dept , my mum is giving me 3 weeks to get out of her house as she does not agree with the pregnancy . what am I going to do , the father is in no position to help me , i do not want to give up my work as I have been there for 5 years.
but I am going to have no where to live please help (link)
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Well you don't way whether or not you want to keep the baby. If you want to keep the baby, there are lots of places that will help you. Most of them have a religious theme. Like catholic charities. You don't say what state you live in. So I can't direct you to a place that may help you. A family shelter my be able to help you. If you want to give more detail you will have to leave a question in my in box.
Michele
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Hey wat do laxatives really do ? i know i should know this but everyone says something different?
Thanks~ (link)
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they cause the food you eat to go through your digestive system much faster. they are supposed to be used only when you are constipated. Unable to move your bowels due to medication you may be on or a poor diet with no fiber or fresh fruit and veggies in it. I know some people use laxatives as a diet aid. But not only withthe food go through your digestive system faster, you will get less nutrion from it, and if you use them over a long period of time, you will get sick. You will not enjoy good health. Laxatives can cause stomach ache and cramping and you will HAVE TO GO to the bathroom at some very inconvenient times. If you take them too long, that then go off them, you will become constipated and will have trouble going to the bathroom.
Michele
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I want to wax my bikini line, but im not sure what kind to use. I tried Nad's once but it didnt work and it hurt like hell, really really bad. I tried plucking lol but that didnt work too well and it still hurt bad. I want to wax cuz shaving, cream removal, and all that other junk doesnt work for me. So im asking for some suggestions for bikini waxing its from like CVS or Wallgreens, you know general stores and such. Also, my skin is really sensitive and i dont want it to look really bad because im going to a hotel and were swimming, so want it to be close and stuff. Thanks to anyone who has any ideas!!!
-KaTe (link)
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See if there is a Sally's Beauty Supply Store in your area, or any Beauty supply store, but check it out because some only sell to salons and beauticians. But Sallys, and they are nationwide, sell to the public. Get your waxing supplies there. Honee Hair Removal System is good, and they have one for sensitive skin.
good luck
Michele
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i've had under eye circles my whole life and sleeping more doesn't help because it just makes them purple from too much sleeping. stupid eyes. circles be gone! (link)
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Creams with Vitamin K are supposed to get rid of under eye circles. Got to this web site.
www.skinstore.com and search on under eye circles, and see what they have to offer, and what the suggest. They have lots of info on good skin care.
Michele
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my dog is 6 months old and recently she started having seizures... shes reallyplayful and all that... but the past week ive been scared to death for her... weve already been to the vet and they said to take her off this certain medicine for fleas/mites... idk...and it scares me so bad... what do u think is wrong? and what do you think could helP? (link)
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If taking her off the flea and tick medicine helped then that is good. But if your mom is still worried about fleas and ticks. She can add, brewer's yeast to her food, and it will also keep the fleas and ticks away. naturally. With no side effects. You can get it at any health food store. It is very high in b vitamins. I had a dog, that got skin conditions from the flea collars. I used this in his food, and he never got fleas.
Michele
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i have this friend who is only 14, but weighs 140 lbs. she swims for 2 hours 3 times a week and does an hour of Phys.Ed. 3 extra times a week. she might weigh alot because she is like a little less than half muscle, and the rest fat. she eats pretty healthly, but she can't keep her mouth away from junk food. how can i help her? (link)
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It's all in the numbers. If you take in more calories than you burn, you will gain weight not loose. There are hundreds of web sites that give info on proper eating habits. It is a shame that she does all that exercise but won't eat right. Try going to the US government's new web site about the NEW FOOD PYRAMID. go to
www.mypyramid.gov and find out about the new food pyramid which recommends. 13 servings of fruit and veggies per day, whole grain breads, and chicken turkey and fish. and SMALL amounts of fats and oils, and very very veyr little junk food. I think you can enter in your own information and make a food pyramid chart just for yourself or herself, personalize to you. And it will tell you what you need to eat to loose weight.
Hope this helps. It is nice that you are concerned about your friend. Good luck to you.
Michele
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What is the difference between vegans and veggetarians?
Thanks (link)
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Vegans are STRICT. They don't even eat eggs or drink milk. And they are not supposed to wear leather either. (shoes or belts, etc) Veggetarians, will eat eggs and drink milk and eat cheese. They belive that animals were placed on earth to be used for what the can give us without dying, lilke eggs and milk.
Michele
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i know that this is stupid, but i want people to come see my house, i mean, im not like rich or anything, i live in a middle class house like most other poeple, but when you go inside my house you'll see that we live more comfortable than most people who arent super rich and all out, and i want the people at school to see my house, cause it does look rich and fancy, it seems wrong that i want to be making friends just because of money, especially since ive always been a person who say and believes that its wrong, but for once i just want to have a little attention like everyone else and not because im acting like an idiot,so what do i do? (link)
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It is fine to be proud of your home. Imagine how your parents must feel, since they spent the money and the time to make it so nice. But relax. It is going to be nice for a long time. You don't have to have everyone over all at once. Take your time, the house and it's specialness is not going away soon. Have one or two friends over at a time. And if it is as nice as you say it is, they will notice and say something, and just say thank you, I like it too.
BUt if they don't notice, then don't mention it, because they are just not into stuff like that. One real nice thing you can do now is thank your mom and dad for making such a nice home for you and your family. Good luck to you. I hope you appreciate what you have. If you read a lot of the requests for advice on this web page, you will see that many kids have nothing.
Michele
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I'm 15/f, and I want a job. I can't really get a job right now because I'm only 15 and most places hire when you're 16. I don't turn 16 until August, but I wanted to go ahead and get one so I can have money to go towards getting a car and other stuff. So, does anyone have ideas for what I could do or any places that hire at 15?
Oh, please don't say babysitter, lol. I'm terrible with kids. Thanks! =) (link)
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I know, driving is very expensive, car payments, gas, and insurance. Each state has different laws, I know in CT where I live, you can work at 15, in places like grocery stores and you can bag groceries.....yeah. But you can do better than that. If your are REALLY serious. Why not start your own business walking people's pet. A lot of seniors own pets, but they don't have the ability to walk them. And all pets, dogs that is, need exercise. And their owners know it. MAke up some flyers in your computer, put them in people's mail boxes, and wait for the phone to ring...... You'll be rich before you know it. If you live in or near a rich neighbor hood, you'll do just great. Dress nice and don't be fresh. Be very polite, and smile.
Good luck
Michele
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hey. ok im really shy and stuff...and tomorrow i have to present like a 2-3 minute thing in front of my class..but i always get REALLY nervous when i present stuff alone..like i forget what to say and i sweat and stuff, and not only does that make me look like a freak, but my grade gets low...what should i do?? plz help =( (link)
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Well there is this book out. it is for adults who also have to do speeches in front of people and one of the suggestions is: imagine that everyone in front of you is naked. I am not sure why, but I guess it makes you embarrased for them, so you don't feel so embarrased. the other thing I know for sure, is that every kid there in the class that is looking at you, is just GLAD THAT THEY ARE NOT THE ONES UP THERE. They are not listening, they are not even interested. If they have already had their turn, they are just relieved. It their turn is coming up soon, they are just nervous as hell. The only one really paying attention is the teacher. So make sure your lines are memorized and you have a better chance of doing OK.
Good luck. remember - naked students!
Michele
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My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex and I just had my period. I usually have it for 4 or 5 days but I only had it for 3 this time. The first two days it was very heavy. I had to change my tampon (regular absorbancy) every hour. Thats a lot for me but still it was only heavy like that for 2 days .. Im really nervous. I just want to know if u guys think I could be pregnant. I dont feel any different at all.. no stomach aches or dizzieness. Please help.. I rate high! (link)
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Any pain at all in your breasts? Or are they tender? I would say that you are not pregnant, but why don't you pick up one of those pregancy tests? They are very accurate and I think they cost about $10.00. And don't tell me you don't have $10.00 because if you don't have $10.00 you shouldn't be having sex...because both babies and/or abortions cost a lot more......oh and by the way, condoms are even cheaper
Use them. We have enough unwanted kids in this world. don't you read some of the questions on this website from kids who are being abused and neglected? Please be more responsible.
Michele
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My friends Beth and Kristen,well there good friends we all are. But When ever i share a memory with beth on the phone[[we all call on 3way]] Kristen talks over me to share a memory i havent expreicened,Kristen makes it so people dont like me as well. So i dont like to hang with her anymore!!! she always gose "omg remember beth that time the yankees stink song?? lol!"..Im SOOO Ticked!!! can someone help so i just,not be that ticked? Really im an easy going person but i just cant stand it! (link)
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Kristen is very rude, and she is self centered. I am surprised that anyone likes her. That kind of behavior gets old fast. I am not surprised that you are pissed. Just don't change and try to be like her to get more attention. It won't take long for people to see that Kristen always needs to be the center of attention. (This is due to how she is being raised. not enough attention at home, but that is not your problem.)
Your friend Beth will get tired of it too. Why not lay low, and when Beth asks you why you don't share 3 way calls anymore say. "Why bother, I can't get a word in because Kristen is so controlling" ONe thing I like to say to my son, because he has a tendency to get like that sometimes, so when he interupts a conversation I am having with someone else, we say. "I know Anthony, it is all about you, isn'it?" And we laugh and he realizes that he is being rude.
Hope this helped
Michele
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My grandfather commited suicide in April of this year. And it seems I can't cope with it. I was suicidal for a while and i have been battleing depression. I just feel like I can't be emotional about it because I have to be strong for my family, especially my mother. and none of my friends understand. I guess where I'm needing advice is I was wondering how i can bring the topic up with my best friend where she will listen to me and let me vent instead of turning it around about herself. and is that even the best way to cope with the problem i am having with not being open with it? or should I just continue what I am doing and try my hardest to stay strong? (link)
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Maybe your best friend is not the person to talk to this about. If every time you try to talk to her the subject always returns to her, then she is sort of selfish, wouldn't you say? It would be good to talk to someone who is experienced in grief counseling. Sometimes it is better to talk to an adult about death, rather than a kids. Adults have more experience with death. You are strong, just the fact that you have managed this long is proof. I don't know enough about you, or where you live to direct you somewhere. There is a kid's hotline you could call, it is the Covenant House Hot Line and they always talk to kids, they take in runaways and they are used to dealing with kids who are runaways, or who are depressed or have contemplated suicide. their number is 1-800-999-9999. It's free and available 24 hours a day. THEY WILL TALK TO YOU. You can check out their webs site. www.covenanthouse.org
I hope this helps
Michele
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Female 16...Is it wrong to go out with youre exboyfriends brother Even if he likes u? And what if your still in love with his brother but really want to go out with him? (link)
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If you are still in love with the original brother, but go out with the other brother, then some people would say that you are using the other brother. You could cause some damage here that can never be repaired. I would not go down that road if I were you.......
Michele
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Ive got a really bad obsession with the drink coca cola! and its not good for you to drink it everday of the week. Anyone give me advice on how to stop drinking so much coke?!?
rate hight for good answers
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How about the truth, I know you are young and your body is forgiving. You can abuse it and it won't show up for many years....but....carbonated beverages like cola contain phospherous. That phospherous leeches calcium from your bones and teeth. So in 40 years or so, you will get osteoporosis, and could loose your teeth, and have to wear dentures. I know forty years from now seems like a long time, but you'll still need your bones and teeth then. When you get osteoperosus, your bones get porus and brittle and you can develope a dowagers hump. (look that up)
Also the caffine in cola's are not good for you, they also can leach calcium from your bones.
And there is about 16 teaspoons of sugar, in each can of coke. Get the sugar bowl out and put 15 teaspoons of sugar in a glass. see how much that is, and imagine drinking it.
Hope this helps.
Water is the elixir of life! Pure water that is.
Michele
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what is a papsmhere if i even spelled it right!!!!!!!!!!!
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Zapreth is right, but I also want to add here, that it is given in conjunction with a gynecological exam. That is feet up in the stirrups with the specula inserted into your vagina. If and when you become sexually active, you should be going to a gynecologist for this exam at least once a year. Also get on the pill or some other form of birth control.
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if u smoke dose it come up on blood tests ? cuz i smoke but i dont want my mom to know and im getting a blood test and i dont know if the doctors or whoever can tell if i smoke when they test my blood so please help me! (link)
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Some blood test do show whether or not you smoke. For example, if you were being tested for a life insurance policy, they would want to know if you smoke, and even if you say no, they test you, and cigarett smoke will show up for 6 months. but it is a special test, and I don't think the pediatrican (doctor) is prepared to test for cigarett smoke, but he can very easily test for drugs. And in most states your mom can ask him to and not tell you. Of course if your mom is major against you NOT smoking, she can ask for the test. So if she suspects, and it always accusing you and you are always denying it, and I don't see how she wouln't know because it really smells, unless she is smoking too, then it would be less noticable to her.
Good luck
Michele
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can somone please help me find the meaning of this quote...or give me some ideas of what it could mean
"Music saves nothing. Merciful, uncaring, it denies and breaks down all the shelters, the houses men build for themselves, that they may see the sky" (link)
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I think that quote means, that Music exposes everything. Meaning people write music and lyrics about every subject, even the hard ones, like rape, and killing and drugs, and abuse, and death, and war ,and government sanctioned killing, and millions of people starving, and heart break, and cheating, and prison, and drugs and addiction. Now people
who try to insulate themselves from reality. Or deny that these things happen, by hiding in their own little worlds (their houses) Once they hear the music the "truth" is exposed. or the sky is exposed. They can't deny the truth any longer.
How's that for a woman who is 52. I have two teenage boys though and they are heavy into music. heavy metal. I think that helped me to figure this out.
ONe thing though, merciful and uncaring. Those are opposite words. Unmerciful and uncaring mean the same.
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