about

♥♥♥♥♥♥
The name is Leah. I live in Cincinnati, OH. I really love to give advice! I have been here since November of 2004. But prior to joining here, I was always been seeked for advice. Still to this day, my primary concern is always helping someone out in need.

I am likely not the best columnist here, but I can quarantee I am very dedicated and concerned when I answer a question. If I answer a question you're not satisfied with, I will ask why, so I can try my best to change my answer. I only give people information that I know; not information that I might know. And if I notice a columnist giving you a wrong answer, you'll know I'll be correcting their response!!

I do allow everyone and anyone to ask a question. I may have listed favorite categories, but I really have no preference. I do love making new friends!! It's no problem to contact me by e-mail or IM. I do have a Myspace, and I will gladly give it out if asked! If you ever need advice, if you feel like ending it all, if you feel like no one cares, I am here!! Talk to me.. I will listen and I will help you!!

♥Leah

advice

ok, i was wondering if a girl is cleanly shaven or waxed, and she has sex with a guy who is all naturale, lol. with the pubic hair and everything, lets say he has pubic lice.. and they have sex, can she have pubic lice from him? even though she has no pubic hair at her vagina?

what about if she has pubic hair under her arms, like hair everywhere but her vagina..??

thanks.. just curious.

Yes, you can definitely still have lice down there. They'll probably move to somewhere with hair, like the head, and they're fast jumpers, so it's no challenging feat for them.

Pubic means your pubic, groin area. Not anywhere else, but yeah lice can live in armpit hear, and in fact anywhere where there is hair.

[view]


I found a hard (sort of) lump on my vulva the other day- it had a small white head, and a tiny bit of pus came out. It is now much larger- i took a warm bath and applied a warm wash cloth, but it is quite large (about the size of a pea, or little bigger) and nothing seems to help. It is pretty sore...
I will call the gyno to get it checked out

Anyone know what this could be? I am really worried. I have had sex only once (few years ago), and tested for STDs, but am now worried this could be cancerous (HPV-related), or will not heal properly on its own.

Cysts are actually non-cancerous abscess-like bumps. You seem completely fine! Cysts are commom, no matter who gets them and where you get them. It's likely not STD's if you tested negative a few years ago.

You'll be fine.

[view]


18/Female/United States

When I was in middle and high school, I didn't get the best jumping off point to start college and a good career. I tried really hard towards the end of high school, but I only ended up what a cumulative GPA of 2.76

I have taken 3 college credit courses already, and received an A in all three classes. I took English 111, English 112, and Basic Computing Skills. I am very proud of my 4.0 GPA, and I would love to keep up the good work in college. I think it's better to try later than never.

Anyways, these classes weren't that challenging to me, because computer classes are easy and Enlgish is my strong point. Plus the teacher was easy, it was an online course.

What I am trying to say is that I am nervous about college because I don't want to lose my good acadamic there. My classes will be more challenging. I am taking biology, history, psychology, a college success class, and literature. I've heard that the biology professor is very challenging, and it's hard to pass is class. I have friends that have failed his class 2-3 times before passing, and I don't know anyone who has taken psychology, so I don't know what to expect. So what I am asking for is advice on getting a good jumping off start before classes begin. Study tips, how to talk to professors, how to prepare for tests, any websites that I can look at now to help prepare me a little, just anything.

Also, I am really nervous about getting lost when I get up there. Any tips on that?

Thanks.

I'll foremost tell you I was in the same boat as you. I didn't do the best in high school. I wasn't even in the top 50% rank, and I ended up with a GPA in the mid 2.0's.. I tried everything I could; I studied for hours a week, I kept in contact with teachers, and I even did tutoring -- nothing really worked dramatically for me. I never took AP (college) classes in high school, but I did take classes similar to that, and I did very well in those classes.

So after high school, I was just like you, hearing so many stories about the professors being strict (as rumored) at the college I was accepted into. Just like you, my first couple of terms required me to take Biology, Psychology, College Success/Intro to college, and Reading/Literature.

First few weeks of the term were hard for me. I will be honest, it was hard for me to keep up with assignments and classes. So I bought an agenda/planner from an office supplies store, and created a class schedule using Microsoft Word. Those made me more organized, and I started to get used to the new school schedule.

You should expect to take more time to devote to classes, when it comes to studying. Colleges are likely stricter about plagiarism, so make sure what citing format you'll use (APA, MLA, etc). Professors aren't going to contact you if you miss an assignment or test. That's your responsibility; not theirs. They won't call you to the main office if you skip a class, they won't care, except many classes (depending on instructor), will deduct points off your record in the class for every time you miss a class, unless you have a legitimate reason why you were absent, and have a note signed by a parent or Doctor.

When I took biology both in High school and in college, they were both hard for me. They do pile a lot of homework on you, and biology books are usually large with small font in the pages, preassuming there will be a lot of material to cover. While the work is tremendous, I thought the overall material was okay. I didn't think it was hard, but it does require a lot of studying and homework. I ended up becoming successful in the class. It's the same thing with Psychology.

A few weeks before college starts, gather all of your school supplies that you need, and try to get your textbooks. A lot of classes will give you homework first day, and possibly homework that will require you to have your book to get it done.

Write your school/class schedule down, so it's easy for you to know when your classes start [and when you're off].

Try to regulate your sleep schedule. This can take anywhere from a week to a few weeks. Plan a time to go to bed, and plan a time to wake up. I hated this one, but it helped me get up and go to school without me feeling drowsy all day.

The general rule goes for every credit hour you take, it's an hour of studying per week. If you have 4 classes, with 4 credits per hour, that's 16 credit hours, so you need to devote 16 hours a week of studying.

Overwhelming? I know. This is the safe route to take in college. But if you know the material well, you of course don't have to study for that long. Also, instructors may just tell you to devote a half hour to an hour of studying every night to help you learn and remember any kind of material.

Check your college e-mail daily. Instructors frequently will e-mail students if classes spontaneously got canceled, or if an assignment is extended. I am sure you don't want to come into an empty class wondering where everyone is, or turning in a big presentation project, with people staring at you. And I learned that the hard way!!

It is important to keep in contact with instructors, whether it would be my e-mail, phone, or in person -- anything will help.

If you are unsure how you will do in a class, you can always be audited for a class. I don't the huge point of doing it, but people do it to see how they do in that area. It will not effect their grade, whether the grade was an F or an A. I am sure you are like most people, who want credit for their classes. All colleges give you the option of dropping or transferring a class if you do not like the instructor or the subject, or the level or difficulty. They will tell you to see how it goes within a week or two, and if you are not happy, you can drop out or switch classes with a full or 3/4 refund, and no effect on your GPA. After that period, your reimbursement of fees will go lower. Last few weeks you won't get anything back, but you can still probably drop out without any effect on your GPA. So if you don't like the class, you can change it, but I can't guarantee all of this with every school in the US, so check with your admissions/scheduling advisor or school handbook.

As for getting lost, I have been there, too. Most (if not all) schools have maps of the whole campus, definitely including Universities -- they're huge. If a map seems confusing, or need more directions, feel free to ask anyone around. You definitely won't be the only one, and I am sure faculty will be happy to help out.

I have been to a community college for 5 months, and I am now enrolled in Online college, so I can offer information on both types of schools. If you need any more information, feel free to leave questions in feedback, or e-mail me. I will be sure to get back to you. Otherwise, good luck and I am sure you'll do great!! College is a wonderful experience, and I know you'll enjoy it! =]

Leah

[view]


What's the best way to get rid of acne scars? Inexpensive at home treatments

There are so many creams out there you can buy at the drugstore/grocery store. The famous one, Mederma; but they have several brands. I'd look in the first aid aisle for it. They usually contain ingredients that only smooth the roughness of the scar, flattening it, and making it look like it is vanishing. Truth is, the stuff in the stores can't completely remove scars, because that's all they do. And the creams can be a possible several-week treatment for best results. That's the only inexpensive at-home method you can do.

Down the road, there are laser treatments for scars that give better results; but there isn't anything that can virtually remove them, unfortantely.

I hope I helped.

[view]


if someone were to have sex 1-2 days right before her period, is there a big or small chance she would have gotten pregnant?

There's a very small chance.

[view]


I want to start selling Avon to my local community. I live in a fairly small town and I want to sell Avon products to the women nearby so that they don't have to travel so far for decent make-up, perfumes, and lotions. Plus, I could make a little extra money by selling Avon.

How do I begin selling Avon?

I am a huge fan of Avon! Their job ads are everywhere on the net.

From Avon Website:
http://www.avoncompany.com/about/career.html

From Career Builder - List of Jobs:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/Jobseeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?IPath=QH&ch=&rs=&s_rawwords=avon&s_jobtypes=ALL&s_freshness=30&s_education=DRNS&s_freeloc=&qsbButton=Find+Jobs+%3E%3E

From Monster:
http://jobsearch.monster.com/Search.aspx?brd=1&q=avon&cy=us&lid=316&re=130

From Yahoo!:
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobs-l-Avon-IN

From Indeed:
http://www.indeed.com/q-Avon-jobs.html

AOL Jobs:
http://jobs.aol.com/jobs-by-city/avon-sd-jobs

Simply Hired:
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Avon,+IN

Myspace:
http://jobs.myspace.com/a/ms-jobs/list/q-Avon+Cosmetics

A lot of ads will tell you to call a number to get started and/or apply online and they'll call you. Numbers vary by location, so when clicking on a website above, search avon and insert zip code or city & state.

Good luck! =]



[view]


Ok this might be long but last year i liked this guy and he had gf but i couldnt help myself.So when he found i liked him he started flirting with me and i was head over heels for him and when his gf found outi liked him she freaked out and started talking behind my back and all her friends hated me too but in front of my friends she was all nice and polite.And then like 2 weeks after he had to leave to go to another school he said i was acting like his girlfriend and i wouldnt leave him alone.So now 11 months later im here and i cant let him go .next year i have to go to the same school he went to and then i have to see him everyday.ive tried everything to let him go but i cant. plz help me

I am sorry about your situation.

I would really try to talk to him about how you feel and explain to him it's been hard because you have feelings for him, and you'd may want to ask how to make the friendship work.

You can't help you fall in love with, you can't control your emotions.

The only thing you can try doing is talking to him. If he doesn't want to listen, then he isn't worth your time. I know right now in the moment he sounds like he is, but in my opinion he is trying to get over you.

If it all fails, I would definitely go out and meet new guys. You're going to a new school, so it's likely you'll find way better guys than him.

It does take awhile to get over a guy. I know it takes time. But 11 months is a lot. If he isn't coming around after a year then it's time to move on. I honestly would assume you don't want to wait around for him for that long or longer, so you should let him see what he lost, and start seeing new guys.

Good luck on your situation.

[view]


What are good websites/books if I wanna learn HTML.. and to design websites? I know NOTHING about that stuff... and I wanted to learn, and I dont know where to start.

Thanks

I have been there! I'll be honest, it takes a lot of time to learn HTML. You're not going to learn it all overnight.

HTML Codes:
www.web-source.net/html_codes_chart.htm

Enhance HTML (personal favorite):
www.funkychickens.com/main.asp

Making a Website:
http://www.make-a-web-site.com/

Javascript (prompts):
http://www.javascript.com/

Dreamweaver:
www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/

- I actually love dreamweaver because they have so many cool features. It works like somewhat Microsoft Word, except whatever you make they convert it to HTML for you, and vice versa. This is however, a free trial, and getting the regular software isn't cheap, but I think it's worth the money if you want to someday build a successful website.

Dreamweaver (2nd trial):
www.brothersoft.com/dreamweaver-download-8475.html

What about programming? Visual Basic offers that. Once you have HTML and javascript figured out, it would be even cooler to know how to program.

Visual Basic Trial:
www.microsoft.com/Express/VB/

I hope I helped! =]

[view]


What causes brown blood to come out of the vagina

It's usually dried and/or old blood that's been sitting around in the uterus. That'll happen if you're experiencing light periods, when your period is ending, or implantation bleeding.

[view]


Ok, so I have been having some stressful days ever since 7th grade. I am in 10 next school year. I have built up this negative energy in my room and now whenever i go in there, i get this stressful feeling. One time when i went to bed when everyone else was at the bowling alley, I saw a boy around 17 black hair blue eyes staring at me. He had this look of anger, depression, and stress on his face. After i rubbed my eyes he was gone.

Is it a ghost or a poltergeist?

PS: i heard from TAPS on an episode that a ghost is different from a poltergeist. A poltergeist is human generated for some sort of pshychological need and a ghost is a spirit who either doesnt want to cross over or doesnt know they are dead.

Did i see a poltergeist that I created, or was it a ghost?

I am scared...so answer quickly please!!

It sounds like a ghost. But with what you said, he sounds a bit upset. Could he be potentially demonic? I think he wants to cross over but he either is unsure if he wants to or doesn't know how to.

I'd definitely seek a Priest to help the boy out.

I wouldn't be scared at all. I have honestly seen a couple ghosts in my life, and I know what I saw. But usually they will not harm or bother you if you show you're not afraid of them and you're eager to confront them.

I hope I helped and good luck!

[view]


I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (birth control) for about 4 months now and I've noticed in the last month or so my face has gotten a lot bigger, I'm almost developing a double chin and it's puffier. I haven't gained weight anywhere else. Will this go away on its own? Is there anything I can do? It is kind of making me miserable...other people have noticed too.

I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for awhile (yet stopped). Well one of the main side effects are weight gain, and it can hit anywhere on your body. Sometimes it targets the stomach, sometimes the thighs, sometimes and face and neck.

The only thing you can do [at this point] would be to develop and exercising and diet plan to lose a few pounds off the body. If you're already active and you're on a healthy diet for the most part, I would either wait another month or two, and see if your weight will be regulated again, or you can go to the Physician whom prescribed it to you to give you a different oral contraceptive birth control.

Pretty much most (if not all), birth controls have the side effect of weight gain, weight loss, nausea, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, spotting, etc. But it's really a measure if the benefits of the birth control out-weigh the disadvantages/risks.

EDIT: With your additional information, I would definitely try a few months and see if the chin changed. It's sometimes inevitable to lose or gain weight regardless of your physical activity. Yet if you see no results I would definitely go back to Planned Parenthood and ask for a change in it. Yet some patients did claim those rare side effects of redness or swelling at different parts of the body, which happens not even uncommonly. SO it may be that as well.

[view]


Okay. So I've been on lo ogestrel for about 2 weeks now. And I've broken out outrageously. Like I used to get maybe three at a time and alot of blackheads on my face and the occasional back zit. Since I've been on this pill, I've gotten like 4 zits on my back, a ton on my butt, a few in m cleavage, and my forehead is covered in white heads, as well as other parts of my face. My question is, I know it's a possible side effect, but has anyone else on this pill experienced this? And if so does it go away after the first month or so, or did it stay that way for you? Thanks. And yes Ik bc is different for everyone but I'm desperate here

I haven't been on that birth control, but I have been on plenty of others. And yes, the common side effect will be acne. Fortunately in most cases it'll slow down/decrease the amount of pimples.

Acne starts because your body is trying to transition to the pill, including the contraceptives that "claim" to decrease zits. This will usually occur in the first few months.

The only thing you can do is ask a Doctor for antibiotics that won't decrease effectiveness of the birth control. Also, ask for prescription facial/body wash (they have it; I've used it), and they may recommend changing around your diet and exercise habits.

First few months are always hard.. I hated mine.. and you're right how it varies from everyone, and different contraceptives show different results. So if after a few months it gets worse or persists, I would recommend you changing your birth control.

[view]


14/f

I know this may seem like a strange question but I was just wondering is being 4'9'' with a 34c was either attractive or just awkward looking. I suppose my main question is, do you think that a girl with my sizes is unattractive? I'm not fat. I'm only like 100 pounds and have a 23.5 inch waist. I've never had a boyfriend and guys never really seem to be that interested in me. All of my friends have boyfriends. They all look so happy and...i don't know. I kind of want that too someday. I'm going to boarding school after the summer ends and would rather not enter a new school with crap self esteem. So basically, my question is if (in general) my physical looks are...um....strange? Because just a little while ago I overheard some guys talking about me and they were making fun of how...um...awkward i looked and it kind of got me thinking and wondering whether or not my looks were attractive or not. so...yeah, if you could please just give me some feedback on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

You don't seem awkward. Whoever is saying those things apparently don't know who they're really talking about.

I feel that everyone is beautiful in their own way. But telling from what you said, you seem like a pretty girl to me. You don't seem awkward at all.

I couldn't believe that a guy wouldn't be into you. You seem pretty. Maybe there are guys who do like you but may not either show it or act like they have no interest.

I wouldn't even listen to those people! Seriously, people these days will find all kinds of ways to make fun of people. It's so sad!

You're beautiful. Tell them to shut up =].

[view]


Hi,
I have a Sansa mp3 and now, when i turn it on it says I have no playlists (I had two before) and my computer wont syncronize to it because it says "the detected device has an error". I can go to every single song again and put them in my playlist, but as soon as i turn my sansa off, all my songs are deleted from my playlists once again! My songs are all still in my songs folder thingie, but i just cant move them to my playlists or anything.. what can I do? Is there anything I can do? Or, is it time to get a new one?

I've had a Sansa before.. they suck.

You could try re installing the software (that CD) that came with the mp3 player. That helped me a couple of times. Also, restart your computer and try.

If it's nothing, I would say your firewall could block it. Which has happened to me too. Try resetting your firewall settings.

Still nothing? I say buy a new one! There could be some virus in the mp3 player.

That's what I had to do.. mine always was screwing up.

!!UPDATE!!: To answer your question, I use a Craig mp3 player.. and I love it. It's slightly slower than the sansa, but it resembles an iPod and it's at an inexpensive price. It always varies in price, and sales come and go with the mp3 player, so I'd shop around for it. My sister has a Toshiba mp3 player, and that one's nice because the mp3 player just looks like a silver piece of plastic but buttons but when you turn it on, there are bright blue words that can he seen through the plastic. It's awesome! I think she got that one at Radio Shack for 40 dollars. She's had it for months so I can assume it went a bit lower in price.

Sansa's are nice but my dad, my sister, and I all had one but they all screwed up somehow. That's why i claimed they suck!

I hope I helped.

[view]


What are the symtoms of bypollar?

Do you mean Bipolar?

Bipolar is basically when you experience different moods at different times. There are many different kinds of the disease.

The list is here: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-types

It also includes symptoms of each one.

[view]


ok so i wasnt on my period before all this happen ive had multiple little periods this whole month of may because i was on birthcontrol so a couple days ago i was like i dont want to be on it any more im done i hate HATE having my period and im not having it anymore so i got off it after a while month of being on it so it was two days i havnt been on it and i had sex with my boyfriend with a condom!!!! so ya im good. but hey right before he comes we hear a snap ya and then he cumed oh ya right after the snap now we are the people who go people who say condoms break are a load of bull we use a certain kind all the time but he was out so we used his friends where he got at a local clinic and there crap becuase we always like stretch condoms and they NEVER break like so when it broke we were like oh my god no it didnt we laughed actually i cant beleive it broke and i just JUST got off the birthcontrol now we tried getting the abortion pilll but mind you its a friday like 5 and planed parenthood was free but by the time we got there it was closed and they are closed on weekends so great we are trying to get the pill on monday hopingly. but any way later that night i started bleeding and it just ended now he might have knicked something but it could be because i just got off the pill idont know but i was just wondering if theres a chance of me still getting prego. any thing will help just answer!!!!!

Since you said you just got off of birth control within a couple of days your chances of being pregnant is unlikely (but possible). Birth control basically tricks the body into thinking you're pregnant. That being said, if you go off it, your body is still in transition to get regulated again. This may take up to a few months.

You have 72 hours after intercourse to get the plan b. Since they're closed now, I would get it monday morning asap! You'll go over 72 hours, but you still have a chance to prevent it. Keep in mind, the sooner, the better. When you do get it, take it as soon as you do.

To conclude, your chances right now are not very high. When you don't take birth control for 2-3 days, your possibility goes down to 10% likely. The information is in the brochure of the birth control if you still have it. They'll tell you how much it goes up for every day you don't take it. It also varies by birth control and you don't specify the brand.

I hope I helped and good luck!

Leah

[view]


alright, I'm pretty confused.

today, I had a stomach ache for a little while which felt like period cramps. I'm not due until around the 8th (it's the 31st).

so, today, while my boyfriend was fingering me, I looked onto my underwear to see it was damp with this brown color all over the pad area.

I didn't think anything of it, so I changed my underwear and then we proceeded to have sex. however, i noticed that on my new pair of underwear I had two tiny brown spots .. I thought it was an early sign of my period.

however, no blood showed up on the condom or anything, but somehow the blanket got in the way of us and a whole streak of what looked like the same color of my spotting was on it. I don't understand why its spotting on my underwear, but its also internally, yet it didn't show up on the condom or anything.

like I mentioned, I should be getting my period within the week, but its just weird and I havent experienced something exactly like this.

With the information given, I do have a few guesses. When I was fingered a few times before, afterwards I started to get spotting, probably because my hymen may have broke, or damaged some vaginal tissue. Spotting happens when that occurs.

Also, another possibility is you can start your period earlier than expected. That happens. It seems you can be a little more than a week early which is very common and it's normal. Cramps somewhat adds it up.

A third possibility is maybe pregnancy? I don't know if you could be pregnant or not. You don't list any information saying you could be. But just in case, that could be implantation bleeding, which is when you get a few spots of blood (or brown discharge) on your underwear and then it's the end of it.

I can assume pregnancy is not very likely, but the other two assumptions can be plausible.

[view]


My friend called me and told me this story. I was wondering if you have sex while on your period and the boy cummed inside you will you get pregnant?

Pretty much what the previous columnist said. If you have sex on your period, it's the most likely time you will not get pregnant. When your period starts, your uterine lining is shedding, and your egg is deteriorating. With the lining being shed, and no egg, it's hard to get pregnant. However, your chances are present, but it's slim. After you start ovulating again, you may need to test if you feel it's only necessary.

[view]


Ive been picking at my lips for as long as i can remember(im 25/f).I only recently found out that this is an actual disorder and im not the only one that does this.That has made me feel a little better about my problem but i still want this to be over.I feel like i cant stop myself,like i have no control over this.I also pick at my cuticles,nails,scabs,anything that i can.I feel like its a bad problem and i have no help from anyone,everyone tells me to ''stop picking'' and that its not a good look but i cant help myself.my family knows my friends know but i dont think they think its as big of a problem as it is,i just dont know where to start to try to fix this...can anyone help?

I've actually had the same problem as you. So you're not alone.

I was a huge picker, and I couldn't stop. Not a lot of people understood me, and I actually lost friends over this. It's so hard to know that no one can know what I was going through..

I went to the Dermatologist and he prescribed me anti-anxiety medication that helps decrease the picking that you do. It works well, and it helped me dramatically.

They also recommended me that I should talk to someone why I am doing this. I had a bad childhood, and a lot of deaths in my life, so that could be why. I am always worrying, and anxious.

Now that I receieved help and medication, I only do it occasionally. It is a huge step to take, and it takes awhile to fully cure the problem; however it may not even be fully cured.

I still never got those old friends back, but realized they're not true friends! I now have friends and family who understand and are willing to help me. To this day, I am getting better, but it's a progress.

So if you need to (or can), see a Doctor [Dermatologist] about your issue and he/she may give you medicine such as anti-anxiety pills and antibiotics.

If you'd like, my anti-anxiety pills are called Hydroxyzine HCl. Look it up if you'd like, and see if it would help you!

I do understand your situation. If you ever need anything else, let me know.. because I have been there. I wish you the best.

Leah

[view]


I am going on vacation with my boyfriend in couple weeks & i'll be in my bathing suit most of the time. Normally I shave ya know..down there..but i want to be smooth all week...but i dont want to get razor burn..so how can i do that? and please don't say get a wax at a salon.

There's nair that's available for the bikini line. Don't use regular nair.. that'll just burn you. To correct that one.

You can shave, but bring with you shaving gel that's rich in moisturizers, along with the intuition razor. Those things smoothen skin so wonderfully. Use both for the best results. Then afterwards, apply some lotion there (like goldbond or aveeno), to smoothen any red bumps or irritation.

[view]



<<< Previous Advice Column
Next Advice Column >>>

eXTReMe Tracker