Ask Doctor Cory.

Dear Dr. Cory:

Why do people have hiccups? It really drives me crazy.

Janet Mpoyi Murfreesboro, Tennessee 

Dear Janet:

Under your lungs is a large, flat muscle called the diaphragm (DIE-a-fram). This powerful muscle almost divides your body in half. The diaphragm tightens and relaxes as you breathe in and out.

Anything that irritates the diaphragm can cause it to tighten and give you the hiccups. The more common causes are eating or drinking too fast, or being excited or tired.

Most cases of hiccups stop on their own after a short time. Stubborn cases can be helped by trying to break the cycle and taking a big drink of water. You can also try holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag for a few minutes. Both increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your lungs. This may slow or stop the diaphragm from tightening.

Dear Dr. Cory:

I am eleven years old and four feet, eleven inches tall. My problem is that I weigh ninety pounds. Am I overweight?

I am also starting to eat a little more sweets than I should, and I'm not getting much exercise. Could you tell me how to eat healthier and exercise more often?

Jessica Watts Cedar Park, Texas 

Dear Jessica:

Without seeing you, it sounds as though your weight is within the right range for your height. By using growth charts, your doctor can determine the weight that's best for you. Several factors--including your height, weight, body type, age, and sex--need to be considered.

It is not unusual for preteen boys and girls to gain weight and look a little chubby. Your bodies are getting ready for a big growth spurt. When your growth spurt occurs, you should begin to feel taller and slimmer.

Try to eat a variety of foods that are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, including fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and cereals. Eat lowfat dairy products, such as lowfat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Avoid soft drinks and fried foods. Drink plenty of water during the day.

If you eat a meal that has a lot of fat and calories, try to make the next meal a much lighter one. This is when food labels are helpful. Check to see just how much fat and calories you are eating.

Exercise is an important part of keeping a healthy weight. Muscle tissue is where calories are burned. The more muscle you have, the more calories you bum. Children your age need to be physically active for at least 60 minutes or more a day. This does not have to be all at once but can be spread out over the day.

Your exercise should include a wide variety of physical activities, such as playing with friends, riding a bike in the neighborhood, swimming, or raking leaves. Activities like walking to and from school and using the stairs instead of the elevator are also important. It's fine to participate in a team sport, but also find a sport that you can enjoy throughout life, such as tennis, jogging, swimming, bike riding, or skating. Share your activities with your family and friends. Even chores can be fun when done with others.

Sincerely,

Cory SerVaas, M.D.