I want candy! - Body: Q&A

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Kristen Kemp

Why do I crave candy? I spend all my allowance on it and can't seem to get enough.

If you were screaming for ice cream, it could be that your body needed calcium. But because candy has no nutritional value, it's doubtful you're craving it to make up for a nutrient deficiency. Could it be that your parents try to put limits on your junk intake, so you want what you can't have (the forbidden Jujyfruits, so to speak)? If not, it's possible you have hypoglycemia. This blood sugar disorder can cause major sugar cravings. Go to www.hypoglycemia.org to test yourself and, if the points add up, make an appointment with your doc. Otherwise, you probably just have a sweet tooth. Candy's OK on occasion, but wouldn't you rather save your allowance? Curb those cravings by filling up on healthful snacks, like nuts or cheese, because sugar cravings intensify when you're super-hungry.

I am 13, and I peed in my bed last night. I was having this weird dream in which I couldn't stop peeing, and then I woke up soaked. What's wrong with me?

Don't worry--you're not all wet. Dreaming about peeing is likely your body's way of trying to make you aware that you need to "go." But when you sleep through it, well ... If it happened once, don't sweat it. Even if it occurs occasionally, it's not uncommon: About 3 percent of kids under 14 wet the bed. Explains Dr. John Gallehr, Carita Peace Center, Louisville, Ky., either your brain isn't shutting down urine production at night or you don't wake up when your bladder's fall. Over time, your body learns to do both. Try this: 1) Don't drink liquids a few hours before bedtime. 2) Set an alarm for 2 a.m. so you can use the bath room. 3) Get a Potty Pager (www.pottypager.com). It will wake you up when you're about to go--and train your brain to gain control over your bladder within a few months. Drier days are ahead!

Even though school has started, my brain is still on summer vacation. I can't seem to remember things like when my homework is due or what I was about to say in class,

Lost your pen ... again? When it seems you've misplaced your memory, it could be stress. After four or more stressful days, according to a study at the University of Washington, St. Louis, your body produces too much cortisol (a hormone), causing memory to take a break. If you're fairly stress-free and still keep forgetting your lunch, maybe you're not getting enough sleep. In another study, kids 6 to 13 didn't do nearly as well on simple tests when they were shut-eye deprived. Remember that the next time you're tempted to stay up and watch Nick at Night! The good news? Your brain goes right back to being brilliant whenever you stop stressing and get your zzz's.

Is it normal to have hair between your breasts and around your belly button?

If you're sprouting hair "down there," some might also crop up around your belly button, upper lip and, yes, breasts. "Around 11 or 12, certain hair follicles respond to hormones surging through the body," explains gynecologist Dr. Adelaide Nardone. "Hair that's not in your armpits or pubic area should be very fine, even if it's darker." If it's coarse, show your doctor--you could have a treatable hormonal imbalance. But a little fuzz is normal, even if some girls get more than others. If your for freaks you out, bleach it (Sally Hansen Creme Hair Bleach) or use a hair remover (Nair).

Stumper of your own? E-mail it to questions@girlslife.com, or write to Body Q & A, Girls' Life, 4157 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214.