Karen H

I was running 8 miles a day for a while (at 8mph, on treadmill). I thought I would start training for a marathon so I did a 10 mile run at the same pace. I guess I pushed myself alittle too hard, and my right knee has been troublesome ever since. Now, even with several days of rest in between runs, I cannot do more than 4 miles without pain in my knee upon impact. I ice, take ibuprofen, glucosamine/chondroitin, do squats regularly.. but this knee pain comes back every time I run, for several weeks now. Should I see a doctor to get this checked out? What kind of doctor? Any other treatment advice? When I rest, knee begins to feel fine about 24 hours after the run, but like I said 4 miles into my next run, pain comes right back.

I feel like very few people drink straight-up coke anymore, it's all diet. It seems to me like a silly waste of calories. I think the only people that might drink coke are younger kids, naturally skinny people (people who don't have to watch their weight), and maybe also the super-fat people who have given up on watching their weights.

I will be getting a tattoo of a dancer in the rain (I love dancing). Can you suggest some short and beautiful quotes to accompany this image, something dance-related?

I used to cut myself (many years ago). I am much better now (thanks for asking), but I still have visible scars on my thighs and tummy. My husband knows all about them. I'm more concerned about how to respond to casual askers. Like if I'm at the beach with friends, and someone asks just out of curiosity. Should I just say something like, "it's a long story,"or will that only create more curiosity? Can I just make up some kind of white lie? It's not like I want to reveal the whole history of my life to any old joe schmoe that asks.

I have a 20mo old daughter, who I have been at home with for the

last 1.5 years, but in the past two months, I have transitioned to

being a work-from-home mom with her. She insists on being carried EVERYWHERE. To the car, to the grocery store, from ROOM TO ROOM in our own house, and even at the PLAYGROUND! If I do not carry her, she will claw me and climb on me, throw increasingly unmanageable tantrums, and collapse onto the ground. I have no problem letting her cry it out when we have the time and space to do so (home, playground). But when we are in a store or parking lot, I

simply cannot walk away and leave her there.

Two separate instances:

1) One of the secretaries at my office is about to get fired. I can tell the boss doesn't like her, and I saw an ad he posted on craigslist for her position. I am not friends with this girl, but we are friendly, we're acquaintances. Can I tell her?

2) I met a girl at a wedding, we became friendly (again not friends, just acquaintances). We've chatted occasionally since. At the wedding, I overheard her boyfriend talk about how he's cheating on her. They've been together 2 years, she thinks he's a god. Can I tell her?

Advice ASAP!! I really WANT to tell, but that's just b/c I'm nosy. What I need to know is SHOULD I tell?

I was at home with my daughter for her first 18 months. I went back to work full-time 3 weeks ago (part-time was not an option), and she was put in a licensed child care center (run out of someone's house, referred by many other parents, we cannot afford a nanny). At first, she was just needy for me when we were together (i.e. in the mornings and evenings, she would only want to play with me and not daddy). but now her behavior is getting even worse. whenever she is home, she is always throwing tantrums, hurting herself, crying and screaming at me, refusing to be either with me or daddy. I talked to the child care provider, and she says that my daughter is perfectly happy, content, and well-behaved during the day, and that she eats and sleeps well!

My questions:

1) Why has her behavior changed? (in your opinion)

2) Do you think it will get better? When?

3) How have you dealt with these behaviors in your family?

I am making a career change, from law to fitness. Fitness has been a lifelong passion of mine. As a kid, I skied (and taught skiing), danced (and taught dance), and ran. As an adult, I go to the gym 5 times a week; I do cardio, lift weights, go to classes, swim. I worked at a Y for a while, directing a youth fitness program (unfortunately the Y doesn't pay well enough). I have some Y certifications, and a BA that is totally unrelated to fitness (in economics), so I'm basically starting out from scratch. I don't know exactly what kind of career in fitness I might like to pursue... what are the options? I am looking for any and all starter tips. Classes, certifications, books, DVDs, websites/forums... anything to get my new career path started. Also, feel free to email me if you have lots of advice or if you think you can help/mentor. Thanks!

I have been a stay-at-home-mom with my daughter for the last 18 months. But certain circumstances have placed great strain on our finances, and we (my husband and I) have decided that I should go back to work. I tried to find part-time work, but considering my lack of experience, I wasn't able to find anything that would make the expense of child care worth-while. So I have a full time job that starts next week (9am to 6pm). We see this as only temporary, maybe for a year at most. But I am so anxious about it. I can't sleep at night. I am clinging to my daughter in these few remaining days and I'm pretty emotional. I found a good day-care, I know she'll be well-cared for. Mostly it's my own selfishness that's causing my distress: I just love to be with her. She's the first thing in my life that has made me truly unconditionally happy. Maybe I am co-dependent on my child? But aren't all moms?

Obviously it would be a craft that I would do with her help/input. Something cute, doesn't necessarily have to be permanent. His birthday is tomorrow. He likes motorcycles, food, computers, mobster movies...

I bought new pillows because my old ones had become flat and hard. But now the new pillows are a little TOO big and fluffy, uncomfortable to sleep on. How can I flatten them down a bit a without ruining them?

I went off my birth control pill, and it's been TWO months and I still haven't had a period. Can I still get pregnant if I'm not menstruating? If I'm not menstruating, how do I know when I'm ovulating/fertile??

Please read the whole history: I have always been an avid exerciser, but lately i changed my workouts. I used to do cardio (treadmill) and weight training (machines) on my own, but now I've started doing cardio/aerobics and resistance training classes. My knees have particularly worsened in a boot camp class, squats, lunges, etc. I try to maintain good form with my knees, not bending past 90 degrees. But basically the pain has grown worse. it hurts to walk, to bike, to sit down or stand up. it doesn't hurt once I bend them, instead it's during the bending and straightening process.

so here are my questions..

a) are there any helpful supplements I can take?

b) Are there any exercises I can do to strengthen the muscles around my knees? (please list website)

c) should i see a specialist? what kind?

I am virtually certain that Robitussion PE is causing my daughter to have diarrhea (b/c of the timing and duration). Diarrhea is not specifically listed as one of the side effects (upset stomach is listed as one of the uncommon side effects). Also, my doctor told us to give her 3/4 tsp... after doing some internet research, one website recommended 1/4 tsp for her age. Can anyone relate to my experience?

My daughter just switched to whole milk from breast milk. She has some symptoms of an allergy, but very very mild... what did you experience when you found out your child had milk allergy?

My left eye has been watery and tearing all day. it doesn't look swollen at all (though it feels a little swollen). otherwise it doesn't itch or hurt at all. What could it be?

We're having a party for my daughter in a few weeks (her first birthday). I am a fundraiser for the YMCA. Would it be okay to include in the invitation something like this: "In addition to, or in lieu of, a gift for Nadya's first birthday, guests may bring a monetary donation for the YMCA. The YMCA is a non-profit organization that Nadya and her family cares greatly about, because it allows less privileged children a chance to participate in many fitness/dance/arts activities." I mean, let's be honest... the ideal situation is that people bring gifts AND donations, but we're happy to receive just donations or just gifts... what do you think?

PARENTS. Do you prefer the bike seat that attaches to the bike behind the rider? Or the wagon that sits on the ground behind the bike? What age would you start bringing your kid with you bike-riding? Where did you get your equipment? Do they make helmets for little kids?

My daughter is one year old, and I'm wondering if I can start to take her bike-riding with me, and what is the best equipment to use.

My 11mo daughter stands in her crib when she starts crying. We are doing the ferber method (I know some ppl will respond disagreeing with my choice to do this... I welcome your dissent, but be aware my mind is 99% certain its the right choice). Should I lay her down when I come in to comfort her, or just rub her back while she stands?