‘ I am only 14 but I keep forgetting things easily’

QI am 14 years old and my problem is that I forget things very easily. I forget what I have read the day before and when I try to remember it, no matter how hard I try, I go completely blank. Please suggest a remedy.

— Fardeen Mohammed

Although forgetfulness is not common at your age; it is still possible; and causes like stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid hormone problems and sleep disturbance should be considered by your doctor during diagnosis.

But if you have a problem of snoring during sleep and feel unrefreshed when you wake up or experience excessive sleepiness during daytime, consult a sleep specialist to rule out obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is more common in overweight or obese individuals. Poor quality sleep is responsible for poor memory and concentration.

Also, get your thyroid hormone levels checked. — Dr S. V. Praveen, General physician, Citizen Hospital

I am 16 years old. Since childhood I have had the habit of biting my lips and I regret it now as my lips have bulged out. Is there any way to treat my lips and make them look normal?

— Cherry Rockz

You may have an underlying anxiety which is resulting in this lip- biting habit. This practice comes from thinking regularly about some issues or mulling over things unduly. It is often done in a subcon- scious manner and due to that the damage to the lips is too high. It can even become brown and have dark patches.

You should consult a physician at the earliest as the issue can be resolved. — Dr Mohammed Parvez, Internal Medicine, Mediciti Hospital