Q:My husband has bought a stationary bike for me. I have no idea how to use it. Please guide me.

SS, Jamshedpur

A stationary bike is a good way to start any fitness routine. The best way to make sure you do use it is to shift it to the TV room. You can tell yourself that pedalling will be your ticket to watch some TV. That way, you won’t lose interest in this activity.

Start with 15/20 minutes and work up to at least half an hour. Pedal comfortably and when tired, slow down and pedal very slowly, do not stop completely. Nowadays, there are meters attached to cycles, which show the calories spent. Start with a target and wear loose and comfortable clothes.

Q:My son, now six years old, is suffering from a skin infection he contracted when he went to the swimming club. What precautions should I take in order to prevent this from happening again?

IM, Calcutta

After a swim, a good scrub using an antiseptic soap is one way of preventing another infection. Also, some liquid antiseptic, like Dettol, put in the last mug of water while bathing, can be tried.

Q:At times, when I sneeze or laugh, a little urine leaks out. Is it normal, and how should I stop it?

BB, Dimapur

Inability to hold urine during physical activity is a common problem. Any physical exertion, from exercising to coughing, can result in this. Most people don’t know that three out of 10 women suffer from this stress urinary problem.

Reduce intake of coffee, as well as any source of caffeine, diet pills etc. Sip what you’re drinking. Do not gulp down large amounts, which might put pressure on the bladder. Visit the rest room every two hours.

Do pelvic floor muscle exercises twice or three times daily. These consist of contracting these muscles as if trying to stop urine mid-flow and restarting. Hold for three to 10 seconds and then release. There are also special pads available for this problem.

If everything else fails, visit your doctor, who may suggest a small operation or a device, which can be inserted.