Want something? Ask for it.

Silence is golden - but not always. To gain self-confidence and better your communication skills - Speak up.

Tushar Guha Dr. Tushar Guha, MD Nrityanjali - the Institute of Performing Arts, Personality Development and Management Services, is a practicing Psychologist, Counsellor, Management Trainer and Consultant.  Have a question? Click here...

Dilemma

Pooja asks,
My would be husband wants me to work, but I want to spend some time at home. What do I do? Please help.
Dear Pooja,
Please try talking to him with a lot of understanding. Let it not reflect as an egoistic issue. Be a little diplomatic and sentimental. Assure him that you will take up a job a little later. Also prepare yourself mentally that you have to work. It all depends on you, how you handle the issue. You can definitely convince him. Give a genuine try.

Shy guy

Sandeep asks,
I am getting married soon, but till now I am unable to express my feelings in front of girls. I want to postpone my marriage because, whenever I talk to any girl I become nervous; my body becomes very cold and some times my hands shiver. What should I do to control these things?
Dear Sandeep,
There are a number of issues that we need to address. This is an open forum and I need some confidential information to offer correct guidance. Anyways, keep meeting your fiancée. Begin your conversation with common interests, likes and dislikes, family, movies etc. If you are good at writing, then express your feelings through your writing. Please try and mix with her, go to movies, food joints etc. Gradually you will feel comfortable.

Overlooked by colleagues

Pinky asks,
I have an attractive personality and am doing my job well. My seniors too are impressed with my work. But I find that my colleagues are ignoring me or are jealous of me. Being of a reserved nature, I find it difficult to make friends? What do I do?
Dear Pinky,
You have identified your problem. So now address it. You have to be friendly, begin with a warm smile and wishing people. Enquire about others. You have to make an effort. You have rightly pointed out about jealousy and it will grow. Contain it now with your warmth and communication. You have to do it.

Communication problems

Vineeta asks,
I am 30 yrs old. I met with a road accident when I was 22 and suffered brain injury. I am all right now but lack in communication skills, which mars my personality and confidence. I am married and have a son. But due to my lack in communication my husband always avoids to take me to his friends.Please help me. I am feeling very depressed.
Dear Vineeta,
Don't loose heart. Most of us suffer a lot of pain. May be you do not communicate like others, so what? I am sure your husband loves you and please do not feel that he avoids you because of your so-called lack of communication skills. Please take interest in your life, your son and your other interests. Join some classes like personality development or grooming or even hobby classes. Try to meet a counsellor, just to have a chat. If you are in Mumbai, you can contact me.

Tushar Guha will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

US Immigration: A Common Problem

Travelling abroad, one need to know the pros and cons of immigration.

Sudhir Shah A Member of American Immigration Lawyers Association of USA and a practicing Lawyer of Mumbai. He is an expert on USA Immigration Laws. He provides guidance on how to prepare, apply and obtain a visa to travel to the USA upon marrying someone residing there.  Have a question? Click here...

Registered Marriage

Rahul asks,
My girlfriend and I are on OPT now, having valid Employment Authorization Card. My H-1B starts this October'07. We have our parents consent for our marriage. We want to register marriage in USA legally. Is this marriage also legal in India? Is there a need to register our marriage in India again? If so, could this be done without our presence in India, and with just the marriage license that is obtained here?
Dear Rahul,
Yes. Your marriage performed and registered in USA would be legal in India also. You need not register your marriage once again in India.

Is My Hubby Cheating Me?

Ishita asks,
I got married 3 years ago. He is in US on green card but had cleared his exams and interview for the citizenship. My man is telling me since last 2 years that he is waiting for his citizenship papers. He had his exams and interview in the end of 2005 and since then waiting for the ceremony. Just wanted to know how much time usually it takes? It has been long now. I am depressed. And yet he has not applied for my visa as he is still waiting for his oath ceremony.
Dear Ishita,
Normally a petition filed by a US citizen for his / her spouse for immigrant visa is processed within a year or so. After filing the petition for immigrant visa for an alien spouse, US citizen can also file petition for K-3 visa. That petition is normally approved within 6/8 months. When a petition is filed, the immigration authorities issue a letter acknowledging receipt of the petition and giving a number to the said petition. You should ask your husband to furnish you a copy of the same so that you can keep a track of your petition and find out at which stage it is.

USA Citizenship

Balchandra asks,
I am a green card holder. In 2008 my card will expire. So can I submit my green card and get travel visa, as my wife, son and daughter are USA citizens right now. I am in India (Mumbai) so can I file my petition from Mumbai for visit visa, as my parents are sick and I am only son to take care of them. My parents have 10 years visa and they also have visited USA once, even I had worked for couple of years in USA. My family members are still filing the taxes.
Dear Balchandra,
Normally when a green card petition is surrendered, during its validity period, a visitor's visa is issued. But that is not the rule. The applicant of the visitor's visa has to satisfy that he / she has no intention of permanently residing in USA and has strong family and financial ties in his / her home country. In your case the same may be difficult.

Filing Petition

Manju asks,
My husband is a green card holder; he's residing in US for the last 2 years. We got married in India 3 months back. My question is can a green card holder apply for his/her spouse? How long will it take for me to get a visa? Or do we have to wait until he becomes a US citizen? Is there any solution that we get to live together in US as soon as possible?
Dear Manju,
Your husband should file petition for your immigrant visa, which will be under Family 2nd A Preference category, and as soon as he becomes a US citizen he can convert the same into an immigrant category. There is no solution for you to live along with your husband in USA immediately. You have married a green card holder and ought to have known it takes 5 years to receive an immigrant visa based upon a marriage with a green card holder.

Adjustment In Status

Banny asks,
I am a US citizen. I am planning to go to India this year. After getting married to an Indian what is the best immigration procedure that I should follow to invite my spouse. Please help me and let me know how much time it will take to live life together as a couple.
Dear Banny,
After filing immigrant visa petition for your Indian spouse you may file petition for K-3 visa, which would be processed and approved within 6/8 months. Your spouse can then travel to USA. Once the immigrant petition is being approved, apply for adjustment of status in USA itself.

Sudhir Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Nature takes time to make a baby

With expert advice and advance medical treatment a woman can conceive despite problems.

Dr. Aniruddha Malpani Renowned infertility specialist. He runs an infertility clinic in Mumbai and has written many books.  Have a question? Click here...

Contraceptive pills or Injection

Pinky asks,
I am married for the last 4 years and since then I am taking contraceptive pills. We do not want a baby at least for coming 3-4 years. Is it safe to take pills for such a long time? I have heard of contraceptive injections, is that a better option?
Dear Pinky,
Yes, taking the pill for as long as you like is safe. It only suppresses ovulation while you are taking it. The effect is limited only to the time you take it. Once you stop taking it, it gets excreted from the body, and your ovaries resume their normal functioning.

Still childless

Surinderpal Kaur asks,
I have been married for past 2 years, but am still childless. I have been trying for a baby from last 6 months but no success. I am losing hope. Please advice.
Dear Surinderpal Kaur,
You need to be patient - Nature takes time to make a baby. If you are not pregnant in another 9 months, then do a complete workup before starting treatment haphazardly.

You need to do the following simple medical tests:

1. Semen analysis for your husband, to check his sperm count and motility.
2. Blood tests for you for the following reproductive hormones - FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), PRL (prolactin) and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) on day 3 of your cycle, (to check the quality of your eggs).
3. A HSG (hysterosalpingogram, X-ray of the uterus and tubes) on day 8 of your cycle (to confirm your fallopian tubes are open).

With these test results, we can determine if there is any medical problem causing your infertility. If there is a problem, then we can treat it. Your chances of conceiving with the right treatment are excellent because you are young.

Second baby

Chibaby asks,
I had my first baby four years back, the problem detected from lab is that one of my tubes is blocked. Are there any solutions for low sperm count and low motility? Please help?
Dear Chibaby,
One tube being blocked should not matter much as one normal tube is enough to conceive. Could you please provide me more information - the exact sperm count, motility etc? There is no need to worry much as you have already conceived earlier with the same sperm. But still I would suggest you to do a complete workup before starting treatment haphazardly.

You need to do the following simple medical tests:

1. Repeat semen analysis for your husband (to check his sperm count and motility).
2. Blood tests for you for the following reproductive hormones - FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), PRL (prolactin) and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) on day 3 of your cycle, (to check the quality of your eggs).
3. A HSG (hysterosalpingogram, X-ray of the uterus and tubes, on day 8 of your cycle (to confirm your fallopian tubes are open). Please send me the detailed test results and medical reports.

Miscarriages

Debasis Kundu asks,
My wife had undergone two miscarriages since 2000-02. And after that she is not able to conceive till date. Recently my doctor prescribed Letrozole 2.5 from day 2 for 5 days and Ovigyn 5000IU on day 13 in last month, but there was no improvement. He prescribed the same medicines for the current month and was mentioned that her FSH-49, LH 38.50,Prolactin-8 and TSH-0.35. Are there any chances to conceive?
Dear Debasis Kundu,
I am very worried about her high FSH level. This suggests premature ovarian failure. Repeat the FSH level on day 3 of her cycle. If it is persistently high, this confirms the diagnosis of ovarian failure. This is irreversible; and the best treatment for this would be donor egg IVF, if you are willing to consider this option for building a family.

Age matters

Christina Veloz asks,
I am 40 years old and want to conceive. My FSH results are 15. I do not want to use an egg donor. What is the best route for me to pursue trying to conceive? And is it possible at this stage in my life?
Dear Christina Veloz,
I am very worried about your high FSH level. This suggests poor ovarian reserve. IVF would be your best treatment option, as it would maximise your chances of conceiving quickly. Time is now at a premium for you - please don't waste it.

Dr. Aniruddha Malpani will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

10 Easy Steps For Getting Rid Of Split Ends

Understand the causes of split ends and how to get rid of split ends easily and effectively.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah India's First Certified Trichologists. The official hair care experts for the Miss India contests.  Have a question? Click here...

A spilt end is a common condition, which proves to be the devil of every girl's life! Split ends are most often seen in long hair but also found in shorter hair if not cared properly. It is certainly a curse for anyone trying to grow his or her hair long.

Split ends (or trichoptlosis) are the bane of every self-respecting woman's life. During the seventies women used to burn off the split ends. This need not be done now.

Why Does The Hair Split?

• When the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibres. Once the hair's cuticle wears down split ends are unavoidable. All you can do is trim them and vow to treat your hair better henceforth. Typically, the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be around two to three centimetres in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fibre.
• They are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive chemically or vigorous brushing.
• Split ends are formed on growing hair because the inside of the hair, also known as the cortex, splits at the ends, thereby getting the name "split ends". Reasons for this fraying are because of intense heat that is caused from curling irons, blow dryers, and such or because the hair is overstretched or damaged and hard combing or brushing that splits the ends.
• Split ends happen when the hair is exposed to extreme temperatures, not enough oil and lack of nourishment.
• Another culprit is a hairpin that is not smooth at the end, because when you try to take it out, it can rip the hair.

Protecting Your Hair From Splits

• Avoid intense heat on hair like when using curling and straightening irons.
• Use a conditioner that protects hair during heat if you can't naturally dry your hair always.
• Throw away hairpins with sharp ends and use one with rounded corners.
• Drink lots of water as water has minerals that are good for hair.

When hair becomes dry or damaged, the hair shaft splits at the end. Here's how you can keep those unsightly splits from spoiling the looks of your locks.

Instructions

STEP 1: Keep brushing to a minimum since it promotes breakage. Brushing wet hair is a definite no-no; use a wide-toothed comb when hair is wet.

STEP 2: Strive for low-maintenance hair. Hair dryers, curling irons, perm and hair colours all damage hair. If you must blow-dry, use a cool setting and keep the dryer 6 inches (15 cm) from your hair.

STEP 3: Protect your hair from extreme weather. Wear a hat on sunny days and keep hair well moisturised in the dry winter months.

STEP 4: Apply a leave-in conditioner or pomade to the ends of your hair daily to keep it strong.

STEP 5: Snip away any split ends you spot. Cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the split. A split end will split the hair all the way up to the scalp, so snip it as soon as you spot it.

STEP 6: Schedule a trim with your hairstylist if you start seeing a lot of split ends.

STEP 7: Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion.

STEP 8: Any split ends will automatically stick out.

STEP 9: Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don't cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

STEP 10: Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Getting Rid Of Pigmentation

Getting rid of tanned skin is not very difficult. Our skin experts have a solution for all your skin problems.

Dr. Jamuna Pai Leading cosmetologist who runs her own cosmetic clinics in Mumbai.  Have a question? Click here...

Tanned skin

Madhu asks,
I am 26 years old. My problem is that I have black skin on the upper thighs and black marks on hands and they have become tanned. I am worried and don't know what to do. My marriage is near. Kindly suggest a quick and economical remedy home remedy?
Dear Madhu,
Black skin on upper thighs, hands can be lightened to a certain extent. Prepare a scrub of milk cream, lemon juice and sugar and scrub the dark areas with this pack twice a week. It lifts the tan, takes off the dead skin cells. Bleaching once a month would also help.

Dark skin

Riya Sharma asks,
I have a problem of dark and coarse underarms. I used to use hair removal cream 3 years back but stopped. And switched to shaving. My underarms are noticeably dark (I am assuming this darkness is due to the hair because it looks similar to how men's skin look after they shave) than my other parts of the body, which makes me very conscious when I wear a sleeveless shirt. They look dark even after shaving properly. Can you please tell me any home remedy to restore my underarms colour and softness as the other parts of my body, as my skin is extremely sensitive to any creams and very dry?
Dear Riya,
Darkness in the underarms occurs usually in case of hormonal imbalance. Frictional areas like underarms tends to be more pigmented or darker and hence unfortunately don't respond well to skin lightening creams. Using dusting powder during the day will help. If you are over-weight, reducing weight will help. Prepare a scrub of milk cream, lemon juice and sugar and scrub the dark areas with this pack twice a week. Bleach this part once a month.

Moles on the face

Amreen Malik asks,
I am 18 years old and I have two moles on my face, which are growing and bulging in size. I am worried how to remove them. Please suggest a safe method of removing them with out leaving behind any black permanent marks on my face.
Dear Amreen,
Moles can be permanently removed with the help of an Erbium Yag or Nd Yag laser. It is a very quick and an effective method.

Stretch marks

Tania Tejani asks,
I delivered a baby last month. I have got stretch marks. How can I reduce them, as they appear red and purple? Is there any way to get rid of them completely? Would reducing weight help?
Dear Tania,
A stretch mark occurs due to permanent snapping of the elastic fibres of the dermis and hence unfortunately doesn't go completely. It can only be lightened to a certain extent when it is fresh. Luckily your stretch marks are red, purplish, which can be lightened. Using mixture of creams containing Retinoic acid 0.025 % with mild steroid like Desonide with Hydroquinone on alternate nights will help. Also surgical option like Abdominoplasty will help to get rid of stretch marks permanently if one is done with all pregnancies.

Dark patches

Smitha asks,
I am 25 years old. At the time of my pregnancy I got dark patches on my cheeks and nose even after delivery it still persists. How can I get rid of it?
Dear Smitha,
Dark patches on cheeks and nose what you refer is called Melasma. It occurs due to hormonal changes. Unfortunately it does not go 100%. We can lighten it to a certain extent. Creams containing Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, Hydroquinone when applied at night will help to lighten the same but what is more important is to supplement treatment with a good sunscreen during the day. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or above all the times.

There are various kinds of peels like Azelaic acid, Glycolic acid and herbal peel. 4-6 sittings are required at an interval of 4-6 weeks to get the desired results.

Dr. Jamuna Pai will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Monsoon Care For Your Hair

Monsoon hair care tips from our experts for a gorgeous mane - even in the rain!

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah India's First Certified Trichologists. The official hair care experts for the Miss India contests.  Have a question? Click here...

The monsoon, sandwiched between the heat of summer stickiness and winter dryness, is generally ignored when it comes to hair care. A regular hair care routine will go a long way in insuring you against tangles, wet and messy hair.

Our experts give you some tips on taking care of your hair in the monsoon season.

• Firstly, choose a sensible hairstyle. Though short hair is easier to maintain in the rains, select a style that can bounce back into place easily after being wet. Avoid hairstyles that require your hair to be straightened, crimped or curled since the high levels of humidity in the air will make the hair go limp.
  
  
• Try not to use hair sprays and gels as the lacquers and gums can stick to the scalp causing dandruff.
  
  
• No matter how much trouble you take to keep your head dry, a heavy Mumbai shower is sure to leave you soaking. Proper drying of hair can help in minimizing the damage of excessive wetting of hair. If you dry your hair with a towel, avoid rough back and forth motions. The proper technique to pat-dry gently before using an electric blower and make sure that the temperature is not too high or you may burn your hair.
  
  
• Do not leave your hair wet or tie it while it is still wet, as this could cause dandruff.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Yearn for good skin?

Hormonal imbalances and over-exposure to the sun can cause skin pigmentation and so care must be taken.

Dr. Jamuna Pai Leading cosmetologist who runs her own cosmetic clinics in Mumbai.  Have a question? Click here...

Sunburns and scars

Rajni asks,
I was suffering from sunburns last year and this has left some scars on both my arms. Can you please tell me if these scars will ever go or not, as I have consulted lot of dermatologists in Bangalore but none of them have been able to help. I have been taking treatment for the last 9 months and have spent a major chunk of my savings but to no avail. My marriage also was fixed but the groom backed out at the last minute after seeing my scars. I am extremely depressed.
Dear Rajni,
Skin layers shed off every 28 days. Also cell turnover is every 28 days. Scars will fade out naturally in due course of time but to hasten the process of recovery we do various kind of treatments like Fruit acid peel, Azelaic acid peel, etc. Treatment is done at an interval of 4-6 weeks and 4-6 sittings are required to give you the desired results. Use a good sun block (SPF20 or above) during the day. Reapply every 3-4 hours.

Dark lips

Kiran asks,
My lips have turned dark from the corners, its not genetic as everyone in my family have bright red lips. Is there anyway I can lighten them?
Dear Kiran,
Darkness around the corners of lips occurs usually if there is nutritional deficiency. You can take supplements of antioxidants such as combination of Vitamin A, C, E and minerals, iron and folic acid, Vitamin C and oil capsule from the flowers of evening primrose oil. Moisturise your lips regularly with a product that also has a sunblock, which will prevent darkening. Creams containing Vitamin C, Kojic acid when applied at night will help in lightening.

Pimpled skin

Kid asks,
I have lots of pimples on my back and my shoulders. They leave scars after they heal giving my back a very untidy appearance. I am currently not undergoing any treatment for it. Please help?
Dear Kid,
For acne scars we have variety of treatments like microdermabrasion (skin polishing), various kinds of peels like Glycolic acid, Azelaic acid peels. Make sure a trained professional does it. 4-6 sittings are required at an interval of 4-6 weeks to give you the desired results.
Also creams containing Vitamin C, Kojic acid, Hydroquinone when applied at night will help in lightening.

Hormonal Imbalance

Mitu asks,
Each time after I wax my hands I get boils filled with pus when the hair starts growing back. What should I do?
Dear Mitu,
Boils filled with pus after waxing occurs mostly in case of hormonal imbalance. In case of hormonal imbalance, male hormone is dominant, which makes your skin very sensitive. Consult a dermatologist to rule out this. You can take anti-allergic tablet 1 day prior to any procedure. Also antibiotic belonging to Azithromycin group once in a day for 6 days will help.

Combination skin

Pooja Shanka asks,
I am 20-year old girl. Due to my hectic schedule, I stay out of my house the whole day. My skin gets exposed to sun daily. What kind of make up would you suggest for me? I have combination skin on my face. Is it advisable to wear sun block and then Lacto Calamine on top? I cannot wear any foundation, as it's uncomfortable in the sun, so I choose Lacto Calamine.
Dear Pooja,
Exposed areas tend to be more pigmented than rest of the body. Since you have a combination skin use a face wash meant for oily skin. Use a good sun block, which is oil-free, oil control (water-based). Mix 1 dot of sun block with 1 dot of Lacto Calamine and apply. Since Lacto Calamine is a natural sunscreen it gives double protection, reapply every 3-4 hours. Use a good concealer on top of the sun block.

Dr. Jamuna Pai will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Can Stress Lead To Hair Problems?

Stress can lead to hair problems. Proper care and right treatment from a trichiologist can help to regain healthy hair.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah India's First Certified Trichologists. The official hair care experts for the Miss India contests.  Have a question? Click here...

Thin Hair

Dina Patel asks,
My daughter is 14 years old. She had very thick, and lustrous hair. But now her hair has started thinning and the scalp is easily visible. Please advise. Can the problem be cured if it is hereditary?
Dear Dina,
You need to consult a hair expert, if your daughter's hair is thinning and her scalp is visible. If the problem is hereditary, then further thinning can be slowed down but not prevented.

Female Pattern Thinning

Rupali Mayekar asks,
I suffer from tremendous hair fall and Female Pattern Thinning. Since few months I was suffering from hypothyroid. Please advice.
Dear Rupali,
Female Pattern Thinning can be slowed down drastically by taking tricho active products for which you need to see a Trichologist. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, it should normalize with medication because disturbance and hypothyroidism leads to hair loss.

Hair Fall

Vaishali asks,
I am 16 years old and I suffer from hair fall. I don't have dandruff in my hair but my hair is very soft. I underwent medical supervision but in vain.
Dear Vaishali,
You need to see a Trichologist immediately who will assess the nature of your hair fall and find out the underlying cause.

Itchy Scalp

Savitha asks,
I am 33 years old. I am suffering from stress diabetes and have serious hair loss. My hair itches a lot, although I wash it everyday. The front part of my scalp itches a lot. I don't have dandruff problem nor do I oil my hair. What actually worries me is I used to be complimented for my nice straight black shiny hair.
Dear Savitha,
If you have stress diabetics means your sugar levels are fluctuating, which can lead to serious hair loss. You need to control your diabetes under medical supervision. As regards to your itching problem, a doctor needs to see the lesion on the affected part and rule out certain underlying causes.

Grey Hair

Renu asks,
I am 26 years old and my hair has started to grey due to mental stress. Some strands have turned completely grey while others are on the verge of greying. This has started since last one year. Please advice how can I regain my black hair, as it is definitely not due to age.
Dear Renu,
Yes, definitely your greying is premature because of underlying stress, which you have. Taking tricho active supplement like amino acid powder and restoring to distressing modes can slow down further greying.

Smelly Scalp

Anu asks,
My scalp smells bad. I wash my hair daily and have even tried different shampoos. But still my head starts smelling as soon as I step out of the shower.
Dear Anu,
You need to do a clinical assessment by a doctor because generally the scalp should not smell bad after a through wash.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

All about procuring a US Visa

From visitors' visa to fiancé visa.... Our expert tells you all about obtaining a USA Visa.

Sudhir Shah A Member of American Immigration Lawyers Association of USA and a practicing Lawyer of Mumbai. He is an expert on USA Immigration Laws. He provides guidance on how to prepare, apply and obtain a visa to travel to the USA upon marrying someone residing there. Have a question? Click here...

Green card

Ali asks,
I am 40 years old. I want to apply for immigration for my wife and me. We are both graduates from Osmania University (Hyderabad). I have three children - the youngest has a US citizenship.
Dear Ali,
Your child, who has a US citizenship, can sponsor you for a green card only after he/she attains 21 years of age.

Certificate of domicile

Saiyed asks,
I am a citizen of India, currently in the USA on a work permit. I am marrying a girl having Pakistani citizenship. I want to apply in the US embassy, for which I need a marriage certificate and domicile of Gujarat. I want to know whether she could take an appointment in the USA consulate, Mumbai for a H-4 dependent visa on a Pakistani passport?
Dear Saiyed,
Where is the Pakistani citizen girl, whom you intend to marry, residing? She would have to apply for a H-4 visa at the consulate in whose jurisdiction she is normally residing. Upon marriage, whether in India or in Pakistan, you must register the same with the Registrar of Marriages and you will be issued the marriage certificate. For the certificate of domicile, you must apply to the authorities in Gujarat.

H-1B visa

Vdumane asks,
I am in the US since 1998, initially on F1 visa and then on H1B visa. My F1 visa was obtained in India, but the H-1B visa that has been obtained in the US has not been stamped in India. I have never visited India, after I came to the US. Now I am applying for my green card through my employer. Can I now marry a person, who has a H-1B visa and has been in the US for few years? Are there any complications involved?
Dear Vdumane,
I don't see any complications in you marrying a USA person, who is there on a valid H-1B visa.

A marriage and divorce issue

Murthy asks,
I got married on June 1st 2006 as per Arya Samaj in Hyerabad. But the marriage is not registered as I thought the Arya Samaj certificate was enough. Currently I am in India and my wife is in USA for her MS degree since 2nd December 2006. Now she refuses to come back and has asked for a divorce. I see no valid reason behind it. In her visa application she has mentioned her status as unmarried. What can I do to bring her back? Please help.
Dear Murthy,
Your desire to take advantage of a certain weakness of your wife, is not a healthy thought. If you really love her you should not compel her to come to India against her wish. If you feel that on meeting your wife, you will be in a position to develop your relationship then travel to USA and do the same.

Visitor's visa (B-1)

Anamika asks,
I married an US citizen last year. I got my green card in the month of September 2006. I want to bring my parents here as they are alone in India and I am worried about them. Can you tell me what visa should I apply for them? Also what are the formalities?
Dear Anamika,
Your parents should apply for a visitor's visa (B-1) by submitting forms DS-156 and DS-157. They must state all the facts therein correctly and disclose that you are in USA. At the visa interview they must show their non-immigrant intention, family and financial ties in India and financial strength to travel to USA. It would be advisable if they consult an Advocate well versed in USA Immigration laws.

Sudhir Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Clean-n-Clear

Proper care along with right treatment gives clean-n-clear skin.

Dr. Jamuna Pai Leading cosmetologist who runs her own cosmetic clinics in Mumbai.  Have a question? Click here...

Facial hair

Umniyah asks,
I am 22 years old girl. I have lots of facial hair. I thread to remove them, which has eventually ruptured my skin. How can I regain my original skin?
Dear Umniyah,
Laser treatment with 'Diode Hair Removal Laser' removes dark hair permanently and reduces fine hair. Once the hair reduces, it will automatically lighten the overlying skin colour. Laser hair removal is quite cost effective in long term, as in just 4-6 sittings the hair is permanently removed. So the best solution is definitely laser.

Scar on face

Saaimah asks,
I had met with an accident at the age of 3 years. I have stitch marks on my face. Could you please suggest me a treatment to solve my problem? Also how much will it cost and does this treatment have any serious side effects?
Dear Saaimah,
Stitch marks can be lightened to a certain extent with procedures like microdermabrasion, Glycolic acid peels, etc. Make sure a trained professional does it. Creams containing retinoic acid plus, mild steroid plus and Hydroquinone, when applied at night will help in lightening the scars. Also, if it is a big mark consult a plastic surgeon for re- evaluation of the scar.

Blemished face

Rajeshwari asks,
I have some black spots on my face, from past three years. I consulted many doctors. I applied Melalite-15 cream along with some other creams too. But nothing worked. Please help. I even apply sunscreen before going out.
Dear Rajeshwari,
Blemishes on cheeks, lips and nose are attributed due to hormonal changes. It could be due to hormonal imbalance. It tends to be more prominent during stress and menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, it does not disappear completely. It can be lightened to a certain extent. Creams containing Kojic acid, Glycolic acid, Vitamin-C Hydroquinone, when applied at night will help to lighten the same, but more important is to supplement the treatment with a good sunscreen during the day. Use a sunscreen of SPF (20 or above) all the time. There are various kinds of peels like Glycolic acid, Azelaic acid and herbal peel. 4-6 sittings are required at an interval of 4-6 weeks to get desired results.

Sunspots

Zodin asks,
My problem is, I have pimples on my face and sunspot later on it turns into moles, please help me.
Dear Zodin,
Sunspots on face seem to be freckles. It is usually genetic hence it can be lightened to a certain extent. Use a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) during the day. Reapply every 3-4 hrs. For pimples you can use Adaphalene gel at night. If it is severe you can take cyclical antibiotic course like Azithromycin once a day. Use multani mitti pack once or twice a week. For moles, it has to be surgically removed by a plastic surgeon. It leaves behind a fine hairline scar, which eventually fades with time.

Tanned skin

Smita asks,
I am 27 years old and have a wheatish complexion. My face and neck have turned unbelievingly dark. My husband is fair and he finds uncomfortable with my skin getting darker every day. I feel helpless. I also underwent few skin peeling sessions from leading dermatological centre, but nothing worked. I feel awkward going out with my husband and friends.
Dear Smita,
Exposed areas tend to be more pigmented than rest of the body. Use a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) one hour before the sun exposure. Reapply every 3-4 hrs to avoid tanning. That would be more effective than fairness creams. Use a scrub once or twice a week. Creams containing Vitamin-C, Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, when applied at night will help in lightening the skin. Taking iron, Vitamin-C supplements would help. Also consult a dermatologist to rule out any hormonal imbalance.

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