Question: A girl at school is annoying and really scares me. She's stolen from her mother, and I think she takes ecstasy. She's asked me to "be late to class with her" and has referred to herself as my girlfriend. I have no interest in her, but she has latched on to me. I really don't need this sort of trouble, any ideas?

Answer: Choosing your friends carefully is very important, and this girl's involvement in theft, drug use and truancy is certainly worrisome. You may be sending this girl mixed messages in an effort to be polite and not hurt her feelings. Don't encourage her attention in any way. Without being rude you need to make it clear to her that you have no interest in her as a potential girlfriend, and would like her to leave you alone. You can convey this information in person, in writing (note or e-mail), or via a trusted friend. Since you are concerned that she has "latched on" to you, it would be best not to be left alone with her at any time.

Teenager has problem
wetting the bed

Question: I'm a 14-year-old girl and I still wet the bed. I notice that when I do, an area on the left side hurts. It only lasts a couple of hours. What is it?

Answer: Since you didn't mention the exact location of the spot, it's difficult to tell what's causing this pain.

Ask your doctor to examine the area that hurts, and as long as you're there, ask about treatment options for bedwetting, which certainly must be bothersome for you. Your doctor may want to first check your urine for signs of infection or diabetes, then discuss treatment with you and your parents.

Various prescription medications are effective for short-term use, for example when you spend a night at a sleepover or go to an overnight camp. The best long-term results have been achieved with an "enuresis alarm" device, which makes a noise when you begin to wet the bed to wake you up.

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