Dear Jewel,

I hate pubic hair. Why do people have it? I want to get rid of mine. My boyfriend is cool with it. I want to get waxed at a salon. Tips?

Wan 2 Be Smooth

Dear W.2.B.S.,

While pubic hair is a natural part of life---it's rarely, if ever talked about in public. Toronto Public Health claims this unseen body secret serves good purposes. Gasp!

"Human beings probably developed pubic hair for two reasons: to show who was mature for mating, and to trap sexual smells."

The decision to go silky smooth is personal indeed.

"Some people like the look or feel of it... There are cultures where both men and women shave their pubic hair. Pubic hair seems to come and go as a fashion trend."

Surprisingly, not all removal methods are recommended.

"Some people shave, some wax and some use creams. Hair removal creams should not be used for places covered by underwear -- the skin is too delicate."

When shaving avoid: "dull razors, shaving dry, unprepared skin, and sexual contact for 48 hours after shaving." Also, shun wax that's too hot. Sidestep sexual contact 48 hours after a wax job. So what are telling signs of a topnotch hygienic salon?

All reusable equipment and instruments are cleaned, disinfected or sterilized after each use. When cosmetic products are used (including: wax, cream or lotion) the salon ensures zilch from the last client (i.e. virus or bacteria) remains in the jar to infect you.

Also, salons should use throwaway sticks. If wax-dipping sticks are reused they should be cleaned with bleach solution. Yet, health risks remain. Yikes!

"Even if they do throw away the sticks after a single use, the wax is still shared from client to client. It is possible for viruses and bacteria to spread this way as...the wax is kept at a warm temperature."

Lastly, remember, pubic hair removal can cause irritation and spread infection.

"Sometimes a person already has a sexually transmitted infection ... The irritation from shaving or waxing can allow these types of viruses to spread to other parts of your skin ... If your partner has warts or genital herpes, irritation makes it easier for you to get these infections from them. Another problem is the possibility of infection by sharing razors."

My advice: Do your research. Enlist the help of your experienced mom. Take precautions. Be safe! Love, Jewel.

Hey Dave, My buddies tell me I have a problem with TV. I love it! I watch everything. Drama, soaps, movies, game shows, sports...I love them all.

I turn down opportunities to be with the guys because there is something I want to see on TV. They are getting pretty frustrated with me. I'm happy with the way things are, but do you think I have a problem?

TV GUY

Dear TV GUY:

Yes, I do think you have a problem. If you sacrifice social time to watch TV, you need to turn down the couch potato-ism a bit. I'm not saying go cold turkey; there's decent entertainment and drama on the boob tube. But anything taken to the extreme can hurt other areas of your life, so I recommend moderating how often you plunk yourself on the couch. If you like hanging with your friends, prove it.

I know from past experience that watching TV can be addictive. Not addictive like drugs or booze, but mentally absorbing and extremely easy to do on a quiet evening. But there's a big caveat with all that TV watching: spending four hours doing nothing could make you feel tired and unproductive, because TV is a passive form of entertainment.

Plus, it's a motionless activity that can promote unhealthy habits like eating food in front of the set or general laziness. Don't get pulled in by the lure of television -- watch a few of your faves, but discard the drivel (and there's lot of the latter!). Do you really need to see the latest episodes of American Gladiators and Law & Order: Criminal Intent?

Got a hot question for our cool columnists? E-mail Jewel or Dave at writeus@ypp.net or check them out on-line at http://www.ypp.net.. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com