Debbie Descher, age 11, of Enid, Okla., for her question:

 WHY DOES A PERSON YAWN?

A yawn is an involuntary, wide opening of the mouth with inhalation and exhalation of a breath. It is usually caused by being bored, tired, very relaxed or perhaps hungry.

A yawn will occur when a large quantity of air is slowly inhaled and then gradually exhaled. If a person yawns too often, it may be symptomatic of disease. It may be that the body is not getting enough oxygen. But usually a yawn is a good, healthy sign. card with your name, age and complete address to  , in care of this newspaper. Entries open to girls and boys 7 to 17Joanne Labunski, age 13, of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for her question: