James Heffley, Ph.D.

Is earwax supposed to be dry or sticky? Mine seems to be too dry and is hard to remove. Is there a remedy other than having a doctor remove it?

I notice bleeding gums when I brush my teeth. My dentist is concerned and wants me to come more often for cleaning. Am I really risking the loss of my teeth if I don’t, and what else will help me preserve my teeth?

I am trying to avoid diabetes, which runs in my family, by choosing foods for their low glycemic index. Some of the foods I want to eat because they ought to have a low glycemic index are not on anyone’s list. Is there some way to calculate the glycemic index myself?

I’m working hard to limit sugar for my family and for me. There are several new artificial sweeteners, and I don’t want to be surprised with unexpected health concerns as I was with aspartame. Is there any good news on the horizon?

I plan to visit the Northeast this summer and I worry about Lyme disease. How can I avoid getting bitten by ticks, and are there nutrients that would help if I do get Lyme disease?

I consider myself quite healthy at age 42. I have been a strict vegetarian (vegan) for more than 10 years, I exercise and meditate regularly, and have never smoked tobacco. I have two healthy children and I am still having regular, uncomplicated menstrual periods. Is there any reason for me to consider taking food supplements?

Travel is no fun any longer because of motion sickness. With vacation approaching I would like to head off this problem for my whole family. Where do I start?

I know acne is not life-threatening, but it makes my life miserable. I am considering AccutaneTM treatment but I’m open to other suggestions.

I stopped eating nuts a few years ago when I found out about aflatoxins, but now I am hearing more about nuts being good for us. Should I reconsider?

I am trying to convince my husband to reduce his salt intake. He doesn’t have high blood pressure, but it does run in his family. What reasons can I give him?

Every once in a while, without overdoing, my back “goes out.” It isn’t bad enough to see the doctor, and I’m nervous about trying a chiropractor. What else is possible?

Where else can a teetotaler get the benefits of red wine?