James Heffley, Ph.D.

I want to do everything right for my baby, due in March 2002, so I plan to breast-feed. How long should I give my baby breast milk only? What advantages do breast-fed babies

For years my periods have been getting worse, but I’m afraid if I go to the doctor he would find endometriosis, and I don’t want to use hormones. Are there any alternatives?

I am due to have angioplasty in two weeks. I know this procedure is necessary now, but I want to prevent further deterioration of my heart condition. What is helpful?

I’ve heard that beans are good food, but I have a problem with excessive gas after I eat them. Are they worth it?

I consider myself a very healthy woman, since I have been athletic all my life and even considered training for the Olympics, but my physician is worried that I have the beginnings of osteoporosis at age 32. Could this be true?

I have heard about a “thrifty gene” that makes it easy to gain weight. Is it real? How would a person know if they carried this thrifty gene, and what could be done to keep from gaining weight if they do?

I have an aggressive form of breast cancer being treated by some powerful chemotherapy drugs. A friend is warning me that some vitamins should be avoided during chemo. Which vitamins are these?

My sister, who is schizophrenic but doing better on medication, is beginning to exhibit some odd behaviors. It started with her blinking a lot, and now she arches her eyebrows, makes chewing motions, and grimaces for no reason. Is this part of her mental problem?

My mother often asked me if I had a bowel movement every day, but now that I am on my own, it’s more like two to three per week. How can I get back to a daily BM without getting hooked on laxatives?

I’m “paying my dues” taking vitamins, exercising, and sticking to a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, but my serum cholesterol still hovers around 240, and my HDL cholesterol won’t go over about 40. My triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are OK. What more could I do to improve those other two numbers?

I don’t want to overreact, but I also want to be prepared in every feasible way for potential terrorist attacks. What is reasonable with regard to nutritional preparation?

I started taking a mushroom extract a few months ago on the recommendation of a friend, and I do feel better. What is in there that could make a difference?