To Your Health

I’m a distance runner, not too much overweight but I would still like to lose about 10 more pounds. Some of my friends are losing weight on the Atkins Diet, but it takes away some very good foods. Is it still worth doing?

All my life I have really loved milk, but my wife is concerned that it is making me gain weight. At age 30 I am otherwise healthy but about 20% over my ideal weight. Would two glasses of milk per day be too much?

After my last Pap test, which came out mildly abnormal, I “spotted” for several days. My doctor’s nurse told me not to worry and I finally did have a normal menstrual period. Why would that happen, and is it worrisome?

My thighs look like orange peel! I’ve seen this on older women, but I am only 28. My friends call it cellulite, so what is cellulite and more important, how do I make it go away?

I was born six weeks premature, and as a result I have some visual problems. I’m now 28 years old and I need to make a decision soon about starting a family. I’ve been concerned that there might be problems if I had a premature baby. Can these problems be avoided now?

What is different about the “super water” now appearing in health food stores? Is it really healthier than regular bottled water?

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?