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Alcoholics Can Never be Social Drinkers
DR. WALLACE: My father is definitely an alcoholic. He continues to work only because his boss is his best friend. I even heard the boss tell my dad that if he didn't cut down on his alcohol consumption, he might be forced to fire him.
The problem is …Read more.
Wearing a Seat Belt can Save a Life
DR. WALLACE: This letter is directed to teens who travel in a motor vehicle. Please buckle up, regardless of where you sit or how short the trip might be. Several weeks ago, I stopped at the scene of a violent automobile crash. Having medical …Read more.
Vibrating Belts do not Melt Body Fat
DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and have excess fat on my upper legs, commonly known among females as "saddle bags." I've tried every kind of exercise possible to eliminate this fat, but nothing has worked.
A friend told me that her mother got rid of …Read more.
Marijuana Use is Unhealthy and Unwise
DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and have been smoking marijuana for over five years. A close friend introduced me to "pot" and I am thankful that he did. I truly enjoy getting high on "weed." I only use marijuana when I am positive that …Read more.
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Date Only Safe Drivers!DR. WALLACE: I'm allowed for the very first time to go on a car date. My parents want me to make sure that the guy I'll be going out with is a safety-conscious driver. I want that, too. I don't want to be riding beside a reckless, unsafe jerk. What are some of the things I should be aware of concerning driving habits before I date a "guy and his car"? — Erin, Lake Charles, La. ERIN: Many times a guy's driving ability is part of his total personality. Guys who drive with abandon are usually well-known on campus. If in doubt, ask around. His friends will know if the guy is a safe driver or not. Psychologists at the University of South Hampton (England) have compiled a list of characteristics of risky male teen drivers. I think you will find it interesting and beneficial. Make sure you show the list to Mom and Dad. It might impress them that you are doing some research on the subject: The accident-prone teen driver thinks good driving means having fast reflexes. He had a strong desire to drive long before he reached the legal age. He spends a lot of time working on his car because he wants it to look and run great; to him, it's more than just transportation. His driving reflects his mood. When he's mellow, he usually is a good driver, but when he is angry, depressed, excited or just showing off, he speeds and takes foolish risks. He goes out primarily with male teenage friends and is encouraged by the poor driving habits of his friends, as well as older siblings and other family members. These bad role models often enough, I am sad to say, include his parents. HE'S TOO OLD FOR YOU DR. WALLACE: I'm a 15-year-old girl and I really need your advice. NAMELESS: This guy is really too old for you. Do not encourage him because he probably is aware that the age difference between the two of you is overwhelming. If he isn't aware of this, he has a big problem and you don't want to be a part of it. SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR PARENTS DR. WALLACE: If I'm 18 and still in high school (I'm in the 12th grade), can I move out of my parents' house without their permission? I'd like to move in with my grandparents because our home is completely dysfunctional. My father is physically abusive to my mother and me, and my mother has a severe drinking problem and won't get any help. I would still be at the same high school. My dad said he'd consider me a runaway if I went to my grandparents' house and he'd have them arrested for hiding a runaway. I don't think he can do this, but he has my grandparents worried. They're very nice people who want to help me, but they don't want to get in trouble. What's the law on this? — Randy, Oklahoma City, Okla. RANDY: After you turn 18, you are free to leave your parents' house without their permission. I'd advise you to move in with your grandparents as soon as you can. Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM
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