DR. WALLACE: Josh and I had been going steady for two months when he dumped me suddenly because I wouldn't have sex with him. I really cared for him and it breaks my heart when I see him walking hand-in-hand with his new girlfriend. Sometimes I think I made a big mistake in letting him go. Then at other times, I am glad that I chose to remain a virgin.

I don't need any advice; I just feel better to let someone know about my emotional roller coaster ride. — Nameless, McComb, Miss.

NAMELESS: Your story reminds me of the two tears that were floating down a river side by side. The first tear said, "I'm the tear of the woman who lost her man," and the second tear replied, "I'm the tear of the woman who found him." It is said that these words of wisdom came from Confucius. I hope they comfort you.

IMPORTANT RULES FOR BABY SITTERS

DR. WALLACE: I am 14 years old and will be baby-sitting for the first time in two weeks. I'm really thrilled about this opportunity, but I'd appreciate it very much if you could give me a few suggestions. I'm sure there are other girls who are in the same situation. Thanks for any help you can give me. — Deborah, Vancouver, Wash.

DEBORAH: This list may not be all-inclusive, but here are a few things that I feel are of utmost importance for baby sitters:

— Complete a course on CPR. Many places offer such courses, including the local Red Cross and hospitals.

— Ask the parents to leave a telephone number where they can be reached, as well as the number of a relative or neighbor in case of emergency. Also ask them to write the address of the home you are baby sitting in, so you can give it in case of a 911 call.

— Keep the doors locked and do not open the door to anyone unless the parents have left their specific approval.

— Make sure that the children are safe and comfortable at all times.

— When the children are safely tucked in bed, check on them often and do not study until you are sure they are safely sleeping.

— Do not take undue advantage of your employers by, for instance, making too much noise, eating more food than they have offered you or making a mess of the house.

— Do not have friends over to visit while you are babysitting. Do not make personal phone calls to friends.

— Never leave the house until the parents return.

ICE PACK FOR SPRAINS

DR. WALLACE: I remember when you were the varsity basketball coach at Phoenix Union High School in Phoenix, so I know you can answer my question.

Are you supposed to add ice or heat to a sprain? My son sprained his ankle while at basketball practice, and the coach put ice on it. That was a week ago and he still can't put any weight on it.

My husband and I thought that the ankle should have been given heat. Are we thinking correctly? What exactly is a sprain? — Mom, Phoenix.

MOM: The coach followed the correct procedure for sprains. I checked with an athletic trainer and was told to put an ice pack on the injured area every 10 minutes for several hours. Also, if possible, the injured person should lie down and raise the injured part of the body above the head.

A sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting muscles to bones are torn. It is a serious injury, accompanied by extreme pain, swelling and discoloration. All sprains should be X-rayed to see if there is a fracture. To protect the sprain and prevent swelling, the injured area should be wrapped with an elastic bandage.

P.S.: I enjoyed my teaching and coaching experience in your great city very much!

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 [email protected]. 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.