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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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I'm Feeling Alone and ScaredDR. WALLACE: I have read many of your columns about bulimia and until now I have never had the courage to write to you. I simply cannot control my eating habits even though I am thoroughly aware of the symptoms and the repercussions, thanks to your column and the information you give to teens. My typical eating pattern includes eating like a bird or fasting completely five days out of the week. Then for two days (usually the weekend) I stuff myself, eating everything in sight until I have stomach cramps. I can't stand the thought of vomiting, so I then take a bunch of Ex-Lax and go to bed. After starving the next day, I end up being slim and trim again. I really want to look good and be thin, but I hate being so out of control and worry about the consequences of bulimia. I realize that I have a serious problem, but I don't know how I can solve it. I am getting more and more depressed every day. I recently even considered suicide. I took an overdose of diet pills, thinking that would end everything, but I just passed out and slept it off. I'm 20 years old and happily married, but nobody knows about my illness, not even my husband. Whenever I binge, I make sure I'm alone and nobody knows — I'm too embarrassed to tell my husband or my family or even my best friend. I keep thinking that I probably need to speak to a psychiatrist, but we could never afford it. We can barely pay our bills now. I'm feeling really alone and scared. Can you help me? — Nameless, Richmond, Va. NAMELESS: Asking for help is your first step toward recovery; it is impossible for you to do it alone. Your husband loves you and will understand. You must tell him, and then the two of you should visit your family doctor. The most important person in your recovery process is your husband. He will always be there for you when the urge to binge takes hold. Together, you can and will overcome your problem. Please write to me in about a month to let me know how you are progressing. Also, please read the following letter from Cheri, who has additional information that might help you. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS CAN HELP DR. WALLACE: I was interested in your column regarding bulimia. May I offer some information that will be useful? I suffer from an eating disorder and was referred by my doctor to Overeaters Anonymous. OA is a caring, sharing group of people who understand. There are meetings designed especially for sufferers of anorexia and bulimia and meetings for the families of the suffering people. From my own experience as a person who is suffering from an eating disorder, OA is a real lifesaver. It's so nice to have someone care about me and understand. Also, the program has several meeting days and times so it can fit almost any schedule, and it is FREE! Overeaters Anonymous is located all over the world, so information can help a lot of people, if they want help. For the number in their area, overeaters can look in the telephone book or call information. — Cheri, Torrance, Calif. CHERI: Thanks for the useful information. I'm sure many readers will take advantage of it. 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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