DR. WALLACE: I was surprised to learn in a column that 80 percent of high school students in a survey of more than 5,000 students admitted that they had cheated at least once in high school. It was a long time ago (I'm 84), but I was my high school valedictorian, and I'm proud to say that I never cheated. I did assist several of my classmates with their homework, but I had permission from teachers. My best friend asked me to write a theme for him in English, but I said no. Being honest at school carried through my entire life. I have never done anything illegal, and I have never falsified anything on my income tax return.

It is really enjoyable to be 100 percent honest and never have to look over my shoulder for someone coming after me. The Good Lord looked after me because I praised him. I really hope those students who cheat in school understand that they are only cheating themselves. By the way, I forgot to tell you that I am a retired medical doctor, and I'm positive that all of my former patients are very happy that their doctor graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School with honors. —Dr. R., New York, N.Y.

DR. R: Thanks for your inspiring message. Most students who cheat are perfectly capable of earning acceptable grades if they only completed the necessary assignments, but like many human beings, they take the easy way out.

YOUR BOYFRIEND HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM

DR. WALLACE: I'm dating a really great guy who is 18 and has graduated from high school. He has a job working for his dad in an auto repair shop. He treats me well and spends a lot of money on me. I like him a lot, but he does have one small problem.

He earns most of his money selling drugs, mainly marijuana. I don't like this one bit and have told him many times to stop selling, and he always says, "I will — tomorrow." But tomorrow never seems to get here. What should I do? —Nameless, Reno, Nev.

NAMELESS: Your boyfriend doesn't have a small problem. He has a major problem. Selling drugs is a criminal offense. If he's caught, he'll spend time behind bars.

You've got to give him an ultimatum: "What's more important, me or selling drugs? Don't let him off the hook with that "tomorrow" excuse. If he's still peddling drugs, drop him immediately.

NO SUCH THING AS A HEALTHY TAN

DR. WALLACE: My question is this: Is it possible to get a healthy tan? I mean a tan only where there is never a burn. I know that the sun is a wonderful source of Vitamin D. —Christy, Vancouver, British Columbia.

CHRISTY: Dr. Gary Sibbald, a member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, says that there is no such thing as a healthy suntan. He believes that even the slightest tan is actually unhealthy and represents skin damage that can lead to wrinkles, furrows, blotches, lesions and even skin cancers.

But for those who choose to ignore this advice, proper precautions can make the skin damage less severe. When outdoors, always wear a proper sunscreen, and understand that the sun's rays are most damaging from noon to 4:00 p.m. Take advantage of your knowledge of the sun and its effects on the skin.

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. Email 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.