DR. WALLACE: I've been smoking for over three years, but lately, I've been thinking of quitting. Can you tell me if it's true that most women gain weight when they stop their smoking habit? I'm deathly afraid of gaining weight, and I don't know if I can chance the weight gain if I quit smoking. — Nameless, Ames, Iowa.

NAMELESS: It's true that many people do gain weight when they stop smoking. To compensate for the loss of this oral activity, they take up another one: compulsive overeating. But health professionals encourage smokers to whip the smoking habit first, then, when the urge to smoke has completely vanished, you can work on losing any extra pounds.

The average person who quits smoking will experience a 5 to 7 percent weight increase, but that's not something to be deathly afraid of. And you may not gain any weight if you substitute healthy snacks for smoking when the urge to smoke hits. Even if you do gain a few pounds, you can lose a pound a week on a sensible eating plan and be back to normal in no time — and enjoy being smoke-free!

A VISIT TO YOUR DOCTOR IS NECESSARY

DR. WALLACE: You are the only person I can turn to, so please take my letter seriously. I'm 13 and still wet the bed. I live with my mom and my grandmother. My grandmother tells my mom that she thinks I will outgrow my problem, and my mom always agrees with what her mom tells her. It's very hard for me to have this problem, and it's embarrassing because I can never spend the night at a friend's house or go to a slumber party.

I'm thinking that maybe I should see a doctor, and I'm hoping you will agree with me since my mom thinks you give really good advice. Can you help me? — Nameless, Orlando, Fla.

NAMELESS: Yes, I agree that it is time to see a doctor as soon as you can get an appointment. Your problem can be corrected quickly with proper treatment and medication. It would be unwise to wait any longer!

WE WENT OUR SEPARATE WAYS

DR. WALLACE: When I was 16, I met a nice guy named Ben who was a year older than I. He gave me a dozen beautiful red roses on my birthday and was really nice to me and wanted us to be a couple. But at the time, I was involved in clubs and drama, etc., and I wanted to just be good friends. He didn't like that idea so we went our separate ways, but it was a friendly parting.

Now, I'm a mature 20-year-old and ready for a relationship, but every guy I meet fails to compare to Ben. I guess I didn't really know his value when I was 16. I heard he is still in town, but I don't know if he is seeing anyone right now. Do you think it would be too bold of me to give him a call or write him a note? I wouldn't want either of us to get hurt, but I just can't help wondering, "What if?" Do you think I should explore the possibility of a relationship with him, or just leave him alone? — Nameless, Newark, N.J.

NAMELESS: You have nothing to lose by contacting Ben. Even if he is attached at the moment, I'm positive he will be glad to hear from you. Old friends like to "catch up."

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.