DR. WALLACE: I hear a lot of my fellow students saying that the police are paid to harass and bother law-abiding citizens. I, too, once had this same opinion of "pigs." But not any more.

Two months ago, I was a passenger in a car that went out of control, glanced off a tree, turned over and caught fire. My buddy and I were both trapped and couldn't get out. Within minutes, two police officers were smashing the windows. Despite the flames all around them, they pulled us to safety.

The only injury I suffered was a banged up head that required 12 stitches. My buddy had a broken leg. If it weren't for these brave policemen, I'm sure I wouldn't be here to write this letter. And my buddy and I are forever indebted to both of them. — Jessie, Grand Junction, Colo.

JESSIE: Being a police officer is extremely stressful and hazardous, as you well know. There are still some in our society who don't appreciate them, but our country would be in total chaos without them.

The vast majority of law enforcement officers are invaluable, and you are living proof!

FOODS DO NOT CAUSE ACNE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and starting to get a few blemishes on my forehead and I'm in a panic because I do not want to have a face full of pimples. My aunt told me that if I would eat only fresh fruits and steamed fresh vegetables for two months, my blemishes would disappear.

I do like most fresh fruits, but I'm not a fan of "steamed veggies." However, I'd eat steamed green grass if I thought it would improve my complexion. Do you know if there is a better way to have an unblemished face, or do you think I should do the "fruit and veggie" diet for a couple of months? — Nameless, Tacoma, Wash.

NAMELESS: It's true that fresh fruits and vegetables are wonderful healthy foods. Your aunt means well, but in fact, they will not clear up a blemished complexion. Simply stated, "Foods do not cause acne, nor will they eliminate the problem." So says Dr. Jeffrey Lauber, a Los Angeles dermatologist.

You should visit a dermatologist who will guide you toward the clear complexion you desire. Medical research has produced effective treatment to eliminate or minimize acne and related skin blemishes.

SECONDHAND SMOKE HARMFUL TO PETS

DR. WALLACE: You said that secondhand smoke is harmful both to humans and to pets. My parents both smoke in our house. Whenever they smoke inside, I go outside, but my problem is that I have a bird and a dog. I usually take my dog out with me but I can't take my bird out. And if I'm not at home, they both have to stay in. How bad is secondhand smoke for my pets? — Belle, Indianapolis, Ind.

BELLE: Furry pets like dogs and cats, are vulnerable to secondhand smoke and may suffer from a runny nose, throat irritation and sneezing. A healthy pet can become allergic to cigarette smoke, increasing its chance of getting lung cancer. Caged pets, such as hamsters and birds, are especially prone to respiratory problems.

Let's hope Mom and Dad realize that they're doing harm not only to you, but also to your pets when they smoke in the house. It would be wonderful if they gave up smoking and then everybody in the house would be better off. However, this probably is unlikely to happen, so they should at least be the ones who go outside to smoke.

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.

Photo credit: Steven Green