DR. WALLACE: When I was only 12, my best friend and I got caught stealing candy from a grocery store, and the manager called the police. When the police arrived and talked to us they told us that stealing is a crime and we probably would have to show up in juvenile court and we would be notified when to appear. We were both scared to death.

The store manager contacted our parents to come and pick us up and when they came to get us, the manager decided not to press charges if they would insure that it would not happen again. My parents were upset and they grounded me for a whole month. I apologized to the manager and to my parents, and promised that I would never do anything to embarrass them or myself ever again.

I'm now 18 years old and I have kept my promise. I will graduate (with honors) from high school and have been accepted at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and will be majoring in pre-law.

Only one thing that still bothers me is the episode of stealing two candy bars five years ago. Will this "arrest" show up on my records if someone runs a security check on me in the future? It would be devastating if it would. How can I find out? — Nameless, Amarillo, Tex.

NAMELESS: I contacted the Amarillo Police Department and was informed that since no charges were filed and you did not have to appear in juvenile court, there is no record that could show up at an inopportune time. The store manager decided that your parents would handle the necessary discipline and he was right. The discipline and guidance given by your parents was totally effective — much better than a lecture by a judge.

JOGGING IS A WONDERFUL EXERCISE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and about 15 pounds overweight. My brother, who is a high school cross-country runner, is trying to get me to start jogging to lose weight.

How long would it take me to lose these extra pounds so I can enjoy a treat for the special occasions? — Nameless, Cleveland, Ohio.

NAMELESS: Jogging is a wonderful exercise, but jogging alone will not cause you to lose much weight. Jogging for a mile will only burn about 100 extra calories, and that's not very much. One piece of frosted chocolate cake contains some 500 calories, so it will take you extra time to lose those extra 15 pounds.

So you need to combine a sensible diet with your jogging program. Jogging will firm muscles and the healthy diet will encourage weight loss. Begin your jogging program gradually — only 15 minutes a day, three days a week. Then you can build up gradually to 45 minutes per day, five days a week. And make sure you wear comfortable running shoes.

Also, you must count calories. You can consume 18 calories a day for every pound you want to weigh. For example, if you hope to weigh 125 pounds, your daily consumption should be 2,250 calories.

Never go on a crash diet to lose weight rapidly. Those extra pounds took time to grace your bones and should be given time to vanish.

IS THIS GUY TOO OLD FOR ME?

DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and dating a 27-year-old guy. He is wonderful and treats me like the lady I am. We have a wonderful time when we're together.

My problem is that my aunt (who was my legal guardian) thinks this guy is too old for me and that I should date guys who are 19 or 20. I'd like your opinion, please. I have dated younger guys, but none of them treated me as well as Jeff does. — Megan, Reno, Nev.

MEGAN: Age difference is not as important when both people are over 18. Just smile when your aunt brings up Jeff's age, but continue seeing him.

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: Ruth Hartnup