DR. WALLACE: My dear, sweet grandmother is a huge anti-smoking person and keeps warning my friends and me about the "evils" of tobacco use. I'm aware of all of the "evils" that are caused by smoking except one because I'm not sure that it is an "evil." I am rather short for my age and I hope to grow to a normal height. Grandmother tells me that smoking will stunt my growth as a teen. I don't smoke and I am not planning ever to smoke, but I'd like to know if smoking stunts one's growth as a teen. — Carly, Moline, Ill.

CARLY: Your grandmother needs to continue spreading the word to teens about the "evils" of smoking. However, stunting a teen's height isn't one of these evils. If it was, we would have many more teens avoiding cigarettes!

FREE CHEESE TO STUDENTS

DR. WALLACE: My grandfather said when he was young the U.S. government supplied free cheese to students. I think it was during World War II. Recently, I read in a teen magazine that cheese is on the unhealthy food list. What gives? The article was written by the U.S. Food and Drug people. Why would they give away unhealthy food to students?

Please tell me that cheese is good for you, because I'm a cheese freak. I like it any way I can get it — in a sandwich, fried or baked in a casserole. —Rita, Las Cruces, N.M.

RITA: During World War II, government surplus food was provided free to students, with the main giveaways being cheese, milk, meat and fruit juice. In those days, cheese was listed under dairy products as a very healthy food. Whole milk and red meat were also on the healthy foods list.

But we now are aware that cheese, whole milk and meat contain harmful fat. Whole milk is out, skim milk is in; fatty red meat is out; breast of turkey, skinless chicken and certain fish are in.

The Mayo Clinic Health Letter reports that cheese contains more fat than many cuts of beef. But cheer up — you can start enjoying fat-free cheese. The taste and texture are almost the same as regular cheese and some people can't tell the difference. Buy some and give it the taste test; you won't be disappointed.

I'M NOT SURE THAT I LOVE HIM

DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and have been working for an insurance company ever since I graduated from high school. For the past several months, I've been dating one of my coworkers. Lately, he's been talking about marriage. I really care for him and I think I'd enjoy being his wife, but I'm not yet sure I can honestly say I love him.

I told him this, but he said that my liking him very much would turn into loving him after we are husband and wife. He is a super guy. What are your thoughts? — Tina, St. Louis, Mo.

TINA: You need time for this relationship to develop. Don't commit to a marriage until you can honestly say you love the guy unconditionally!

CHEERS FOR TEACHERS

DR. WALLACE: I read an article in a magazine where over 10,000 teens were asked in a survey whom they trusted most - politicians, police officers, rock stars, business people, teachers, clergy or car salespeople. I'm sure that you, as a former high school principal, will be happy to know that teachers ranked as the most trusted. Police officers came in second, followed by clergy, business people, rock stars, politicians and car salespeople. — Cindy, Flint, Mich.

CINDY: It's about time teachers are recognized for their high moral character! Now if only their salaries started to reflect their social value....

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.