DR. WALLACE: I would like to comment on your column about teens who have tattoos. To tell you the truth, it made me furious. Just because someone has a tattoo it doesn't mean they are into drugs. Tattoos do not cause people to be bad. Tattoos don't make teens drink, do drugs, or get involved in illegal or immoral behavior. I am disappointed that someone as distinguished as you could write such inaccurate information in your column.

Personally, I have two tattoos and 10 piercings. My close friends are also tattooed and multi-pierced. We also dye our hair a rainbow of colors. Oh yes, we also wear weird clothes and listen to "screaming" music — yet none of us drink, or do drugs,

I don't appreciate your labeling a certain group of our society as bad just because they happen to enjoy being tattooed. I would appreciate it if you would stop stereotyping groups of people for no reason. The individual should be judged on his deeds, not by the amount of money he has in the bank, the level of his education or whether he has a tattoo. — Nameless, Oakland, Calif.

NAMELESS: I can't take credit for the information regarding teens and tattoos. As I mentioned in that column, the data came from a study by the University of Rochester of 6,072 people between the ages of 11 and 20. The study found that teens who had tattoos were more likely to engage in risky behavior (such as drinking, drug use, and sex) than those who didn't.

That's a social overview and says nothing about the behavior or character of individuals. The study suggests not that tattoos are responsible for the risky behavior, but that they may be a sign someone is headed for trouble. It's not an absolute and should never be used to stereotype people with tattoos. Thanks for reminding us that tattoo wearers can be model citizens who avoid illegal and immoral behavior!

YOU MUST VISIT A DOCTOR

DR. WALLACE: I'm an 18-year-old guy and I've got a big problem. I'm getting bald. It's very noticeable and already my friends are referring to me as "Baldy." My dad is bald and so is my grandfather. My parents said that I should accept the fact that I'm going to be bald too, so I shouldn't fight it. Already I'm starting to wear baseball caps when I go out with the guys, but it's hard to wear a cap when you are out on a date. I'd like to see a doctor but my parents keep telling me that it would be throwing money down the drain. What do you think? — Mario, Miami, Fla.

MARIO: It's very unusual for an 18-year-old boy to be losing hair even though he might be destined to be bald later in life. Yes, it is very important for you to visit a doctor. Have your parents make an appointment with your family doctor who can recommend a specialist to treat your hair loss. It's not a waste of money to receive professional care. You or your parents don't have a choice. A visit to a doctor is a must!

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.

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