DR. WALLACE: I've been told that genetics play a huge role in a person becoming an alcoholic. My father is an alcoholic, and so are his brothers and both of his parents (my grandparents). My mom is a nondrinker and she has warned my brother and me to never start drinking because we may have inherited the trait to become easily addicted. Could this be true? I'm 17 and my brother is 16 and we have never touched alcohol. Just living in the house with an alcoholic and having other relatives who drink is enough to turn me away from drinking. — Sophie, Charleston, S.C.

SOPHIE: Your mom's advice is absolutely correct. You and your brother are, indeed, at higher risk of alcohol addiction. Here are a few "sobering" statistics:

Studies show that genetic makeup is by far the most significant factor in determining whether someone will become addicted to alcohol. According to the Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Beaufort County, South Carolina, a child with one alcoholic parent has a 40 percent chance of contracting this disease. Those with two alcoholic parents have a 90 percent chance.

YOUR AUNT REVEALS HER IGNORANCE

DR. WALLACE: I'm a junior in high school and do not plan to go to college, so I take several courses that interest me, including mechanical drawing, wood shop and auto mechanics. I know that they are not college-prep caliber, but I do my homework and get good grades. I'm also taking required courses in math, science, English and history, and I maintain a 3.25 grade point average. My parents are proud of me for getting good grades.

My cousin is also in the 11th grade at my school, but she is in college prep. She takes calculus, chemistry, world geography and English literature and her grade point average is 3.75, and when her mom comes over to our house she always mentions it.

When my mom said mine was 3.25, my cousin's mom said that my grade point average is inflated because I'm taking easy classes. This upsets my mom because she knows I am doing my best. I'm in regular classes, but I'm identified as educationally handicapped. My mom is proud of me and I think my aunt should be too. — Jake, Phoenix

JAKE: Your aunt's petty competitiveness is the height of insensitivity. Your mom should insist that she stop playing this destructive game. In other words, your aunt should stop bragging about grades and making pointless comparisons. Both you and your cousin deserve applause. Your aunt does nothing but reveal her own ignorance by making grades into a contest with a single "winner."

You are an excellent student and I'm sure your parents are extremely proud of what you have accomplished. I know I am.

I NEED ZIP BACK IN MY WORKOUT

DR. WALLACE: I've been trying to get into tiptop shape for the past year. I've done pretty well, but I'm beginning to get bored with my workout routine. I find that I've been finding ways to avoid working out. Do you have any good ideas for me to get a little zip back into my workout? I know I really should continue working out, but I find it more boring every day. Please give me some inspiration. — Nameless, Tustin, Calif.

NAMELESS: Find a partner and work out together. Tennis, racquetball, handball and badminton will give two people excellent workouts. Even jogging or riding a bicycle can be a lot more fun when you're with a buddy.

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.