DR. WALLACE: I know that alcohol is a drug. I have never taken an illegal drug, but I have consumed a little alcohol. Does this mean I'm a druggie? I don't think so! There is a huge difference between drugs and alcohol. — Nameless, Chehalis, Wash.

NAMELESS: The term "druggie" is intended to identify those who use illegal drugs, so those who drink alcohol only would not be included in this term. Because alcohol is widely advertised and is legally available to those who are 21 and older, many people do not think of it as a drug. They believe that drugs are either medicine or illegal substances. But alcohol is, indeed, a drug, which is defined as any substance used for the purpose of altering the body or mind in some way. Alcohol does both.

The fact is, alcohol is a chemical that slows down (depresses) the central nervous system and alters the functioning of both the mind and the body, and is the most used and abused drug in the world. Since you have "consumed a little alcohol" in your young life, you are well aware of its power. You will be doing yourself a huge favor if the last time you consumed alcohol was, indeed, your last time!

ALL BIKERS SHOULD WEAR A SAFETY HELMET

DR. WALLACE: I agree with your answer that all young bike riders should wear a helmet. But you forgot to tell parents to do the same. Many times I see families ride by our house on bicycles. The children are wearing their helmets, but their parents are not. Aren't parents the most important people in their children's lives?

A properly fitting helmet is a must for safety. Even if a helmet is certified, it doesn't mean that it fits properly. A reputable bicycle shop can help the rider get the proper fit. — Mother, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

MOTHER: Excellent suggestions. Thanks for sharing them with our readers of all ages.

MY TEACHER MIGHT THINK I'M STUPID

DR. WALLACE: I am a 17-year-old girl from Korea and I'm spending one year in America to take 12th grade courses. My main purpose is to learn better English and to know more about the American way of life. I live in Anaheim, California with an American family and their 17-year-old daughter. All of them are nice to me and I like them very much.

Grades are very important to my parents and to me. In Korea, I made all top marks in all of my subjects except mathematics. Now I'm worried that my American mathematics teacher might think I'm stupid. My American "sister" helped me write this letter to you. - Soo Kim, Anaheim, Calif.

SOO KIM: Welcome to America. Not all of us can be gifted in all disciplines. I'm sure your American family will talk with your school counselor about your concern and help arrange your schedule knowing you might need extra help in math. Trust me, your parents will be proud of you when you return home to Korea!

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.