Being slim healthful indeed

Dear Dr. Gott: With regard to the reader who wanted to gain weight: I joined the navy in 1943 at 6 feet 3 inches weighing in at 135, pretty skinny. I was called “Bones” over the next four years. One buddy told me he noticed that when I stood sideways in the sun, I didn’t cast a shadow.

I’ll be 80 in December, weighing in at 180 pounds. I take a Lipitor pill, which is the only medication I take so far. Things can change quickly at my age. Good luck to the person who wanted to comment on his weight.

Dear Reader: Six-foot-three and 135 pounds is more than skinny, sailor. But you have fleshed out over the past 50 years.

Thanks for writing to remind us that being slim is healthful, in contrast to the epidemic of obesity in our country today. Certainly, overweight adults and children need to commit to dietary practices that will lead to weight loss, a position that I endorse.

Dear Dr. Gott: For several months, when I have a bowel movement, I sometimes pass a slippery substance when I am finished. I brought this up with my doctor and he said he’s never heard of that, and apparently didn’t check it out anywhere. I think I remember seeing something about this in one of your columns, but I didn’t need it then and just passed over it.

Dear Reader: “Slippery substances” in the stool most often reflect medicine that is not being digested appropriately. This does not constitute a health problem except to the extent that your body may be deprived of the medication.

I suggest that you request your family physician to obtain a stool analysis to check for infections or parasites. Also, he may wish to review your medications; on occasion, 24-hour sustained-release drugs may be passed as a “slippery substance.”

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Constipation and Diarrhea.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: For a number of years, I’ve periodically had water blisters on the bottoms of my feet. They may not appear for months, but really hurt when they do. I drain them and use an anti-fungal cream for control. What is the cause and how can I avoid them?

Dear Reader: You should see a dermatologist for diagnosis. Although blisters on the feet can be due to fungus infections, they can also be caused by allergies. Therefore, you won’t really be able to avoid this skin problem until you have a clearer idea of what’s causing it.