Explain he is due for exam; don’t nag

Dear Dr. Gott: My husband is 50 and thinks his Italian/Greek heritage makes him invincible to health problems. Yet his father had two strokes and died a miserable death. He eats whatever he wants and rarely exercises. In the past five years he has acquired a stomach that protrudes past his chest. He doesn’t think it is fat, since it is hard. I know differently (intra-abdominal fat). He says his 205 pounds has not changed. He refuses to go to the doctor to get his cholesterol checked. How do I convince him to take better care of himself? I am 29 and in perfect health, eat right and exercise every day. He will not follow my lead. Please help me!

Dear Reader: One of the issues about which I am most questioned relates to marriage partners who are far older (or younger) than the readers. The younger spouse is almost always the concerned party, who complains that her (or his) companion refuses medical attention, yet carries on apparently disregarding reasonable health guidelines.

I suggest that you explain to your husband the sound view that he is due for a thorough medical examination. Then leave the matter in his hands. Don’t nag. You have met your responsibility; the rest is up to him.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Coronary Artery Disease” and “Losing Weight,” which includes my no-flour, no-sugar diet. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Also, because the demand for me to write a book on my no-flour, no-sugar diet, I am letting my readers know that I have a new book coming out in spring 2006. It is entirely about the diet. Keep your eyes open for more updates.

Dear Dr. Gott: A friend recently told me that horse shampoo and conditioner is good for human hair and that horse-hoof hardener is great for strengthening fingernails. I’m ready to try them but would first like your opinion on any possible long-term damage.

Dear Reader: I’m not much good at endorsing veterinary products for humans, except that I know many farmers swear by Bag Balm for chapped hands. Horse shampoo probably won’t hurt you; in fact, it may be better for your hair than some of the commercial goop sold by fancy stores for human use. With respect to hoof hardener, I have no opinion.

The subject of veterinary products and their use in the home is one I find fascinating. I’d be grateful to readers who share with me their experiences with such products. I often am queried about this topic and would like to know more.