As boy develops, breasts will downsize

Dear Dr. Gott: My 14-year-old grandson seems to be developing normally, except that his breasts are unusually large. Could this be caused by his diet? Is there something we should do to prevent a problem? He is not fat.

Dear Reader: Like many adolescent boys, your grandson appears to be growing breasts, as well as other body tissue, as a consequence of the normal growth spurt that many developing teens exhibit. In most instances, this breast enlargement will return to normal as his hormone system reaches maturity. I advise you to disregard his breasts until, and unless, it is a cosmetic problem as he progresses into late adolescence. If there is a concern at that point, he can certainly consider breast-reduction surgery. However, such an invasive procedure can ordinarily be forestalled if a young male is developing normally.

If, at that time, you have concerns, review them with his doctor.

Dear Dr. Gott: Will I develop kidney stones from taking calcium supplements?

Dear Reader: No, you will not. Ingested calcium is used in a variety of common instances, including the strengthening of bones. The mineral that fails to be metabolized is simply excreted in the urine. Therefore, your concern about kidney stones depends primarily on your intake of fluids. If you continue to use dietary calcium supplements, make sure that you maintain a generous fluid intake – and, by all means, follow your physician’s advice. He or she is the best resource to answer your question.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Osteoporosis.” 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: After an accident seven years ago, during which my thumb was lacerated by frozen wood that I was splitting, I was taken to the emergency room and sutured.

For the past few months, I’ve noticed a plastic stitch that has appeared in the laceration. The doctor has prescribed warm compresses but this has not drawn the stitch out. Will it ever come out?

Dear Reader: At the time of your accident, the surgeon repaired the injury using plastic, non-absorbable sutures. Therefore, I am not surprised that one or more stitches has returned to plague you – and the doctor.

The effort to “draw out” the suture is useless; the material needs to be surgically removed: Either you have to cut and remove it or the surgeon must perform the task. This procedure should solve the problem.