Dipping tobacco unhealthy, gross

Dear Dr. Gott: I’ve noticed an increase in tobacco ads featuring chewing tobacco. By calling it “smokeless tobacco,” the ads make it more socially acceptable. Even young players are targeted with chewing gum made to resemble tobacco. I understand chewing tobacco is popular among our overseas troops as well as prominent sports figures. Doesn’t chewing tobacco contribute to side effects such as mouth cancer?

Dear Reader: You bet it does. And the situation is not helped by the obvious use of smokeless tobacco by professional baseball players, who spit constantly while being televised during games.

“Dipping” tobacco can lead to serious health consequences, including cancer of the month, throat and palate. Also, it is gross. Would you, as an average woman, kiss a man with a “plug” in his mouth? I don’t think so, unless you are really hard up, but I won’t address that issue here.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Viruses and Cancer.” 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: I read my paper daily and look forward to reading your column every day. I am always very interested to read the answers to people’s health concerns.

I would like to know if you are still practicing medicine and if you are accepting new patients. You seem like such a wonderful and thorough doctor and I am looking for a new one. Are you close to the Pasadena, Calif., area? If you are not in this area, can you recommend a good internist to me? I look forward to hearing from you.

Dear Reader: Thank you for your compliment.

Yes, I am still in solo private practice in New England. I am not accepting new patients, especially from California. (It’s an awfully long commute!) However, my eldest son, Geoff, has a private practice in psychological counseling in Manhattan Beach. He might be able to see you or help you in other ways. He is, by all reports, extremely capable. For further information, call (310) 372-1062.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Choosing a Physician.” 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.