The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-29
BETTER SAY HI-YA THAN
 NOTHING AT ALL

nave nAQ SomeCnlng on my mind for long while. don't mean bowling = Ismean something about the letters you dear. kind people write me, particularly the multi paged ones.
 Now, dadbust it, may be just as hard boiled as I pretend to be, but somehow T can't learn to handle that problem. Tn fairness to all my correspondents I should, of course, divide my time and consid- eration among them as. equitably as l can. at least among those readers who comply with the instructions reguarly printed here. Do I follow this policy? I do not. Trouble with me Is I can't take it or let 1t alone. If word, a phrase or some little feature about letter arrests my attention at the first glance, before I realize it I'm immersed in the thing and wade through the en- tire fourteen pages before come up for air. Tn all fairness, I repeat, I should consign such letters to the warehouse, to be dealt with in the sweet by-and-bye, if at all. But no, I have never learned that kind of efficiency. file 'em here, ther and everywhere, intending to study them more carefully just as soon as shall have caught up with the regular everyday correspondent
 But I have reached an impasse now-all available drawers, files, baskets and other receptacles stuff fed and running over with letters I had hoped otake up again some day and answer as I would letter from an old friend. The only solu- tion of the problem appears to be a ruthless housekeeping and begin again with a clear conscience and a clear desk. That, by the way, will be consistent with my policy-to keep absolutely secret the identity of correspondents. When anybody writes to me, be the physician or layman, assume he does so in pri- vacy, and l keep it that way unless he or she gives me written permis- sion to divulge his identity.
 There are many questions can't answer here, for one reason or ar1- other. In these personal answers I do my best to answer questions pertaining to personal health and hygiene.
 Just remember, dear subscribers and tightwads who read the neigh bors' papers, if you elect to disre- gard the instructions and write me long letters about your case or any, thing, else, you're out of bounds and you should try to keep your shirt on if fail to acknowledge or answer your letter soon or ever.
 QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
 Phantom Stockings
 Is 1t necessary to have doctors permission to use the new paint instead of stockings? (Miss D. R)
 Answer-No. It is harmless.
 Constipation Habit
 Happy to report the teachings in your invaluable booklet on consti- patton have enabled me to over- come the habit completely. Have not needed or taken any kind of laxative now for several months, and I feel much better than ever felt while depending on such medi- cine. (M. A. R.)
 Answer-On request, if you in- close ten cents and stamped en- velope bearing your address, I'll send the booklet :.sThe Constipation Habit and Colon Hygiene"
 How Old to Have Cancer
 How old does woman have to be before she can have cancer of the breast? Could woman 8 years old possibly have cancer of the breast? She has never had any children. GA. B.
 Answer-Cancer may occur at any age. though in most instances a woman is forty or past when can- Ger of the breast occurs. Don't wonder and worry about it. Report to your physician at once for ex- animation and advice.
 Hard Enough
 Last year physician found my liver had hardened some, from ex- cessive drinking. I have abstained since then, but meanwhile my old physician passed away. My present physician says it is nothing to worry about, that with care as to diet, proper medicine and continued ab- staining the liver will soften up and be restored to normal function.
 (M. 0. T)
 Answer-Sounds sound enough. I know of no better course for you to follow. I preseume your diet in- ciudes adequate daily rations of the essential vitamins.
 Copyright i945, John F. Dille Co.) g-.V IT n m n -'----1