Dear Pharmacist,

In a previous column on apple cider vinegar (ACV), you stated that “heartburn and reflux can sometimes be related to insufficient levels of stomach acid, not high levels like many of you who take acid blockers assume.” Really Suzy? I’ve been on Omeprazole for years for heartburn. My doctor says you’re nuts and got angry when I questioned him.

--T.B. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

We have some new Thanksgiving traditions in our modern era.

For instance, every year around this time, hospital emergency room personnel pile up extra supplies to handle severe burns. This is in response to another modern tradition: deep-frying the turkey.

No one wants to smell bad—especially Americans. In fact, we’re obsessed with the idea, constantly purchasing perfumes, colognes, toothpastes, gums, fresh-smelling sprays, and deodorants. Some websites even offer to send gentle letters to those not-so-pleasant-smelling friends and co-workers of ours. An awkward subject at best, body odor can be embarrassing, depressing and debilitating. But you can fight back . . . and win.

Varicose veins are generally harmless, but a new study reveals that danger may be lurking.

I’d like to tell you about something that just might help protect women from some of the side effects of radiation treatments.

And it’s something many people enjoy already, whether they have cancer or not: red wine.

Dear Pharmacist,

I have such bad varicose veins in my legs that I hide them from my husband. I never wear shorts either.  Are there vitamins that can make them disappear? 

--T.G. Dallas, Texas

Q: Do you have any tips for getting rid of warts?

I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of blowing up balloons for our children or grandchildren. And, as I’m sure you’ve seen a thousand times, the balloon starts to lose air over time and begins to look wrinkled and shriveled.

Believe it or not, that same phenomenon is leading you to develop sagging, wrinkled skin.

Want to prevent shingles?

You can ask your doctor for a shingles vaccine, or you can make sure you're getting a good intake of a specific vitamin.

Your call.

Q: Working in my garden in the evening, I end up covered in bug bites. What can I do to relieve the inflammation?