Question: I'm a hypochondriac. I've tried everything, includingpsychotherapy, to make my concerns go away, but I keep beingterrified.
Right now, because I often have headaches, I'm afraid I have abrain tumor, even though I've had head scans done and nothing iswrong. What can I do? - Maria Elisa, Portugal
Answer: In true hypochondriacs (who are equally split among menand women, by the way), even mild physical sensations - a fleetingchest pain, a plain-vanilla headache - feel like warnings ofsomething terminal.
The Internet likely has made it worse. The vast array of websiteslisting symptoms and diagnoses sometimes can make even thehealthiest people feel like they're teetering at the edge of theirgrave.
Extreme health anxiety is no joke. Hypochondria, like otheranxiety disorders, can be disabling, and ordinary psychotherapy,constant reassurance from your doctor or medications might not beeffective.
But there's one proven anxiety treatment that almost alwayshelps: cognitive behavioral therapy.
This short-term treatment helps you identify and challenge thethoughts that underlie your fears and emotions.
After a few sessions with a therapist experienced in its behavior-modifying techniques, most hypochondriacs find that the frighteningfeelings start to fade away - and, with a couple of painkillers, sodoes the headache.
Question: I'm a vegetarian. I've noticed that quite a few of youronline recipes contain polenta.
I live in the U.K. and don't know what polenta is or where to getit. Can you help please? - Lynne, via email
Answer: Polenta is the Italian name for boiled ground cornmeal,or what you British usually call maize meal. (For our readers in theSouthern U.S., it's like finely ground grits.)
It's OK for vegetarians. When boiled and cooked, polenta has amashed-potato consistency, but it quickly firms up as it cools. Thenit can be sliced and pan-seared or baked.
It used to be a staple of peasants and soldiers - in fact, slicedpolenta was the MRE (meals ready-to-eat) of the ancient RomanLegion.
You can buy polenta precooked (usually in a tube) or as fine orcoarsely ground meal that also can be turned into corn cakes or evenused as a crust for sweet or savory pies.
It's fat-free, fiber-rich, high in iron and has about 100calories per half cup (cooked). We love it smothered in roastedvegetables, spicy beans, herbed lentils or marinara sauce.
Buying polenta ready-made makes going meatless even easier.
Question: I love gardening but have horrible allergies. What canI plant that won't make me sneeze? - Kathy, Wyndmoor, Pa.
Answer: Well, sneezeweed is probably out. In fact, any plant thatproduces pollen (trees, shrubs, grass, flowers ... pretty mucheverything) has the potential to give you itchy, watery eyes, adrippy nose and sneezing fits.
Before you start contemplating Astro Turf, some pretty plants areless likely to send your nose into a tizzy. These include florist-style hybrid tea roses (they're almost scentless), old-fashioned pom-pom hydrangeas, hollyhocks, sedum and irises.
Avoid heavily perfumed plants and male trees and shrubs (agreenhouse can help you choose). Female plants not only don't shedpollen, but they also trap and keep the pollen that's in the air, soless reaches your nose.
There are some new allergy-free Bermuda grasses. Your localCooperative Extension Service (find it here: www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/) can help you create a low-allergy landscape.
Wind-borne pollen is a problem, but there are some preventivesteps that will help. Try wearing a filtering mask, sunglasses,gloves and a hat.
When you come in from the north 40, always shower, wash your hairand strip down to eliminate pollen from your hair, skin and clothes,which go straight to the laundry. And, take non-sedatingantihistamines faithfully during your allergy season (spring andfall are usually flora's time for sex orgies).
The YOU Docs, Oz and Roizen, are authors of "YOU: On a Diet."Want more? See "The Dr. Oz Show" on TV (check local listings). Tosubmit questions, go to www.RealAge.com.
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