I'm a Full-Time Grouch

DR. WALLACE: Lately, I have been having spells of anxiety. I know it's caused because I am concerned about how I will do in college this coming fall. I have a hard time falling asleep at night and I have lost my appetite. I also have become a full-time grouch.

Is there anything that I can do to get rid of this feeling? If so, please tell me what to do. Should I see a doctor or maybe even a psychiatrist? - Nameless, Moosehart, Ill.

NAMELESS: Anxiety can be a normal, often beneficial, reaction and can increase alertness. Some athletes use anxiety for that extra spark to succeed. But when the anxiety lingers, it's time to take action. Here are some recommendations from a Mayo Clinic health letter:

1. Talk about your problem. Tell a friend or relative about your concern. Sharing your burden may lighten your load. Also, acknowledge your limitations.

2. Do something you enjoy. A pleasant activity, whether it's gardening, listening to music, or watching funny movies, will help distract your mind and relax you.

3. Get enough rest. Go to bed early. A good night's sleep is restorative and leaves you better able to cope.

4. Exercise regularly. Physical exercise can relax you and help you go to sleep promptly.

5. Eat properly. Good nutrition may be a buffer against anxiety. Caffeine, chocolate and alcohol may worsen anxiety.

6. Plan your time. A day with too much or too little to do may aggravate anxiety. Have a step-by-step plan for your day.

7. Accept reality. It can help liberate you from worry.

8. Get involved. Help yourself by helping others. Isolation can magnify your worries. Get involved with other people and in worthwhile endeavors. If none of these suggestions help you feel calmer, or if your anxiety is new or growing more intense, it's time to discuss your emotions with your physician.

BLACKHEADS ARE NOT CAUSED BY DIRT

DR. WALLACE: I'm 15 and very concerned that I maintain a clear complexion. Thank goodness, I've never had any problems with pimples or acne, but occasionally, I get a couple of blackheads. I think this is totally gross. I wash my face at least three times daily with a mild soap and warm water but still blackheads show up.

Is it possible I should use a stronger type of soap? I purchased a blackhead remover at a drug store and it works, but still, I hate to have a speck of dirt digging into my face. Is there any way I can get rid of dirt specks so they won't become blackheads? — Nameless, Ames, Iowa

NAMELESS: The black color in a blackhead is not caused by dirt. During the teens, excess oil is produced and when it clogs a pore near the surface of the skin, exposure to the air turns it black. This is the same chemical reaction that turns a half-eaten apple brown when exposed to the air for a period of time.

Continue using a mild soap and warm water, and make sure that your blackhead remover is not causing skin damage. A visit to a dermatologist might be wise.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.