DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a question. My wife is a diabetic, and she has little strength in her arms. She has been to rehab twice. She also has had training at home, but she doesn’t follow through. What I would like to know is, If she does her exercises, will she regain her strength? — I.G.

ANSWER: People in their 90s have demonstrated that they gain strength through resistance exercises. “Resistance” indicates weightlifting. The exercises have to be more than simple stretching or calisthenics.

Naturally, at older ages, the weights are not of the same magnitude used by bodybuilders in their late teens and 20s. A half-pound is a good starting weight. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment. You can use objects found in every home. Some canned goods weigh half a pound.

She should start with a weight she can lift eight consecutive times. As she gains strength, she should increase the number of lifts to 15. When she reaches that level, she can increase the amount of weight she’s using and return to eight consecutive lifts.

Your wife isn’t going to regain the strength of a young woman. She will, however, become stronger. That’s something that’s been proven time and again. She should exercise not only her arms and shoulders, but also her legs.

Your wife must “follow through.” She won’t see improvement for some time. She must stay faithful to the program if she expects to gain results.

TO READERS: The booklet on aerobics explains exercising for heart health, not muscle-building. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 1301, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandson, age 13, is an avid baseball player. He has been playing for several years and plays in three leagues. He is a good pitcher, but he also plays other positions. There are limits to the number of pitches that can be thrown in a given time period. My concern is curveballs. I have heard that at this age, curveballs should be strictly limited. Do you have an opinion on this matter?

After pitching, should ice be applied to his arm and shoulder?

He has a very fair complexion. Would you stress the value of proper and frequent use of sunscreen? — J.K.

ANSWER: I’m a bit late for baseball season. I apologize.

For many years, the consensus on throwing curveballs was not to let young pitchers throw them. Throwing such pitches was believed to increase the risk of a youngster developing little-league elbow or dislocating a part of the growth plate located at the elbow.

Now the emphasis is on the number of pitches thrown. Practice pitches also should be counted.

An improper technique for throwing a curveball is the greatest danger of hurting the arm and elbow. I think it’s still wise to be guarded about allowing children younger than 14 to throw breaking balls as a regular part of their routine. Icing after pitching is a good idea. So is sunscreen.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: At 52, I have decided to run a marathon. My wife thinks I’m endangering my health. Am I? — J.A.

ANSWER: You might be. A study was done on 108 runners, all of whom were over 50 and all of whom wanted to run a marathon. One-third were found to have significant buildup in their heart arteries. None had any symptoms. You can pursue your dream safely only if your doctor thoroughly examines your heart.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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