DEAR DR. ROACH: My spouse believes that I am being “germophobic” over his bathroom habits. Among other things: He uses a hand towel to wipe the inside of his sink and countertop, and then uses the same towel to wipe his mouth, face and hands. He says he won’t die from this, but his lack of regard for this type of hygiene makes me very concerned. Am I overreacting? — A.A.R.

ANSWER: From a bacteriological standpoint, your reasoning is sound. It has been shown that bacteria from the toilet can be splashed on the sink and countertops. Wiping your face using a towel with those bacteria now on it is not hygienic. Your spouse is right that he probably won’t die from it: The body’s immune system is generally very good. However, it would be much smarter to wash the towel he used for wiping up and use a fresh towel for the face and hands.

Getting a spouse to listen to reason is sometimes beyond my powers, unfortunately.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a lump on my stomach, just above my bellybutton. When it’s soft, it is about the size of a dime and is hardly noticeable. But when it gets larger, it will stick out about a third of an inch and be as hard as a rock.

I have checked with two different doctors. The first one said it is a tumor and not to worry about it. The second doctor said it is a hernia and that I should see a surgeon. I think a surgeon is last person I want to see.

Also, I have been trying to diet, and have lost about 10 pounds. However, the weight comes off everywhere but the stomach. Could this be keeping me from losing weight? What do you think I should do, and what kind of doctor should I see? — K.M.

ANSWER: What I think you should do is first find out what the lump is. Your description of it sounds to me very much like a hernia, but only a comprehensive evaluation will determine what it is. I am surprised neither doctor recommended an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan. These sometimes can make the diagnosis.

Nobody wants to have to see a surgeon, but if you do have to, then the surgeon is the first person you want to see.

As far as weight loss goes, it’s not possible to tell your body where to take the weight from. Many people tell me that their stomach fat is stubborn, and though abdominal muscle exercise can strengthen and tone you, it won’t make the fat come off from the stomach preferentially.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read that taking a small amount of vinegar after your morning cup of coffee helps cleanse your system. Is there any truth to this? — R.D.

ANSWER: Your kidneys and liver are continuously cleansing your body. The kidneys can get rid of many toxic substances, and the liver can detoxify others so that they can be excreted. While a few teaspoons of vinegar won’t hurt you, it isn’t necessary. Of course, the fewer toxic substances you ingest, the easier a time your body has of it, which is why a careful diet and adequate water are essential for your body.

READERS: The booklet on edema and lymphedema provides information on the causes of foot and ankle swelling. Readers can order a copy by writing:

Dr. Roach

Book No. 106

628 Virginia Dr.

Orlando, FL 32803

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.

* * *

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

(c) 2017 North America Syndicate Inc.

All Rights Reserved

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