TEENS: While the percentage of teens that mix alcohol and driving has been slowly dropping, it is still a major problem. A study funded by The National Institute on Drug Abuse found about 30 percent (35 percent in 2001) of teens reported some exposure to impaired driving in the prior two weeks. Another 10 percent of surveyed teens admitted they drove after drinking five or more drinks.

Although the report's findings cut across geographic and socioeconomic lines, researchers have found students with stronger religious beliefs, higher grades and lower truancy rates had less risky driving habits. Girls were also less likely than boys to drive after drinking. The major reason why teens find it difficult to obtain automobile insurance — when they do, the premiums are usually higher — is that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 24, according to a 2008 National Vital Statistics Report.

Regardless of the driver's age, alcohol and driving are a deadly duo but, unfortunately, many teen drivers feel invincible. Deadly crashes happen to others, not them. Sadly, alcohol and driving crashes kill all ages, especially teens.

REDUCE TV VIEWING TO SPEND MORE TIME ON HOMEWORK

DR. WALLACE: My parents read somewhere that those students who watch TV during the school week have lower grades than students that don't turn on the TV. Now I'm not allowed to watch TV during the week, unless it's something important.

I feel ripped off. I'm a B student, and that's not too shabby. My parents think that now I'll bring home all A's. Sorry, but this won't happen — I will be so upset with their rule that I'll probably bring home all C's.

Please enlighten my parents so they understand that keeping me from watching TV will not make me an A student. I'm not a brilliant student, and my parents should be happy I bring home all B's. It's not like I watch five hours of TV nightly; I only average three hours per night. — Larry, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

LARRY: Bringing home all C's when you are capable of at least all B's would be unwise. You would be hurting yourself, much more than upsetting your parents.

When measuring the value of TV viewing, it's not only the time spent before the TV screen, but also the quality of the viewed programs. Milton Chen at the Center for Lifelong Learning feels teens that watch moderate amounts of television — especially educational programs — can still be excellent students. But those who watch an excessive amount of TV are unable to spend adequate time on their schoolwork, becoming underachievers.

Moderate TV viewers, those who view between one and two hours a day, have enough time for other productive activities.

While TV viewing can have a negative influence on students, educational programs will reinforce positive values and impart knowledge on innumerable subjects. Watching TV isn't a problem in and of itself, but becoming addicted to it is.

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE

RELEASE TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Mother Shares Reasons and Inspirations for Quitting Smoking

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 42-year-old mother who smoked almost two packs of cigarettes a day for over 25 years. My two teenage children had been pestering me to stop smoking for the past five years. About two years ago, they convinced me to take my habit outdoors. They read in your column about the dangers of secondhand smoke. I did want to quit smoking, but Old Man Nicotine had me by the throat.

All that changed two months ago, when my daughter took your advice and wrote to the American Cancer Society; she asked for information that would help her mother kick the nicotine habit. She received ample information on why people should not use tobacco products. Finally, this information made an impact. I threw away all my cigarettes (five whole packs), bought a ton of munchies and stopped smoking cold turkey.

The first couple of weeks were the most challenging. The craving for a cigarette with my morning coffee was mighty strong, but the love of my children was stronger. It's been 36 days since I have had a cigarette and, while the urge to smoke is still there, it is waning daily. I know that I will never smoke again.

I must be honest. I miss having that cigarette after dinner, when I'm stressed or when I'm with friends who smoke. There are times I miss my ex-husband, too; however, I'm happy he's no longer a member of our family.

One reason I continued to smoke was thinking I had smoked so long the health damage was irreversible. The following information from the Cancer Society changed my mind. I'm asking you to print my letter so those who smoke can see how rapidly the human body can eliminate the effects of tobacco. I thank the Good Lord that our newspaper carries your excellent column.

When you kick the cigarette habit, you don't have to wait weeks or months to reap the benefits. You become fitter so fast it might scare you — within 20 minutes of the last puff!

Here are the changes that take place in your body when you give up smoking:

Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure drops to normal; pulse rate drops to normal rate; body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

Within eight hours: Carbon monoxide level in blood decreases to normal; oxygen level in blood increases to normal.

Within 24 hours: Chance of heart attack decreases.

Within 48 hours: Nerve endings start regrowing; ability to smell and taste returns.

Within 72 hours: Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier; lung capacity increases.

Within two weeks to three months: Circulation improves; walking becomes easier; lung function increases up to 30 percent.

Within one to nine months: Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease; cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.

Within five years: Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases from 137 per 100,000 people to 72 per 100,000 people.

Within 10 years: Lung cancer death rate for average smoker drops to 12 deaths per 100,000, almost the rate of nonsmokers; precancerous cells are replaced; risk of other cancers — such as those of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas — decreases.

What a miracle! — Mother, Holland, Mich.

MOTHER: Thanks for wanting to help others. Your letter will inspire many smokers to emulate your courageous decision and quit cold turkey!

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE

RELEASE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Teen Needs a Patient Driving Teacher

DR. WALLACE: Our school district abandoned our driver's training "behind the wheel" class as a cost-saving measure, which means that my dad is teaching me the basics. He's a very grouchy person by nature, but he's even worse when he's teaching me to drive. If I make the slightest mistake, he hollers; it really makes me nervous.

I'd like to have my mother be my driving instructor, but she said she would be a nervous wreck trying to teach me. Anything you can do to help me will be appreciated. — Connie, Seymour, Ind.

CONNIE: Your letter brings back memories. My father was a hardworking, honest Irish immigrant, but he didn't possess what you might call "the patience of Job." Unfortunately, he was my driving instructor. After two weeks of telling me that I would never learn to drive, I enlisted the aid of an uncle (my dad's brother) who had a much more pleasant disposition. Uncle Samuel was a wonderful teacher. When it came time to take my driving test, I passed with high marks.

In other words, I understand first-hand how critical and emotionally attached parents can be when they try to teach their own kids how to drive. In many cases, they are not the best driving instructors.

My advice is to do what I did: Recruit the help of a relative or other trusted adult to give you lessons. Are there any "Uncle Samuels" in your family? I sure hope so.

TEACHERS RECEIVE LOW SALARIES DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to become a teacher, but I changed my mind because of their low salaries. One of my male instructors tells me that teachers' salaries are low because the majority of them are female. Is that the main reason teachers are paid peanuts? — Clyde, Seattle.

Clyde: Yes, most teachers are women. They make up 65 percent of U.S. and 68 percent of Canadian teaching ranks, according to the National Education Association. But that's not the reason teaching salaries are below those of other professionals.

The problem is that their salaries are funded mainly from taxes paid by local property owners within the school district boundaries, who understandably resist all increases in their taxes.

Teachers deserve more money, but won't receive it until schools get a different source of primary funding.

YOUTH MINISTER APPRECIATES TEEN ADVICE

DR. WALLACE: I am a full-time youth minister and a regular reader of your column. I want you to know that the column is an excellent resource for anyone who works with kids on any level.

I respect your wisdom very much and almost always agree with your answers. Even though I have differed with your reasoning, I always have agreed with your solution.

Thanks so much for caring about kids and daring to help them. I am fresh out of Bible college and my wisdom is limited. Your column helps to fill in the areas that I still don't know how to handle.

In some instances I haven't yet learned to identify the problems, but I'm improving. — Tony, South Bend, Ind.

TONY: Thanks for the encouragement and support. It means a great deal when it comes from a person of your caliber.

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE

RELEASE THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Single Moms Can be Successful at Raising Children on Their Own

DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and divorced with a 1-year-old daughter. I have a full-time job as a secretary for an attorney and can adequately support the two of us. My mother cares for my daughter while I'm at work, but I pay her for doing so. My daughter and I have our own apartment.

My mother keeps telling me that I need to find a husband who can be a father for baby Melissa because she needs a male role model in her life. I continually respond to mom that the only role model Melissa needs is a good, honest, moral mother — that's what I am. Do you agree? — Millie, Elizabethtown, Ky.

MILLIE: Your mom means well, but pressuring you to find a husband is misguided. To marry just to give your daughter a male "role model" would almost certainly be a mistake. Most single mothers do quite well raising a child on their own. It's certainly better for the child than growing up in the cauldron of an unhappy marriage.

TEEN MUST IGNORE CRUEL AND COWARD NAME-CALLERS

DR. WALLACE: I've got an unusual weight problem; I'm very slim. I'm 14 and 5 feet, 3 inches tall with a weight of 96 pounds. I've always been slim even though I eat like a normal teen — tons of junk food. I've tried to gain weight, but I don't. People say that I have a "slim" body type and will be thin all my life. Since I am slim, I'm also a bit physically underdeveloped. I'm told that I have a "cute little figure," and I agree.

But some of the guys at my school seem to enjoy poking fun at people; I happen to be one of their targets. The name they mostly use for me is "Olive Oyl," the stick-thin girlfriend of Popeye in the cartoons. It really bugs me when they call me that. They also refer to me as "Twiggy" after the slim-thin super model of past years. That one also pesters me, but not as much as Olive Oyl.

I know I should be happy that I'm slim and can pig out on french fries and other fattening foods without gaining weight, but I am a tad self-conscious about my build.

I realize that Mother Nature has decided that I will be slim, and I can accept that — it's the name-calling that really bothers me. Maybe the name-callers at my school will read this and decide to behave themselves. I sure hope so. — Nameless, Gary, Ind.

NAMELESS: All bullies are cowards; however, name-callers fall into a special category of cowardice, since they go around sowing pain and cruelty while remaining "safe" from punishment. If challenged, they can feign surprise that they hurt anyone's feelings with their words.

The only way to make these jerks shut up is to ignore them, but doing so requires an enormous amount of self-esteem. I am pleased to learn from your letter that you have this quality in abundance.

It may help you to understand that these losers are weak and pathetic. People poke fun at others to distract themselves from their own flaws and insecurities. Your tormentors are externalizing their secret feelings about themselves.

I realize that it is difficult to ignore the comments of classmates regardless of the motive. You must realize that you are a precious human being with much to offer the world. Right now your character is being tested; passing the test will make you a great peacemaker.

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE

RELEASE FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Pregnant, Unwed Teens Should First Seek Parental Guidance

DR. WALLACE: I respect your opinions, even though I don't always agree with them. I have been reading your column for some time and have noticed that, when a young girl writes for advice because she's pregnant and doesn't know what to do, you never direct her to a clinic where she can get an abortion.

Don't you believe that, in some cases, getting an abortion is the best way to handle the problem? — Gloria, Hammond, La.

GLORIA: I'm a firm believer that girls who become pregnant and don't know what to do should go to their parents for guidance. In cases where the parents do not accept the responsibility of giving assistance, the young lady should seek help and counsel from relatives, school personnel or members of the clergy.

I would never simply tell someone to get an abortion; that's never my call. A pregnant, unwed teen is often afraid, alone and very confused. She should always make the final decision only after intelligent conversations with people who love her and care deeply that she makes the right choice.

TEEN COUPLE IS IN LOVE BUT MATURE ABOUT FUTURE PLANS

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I are both 17. We have been together for over a year. I love this boy more than I can describe — he is my life. He feels exactly the same way about me, and we are 100 percent sure that we will be husband and wife in the near future.

My parents have great plans for me, but my relationship with Jason bothers them. They plan for me to be an attorney. I will go to college — and graduate — but I'm not sure what my major will be yet. Jason and I will get married, once we both have our college diplomas.

My parents keep telling me that Jason and I are too young to be in love. They say we're just "attracted" to each other, and when I do get married, Jason probably won't be the groom.

Please inform my parents that love has nothing to do with age. — Nameless, Brunswick, Ga.

NAMELESS: Your parents want the best of you, but whom you marry and what career path you choose are your decisions. It appears to me that you and Jason are not only very much in love, but mature and intelligent in the way you are planning for a future together. Mom and Dad should be very proud of their daughter.

GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE AND GO ON THE DATE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and a pretty popular girl, but I don't date a lot. Last week, a guy who attends my church invited me to go to his cousin's wedding reception. The boy is nice, but I don't have any strong feelings for him.

My friends tell me I should be polite and say no. My mom says I should be polite and say yes. I'll let you break the tie. Please hurry! — Alexi, Erie, Pa.

ALEXI: I say go with him. Sometimes the feelings arrive after you get to know the person a little better. And if the feelings never come — so what? You can still have fun and enjoy time with a guy who could become a good friend.

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE

RELEASE SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Boyfriend is not Marriage Material with Anger and Unstable Temper

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I have been living together since we graduated in June of 2007. We dated for two years while in high school. My boyfriend was very popular in school; he was a good athlete and really cute. I was happy that he chose me to be his girlfriend. We had our disagreements when going together, but they weren't serious and we always "kissed and made up."

Both of us are employed. I work in a hair salon and he has a job in the steel mill. We are not rich, but finances are not a big problem. The issue is his temper. When things don't go his way, he explodes. He doesn't physically abuse me, but he abuses the things he can throw: dishes, glasses, small items, food, pictures, etc. What he can't throw, he kicks. I can't tell you the number of times I've had to replace broken items. Repair people have had to come to fix the items, including our television, stereo system, telephone, and washer and dryer.

Every time he has an explosion, he cries saying that he is sorry and that the devil made him do it. I'm at my wit's end. We have talked about getting married, but I'm not so sure that's a good idea. My girlfriend says that marriage might change him into becoming a calm and loving guy.

If you print my letter, please don't list where we live. Just say, "Nameless, near Gary, Ind."

NAMELESS: If your boyfriend blames the devil for his destructive outbreaks, he should be spending a great deal of time on his knees asking the Lord to give him the strength and courage to rid himself of the curse that Satan holds on him.

Do you see him on his knees praying for help? If you do, there is a possibility the devil will vacate his body and look for other weak victims. But if your boyfriend isn't quite sure how to become Satan-free, separate yourself from him immediately and forget about marriage now and forever.

It's possible the devil can take some credit for your boyfriend's unacceptable volatile behavior, but he only needs to look in the mirror to find the real culprit. Crying and saying you're sorry after a despicable act can fool some; however, we all must understand that, "actions speak louder than words." Your boyfriend is definitely not a "keeper!"

COLLEGE MAJOR SERVES AS GUIDE TO FUTURE CAREER

DR. WALLACE: I'm starting my college career and not sure of my major. If I decide on pre-law, will it be difficult for me to find employment in another field if I don't choose to be a lawyer?

What was your college major, if I am not too nosy to ask? — Brenda, Lake Charles, La.

BRENDA: A college major is a guide. Many college graduates do not pursue employment in their major field of study, but are successful in the employment they choose. Lyndon Johnson majored in education and wound up being the U.S. president.

I majored in sociology at Knox College, making teaching my career before becoming a writer. But my sociology background was instrumental in any success I might have accomplished.

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. E-mail 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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.