DEAR DR. GOTT: My daughter is about to have her first child. Both she and her husband smoke, which is of great concern to me. Is my future grandchild in any danger because of their tobacco habits?

DEAR READER: Yes, he or she is. Research has been ongoing for quite some time on this very subject. An associate professor of pediatrics affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital co-wrote a commentary that accompanied the research report.

Physicians, specifically obstetricians, have been advising pregnant women for years of the dangers of smoking to their unborn babies. A woman's body does not act as a filter system protecting her fetus from the toxins in tobacco. The first trimester is most critical, but the consensus is that pregnant women should not smoke. The habit can cause low birth weight, and possibly aggressive and disruptive behavior. I say "possibly" because the jury is out on whether there is a connection.

Researchers did find that children whose fathers smoked were much more likely to be heavier at ages seven and 11. There has always been a thought that a person who smokes will be thinner than one who doesn't. Smoking may actually increase a person's weight in the midsection and hips, and that trait is seen in children exposed to tobacco smoke.

While your daughter carries a possible burden by smoking, the secondhand smoke from her husband is equally to blame. She inhales what he exhales. Her fetus falls right into line and can suffer the consequences. What isn't often discussed is thirdhand smoking — that is, the smoke that enters her lungs and their baby's lungs from couch cushions, draperies, carpets, pillows, car seats and the like.

Kicking the habit is a difficult one, but there is help for anyone willing to try. There is counseling, over-the-counter patches, medications and step-by-step instructions through the website www.Smoking-Cessation.org.

Circulation will improve, blood-pressure readings will return to normal, the senses of taste and smell will improve, and the simple act of breathing will be easier when a person quits. What's most important is that the risk of cancer will decrease each hour, day, month and year the habit is kicked. That sounds like a good legacy to pass on to your grandchild.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Pulmonary Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Sometimes when I have a bowel movement, my faeces goes to the bottom of the toilet. At other times, it floats. Why the difference?

DEAR READER: "Floaters" have an increased level of air and gas, making them less dense. There's also a connection with gastrointestinal infections causing buoyant faeces. Diet enters the picture here and makes a difference that can vary the results from day to day. Overall, more people have "sinkers" than "floaters," but don't ask me who performed that survey!

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.