DEAR DR. GOTT: We are very worried about our grandson. He is 13 years old, and he was a very healthy boy until his father insisted that he play football.

Our son told us he has to be on a very strict diet, and they have to get a weight check before each game. Our grandson was never overweight.

He has been throwing up very frequently. Our son took him to his doctor, and they took some tests, but our son hasn't told us the results.

DEAR READER> If your grandson is truly overweight, dieting would be appropriate. Under the circumstances, however, I wonder whether he may be simply stressed out playing a contact sport. Perhaps his father might choose to have him sign up for a different sport in the autumn, such as soccer or track. Better yet, he should ask his son which sport he would enjoy playing rather than insist he play football. Your grandson is old enough to know what he likes and does not like. Forcing him to play a contact sport isn't reasonable.

DEAR DR. GOTB> I am writing because I read in your column that urine should be almost colourless.

I have noticed for the past several months my urine is bright yellow and smelly. In fact, my whole lower front area is smelly. I don't have any pain, but I have noticed this odour and the colourful urine.

I've been too embarrassed about this complaint and hesitate to ask a local doctor. I am 85 and fairly healthy, I thought.

DEAR READ The yellow colour of urine is caused by a product of metabolism called urochrome. If the kidneys produce dilute urine, it may be faintly yellow; if the urine is concentrated, the yellow colour darkens.

In your case, I am concerned about the urine's odour. This could reflect a chronic urinary-tract infection for which you should be tested using a urine culture. An infection may also lead to urinary frequency. I recommend seeing a urologist, who can test and treat you if necessary.

The colour and odour could also be the consequence of dehydration. Try increasing your fluid intake during the day (stopping at dinnertime to prevent nighttime urination) while you await an appointment with a urologist. If the colour lightens and the odor disappears, you may well have your answer.

Review this situation with your family physician or urologist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. G: Could you address my daughter's wish for guests' shoes to be removed at the door? Visualising the places our shoes have walked makes me wonder!

DEAR RER: That's just the point: "Stuff" on the shoes should be left outside.

Removing the shoes before entering a home is a standard Asian practice that is appealing and sound. I don't know why it isn't traditional in the United States.