DEAR DR. GOTT: By the time you get this letter, I will be 60 years old. I have a problem. In August 1999, I suffered a mild heart attack. I was prescribed different medicines so I could get better. All were dropped except for the Lipitor, which I get in a 20-milligram dose. My problem is that I can't take liquids as much as I used to because I am constantly going to the bathroom. I told this to my heart doctor, and he said it sounded kind of strange. Is he right that Lipitor doesn't affect the bladder, or is it just age?

DEAR READER> I doubt that your Lipitor is the cause of your urinary frequency, which is more likely a consequence of a prostate/bladder problem or a chronic urinary-tract infection.

I recommend that you address this issue with a urologist. Ask your primary-care physician to make a referral.

Because Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering medication, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Understanding Cholesterol." 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. GOTB> Should I be concerned about my urine changing from a pale yellow to a bright orange? I do have a doctor, but I go to him only when absolutely necessary because of transportation problems.

I would appreciate it so much if you could advise me what, if anything, to do about my problem.

DEAR READ A dark orange colour to the urine may be the result of dehydration, which you can overcome by increasing your fluid intake, thus diluting the urochrome compounds that your kidneys excrete.

Your urine colour could also be caused by jaundice, which indicates liver malfunction or gallstones, or perhaps you are on an over-the-counter medication containing riboflavin. For example, a new product known as MigreLief, used for relief of migraine headaches, contains 400 milligrams of riboflavin, which will change the colour of your urine to a fluorescent yellow. Thus, the colour change could simply be attributed to the additional vitamin B complex in your system.

If your urine darkening fails to respond to increased fluids and you haven't modified your diet, see your doctor for further testing.

DEAR DR. G: Regarding the ginger root for motion sickness and your request for similar experiences with the product, my daughter had all-day morning sickness when she was pregnant with her second child. Nothing medicinal seemed to help with her nausea and vomiting. After months of this, one of my friends told me her niece had the same problem and purchased empty capsules and filled them with ginger. My daughter's doctor was consulted as to its safety, and she was advised it couldn't hurt. She found amazing relief.

Upon reading one of my books on natural remedies, I learned that ancient seamen took ginger for seasickness.

DEAR RER: Thank you for your sharing your daughter's experience with ginger.