DEAR DR. GOTT: If a man has any sort of bleeding from the penis, but not while urinating, what could be the cause?

DEAR READER: Bleeding from the urinary tract in both men and women should not be disregarded, because it could be an early sign of cancer, infection or many relatively benign ailments, such as kidney stones or bladder polyps.

I strongly urge you to seek a consultation with a urologist. He or she will examine and test you, and suggest appropriate therapy, if necessary.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Enclosed are pictures of my hands, elbows and knees, which were covered with the thick white patches of psoriasis until I used Vicks twice a day after reading your column. I didn't think to take before pictures because I didn't really expect it to work. I've been applying the salve for only a week, and the white areas are gone, the itch has disappeared, and my skin has softened 85 percent. The condition does get somewhat better when I am in the sun in the summer, but this is nothing short of a miracle! I hope it lasts.

Thanks to the dental surgeon who told you about it, and thanks to you for printing it in your column.

DEAR READER: Your experience with Vicks is certainly notable, but, fortunately, not unique. Although VapoRub therapy has helped some patients with psoriasis, it is not effective consistently; therefore, while the treatment is safe and inexpensive, patients with psoriasis shouldn't be disappointed if they fail to improve as noticeably as you did.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Eczema and Psoriasis." 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. GOTT: I'm 60 and in good general health. I have always had problems with my weight, and diets never worked — I would gain back the weight as soon as I went off the diets. In December, when I was 59, I weighed 194 pounds! In your column, you recommended the no-flour, no-sugar "way of eating." Since I started trying it, I lost 1 pound per week. Now I am 146 pounds, and I feel great. Thank you for your wonderful advice.

DEAR READER: One of the advantages of my diet is that once you have reached your goal, you can modify it. This makes consistent commitment to the diet a piece of cake. (Sorry, but I couldn't resist inserting some humour.) Because of your interest, I suggest you purchase my new book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet." You can buy it at your local bookstore, directly from the publisher at (800) 605-7176 or online at www.quilldriverbooks.com.