Blood test will help determine reason for craving radishes

Q. I am addicted to radishes. My mom doesn't want me to eat them, but I can't go without having at least 10 a day.
My mom stopped buying them so I would stop eating them. Before this, I just liked them, but now I feel like I am already addicted. What can I do?
A. Ask your mom to take you to the doctor for a blood test. Cravings like yours can be a consequence of an iron or zinc deficiency, and the doctor can check if you are deficient in these nutrients.
We have heard from other people who craved carrots, tomatoes, popcorn or orange peels to an unusual extent, just as you do with radishes. When people crave things that are not food, like clay, laundry starch or ice, it is called pica. This condition usually goes away once the underlying deficiency is corrected.
Q. My son's feet smell terrible! What can we do?
A. Foot odor usually comes from bacteria and fungi that live on sweat and dead skin. Stopping the excess sweating with an antiperspirant on his feet can help a lot.
Other approaches include soaking the feet in a solution of water and vinegar, baking soda or strong tea. For more information, we are sending you our Guide to Solutions for Smelly Feet.
Q. My sister lived in China during World War II. Her husband was a pilot with the Flying Tigers.
One time she was on an overnight ferry trip when two Chinese women with a tiny baby sought her out. They were in tears begging for help. The baby had a high temperature and was having trouble breathing.
My sister had no medical training and felt helpless. Then she remembered the Vicks VapoRub she always carried with her.
She rubbed Vicks all over the infant, wrapped him in one of her wool sweaters and told the women to keep him warm during the night. The next morning they came to see her, elated because the fever had broken and the child was breathing normally. They were convinced she had saved their baby's life.
A. Vicks VapoRub is wonderful stuff, but we think your sister was very lucky. The old-fashioned ointment can ease congestion, but saving lives is probably beyond its power. Thanks for sharing your sister's experience.
Q. There have been times in church or in a meeting when I've gotten terribly sleepy. I've tried to slip a mint or gum into my mouth to waken me. Nothing worked.
Then one time I tried cinnamon gum. In a short time, I was revived. It has worked every time so far to help me stop nodding my head in polite company.
A. We searched the herbal literature and could find no explanation for why cinnamon would wake you up. There is some tantalizing data to suggest that cinnamon may improve insulin response to lower blood sugar and triglycerides. Whether that might contribute to your revival is hard to predict.
Q. My wife wants to know if using extra-virgin olive oil for a sexual lubricant is safe. We heard about this, and she would like to try it but is cautious.
A. Extra-virgin olive oil is safe. Many readers attest that it can be helpful as a sexual lubricant.
Another product that may interest you is called Sylk. It is made explicitly for this purpose and contains kiwi vine extract. The toll-free number is (866) 831-2920.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. You may write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2006 King Features Syndicate Inc.