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Dear Dr. Roach: I recently saw an article about how higher cholesterol levels (especially low-density lipoprotein) actually contribute to a longer life. I think that means if you don鈥檛 have high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

What can the stomach tell us about the state of our nation鈥檚 health? Plenty! A report in the medical publication Life Extension states that 40 per cent of North Americans suffer from heartburn every month. And 20 per cent experience weekly attacks.

Dear Dr. Roach: After seeing many specialists, I received the diagnosis of esophageal cancer T4b N2. The PET scan shows thickening of the lower esophagus of 4.1 cm in diameter and local nodal disease, but no distant metastatic disease.

Dear Dr. Roach: I鈥檓 a 62-year-old male in generally good physical and mental health. I was diagnosed with Crohn鈥檚 disease at age 21. I had bowel resection surgery, but have no debilitating symptoms now, except some diarrhea flare-ups.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 64-year-old woman. I have been an avid exerciser and runner since 1980. I am in excellent health and take no medications, except for a low-dose rheumatoid arthritis medication, methotrexate.

Dear Dr. Roach: In your recent column on pseudogout, you didn鈥檛 discuss treatment. I had it this year, and after a while it went away. It was very painful. Is there any medication to help it? D.B.

What would it be like living in a world without antibiotics, where a simple infection could kill you? It could happen, as increasing numbers of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

Dear Dr. Roach: I hope you can help me.

Dear Dr. Roach: I read the letter from the man who took niacin to lower his cholesterol, which resulted in diabetes. I am not sure if you are aware that red yeast rice, which I have been taking, is supposed to reduce cholesterol.

Dear Dr. Roach: I have suffered for several years now from irritable bowel syndrome. I believe my symptoms began after back-to-back bouts of food poisoning, possibly norovirus.