DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing from Amarillo, Texas on behalf of oldsters everywhere who do not have internet service, begging you to reconsider your decision not to have a syndicated newspaper column. You gave such down-to-earth responses to any questions asked in terms that would be understood and you seemed to believe in methods of treatment other than “chemical” medications. You covered things one never thinks to ask their doctor.
I am a very allergic person and can tolerate very few prescribed meds and many OTCs. It’s always trial and suffer with me.
My friends, relatives and I often discussed how valuable your column was to us. We picked up more from your daily column than we could ever cover (or even think to cover) in letters to you. Believe me, you are missed.
DEAR READER: Thank you for your kind words. Your letter was articulate and a pleasure to read on a gloomy January morning here in New England. I receive many letters daily from readers who express their dismay at my column being dropped from their local paper. Some people have even contacted the editor of their local paper and have raised such a ruckus that the editorial staff has contacted me and asked if I can be reinstated. The answer is an emphatic “yes”.
By way of explanation, the syndicate I was associated with had major internal changes occur last September that were completely out of my control, one of which was to replace me with a different writer. They offered a package deal country-wide to newspapers that offered columns they selected as best for the future of the newspaper industry. It wasn’t my decision to abandon readers at all, especially those without internet services. Even prior to September as an alternative method of getting the word out there and being able to answer readers’ questions on a daily basis, I reached out through my website www.AskDrGottMD.com. I have, to a degree, reached a different audience for which I am grateful. Today my column appears in several newspapers — simply because readers, such as you, have influenced the editors of their respective newspapers.
Change isn’t easy. Not for me, not for a new writer, not for the newspaper syndicate that hired the new writer. Sometimes change is good, sometimes maybe not so good. We all have our own different styles, me included. While you indicate I am open to alternative solutions, the decision didn’t come easy for me at first. It’s tough to ask a physician to consider wrapping a burn in honey to promote healing and prevent infection, or to indicate that because an individual suffers from leg cramps he or she should bypass traditional medicine for a simple bar of soap placed under their bed sheet; or, when a child is stung by a bee, recommending placing a copper penny held in place with paper tape over the site to keep the pain away. However, when readers say something works and they are willing to listen to my theories, I feel I owe it to them to listen and learn as I hope they learn from me. When it comes to your allergies, one or two alfalfa tablets taken daily might help. Please remember I am not deviating from traditional medicine; I’m simply offering possible solutions for some situations that might work or might at least keep things at bay until you can see your physician.
So, thank you again. If you feel so strongly about my column appearing in the Amarillo paper, speak with your editor in an effort to have me reinstated. It doesn’t hurt to try. Good luck.
Readers who are interested in reading related information can order my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order for each report to my attention at PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print out an order form from my website. Whatever works for your lifestyle, just keep those questions coming. Your views and questions are important to me.