DENISE, a 13-year-old from Pennsylvania, asked for help finding safe places to walk and ways to make treadmills less boring.

LORELEI DEMESA from New York City responded via email: You could volunteer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter. That way you can exercise and remain somewhat safe at the same time.

SHANNON WAKELY from Oshkosh, Wis., responded via email: I highly recommend Leslie Sansone’s inhome walking videos (724-658-1400, www.lesliesansone.com). They’re based on walking moves that you can do in your living room, like stepping in place, knee lifts, and side steps. She is a certified instructor, has several videos to choose from, and keeps updating them. I much prefer the videos to walking outdoors or using the treadmill.

MICHELE YEAGER from Tampa, Fla., responded via email: I know some people who walk in the mall. If the mall closest to you has two stories, incorporate the stairs for an extra workout. Or you could try walking with your parent(s) when they get home and that way you could spend quality time with them as well.

TAMIKO from College Park, Ga., responded via email: If you have a treadmill, try setting it in front of the TV or play the radio on your favorite station.

Eating Healthy on the Go

AMANDA MARTIN from Plainfield, Ill., wrote for tips on how to eat a healthy diet on a hectic schedule and while traveling.

JULIE from Somerville, Mass., responded via email: When I had a similar schedule, I did well with raw mixed nuts, dried fruits, apples, and baby carrots, all of which pack and travel well.

SANDRA MAHER from Arnold, Md., responded via email: I buy individually wrapped fruit leathers at natural food stores. They contain no added sugars and satisfy a hunger pang, and their small, thin size allows them to fit in my shirt pocket.

ANDREA MOREY from Daytona Beach, Fla., responded: I’m also a flight attendant and I carry a small cooler for perishable items. You could pack small salads with lots of fresh, pre-cut vegetables and beans, and then either pack add-ons like low-fat cheese, canned or pouch tuna, canned turkey or chicken, and soy nuts, or buy them when you reach your destination. For a salty snack, you could pack popcorn made at home with olive oil and seasonings.

Natural Denture Care

SONIA STODDARD from Los Angeles wrote requesting natural options for cleaning dentures.

MARITA from Versailles, Ind., responded via email: I work for a dentist who often incorporates natural alternatives. We recommend soaking dentures overnight in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. The mixture will soften any tartar, stain, or plaque buildup, which can then be easily brushed away. Be careful using baking soda. Although it’s great for stain removal, it is also abrasive and can leave scratches.

Get Headache Help

JANET HARVEY from Mount Pleasant, Mich., asked for remedies for her son’s cluster headaches.

DANIELLE BYRNE from Fort Wayne, Ind., responded via email: I’ve heard of people having amazing results with the herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)–it helps some people even faster than many conventional drugs.

Ritalin Alternatives

ALISON FERRIS from Philadelphia asked for advice on managing adult attention deficit disorder (ADD) without drugs.

Laurence Topliffe responded via email: Transcendental Meditation has proved to be of exceptional benefit for this problem, regardless of age or cause. Call Maharishi Ayurveda Products International at 800-345-8332 or visit its website at www.mapi.com to find a physician in your area who can teach you this technique.

LISA CLEARY from Schwenksville, Pa., responded via email: A company in Philadelphia called NeuroDynamix uses neurofeedback therapy to treat ADD. Although I have not tried the program, I attended a free seminar to learn about it and found it quite interesting and logical. Visit its website at www.nrdx.com for more information.

Avoid Panic Attacks

AMY SIMMONS-ESTRADA from Poulsbo, Wash., wrote for natural ways to stop panic attacks.

L.C. from New York City responded via email: My terrible panic attacks were finally cured with acupuncture and a very inexpensive Chinese herbal medication suggested by my acupuncturist. Yoga also helped, as did breathing slowly and regularly at the beginning of or during an attack.