DR. WALLACE: I've been set up on a blind date for Valentine's Day! I'm almost 18 and am a girl who has only dated a few times so far in my life.

I'm really looking forward to this opportunity to go on this date, especially since some very good friends of ours have arranged this. I trust these people are looking out for our best interests so this makes me hopeful that we might make a good connection. At the very least I'm looking forward to a nice date on a special day.

Thinking about this upcoming date, I now realize that I would like to lose about 15 pounds in the next two weeks if I possibly can. Do you know about a diet that I could start right away that might allow me to lose 12 to 15 pounds by Valentine's Day? I'd be willing to drink only water and eat only lettuce the next two weeks if you think that would help me accomplish my goal. — Excited but Need to Lose a Few Pounds, via email

EXCITED BUT NEED TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS: I don't recommend that you go on any type of radical or starvation-type diet over the next two weeks. Instead, commit yourself to a healthy routine that includes exercise and good eating habits.

Simply eat healthy foods in moderation. Be sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid sweets and other foods high in calories. Stay away from sweetened beverages and begin getting meaningful regular exercise.

You may lose a few pounds between now and Valentine's Day, but better yet if you can spend the next few weeks eating better and exercising regularly, you'll feel even better about yourself when that big day arrives. Plan ahead to continue with this program as you go forward past Valentine's Day and within several months you may well be able to lose those 12 to 15 pounds that are presently your goal. I just don't advise you to try to do it all at once!

SPORTS ARE A BIG DEAL HERE!

DR. WALLACE: I'm a student who has only been in the United States for about six months and this is my first year of high school in America. There is so much about this country that I truly enjoy, respect and appreciate.

There are many nice people and good opportunities for me here. I have learned to speak English pretty well and I can read and write it at a good level also. I have a few close friends to talk to and eat lunch with and I spend the rest of my time studying hard to get good grades in school.

I noticed that here in the United States high school sports are very important to many people. I'm quite surprised how much time and attention are spent focusing on these nonacademic matters.

Why are high school sports such an important part of the overall experience for American students and to the local community? — New to America, via email

NEW TO AMERICA: It is true that both boys' and girls' athletic competitions play an important role in American schools. The camaraderie, teamwork and discipline that become instilled in student athletes is a valuable part of their development socially and emotionally.

The local community also enjoys following the sports teams to cheer them on and root for their success. Many of the people who attend these events are close friends, family and local business owners who donate time and resources to help their schools and local communities.

Sports competition is truly ingrained in American culture both on an amateur and a professional level. You'll notice there are many big-time college sports events that are broadcast on national television, and of course the major professional sports are a huge industry both culturally and economically.

Participation in team sports helps teach students teamwork and also provides the general population with many levels of interest across a wide variety of games that are played. The longer you live in America, the more you will come to see and understand the impact that sports have in American society, and that impact goes well beyond the high school level.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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