DR. WALLACE: I live on a dairy farm with my family. I'm a teenager now, and I've grown up drinking milk virtually every day of my life and always thought it was normal to do so. But over the holidays, we had a visit from my relatives who live in New York, not too far outside of New York City. My cousin is also 15 years old, and she told me that she has never had cow's milk in her life! She told me that her family drinks almond milk exclusively, because she is "allergic" to dairy products and almond milk is healthier, anyway.

Because we are related, I thought we would have similarities with our body chemistry. I don't have any allergy problems with cow's milk at all, so what's the deal with this? How can we be related? And is "my" type of milk unhealthy? — Farm Girl, via email

FARM GIRL: Fortunately, this is a topic I've researched over the years with my friends at the Mayo Clinic. Their studies indicate that a milk allergy is an abnormal response by the body's immune system to milk and products containing milk. It's one of the most common food allergies in children. Cow's milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, but milk from sheep, goats, buffalo and other mammals can also cause a reaction. It's true that you and your cousin have similar DNA, but the two of you do not have identical DNA, and therein lies the genetic differences that allow you to enjoy cow's milk easily, while for her it is highly problematic.

An allergic reaction usually occurs soon after a child consumes milk. Signs and symptoms of a milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Avoiding milk and milk products is the primary treatment for milk allergy. Fortunately, most children outgrow milk allergy. Those who don't outgrow it may need to continue to avoid milk products for a lifetime.

For some people, almond milk is a good alternative. For those without a milk allergy or other problem such as lactose intolerance, there is nothing wrong with drinking milk in moderation. It's nutritious and has health benefits, for sure, but it contains a lot of calories, too, so a modest intake of milk is best for most teens and adults who enjoy it.

DO HELP YOUR FRIEND

DR. WALLACE: My best friend is a girl who is 19 now, just like me. We are both attending a fine university, UCLA, on sports scholarships. We have known each other for years, going back to high school, and we set goals to go to college together and to eventually start a company together.

In late December, my friend told me she was pregnant! She said her ex-boyfriend is the father, and trust me: This guy is a total jerk. He's out of the picture. My friend is still deciding what she is going to do, but in the meantime, my mom doesn't want me to hang out with her because of her "situation." I really think my best friend needs my friendship and moral support more than ever right now, but I don't want to alienate my mother, either. What do you feel I should do in this situation? — Her Best Friend, via email

HER BEST FRIEND: Support your friend in any way you can, as your instincts are correct that she needs your friendship now more than ever. Do not estrange your mother either, so be upfront and honest with her.

Tell your mom that your friend needs you right now and that whatever she does or does not do has no bearing on how you go about living your own personal life.

There's no doubt that you are in a delicate personal dilemma here, but you're now an adult and the adult thing to do is make your own decision in the most thoughtful and friction-free manner possible. Accordingly, I'd suggest that you visit your mother to discuss this in person; being in person instead of doing it over the telephone may make all the difference. Tell her that you do plan to continue supporting your friend. Then tell your mom that you truly value her input and give her a big hug as you do so. This way, your mom knows that even though you will not be following her advice this time, you still love her and respect her advice just the same.

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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