DR. WALLACE: I'm a 16-year-old Asian American girl living with my parents in a small Midwestern town. My parents came to America when they were young. I am the only Asian student at my school, and I stand out. My parents are very strict and still have the mentality of the citizens of their home country, not those of America, our home now. They constantly tell me that I must be strong and that I should make them proud. This puts a lot of extra pressure on me.

I can't participate in any after-school activities because "it would interfere with my studies." I enjoy physical education and I would like to be able to play on the girls sports team, and whenever I ask the answer is always "no." I'm convinced I could both maintain excellent grades and participate in sports at the same time.

My parents read your column quite regularly and they usually agree with your advice. In fact, they often show me some of the questions and your answers when they really agree strongly with you!

Please give me your honest advice on what you think about my situation. Thank you. — Want to Be a Student-Athlete, via email

WANT TO BE A STUDENT-ATHLETE: I feel in your case that it's time for a parent-teacher-counselor meeting. It's important that your parents are informed that certain extracurricular activities are actually beneficial when applying for colleges and universities these days.

The schools of higher education enjoy having students with excellent grades and who participated in after-school activities in high school, including sports and various activities in their communities.

The students who apply to the best colleges should be considered "well-rounded." Show your counselor today's column. This professional will know what to do to help you enjoy school more — and how to best present ideas to your parents in a way that can help them to help you achieve your goals.

After all, your parents love you and are proud of you. I trust once they understand that there are ways to help you prepare for college that are also enjoyable to you, they will give their blessing to allow you to participate. Every parent benefits from having valid information presented to them by a trusted professional. This is where your counselor comes in.

DIETS SELDOM WORK

DR. WALLACE: I started a diet and exercise program a few months ago with a goal to lose 2 pounds a week. So far, I've lost 15 pounds, but now I'm stuck at the same weight each day and can't seem to lose any more weight no matter how hard I try. I was told by my friend's mom that this plateau is natural.

Can you tell me how long this plateau will last? Do you know what I can do to lose even a little more weight? If I must eat healthier food or exercise a bit more, I'll do it! — Chasing My Perfect Weight, via email

CHASING MY PERFECT WEIGHT: These plateaus can last a week or longer, so be patient. Actually, diets seldom work. A person often loses weight, eventually drifts off the diet, and then gains all or nearly all of the weight back.

What you must do is change your eating habits. Work with a professional nutritionist who can craft a tailor-made plan that you can live with for the rest of your life.

A weight loss regimen of 2 pounds per week is a bit aggressive. Losing a pound, or even a half a pound, per week is more reasonable. And don't weigh yourself every day! Weigh yourself once a week at the same time of day. It is far less frustrating and allows you to put your focus on your daily habits, not the specific numbers on your scale.

Once you get your healthy habits properly established, your weight loss will follow — and will occur in a manner that is both safe and healthy. Good luck; I like your drive and desire to pursue your goal. I trust you'll achieve it!

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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