Remembering Dr. Gott: 1935 - 2012

The Lakeville Journal lost a valued, beloved longtime columnist when Peter H. Gott, M.D., died June 13 at the age of 77.

Dr. Gott was a popular local physician with an office in Lakeville for 40 years. He began writing a column for The Lake-ville Journal in the 1980s and it soon became syndicated across the country.

His responses to reader queries were often quirky and always common-sensical. One of his most famous columns recommended putting soap on one’s bedsheets as a cure for leg cramps. Apparently it was a cure that really worked, and the column was republished from time to time and was often referred to (the original column appears below).

He also did not demur from tackling topics that could make a reader squeamish (one such column also appears below)‚ providing the service to his readers of offering serious answers to questions that one might be afraid to ask one’s own doctor face to face.

Although the column is no longer syndicated, Dr. Gott continued to write for The Lakeville Journal. His last column appeared in the June 14 edition.

As a tribute to a great doctor, columnist and community member, The Lakeville Journal reprints this week a selection of columns.

DEAR DR. GOTT: You asked to hear from readers’ experiences with the soap cure for leg cramps.

Let me begin my answer by saying that I am a college graduate and a professional scientist who is naturally skeptical of unproven treatments and cures.

I do have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For decades I have been troubled by leg cramps that disrupt my sleep five to 10 times a night. All the standard therapies, including quinine pills and massage, have been ineffective. Several people on the Internet have touted the soap cure: a bar of soap placed under the mattress cover near my legs.

Did this sound ridiculous? You bet. But I gave it a try. Did it work? Yes, indeed. I haven’t had a cramp since. The proper technique is simple. Unwrap a fresh bar of soap (don’t use Dove or Dial) and discard the wrapper. It doesn’t need to be a huge, bath-size bar; even the small bars common in  hotels work for most people. Then place the unwrapped bar directly under the bottom sheet or on the bed where the legs are usually located. That’s it. Some people may need to rub the legs with an extra bar of soap but, in most instances, this is not necessary. The cramps are gone. Why? I haven’t a clue.

DEAR READER: Nor have I. But I am publishing your letter — which is one of the dozens I have received since mentioning the soap cure for leg cramps — because the therapy apparently is an effective preventive for a common human malady. In such circumstances, we probably don’t need an explanation of how the technique works, but it does. Thanks to you and other readers for writing.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 60 years old. I have noticed an increasingly foul body odor. Truly, it is embarrassing. My skin seems to have an almost rotting, sewer-like odor. This is not vaginal but a distressing internal and external odor. I smell like something is rotting inside me. Can you offer any ideas about this?

DEAR READER: Body odor and sweat stem primarily from our body’s sweat glands. The body has up to 4 million sweat glands, broken into two types — eccrine and apocrine.

Eccrine glands open onto the surface of the skin. When body temperature rises, our autonomic nervous system stimulates eccrine glands located over most of the body. They secrete fluid onto the surface of the skin, where it cools and evaporates. Eccrine glands regulate our body temperature.

Apocrine glands are located in the groin, scalp, armpits, breasts and other locations of the body. They secrete a fatty sweat that is forced to the skin’s surface, where bacteria break it down. It is often this breakdown of bacteria that causes odor.

Beyond this, medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism and low blood sugar can be to blame. It may help to keep a journal of activities, foods and periods of stress to share with your doctor.

Perhaps relaxation techniques, weight loss if appropriate, diet change, daily use of antibacterial soap, underarm shaving, deodorants or antiperspirants and meticulous attention to hygiene might help. Avoid garlic, curry and other spicy foods that make sweat more pungent. Remove your shoes and your socks when at home. If you have calluses or patches of dry skin on your feet, remove them with a pumice stone. Bacteria thrive on dead skin. Change your socks daily. Add alcohol or white vinegar to a cup of water to rinse your underarms when you bathe. If you bathe instead of shower, add a few drops of rose water to the tub. Apply baking soda to your underarms and feet. If you use over-the-counter herbs or prescription medication, ask your physician if they are contributing to the odor.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Can a person hurt himself by eating canned fruit or food after the expiration date listed?

DEAR READER: The only canned items required to actually carry an expiration date on labeling are infant formula and some baby foods. Listing expiration dates is voluntary, and those voluntary guidelines vary from state to state. Some packaging might provide a “sell by,” “born on,” “guaranteed fresh,” “use by,” “best if used by” or “pack” date — the latter indicating when a product was canned or packaged.

Consider milk that is sometimes good for almost a week after the sell-by date, or eggs that are good up to five weeks — as long as the label reads a sell date several days into the future when you purchase them.

Poultry and seafood should be cooked or frozen within a day or two of purchase, while beef and pork should be cooked or frozen within a three- to five-day period. I had a discussion with a gentleman behind the meat counter of my local grocery store who indicated some products arrive frozen and are thawed before being displayed. He has personally purchased some of these items for his own use and frozen them a second time without benefit of cooking and has never had a problem. I must say this goes against everything I have always been told, but I guess people do it.

And now, on to canned goods. Canned vegetables and low-acid foods have been tested and found risk-free for up to five years, as long as they have been stored in cool temperatures. Humidity can speed deterioration. Spaghetti sauce and other foods with a higher acid content can be kept a year-and-a-half, perhaps longer.

If a can is bulging, it should be discarded, because that is an indication that bacteria are likely to be present.

Become a savvy shopper. Check dates, rotate your canned goods, and when in doubt, throw it out. Common sense must prevail.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a 63-year-old female with gray/white hair. I’ve noticed recently that it is getting a yellow tint to it. I’ve always loved the color of my hair but find I have to dye it because of the yellow tint. I’ve not changed any medications that I’ve taken for years. What do you think is causing this? Can I do anything to reverse it?

DEAR READER: While your medications have remained unchanged, you may have hormonal changes occurring that you are unaware of. Or the yellowing may be the result of over-the-counter supplements, mineral deposits in a swimming pool, shampooing with hard water, exposure to sunlight, smoking and hairspray or other styling aids.

Buy a shampoo specifically designed for yellowing hair. Those on the market I am aware of are Clairol Shimmer Lights, L’Oreal Expert Silver shampoo and Aveda Blue Malva.

Natural remedies include diluting your conditioner half strength with hydrogen peroxide, or using lemon juice or steeped chamomile. Any one of these should be applied directly to the hair and left on for up to a half-hour prior to shampooing. Speak with your hairdresser for his or her opinion before incorporating any ideas that may further impair your hair color.

Readers who would like additional home remedies can order my Health Reports, “Compelling Home Remedies” or “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.