We’re at the peak of the cold and flu season right now, and if you feel like you’re encircled by an army of hostile viruses, it’s because you are. I’ve been inundated with your emails about what you should do or take to prevent falling ill.

Dear Pharmacist, I attended a lecture of yours, and you announced to the audience, “I want you all to eat an onion today to keep the doctor away.” You left the topic quickly and didn’t pick me during the question/answer period. I’m still wondering, why onions? Did you mean to say eat an apple a day? --J. W. Denver, Colorado

Are you worried about your teen being on drugs? Do you think your spouse had a drink and lied to you? Are you trying to conceive a baby and curious to know when you’re ovulating? Testing for all of this is now possible at home. There are dozens of tests to choose from, search the Internet. Here are just a few home test kits that I found which do not require prescription.

Why do we deem January first as a magical day to help us kick bad habits? We should honor the concept of vibrant health every day. I’ve put together a list of the best supplements to increase the odds of making your resolutions a reality, no matter what day of the year you begin.

Here are the most interesting products that became available in the past year, 2010. I wish you all a very happy new year!

Dear Readers, Each holiday season I become more introspective. Recently, I counted my blessings and I realized how fortunate I am to have a great doctor. Feeling well is one of the best gifts in life.

Dear Pharmacist, Recently, when I had some dental work done, the dentist gave me a prescription for antibiotics. By the end of the week, my stomach really hurt. Could antibiotics cause that? --M.S. Sanibel, Florida

Dear Pharmacist, I heard you say that cooking with “vegetable oil” was your least favorite oil. It’s all I’ve ever used. Why don’t you like it, and what oils should we cook with? --R.E. Austin, Texas

Dear Pharmacist, I dread holiday meals. There’s so much great food, and it’s so hard to resist. Is there any good news in the midst of this orgy of over-indulgence? --A.F. Denver, Colorado

Dear Pharmacist I have Type 2 diabetes, my dad has mild Alzheimer’s, and my daughter is 35 pounds overweight at 12 y.o. (but no diabetes). I want to buy your new book on diabetes, but because of holiday expenses, and my husband’s in Iraq... please forgive me for asking, but can it help all of us or just me? --C.T. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma