For a long time, the general assumption about cigarettes has been that they cause cancer after years and years of smoking. A new study challenges this assumption — just in time to give a boost to a popular New Year’s resolution.

Q: I really like burning candles — they create a cozy feeling in my home. But one of my friends said they could be bad for my health — is that true?

Q: I went to see my doctor about pain I was experiencing in my breasts. My mammogram was OK, but my doctor did tell me that I have small bumps scattered through both breasts. She said it’s “just” fibrocystic breast disease and nothing to worry about, but since it is causing me pain I’d like to get rid of it if at all possible. Do you have any information on natural therapies for this condition?

It’s a common piece of advice for those who are looking to lose weight. “Eat a big breakfast,” your friends will tell you, promising you’ll eat less during the rest of the day. But is that really such good advice?

Q: At my last physical, I was told I had an elevated CRP level. What exactly is CRP, and can I lower it naturally?

We’re fond of telling teenagers that their poor eating habits will catch up with them one day. But could the picture be even worse than we thought?

Q: At 86 years old, my mother has become more forgetful and doesn’t seem interested in her favorite hobbies of reading and sewing. She seems depressed, but when I ask her about it, she says she’s fine. She let me take her to a neurologist who says she’s just showing signs of getting older.

You’re a bigwig at one of the most trusted names you’ll find in the drugstore. So when a product comes up defective, what do you do? Launch a widespread recall? Or quietly send hired guns to buy up all they can get their hands on, hoping the general public never catches wind of your plot?

Q: During my last visit, my naturopathic doctor recommended I have a hair mineral analysis done. But then I heard they’re usually inaccurate. I trust my doctor, but I don’t want to spend money for a test that isn’t going to be helpful. What do you think?

I thought I was doing something good for the environment when I decided to start using reusable shopping bags. And I guess I am — but I could also be messing with my family’s health. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.