Drug reactions are not the only hazard. Investigators have found that some physicians fail to alert patients about abnormal test results (Archives of Internal Medicine, June 22, 2009). In disorganized practices, nearly one-fourth of clinically important lab findings never made it to the patients’ attention.

That is why it is so important to keep track of your own health records. People who don’t bother to balance their checkbooks or monitor expenses might bounce checks. when the bank catches the problem, there is usually a big penalty.

Patients who don’t know what’s in their medical records or who are not aware of abnormal test results also might be in for a shock.

Not learning that the level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, a measure of thyroid function) has risen well above normal might mean a person would suffer needlessly from symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, depression, hair loss and constipation.

It takes effort to overcome failures of communication. One tool is keeping track of your own health records. Mikey, a visitor to our website, offers the following example:

“I started accumulating my personal medical information in earnest about 10 years ago, and aggressively maintaining it about five years ago. It’s not easy, but it can be done. Lab results are especially tricky but important.

“The net of all this effort is that I now have a rather complete record, with several variables (e.g., BP, cholesterol, PSA) graphed over time for quick analysis. when my PSA started to rise quickly, it was easy to see and resulted in early confirmation and cure of prostate cancer. I take the complete history with me to every medical appointment, with a summary that I can give the provider.

“This shows that one can take the trouble to develop and maintain a complete history on your own. it may actually help in some instances. It’s a fun exercise, and you will die leaving a well-documented, if not beautiful, body.”

When people keep good records like Mikey does, they can track lab results more readily, as he did with his PSA. this is especially important for people with complicated or chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

To make it easier to keep track of important data, we have created a free one-page form for medical history and drug safety. Anyone who would like a copy may send a long (No. 10), stamped (44 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. QH-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. it also can be downloaded from peoples pharmacy.com.

Having your health information organized in one place can be helpful for you, your doctor and your family. Letting your children and grandchildren know about your health conditions can help them plan preventive strategies for themselves.

Question: I would like you to know about medical marijuana for cancer. In her late 30s, my wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, stage 4a. it was a 6 centimeter tumor that had grown around the hepatic artery and portal vein.

At first I thought marijuana was just for nausea caused by her chemo, but then I found a study in the journal Cancer Research (July 1, 2006). it showed that cannabinoids specifically fight pancreatic tumor cells.

I changed her diet and started her on a regimen, and she is now cancer-free. the regimen is being studied at the University of Wisconsin. I hope others can benefit from medical marijuana.

Answer: for years, marijuana research was suspected of being a way to rationalize people getting high. but as a recent article in Science News points out, scientists are now starting to take it seriously (June 19). the article you cite demonstrates that compounds from marijuana make pancreatic tumor cells commit suicide.

Other cancer researchers have followed up with studies on its effectiveness against a range of tumors in test tubes, including breast, colon, glioblastoma brain tumors and lymphoma, a blood cancer. None is yet in a clinical trial, but this will be an interesting field to watch. We are delighted your wife had such a good response to such a difficult-to-treat cancer.

Q: I tried the soap-under-the-sheet remedy for leg cramps. it was successful, but it didn’t last. then my doctor prescribed Qualaquin 325 mg capsules, and they work like a charm.

This medication has quinine and is usually used for the treatment of malaria. Now I take one every other night, with excellent results.

A: the Food and Drug Administration has only approved Qualaquin (quinine) for the treatment of malaria. Any other use is considered “off label” and inappropriate. On July 8, the FDA issued the following warning: “Qualaquin should not be used for nighttime leg cramps.”

The agency has received reports of serious blood reactions and kidney damage. In some cases, people have died from quinine toxicity.

We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain with suggestions for other ways to calm leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. it also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: peoples pharmacy.com.

Some readers have suggested that replacing the soap after several weeks might improve its effectiveness.

Q: what is the story about the toxic effects of zinc in denture creams?

A: too much zinc, whether from dental adhesives or taken as a supplement, can lead to a copper deficiency. the possible consequences are anemia and neurological problems.

Dr. Lisa Sanders described a case in the New York Times Magazine (Sept. 6) in which a 64-year-old woman overused denture cream. her balance was affected, along with the strength in her legs. She was almost unable to walk.

Her doctors were puzzled, but when they discovered that she had superhigh levels of zinc and almost no copper in her bloodstream, they tracked the problem to the adhesive she used to keep her ill-fitting dentures in place.

GSK, maker of Super PoliGrip, has reformulated its denture adhesive cream. the company urges consumers to look for the zinc-free product. the FDA is working with other manufacturers to reduce the risk that consumers might be exposed to excessive levels of zinc in their denture creams.

Q: I took glucosamine and chondroitin for about seven months. I had gotten little relief for my back pain, but I was willing to continue it to see if eventually it would help.

Around that time, I had bloodwork done for my yearly exam and found that my cholesterol had jumped from less than 200 to 239. I had made no changes in lifestyle or diet other than these supplements. Needless to say, I haven’t taken any since.

A: Dozens of readers report a rise in cholesterol associated with taking glucosamine and chondroitin (G&C). In many cases, cholesterol levels go back down after the supplements are discontinued.

The studies that have actually looked at this issue have not found a connection between G&C and cholesterol. On the other hand, studies do not demonstrate any benefits for mild to moderate joint or back pain, either. since these supplements don’t seem very effective for most people, we can’t recommend them.

Q: my 15-year-old son had low HDL and a poor cholesterol profile at his checkup. (Total cholesterol was 146, HDL 29 and LDL 96). So for 10 months, I have had him drink my version of the cholesterol-reducing smoothie I found on your website. He had the smoothie four or five days a week and loved it. I use frozen unsweetened strawberries, orange juice, ground flaxseed and oat bran.

In June, I asked the pediatrician if he would order blood work so I could see if the smoothie helped raise my son’s HDL and improve his other blood work. it did. Now his HDL is 34 and his total cholesterol is 138, with LDL of 92. that makes the ratio of LDL to HDL much better, under 3.

It would be great to get the HDL even higher. do you have any ideas?

A: a surprising range of dietary choices can help improve cholesterol profiles, from beets to cinnamon to fish oil to a low-carb diet. We are sending you a copy of our book “Favorite Foods From the People’s Pharmacy” so you can learn more of the details about these cholesterol-controlling foods and a delicious new smoothie recipe. it is available online at peoplespharmacy.com.

Q: From the 1960s to the 1980s, I had the worst case of smelly athlete’s foot that I have ever seen — and that is saying something, because I am a doctor and I have seen (and smelled) many.

The fungus also caused deep, bleeding fissures in the soles of my feet and between my toes. I tried everything: Grisactin, griseofulvin, gentian violet, Clorox, Absorbine Jr., Tinactin (tolnaftate), Desenex liquid and powder, white socks, etc.

In the early 1990s, my mother suggested white-vinegar foot soaks. I purchased a gallon and a small basin, and I began soaking my feet twice a day. I dried my feet WITHOUT RINSING and dusted my socks with Desenex powder. the fissures stung initially, but the itching and the smell began to fade almost immediately.

Today, 20 years later, I continue this regimen several times a week, and I have “Poster Feet:” no smell, no athlete’s foot.

You don’t need to use more than a half-cup of vinegar at a time, but it should be full strength. Don’t rinse it off. Soaks of five to 10 minutes (reading, watching TV, etc.) are enough.

A: Your testimonial is very convincing! We also have heard from other readers who have had success treating athlete’s foot with vinegar soaks.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. to send a letter, e-mail them via their Web site: PeoplesPharmacy.com.