DEAR ABBY: My 65-year-old husband has been a lifelong smoker. A year ago he started using an e-cigarette. When his doctor asked if he smokes, he insists on telling him "no." I feel it is dishonest and detrimental to his medical records. It makes me crazy. Don't you think that medical personnel should phrase this question: "Do you use nicotine?" Please comment. -- CONCERNED WIFE IN TEXAS
DEAR CONCERNED WIFE: There's a saying, "Never lie to your doctor or your lawyer." It is excellent advice. Your husband is fooling only himself by concealing from his physician that he's still hooked on nicotine.
Whether medical personnel will change the way they phrase that question I can't guarantee. However, because my column is read by many people in the medical profession, I'm willing to bet that after seeing your letter, some of them will.