DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is it safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker and cook it on low for 8 hours or so? My husband thinks it is, but I am very hesitant and afraid it will be full of bad bacteria. -- S.G., San Diego

DEAR S.G.: Assuming your slow cooker (also known by the brand name Crock-Pot) is working properly, it should be cooking foods between 170 and 280 degrees F, which is sufficient to bake bacteria out of existence. It is best that the meat be fully defrosted before it goes in, and the cooking chamber should be between half and two-thirds full. Cut the larger pieces of chicken into small chunks to assure thorough cooking. This will also help with flavor penetration. Finally, steam helps the process, so be sure to keep the lid in place. If you are going to be home, cook the chicken at the higher temperature setting for the first hour, then lower the temperature for the remaining time called for in the recipe.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: You have written that herring is a good source of the healthful omega-3 fats. My question has to do with the fact that I like to buy herring in wine sauce, but then I soak it in water to remove the salt and other additives. When I do this, will it affect the level of omega-3s? -- M.M., Madison, Wis.

DEAR M.M.: Herring is indeed a rich source of omega-3 fats, and the fatty acids will still be there after their salt-removal swim. To give you some perspective on the quality of this as a source, a study in the March 2005 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that the sought-after EPA and DHA omega-3s represent more than 12 percent of the fatty acids in herring. Pacific herring levels were found to be slightly higher than those of herring swimming in the Atlantic, but both types were higher than the level of essential omega-3s in sardines, salmon, tuna and trout. An article in the July 2004 issue of the journal American Family Physician contains an excellent summary of research findings on these fats, together with a convenient table that lists the various levels and how much of each type of fish would be needed to supply one gram of the omega-3 fatty acids. This article can be accessed at tinyurl.com/pv47y.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: You had written that regular vinegar can help slow sugar absorption of carbs, and I'm wondering if balsamic vinegar would have the same effect. I use balsamic most nights when I make my salad dressing and I now wonder if this might be affecting my blood sugar in a positive way. -- C.M., via email

DEAR C.M.: The evidence points to acetic acid as the responsible substance. As long as your vinegar has an acidity of at least 3 percent -- most balsamic vinegars tend to be higher -- you are getting the right stuff.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am 77 with arthritis, and tend to have pain all over in my body. I live by myself and do not eat very well. Could my poor diet be contributing to my pain? Is there any type of test to tell me if I am deficient in any nutrients I might need? If so, are there supplements that I might take? I don't have a weight problem and am currently taking pain medication for the discomfort in my spine. -- E.F., Phoenix

DEAR E.F.: I am sorry that you are suffering and have to rely on medications to provide relief. Those who have a nutritious diet and active lifestyle do tend to have better health statistics, and it follows that a healthy body is better able to heal itself. I encourage you to eat well, but there is no guarantee that switching to a diet full of wonderful foods will rapidly make your discomfort disappear.

You obviously want to find your way out of this downward spiral; otherwise you wouldn't have written. I don't think your first move should be to a bottle of supplements. Rather, it should be toward a better approach to your diet. If you are unable to cook, find someone with nutrition savvy and skill in the kitchen and make them your best friend. You can speak with your physician to get referrals to local registered dietitians, who might be of assistance. There are also likely to be social services in your area providing programs that could help.

You daily diet needs to be populated with superfoods: ones that are chock-full of nutrients. A list might include: berries, melons, broccoli, sweet potatoes, yams, spinach (and other dark-green vegetables), citrus fruits, fish, apricots, legumes, carrots, tomatoes, low-fat milk and cheese (that's right, cheese!), bananas, oats (and other whole grains) and lean meats. These are all foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and other healthful compounds. As you begin to feel better, your appetite will begin to improve, as well. A good daily supplement can be added to this mix, but it cannot replace the goodness that comes from real food.

Finally, when you are beginning to feel better, and after you get the OK from your doctor, you can begin to move around and take up the reins of a more active lifestyle. Ask for a referral to a physical therapist who can evaluate you and provide a plan that involves gradually increased ranges of movement. You state that you live alone, and there is an important element of socialization offered by physical training, especially if it is done at a local YMCA or similar organization. You will find that you are not alone, and will have the chance to interact with others who are, or have been, in a similar situation.

It may sound simple reading it here, but there is a road to travel before you will see some results. Taking those first steps is the only way to start, so I am hoping that you are willing to give it a shot. Check back in and let me know how things are working out.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: There is a memory supplement being promoted by a doctor (at least it is someone with Dr. before their name). There are positive testimonials from people, and many seem to have started with the same concerns I have. I admit I have this temptation to try it, but there are many of the red flags you have previously discussed. -- B.G., Lisle, Ill.

Dear B.G., Organizations are out there selling dubious advanced college degrees to anyone with a bank account. This means there are people calling themselves "doctor" without the necessary training to know what they are talking about. This can be deadly serious when it involves issues related to health. Not so much that the products being hawked are necessarily dangerous, but that people may be kept away from accurate diagnosis, and a once-treatable condition can become a more serious problem. While there are online courses by credible institutions, and these can indeed help one complete credits needed to achieve a degree, it's essential to find out what you're dealing with.

The literature you included with your letter contains plenty of promises, but little evidence to back up the claims. There's also no information about the products' ingredients. The individual in charge goes by "doctor," but it never reveals what type of doctor he is. All it says is that he is an internationally known authority. Questions that come to mind include "Known by whom?" It reads like a scam. Based on what you sent, it is nothing that I would buy or recommend.

To avoid being taken, we need to be alert to the different ways that questionable products can be foisted upon the public. This particular product uses a common strategy; namely the use of a collection of convincing true-to-life testimonials. The pitch follows the line that "it worked for them, so why not for you?" Add the support of someone with pseudo-credentials, and you end up with impressive marketing clout. Here are a few basic guidelines:

1. Make sure that the people giving you advice are the real deal. If they're passing themselves off as experts, find out if this is the case by checking for their accomplishments outside of the particular organization selling the product.

2. Put up those antennas. Ask questions if your instincts tell you something is not quite right, or you want more background on the product, the scientific personalities or the evidence being proffered.

3. If a particular scientific concept is the basis for the product, check to see if this concept is shared by experts not associated with the product or company.

4. Always keep your physician up to speed with what you are taking. There can be side effects or interactions with medications that need to be considered.

If you ever uncover health fraud, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities; search for Consumer Complaint and Protection Coordinators to get contact information for the oversight agencies in your area. Finally, we need to always be cognizant of the fact that this is a buyer-beware market. If you fall victim to an economic fraud, you've lost your money. But if it involves your health, the risks and potential losses can have life-altering implications.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.