Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 35-year-old female with hypertension. I have been under the care of my current physician for approximately six years and take prescription medications for my condition. My doctor has always acted professionally, but also with warmth, humour and sensitivity. I have recently begun to feel physically attracted to him. I am unsure what to do about this situation, but I wonder whether I should consider finding a new physician — particularly since I fear my nervousness around him might be causing unusually high blood-pressure readings. If I did switch doctors, then I would feel an obligation to offer an explanation to my current doctor. However, I have no idea what I would say. What would you recommend in this situation? Also, just out of curiosity, do doctors ever date their patients?

Reply: Physical relations (including dating) between a doctor and his patient are inappropriate and cannot be condoned.

Some people (generally women) occasionally develop strong feelings, both emotional and physical, for their physicians. This is understandable due to the personal nature of the doctor/patient relationship, but they should not be acted upon. This would be unprofessional and unethical on the part of the physician.

You do not need to change doctors if you can bring your emotions under control. If you believe this is not possible or too hard, a new physician, perhaps a female, is an appropriate choice. As for giving an explanation, this is not necessary. You are free to change physicians as often as you like. If you do want to give an explanation, perhaps it would be easier to do so in writing, or make up another reason why you're switching.

If you do attempt to progress your relationship, you will be flirting with fire. This can ruin your physician's reputation. He may lose his job if he is part of a multiphysician practice. You may even harm his personal relationships. He may be in a serious relationship or married, and this could be especially detrimental if he has children. I urge you to control your emotions or switch physicians before things get out of control.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Hypertension" and "Choosing a Physician." Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Dear Dr. Gott: Is there any documented information that links aspartame to Alzheimer's disease?

Reply: The cause of Alzheimer's remains a mystery, but much active research is in progress. To my knowledge, Alzheimer's is not related to aspartame. Some people are sensitive to aspartame and may have bad reactions to it.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Alzheimer's Disease."

Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."