Times have changed. Nowadays, the kids spend a week in bed for such minor ailments as reactions to flu shots, writer's cramp (because two teachers simultaneously gave homework assignments), or overexposure to tear gas at a protest march. And the medications available to us vie with one another for delectability.

I am convinced that the surest preventive for adult hypochondria is the 19th century brand of medicine administered by a determined and doting mother. And now, I must conclude this essay. It's time for another spoonful of my blackberry-flavored Neo-Sul-Dilacto-Gel-O-Kate. Besides, the John Wayne submarine epic is about to begin on Channel 2.

Robert M. Miller, DVM, is an author and a cartoonist, speaker, and Veterinary Medicine Practitioner Advisory Board member from Thousand Oaks, Calif. His thoughts in "Mind Over Miller" are drawn from 32 years as a mixed-animal practitioner. Visit his Web site at http://www.robertmmiller.com.