Got a problem you’d like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.



Dear Readers …



I’ve had so many comments on last week’s letter concerning body odor! I had no idea how many people either were affected by this or know someone who is. I received a wonderful letter from one of my readers that offers some help to anyone who may be experiencing this problem. I’ll simply take her words, as is, and share them with you.



Dear Sidney,



The letter about the co-worker’s body odor brought back memories.

When I was 10 years old, I developed a horrible body odor. It would have put a rotting animal corpse to shame. For years, I fought that horrible odor. At 10 years old, I was in an orphanage and the adult workers there ridiculed me and admonished me to bathe. We all bathed every night; I never missed my bath. Through the years, I tried every deodorant on the market; nothing worked.

One day about 45 years ago, I read a small aritcle somewhere that said, “Take zinc, don’t stink.” I didn’t hesitate, I bought zinc tablets and started taking one a day. After a few months, I noticed that the odor was less. As time passed it got less and less and now, for almost 30 years, I’ve been totally free of body odor. It’s been at least 25 years since I’ve used any deodorant, nor do I use powders, etc.

This may not work for everyone but it will for some. Zinc is good for you, so it’s worth a try. I, too, am ignorant of medical terms and treatment, so I can’t explain how zinc works or why, but for me, it performed a miracle. I wonder if it cleans the blood of impurities that causes odor. I’ll never know. All I know is for me it works. I take vitamins everyday and always my zinc tablet. I hope this helps anyone who has the same problem.



Stink free!!!

A faithful reader of Love, Sidney

Hattiesburg, MS



So, there you have it. It just might work. Above all – if you know anyone with this problem, treat them with respect and compassion. No one wants to be shunned for anything – let alone something they’re not aware of. Be kind one to another.



Love, Sidney





• Sidney Covington has a master’s degree in counseling. She is a patient advocate and public relations representative for Riley Hospital.