Dear Dr. SerVaas: I am interested in knowing more about the DASH diet mentioned in the March/April 2002 "Medical Mailbox." I am currently taking medications to control my high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I would certainly love to get off these medications, if at all possible.

Harlan Johnson
Mazaeppa, Minnesota

Dear Reader: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a low-fat meal plan rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and homocysteine readings.

A new book about the eating plan includes menu ideas and recipes. See "A Tastier Diet to Lower Blood Pressure" on page 60 of this issue.