DEAR DOCTOR K: For 20 years, I’ve substituted artificial sweeteners for sugar in my coffee, and switched to diet soft drinks to avoid obesity and the diseases that overweight people are prone to, like Type 2 diabetes. Now I hear that new research says that’s a bad idea. What is going on? DEAR READER: Here’s what’s not confusing: More than a modest amount of sugar each day is not good for you. Nothing’s changed there.

DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently saw a headline that said children who sleep less weigh more. Is that true? How much sleep should my preschooler and first-grader get each night?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I want to go on a diet and am trying to decide between low-fat, low-carb and Mediterranean. What do you think?

You are in a good position this year, but you could spoil your chances of success with negativity and anxiety. You have the knowledge and determination to achieve, but insecurities will weigh you down and hold you back. Strive to increase your self-confidence, and you will go far.

WASHINGTON — Those “Nutrition Facts” labels that are plastered on nearly every food package found in grocery stores are getting a new look.

CHICAGO — Could too much sugar be deadly? The biggest study of its kind suggests the answer is yes, at least when it comes to fatal heart problems.