DEAR ABBY: I’m in my early 30s. I live and work in a beach town and visit the ocean often on my time off. I have a large tattoo on my side, and while it’s tasteful and well done, it depicts nudity (an angel). It’s always covered by a shirt and never exposed at work. […]
Advice
Cancer: Chose your battles wisely and stay positive
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Justin Chambers, 50; Lisa Rinna, 57; Richie Sambora, 61; Sela Ward, 64. Happy Birthday: Where you focus your time and energy will make a difference this year. Look at the opportunities that can result due to difficult times. Set high standards and goals that require the attributes and experience you […]
Friend urges inversion therapy for degenerative disc disease
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. A spine specialist has advised surgery to fuse vertebrae in two places. I have already had surgery to remove a herniated disk on both these vertebrae and spinal epidurals with limited success. Recently a friend suggested inversion therapy using a teeter […]
Cross-country relationship is kept a secret from mom
DEAR ABBY: I’m in high school. My boyfriend lives across the country in a different state. He is a teenager, too. I have asked people for advice about this before and mostly gotten the same answer. They say, “Wait ’til you’re older,” or, “Your mom is just looking out for you.” I don’t believe it. […]
Gemini: Don’t let anyone take advantage of you
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Simpson, 40; Adrian Grenier, 44; Sofia Vergara, 48; Arlo Guthrie, 73. Happy Birthday: Follow your passion. Be creative in the way you live your life. Being able to adapt to the changing times will help you plan your future and execute your plans expeditiously. Don’t fret if someone close […]
New feelings for longtime friend are not reciprocated
DEAR ABBY: My longtime friend “Bonnie” and I have been reconnecting during COVID, mostly via text and video chatting. She’s recently moved back to my area (she’s in the military), so we spent a weekend together helping her move in. It was exhausting and stressful, and her drinking concerned me. I know drinking is prevalent […]
Taurus: Pay attention to take advantage of changes
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Fred Savage, 44; Jack White, 45; Tom Hanks, 64; Jimmy Smits, 65. Happy Birthday: Your sensitivity toward others will come in handy this year. Listen to your heart, and express the way you feel. Offering your thoughts and listening to the response you receive will help you develop a workable […]
COVID-19 is no reason to skip new shingles vaccination
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is there any risk starting the two-step process for the new shingles vaccine given the COVID-19 virus? My husband had the original shingles vaccine, and he has also contracted shingles. Should he get the new vaccine? He doesn’t believe it is necessary. — L.M. ANSWER: Several people have asked whether the new […]
Sweets and starches are not off-limits to diabetics
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is prediabetes reversible, and if not, is it permissible to eat sweets and starches in moderation if you have it? — C.W. ANSWER: In many cases, prediabetes can be reversed. In North America, by far the most common type of diabetes is Type 2, and a major risk factor is being overweight. […]
Aries: Be prepared to be successful
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Sophia Bush, 38; Milo Ventimiglia, 43; Kevin Bacon, 62; Anjelica Huston, 69. Happy Birthday: Look for opportunities, and you will find a way to get ahead. Turn any negative you encounter this year into something spectacular. Use your imagination, and you will develop a plan that allows you to use […]