DEAR DR. ROACH: I had right upper abdominal pain, and my doctor suspected gallbladder problems. The abdominal ultrasound showed that my gallbladder was normal, and the HIDA scan showed normal gallbladder function. But the ultrasound reported “hepatic steatosis,” aka fatty liver disease. My labs were all normal, including an ALT test of 19. My doctor […]
Advice
Pisces: Use your talents and intuition to win approval and inside information.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Fergie, 49; Nathan Fillion, 53; Mariah Carey, 55; Pauley Perrette, 55. Happy Birthday: Be proactive when dealing with institutions and maintaining up-to-date personal information. Peace of mind will be your ticket to come and go as you please with the least stress. Take time to reinforce your connections with people […]
Son’s new playmate resides with in a home with sex offender
DEAR ABBY: We recently moved to a new neighborhood. My 8-year-old son, “Joey,” has become best friends with a classmate, “Paul,” who lives on our street. We know from research we did when we bought our house that Paul’s stepfather, with whom he lives, is a sex offender who committed crimes against children and served […]
Apple cider vinegar is a surprising help for blood in urine
DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, I had anal cancer and was treated with chemo and radiation. The radiation burned my insides, severely damaging most of my internal organs. One of the aftereffects was occasional blood and small clots in my urine. A few months ago, both the frequency and the amount of blood, especially the clots, […]
Aquarius: Revamp your long-term plans and select a place or project that feels compatible.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Keira Knightley, 39; Kenny Chesney, 56; Martin Short, 74; Steven Tyler, 76. Happy Birthday: Communicate with passion in your voice and facts to back your claims. Be precise, accurate and thoughtful this year; you will alleviate misunderstandings. Go about your business and take care of details that can make or […]
Parent has chosen to keep relatives at arm’s length
DEAR ABBY: I grew up in a big lower-class family in which there has always been drama, fights, gossip, etc. I made a vow to myself that when I had my own family, I would raise them better. I keep myself and my children distanced from all of that. Am I wrong for keeping them […]
Doctor oddly recommends less liquid to avoid kidney disease
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 79-year-old woman who weighs 123 pounds and exercises with Zumba, yoga and cardio drumming. I feel well and have plenty of energy, friends, support and family. I have been on a low-salt eating program to treat Meniere’s disease for 25 years. My blood pressure is 115/69 mm Hg. My […]
Capricorn: Refrain from irritating someone you must deal with to finish things on time.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jenny Slate, 42; Sarah Jessica Parker, 59; Marcia Cross, 62; Elton John, 77. Happy Birthday: Let your energy and enthusiasm lead the way. Your ability to arouse curiosity in those you encounter will put you in a leadership position. Take advantage of opportunities that show promise and offer a positive […]
Intense emotions accompany arrival of early menopose
DEAR ABBY: I am 34 and recently found out I have started menopause. I knew it might come early for me because most of the women in my family began in their 30s and were done by 50. I have no biological children and now probably never will. I guess I waited too long for […]
Reappearance of wife’s friend threatens to derail marriage
DEAR ABBY: Years ago, my spouse’s friend “Valerie” invited us to lunch. I had never met her, but had previous contact with her through email. Valerie clearly did not like me. We sat over lunch for four hours, and during that time, although she sat across from me, she never looked at me, never spoke […]