CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Miley Cyrus, 26; Salli Richardson-Whitfield, 51; Robin Roberts, 58; Bruce Hornsby, 64. Happy Birthday: This is a year that can be filled with opportunities but is also one of excess, indulgence and poor choices. Look before you leap. Take the time to get down to the nitty-gritty and to uncover […]
Advice
Lighthearted wedding invitation rubs recipient the wrong way
DEAR ABBY: We received a wedding invitation in the mail today from my husband’s nephew. First of all, we are to RSVP by tomorrow. (WHAT?) Here are our options in responding: Gladly attend Regretfully decline Resentfully attend Enthusiastically decline I’ll surprise you The invitation also asked which song we’d like “blasted over our awkward small […]
Capricorn: Your effort won't go unnoticed
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Scarlett Johansson, 34; Mark Ruffalo, 51; Jamie Lee Curtis, 60; Steve Van Zandt, 68. Happy Birthday: Keep your life simple, moderate and sincere. If you exaggerate, you will be held accountable. This is a year of change but also one that could cost you physically or financially if you aren’t […]
Reader is in gray area of treatment for osteoporosis
DEAR DR. ROACH: I took Fosamax for years but stopped five years ago. My bone density score is now -2.5. Should I restart Fosamax? If it creates more mass of brittle bone, then it does not seem advisable. — K.B. ANSWER: Fosamax (alendronate) works by preventing absorption of bone by osteoclasts (bone-absorbing cells). When used […]
Student earns failing grade as a vacation house-sitter
DEAR ABBY: Our family went away for a two-week vacation. One of my co-workers suggested I hire her daughter to stay in our home and take care of our pets and plants in our absence. The daughter is 20 years old and a student. We agreed upon a generous payment and paid her as soon […]
Alcohol is not a pain remedy
DEAR DR. ROACH: After treatment for prostate cancer (with brachytherapy) at age 69 my husband started self-medicating for pain with alcohol. His drug of choice is straight vodka in what I feel to be staggering quantities. Although we’ve had many conversations about the effects from long-term use and with numerous attempts to stop drinking, he […]
Gamer kicked out of house shames dad on social media
DEAR ABBY: My 23-year-old son does not want to work and spends all his time playing video games. He’s obsessed with them. He disrespects my house — and me — by not cleaning his room. I don’t know what to do. He’s my son, but he is a user and feels he’s entitled to live […]
Sagittarius: Stick to the truth
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Carly Rae Jepsen, 33; Jena Malone, 34; Michael Strahan, 47; Goldie Hawn, 73. Happy Birthday: Quality should be what drives you this year. Take your time and do things right the first time. Spend a little extra to get exactly what you want, but buy fewer items. Balance will be […]
Studies say stem cell treatment for MS not ready for prime time
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 45-year-old daughter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about a year ago following alarming bladder problems and numbness. She received steroids that effectively treated the bladder problem. She subsequently had a relapse with more widespread numbness and a feeling of being off balance. Within a short time, she started on Ocrevus. She […]
Family draws line at spending holidays with sex offender
DEAR ABBY: I have a nephew who is a Level III sex offender. My mom wants him at her house for the holidays, but none of the other family members plan to attend with their kids if he’s there. Mom insists we should forgive him and can’t understand how people can’t forgive him for molesting […]