DEAR DR. ROACH: My spouse believes that I am being “germophobic” over his bathroom habits. Among other things: He uses a hand towel to wipe the inside of his sink and countertop, and then uses the same towel to wipe his mouth, face and hands. He says he won’t die from this, but his lack […]
Advice
Leo: Self-improvement is a good place to begin
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Stacey Dash, 50; Rainn Wilson, 51; Bill Maher, 61; David Lynch, 71. Happy Birthday: Be a good listener and make worthwhile suggestions, and your popularity will grow. Don’t share personal information or let others know too much about your plans until you have everything in place. The respect you gain […]
Couple’s long, joyful marriage is based upon three principles
DEAR ABBY: Many of your published letters come from unhappy married women. Some of them seem unable to get objective advice that would make themselves and their marriages happier. I’m fortunate to be happily married (33 years) to a wonderful woman who has a clear perspective. Three pearls of wisdom she could share: 1. Don’t […]
Cancer: You cannot buy love
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shawn Johnson, 25; Drea de Matteo, 45; Katey Sagal, 63; Dolly Parton, 71. Happy Birthday: Avoid being put in a position of uncertainty. Stay focused on what you can do and work diligently to reach your goals without interference. Put your effort into doing things your way and on your […]
Alcohol metabolism is more complicated than a drink an hour
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve frequently read that while alcohol might help you get to sleep, it disturbs your getting back to sleep later in the night. I believe that your body dispenses with the alcohol effects at the rate of about one drink per hour. Thus, if I have a drink at 6 p.m., another […]
Mom gives blessing to kids attending church with grandma
DEAR ABBY: I am an atheist. My parents, although raised Presbyterian, never to my knowledge participated in organized religion, so it was not part of my upbringing. Last year my mom started going to church again, and my kids have been going with her. I’ve always said they can make their own choices and I’d […]
Gemini: Don’t let confusion or uncertainty take over
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jason Segel, 37; Jesse L. Martin, 48; Mark Messier, 56; Kevin Costner, 62. Happy Birthday: Silence is golden. Listen and choose your path carefully. Don’t let temptation draw you into something questionable. Rely on your own resources to reach your destination using discipline and hard work to get there. This […]
Learn to manage anger before exploding at kids
DEAR ABBY: I am a 23-year-old woman, and I know I should have a lot more patience than I do right now. I’m happily married with two beautiful children. After work when I return home, I’m fine for the first hour or so. But if my children start to get loud or keep asking me […]
Menstruating after menopause is a serious concern
DEAR DR. ROACH: Do women who have their ovaries and uterus ever stop ovulating? I am 70 and have begun having menses regularly again. I do know when I ovulate, and always have. My periods did not begin to cease until I was about 57. — A.S. ANSWER: Yes, women stop ovulating, and they stop […]
Be cautious about long-term proton pump inhibitor use
DEAR DR. ROACH: Like thousands of people, I have experienced heartburn for years. Chewable antacid tablets provide temporary relief. Extended use of ranitidine and famotidine gave me partial relief, but I still required regular use of antacid tablets. But starting omeprazole gave me immediate and complete relief. I’m sure results are different for different people. […]