DEAR ABBY: My 72-year-old husband believes that not voting in the upcoming presidential election is making a statement because he can’t tolerate any of the candidates. He believes that not voting is telling the political parties to offer more acceptable candidates. I believe that not voting makes no statement AT ALL because many of those […]
Advice
Probiotics may help with irritable bowel symptoms
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on inflammatory bowel syndrome, which I have had for years. I could not go out to eat without having to go to the restroom before leaving. It got so bad that I couldn’t go to weddings, picnics, etc. I started using Metamucil, which did help and made […]
Gemini: Best to not get involved in a joint venture
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: John Mayer, 39; Kellie Martin, 41; Tim Robbins, 58; Angela Lansbury, 91. Happy Birthday: It’s up to you to make things happen this year. Don’t procrastinate or let someone else take over and control the situations that will affect you. Continuous learning and gathering of knowledge will aid you in […]
Telephone call privacy important to her
DEAR ABBY: When I call my brother or sister, I expect my call to be private, just between the two of us. However, halfway through the call, other people in the household join the conversation or I’ll hear pots and pans rattling. I consider this to be very rude. I realize in this era of […]
Virgo: Don’t feel the urge to spend on items you don’t need
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Vanessa Marcil, 48; Emeril Lagasse, 57; Sarah Ferguson, 57; Penny Marshall, 73. Happy Birthday: The year ahead will be filled with excitement, change and plenty of decisions. Don’t let what’s going on around you deter you from moving forward. Take each situation and deal with it as it surfaces instead […]
Teen struggles to adapt to dad’s strict parenting
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 13-year-old girl in the eighth grade. I moved in with my father and his girlfriend five months ago. (My mom is estranged.) They are very strict and controlling. I’m not allowed to go anywhere, have friends over or be in my room with my phone for any amount of time, and […]
Leo: Question the relationships you have with people
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Stacy Keibler, 37; Usher, 38; Natalie Maines, 42; Roger Moore, 89. Happy Birthday: Make positive changes to the way you look and do things and you will discover talents and skills you didn’t know you had. Developing and putting ideas into play will lead to new possibilities regarding how you […]
Mom balks at supervising ex’s visits with daughters
DEAR ABBY: I was married to my husband for 15 years and we have a set of preteen twins. After he was arrested and put in prison for possession of child pornography, I divorced him. After much counseling, it was determined that he had not hurt our children. He will be released soon, and I […]
Diuretics usually safe for the long term
DEAR DR. ROACH: Does a diuretic like Lasix (furosemide) have any negative effect on kidney function after being taken over a period of 16 years in connection with congestive heart failure? — E.T. ANSWER: Furosemide (Lasix) is a powerful drug. It prevents the kidney from being able to reabsorb water and salt, which are then […]
Cancer: Speak up and negotiate on your behalf
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Sacha Baron Cohen, 45; Kate Walsh, 49; Kelly Preston, 54; Marie Osmond, 57. Happy Birthday: Look for ways to improve your life personally and professionally. Mental and physical updates will help you get ahead and feel good about the initiative you have taken. Settle any differences you have with others […]