DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in your column recently that you suggested saw palmetto to a male reader who was having difficulty with his blood pressure dropping due to medications prescribed for his enlarged prostate. That was causing frequent trips to the bathroom and a weak urine stream. I have read a number of articles, […]
Advice
Capricorn: Don’t pay for someone else’s mistakes
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Chastain, 39; Peyton Manning, 40; Alyson Hannigan, 42; Jim Parsons, 43. Happy Birthday: Not everyone will be on your side or want to back your choices, so make sure to gravitate toward the ones who do. The others, however, will be worth hearing out in order to ensure you […]
Fear of arrest prevents man from seeking help he needs
DEAR ABBY: I find myself sometimes wanting to commit the most heinous of crimes. The desire to do this has been with me my entire life. I was sexually abused by my mother and oldest brother. While that’s no excuse, I understand why I may be the way I am. At 51, I have never […]
Mom’s body piercings are becoming targets of ridicule
DEAR ABBY: My sister and I have no interest in body piercing (except our ears), but we have seen it on friends and are not impressed. However, our 44-year-old mom got her nipples pierced and has started wearing jewelry there! Our parents are divorced and she’s not in a relationship right now, so it’s not […]
TSH measurements might not be one-size-fits-all
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 69-year-old woman with hypothyroidism. Although my TSH score is in the high-normal range, a new doctor recently increased my dosage of levothyroxine just slightly because of fatigue, joint aches and more. I feel great again. My question: When the “normal” levels of TSH were determined, were they for everyone? There […]
Sagittarius: You will succeed in reducing your stress
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Michelle Monaghan, 40; Keri Russell, 40; Catherine Keener, 57; Chaka Khan, 63. Happy Birthday: A methodical approach and solid preparation will help guide you down the right path. Make calculated decisions that will allow you to alter your future professionally, financially or physically. Not everything will run smoothly, so be […]
Parents of teenage cutters must listen and not judge
DEAR READERS: I promised ”Heartbroken Mom From Anywhere” (Oct. 5) to print letters from readers offering suggestions about helping her teen daughter, who is a cutter: DEAR ABBY: I am a 33-year-old woman who has cut for many years, starting early in high school. What concerns me is the mom doesn’t completely understand what’s going […]
Metformin as longevity therapy?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a healthy 90-year-old woman. I enjoy playing tennis and bridge. A week ago, I started to take the drug metformin. I do not have diabetes. The reason for taking it is that I read an article about it by an expert in longevity. My only concern is that the drug […]
Scorpio: You will get back what you put out
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Reese Witherspoon, 40; Elvis Stojko, 44; Bob Costas, 64; William Shatner, 85. Happy Birthday: Investigate new ways to present your skills. Pick up information that will help improve your resume. Consider what you are doing now and what you would like to be doing by the end of the year. […]
There is help for urinary incontinence in women
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your column faithfully, but I can’t recall you ever addressing urinary incontinence in women. As it’s a subject that’s not normally addressed socially, I wonder if you can tell us what can be done about it. — O.P. ANSWER: Urinary incontinence is a big and important topic. Twenty-five to 60 […]