CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kate Upton, 31; Leelee Sobieski, 40; Jessica DiCicco, 43; Shane West, 45. Happy Birthday: Take your time, review every detail and adjust any weak link you encounter. Trust and believe in yourself to do the right thing. Refuse to let anyone talk you into being extravagant or taking on something […]
Advice
Sister’s claims of illness no longer elicit sympathy
DEAR ABBY: I have an older sister I’ll call “Vicky,” who has been a hypochondriac for as long as I can remember. Every sniffle, cough or sneeze is always a dayslong or weekslong complain-a-thon about how sick she is, and sometimes these illnesses or injuries are simply invented for attention. While this has always been […]
Woman’s final wishes create angst and argument in family
DEAR ABBY: I am 76. My husband and I planned our final wishes for cremation because I have had a lifelong fear of being buried underground. My children from my first marriage are Jewish and very much against cremation. When I told them my wishes, they attacked me with a barrage of negatives about cremation, […]
Scorpio: Get involved in something you find stimulating and innovative.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Natalie Portman, 42; Johnny Depp, 60; Aaron Sorkin, 62; Michael J. Fox, 62. Happy Birthday: Pay attention to detail, leave no room for error and proceed confidently. Question anything that sounds far-fetched to ensure you don’t get caught up in a scam or lie that can hurt your reputation. Form […]
Glucose tolerance test can clear up confusing A1C results
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m confused by the relationship between my blood glucose level and A1C. My blood glucose has crept up from 100 to 112 in one year after I started taking 40 mg of atorvastatin. My A1C level is 5.1%, apparently “normal,” so my doctor is unconcerned about the blood glucose reading. When is […]
Libra: What you learn will distinguish you from anyone trying to outmaneuver you.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Maria Menounos, 45; Julianna Margulies, 57; Frank Grillo, 58; Keenen Ivory Wayans, 65. Happy Birthday: Live and learn. Take in as much information as possible, and follow through with your plans. Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. Make a point of living up to your promises and […]
What is considered alcohol use disorder or problem drinking?
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is there such a thing as a functional alcoholic? — Anon. ANSWER: The term “alcoholic” is imprecise and no longer used. There are several conditions to describe problem drinking, including risky use of alcohol, which puts a person at risk for health consequences. Although any given individual may have a greater or […]
Grandma’s annoying behavior sets up family confrontation
DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law is an attention-seeker. She’s very loud and talks in a baby voice so that everyone looks at her. She made my wedding shower and, years later, my baby shower all about her and the gifts she gave. Not only did it take the spotlight from my husband and me, but it […]
Recognizing differences in sex development
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year-old man. Yesterday, I read that I am considered intersex because urine does not come out the end of my penis, but rather under the penis shaft. This does not surprise me much, but I am really curious about it. I want to see a psychiatrist just to talk […]
Virgo: Emphasize educational pursuits, practice and conversations with people who can help you further your objective.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Aaron Pierre, 29; Iggy Azalea, 33; Michael Cera, 35; Bill Hader, 45. Happy Birthday: Pick up the pace and shoot for the stars. Bring meaning to your goals, and adjust your schedule to suit the demand. The incentive to reach your destination this year will be more straightforward if you […]