DEAR ABBY: We are expecting our first child after many years of struggling with infertility. We are overjoyed, to say the least. I have a wonderful parent who used to be my father but who now identifies as a woman I’ll call “Grace.” She’s a supportive, loving, wonderful parent, and always was. The problem is, […]
Advice
Posted inHoroscope
Cancer: Spend more time with a loved one
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chris Daughtry, 40; Jared Leto, 48; Ozzie Smith, 65; John Walsh, 74. Happy Birthday: Think big, but don’t overdo it or take on something impossible. Refuse to let your emotions carry you in a direction that isn’t in your best interest. Think matters through, and make adjustments based on what […]
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Posted inDr. Roach
It’s OK to get the shingles vaccine, even if you can’t remember having chickenpox
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 75-year-old male who can’t remember whether or not he’s had chickenpox as a child. This is somewhat important, as I’m considering getting the shingles shot to prevent that horrible illness. Which would be a prudent approach: go ahead and get the shingles shot or wait in suspense? — R.B. ANSWER: […]
Posted inDear Abby
Conversations are ruined by a deluge of questions
DEAR ABBY: I am a big fan and read your column daily. I am writing because I have a very hard time making conversation. I read your mother’s booklet which suggests asking people questions about themselves to stimulate dialogue. Apparently, I am doing something wrong because family and friends accuse me of “interrogating” them. I’m […]
Posted inHoroscope
Gemini: Be open to suggestions
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Annie Lennox, 65; CCH Pounder, 67; Sissy Spacek, 70; Jimmy Buffett, 73. Happy Birthday: Secrets are best kept this year. If you are too loose with your words, they will come back to haunt you. Look for any opportunity to bring about positive financial changes. Consider sizing down or taking […]
Posted inDear Abby
Erratic blood pressure may be emotional reaction
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m an active 85-year-old woman. For the past four years, I have been having erratic blood pressure readings. Sometimes my blood pressure is 80/50, other times 200/90 or higher. I am treated with nadolol as needed. My cardiologist said he cannot help me. The doctors at the hospital have no idea why […]
Posted inDear Abby
Husband’s bullying of young son leads wife to consider leaving
DEAR ABBY: I have a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl and I’m worried. My husband bullies our son, “Jake.” We often go to a park with swingsets near our home. Jake runs to the swings, gets on, and then my husband pushes it so hard, Jake screams in fear. People sitting on the benches […]
Posted inHoroscope
Taurus: Someone you don’t see often may help with decision
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ryan Seacrest, 45; Stephenie Meyer, 46; Ricky Martin, 48; Diedrich Bader, 53. Happy Birthday: Keep your life simple, moderate and geared toward making subtle and positive changes this year. The less fuss you make, the easier it will be to get what you want to be done in a timely […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Limb-girdle dystrophies begin in shoulders and hips
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have two boys diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. I am looking everywhere for some help, but can’t seem to find anything. Is there a cure? — F.I.I. ANSWER: There are many types of muscular dystrophy. Some start in childhood; others later in life. The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a diverse […]
Posted inDear Abby
Mother-in-law takes in cats after mom’s death
DEAR ABBY: My mom passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind two cats. My mother-in-law graciously took them in temporarily, which included shouldering the financial burden of a few vet visits. After everything quieted, we asked her if she would be willing to keep the cats indefinitely because we rent, and re-homing them wasn’t an option in […]