Cousin doesn’t want to hear criticism

DEAR HARRIETTE: My cousin decided to plan a family reunion this year. We have a large family spread throughout a few states and a few countries. My cousin refused to allow anyone else in the family to help her plan this grandiose reunion, despite several people asking.

The effects of microplastics on our health

Dear Doctors: The more I read about microplastics, the more I want to do something to lower my family’s exposure to them. Any thoughts? Also, what is so much worse about microplastics than dust or pollen?

Tech worker wants to take a year off

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been working in tech for the past five years, and I’ve saved up a decent amount of money with the intention of taking a year off to travel. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time.

DO JUST ONE THING

• The paperboard boxes that grocery items like cereal and frozen food often come packaged in are recyclable materials. If the boxes are greasy, soaked or dirty, they should never be put in your recycling, since they are a contaminant.

Teenage daughter refuses to attend events

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 13-year-old daughter has recently started refusing to attend family gatherings like birthday parties or Sunday dinners at my parents’ house. She says they’re “boring, fake and a waste of time.

Walking pneumonia calls for diagnosis

Dear Doctors: Can a doctor rule out walking pneumonia just by listening to your chest? My daughter and husband both have pneumonia, and I have been feeling weird. There’s no cough or fever, and my oxygen is at 99% saturation, so the doctor said I’m fine.

Boyfriend wants to move to pursue passion

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend is deeply passionate about international humanitarian work. It’s a huge part of who he is and, honestly, one of the reasons I admire and love him so much. Recently, he told me he’s planning to move abroad to work in a conflict zone for an extended period.

Reader forgets best friend’s birthday

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m feeling really terrible because I forgot my best friend’s birthday, and now she’s not speaking to me. We’ve been best friends for over 10 years, and I’ve never missed her birthday before.

Zinc in diet may help geographic tongue

Dear Doctors: I have had geographic tongue for almost two years. It’s unsightly and sometimes quite painful, but my ENT assures me it’s not related to infection or cancer. A prescription for nystatin oral hasn’t made a difference. Is there anything else that might help?

New data link cannabis use, heart disease

Dear Doctors: Cannabis is legal where I live. I’m not a heavy user, but I do enjoy it now and then. I just heard about a study that ties using cannabis to heart disease. There’s not a lot of information about how using cannabis affects your health, and I would like to know more about that study.