Advice and Games

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

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Ability to metabolize caffeine has many variables

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: Have you ever encountered anyone who barely seems to metabolize caffeine at all? I am a 64-yearold woman, and over the last eight years, I have become increasingly unable to tolerate even small amounts of caffeine. I would like to understand why.

Roommate’s workout routine interrupts sleep

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Roommate’s workout routine interrupts sleep

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate works out at 5 a.m. every day, which means that his alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m., and it’s been affecting my sleep in a major way.

Out-of-town man’s personality shifts on visit

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Out-of-town man’s personality shifts on visit

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

DEAR HARRIETTE: Earlier this year, I met someone at a friend’s birthday party. I thought he was handsome, and my friend ended up fixing us up. We live in different states, so we exchanged numbers and kept in touch. We talked often on the phone, and I felt comfortable with him.

Imagining how to fill the empty space

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Imagining how to fill the empty space

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

This week was spent with the familiar sensation that I have no idea what I am doing.I just started rehearsals for a show about my column and the origin story for my first novel, “Loon Point,” that comes out next February.

Dad won’t stop smoking around grandchildren

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Dad won’t stop smoking around grandchildren

Saturday, April 26, 2025

DEAR HARRIETTE: My dad’s a heavy smoker and has been for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, he used to smoke inside the house constantly. I remember the smell being everywhere – in my clothes, in the walls, even in my toys.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

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Recovery of mastectomy can take a long time

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Dear Doctors: My best friend has breast cancer that has spread to her lymph nodes, and she needs to have a double mastectomy. Can you please talk about how all of this can psychologically affect you? What can I do that will help her and not be a burden?

DO JUST ONE THING

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DO JUST ONE THING

Thursday, April 24, 2025

• If you dread ironing clothes, here’s a simple tip to speed up the process and help you save energy: Remove the fabric cover from your ironing board and cover it with a few sheets of aluminum foil. Then place the fabric cover on top of the foil.

New marketing grad not feeling fulfilled

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New marketing grad not feeling fulfilled

Thursday, April 24, 2025

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently graduated and entered the workforce, and while I feel grateful to have landed a full-time position in marketing, I’m starting to feel a bit lost. The job itself is fine.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

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Melanoma highly treatable when caught early

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Dear Doctors: My sister-in-law is 82 years old and was recently diagnosed with melanoma. She has an appointment for treatment in a couple of weeks. I thought this was a serious and deadly disease. Can a patient wait long periods of time before treatment?

Volunteer wants to adopt cat despite boyfriend

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Volunteer wants to adopt cat despite boyfriend

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

DEAR HARRIETTE: I volunteer at my local humane society every weekend, and over the past several months, I’ve developed a real connection with one of the cats there. Her name is Marbles, and she’s been at the shelter for more than a year now.