Girlfriend compelled to clean after intimacy

DEAR HARRIETTE: Whenever my girlfriend and I are intimate, she showers immediately after. At first it was just her, but now she forces me to join her in a post-intercourse shower. In these showers, I’ve noticed that she scrubs relentlessly – ferociously, even.

Wildfire smoke terrible for your health

Dear Doctors: I just saw on the news that the smoke from wildfires is even worse for your health than we thought. Why is that? It seems like the smoke spreads for miles, so I’m worried. Is there anything we can do?Dear Reader: Unfortunately, you are correct about all of this.

Misophonia is actually somewhat common

Dear Doctors: Ever since I was little, I have absolutely hated the sound of other people chewing. Whenever I try to explain this to someone, they think I’m overreacting or even making it up. Is this something you have come across before? Does anyone know why it happens?

Living in zero gravity causes many changes

Dear Doctors: Our 11-year-old son is fascinated with those astronauts who are stuck on the space station. One of the things he asks about a lot is how being in space for that long affects the human body. Do you know what the latest research says about that?

Friend shares opinion about boyfriend

DEAR HARRIETTE: A friend of mine is in a relationship, and in my opinion, her partner is not good to her. From what she tells me and what I observe, he seems selfish, abrasive, cheap and not affectionate or protective of her.

Time spent outdoors helps gut microbiome

Dear Doctors: I know that high-fiber foods keep your gut microbiome healthy. But I just saw on the news that spending a lot of time in nature is also really helpful. Do you know if that is true?One of my goals for 2025 is a better gut microbiome, so as a hiker and gardener, I sure hope so!

Partner seems inattentive toward his kids

DEAR HARRIETTE: At the beginning of last year, I met the man of my dreams. He continues to amaze me in more ways than one: He prioritizes me; he’s really considerate and affectionate; he’s accomplished and ambitious; AND he’s hilarious.

You should still get the COVID-19 booster

Dear Doctors: I just got the new COVID- 19 booster, and the nurse said hardly anyone is getting the updated shot this year. I’m not surprised because after years of headlines, COVID-19 is gone from the news. I’m also hearing it’s getting harder to track. Do you know why?

Holiday illness leads to family tension

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two young daughters. One is 3 years old, and the other is just 8 months old. I invited my sister to stay with us during the holiday season because she lives far away and the rest of our family is in Delaware.

Weight-loss resolutions can be tough to tackle

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am one of those people who tries to make a New Year’s resolution just about every year. As you might imagine, it doesn’t usually work. I stay focused for a week or so, but something always distracts me.This year I want to be better.I really need to lose weight.