Sitting by fireplace may cause health issues

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column. Your questions and comments are keeping our inboxes busy (and as always, thank you!), so we’ll dive right in.– We recently discussed the health dangers of wildfire smoke.

Friend upset by man’s assumption of interest

DEAR HARRIETTE: A childhood friend of mine has been in a relationship for more than five years now. He and his partner live together and share a car, and he covers some of her expenses, etc. They are fully enthralled. But honestly, I get the sense that he was never truly fulfilled by his choice.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Do you want to prevent moths from destroying your clothes? The most important step is to make sure you vacuum regularly in your closet. Closets typically are dark and dusty, and moths and their larvae love these living conditions.

Employee wants to end things with co-worker

DEAR HARRIETTE: I made the mistake of getting involved with a co-worker.At first it seemed really harmless to me because we were accustomed to hanging out socially (mostly in groups after work). When he asked me on a date, it felt like a natural progression.

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!