Booking error causes strain in friendship

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend and I are going on a trip to Iceland. The other day, we were looking at dates to book our flights; we decided on a seven-day trip, and my friend decided to book her flight on the spot while I held off to double-check my work schedule and compare prices.

Carbs are the key to lowering blood sugar

Dear Doctors: I am a 66-year-old woman, and my blood test from a physical exam shows that my blood sugar is getting higher. I am not in prediabetes yet, but I really don’t want to get there.Other than cutting out sweets, how do you eat to improve your blood sugar numbers?

Reader dislikes friend’s partner

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my closest friends has been in an off-and-on relationship with someone I don’t think is the best for them.

Research expands on using bee venom

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: This might be a long shot, but I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, had a lumpectomy with clear margins and had a recurrence six months later. I am struggling with the treatment regimen. I read that bee venom kills cancer cells. Is this an option for me?

Bride-to-be debates inviting BFF to wedding

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend got married last year in Peru. She and her husband invited family only, wanting to keep the wedding small due to budget.When she told me I wasn’t invited, I tried to be supportive. I sent a gift, congratulated her and told myself not to take it personally.

Reader shocked to learn of mom’s first marriage

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last week, my mom told me that she was married and divorced before she met my dad. I am 35 years old, and she just shared this with me now. I was surprised because she has never mentioned this before.

DO JUST ONE THING

• If you love to craft with kids, it’s important to stock up on supplies that are free of harsh chemicals. Many products like ink pads, markers and craft paints can contain asthma-triggering chemicals or have high levels of volatile organic compounds.

Using dogs’ noses to sniff out disease

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: I read your column about the scent of skin secretion changes in Parkinson’s disease. A couple of years ago, I read about training canines to smell and detect lung cancer. Has there been additional work done in training canines for disease detection?

Salary speculation causes social awkwardness

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel awkward when people ask me how much money I make. I recently got a new job at a large tech company as a vice president, and now many of my friends and family keep asking me how much I make.

Heartbeat louder when sleeping on left side

Dear Doctors: I’m a side sleeper and normally it’s on my right side. I got hurt in a soccer game, and for a couple of nights I had to switch to sleeping on my left side. Right away my heartbeat felt louder and stronger. My wife says it happens to her too and not to worry.What is going on?