Grandma chooses incense over health

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom has gotten into burning incense lately, and whenever I bring my 10-year-old daughter over, she has an allergic reaction to it. She starts coughing and sneezing and has even gotten rashes from it.

Lichen sclerosus can occur in many places

Dear Doctors: I am a 64-year-old woman, and I was shocked when I was told I have lichen sclerosus. I have lesions on my wrist and arms, which cortisone cream has helped. I’m wondering if the gynecological changes that I have experienced are permanent. Any info would be helpful.

Bystander is mad that she didn’t do more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in New York City, and the other day, I saw someone’s phone get stolen, and I didn’t do anything to help. I felt bad, but ultimately, I didn’t want to get hurt or have anything stolen from me in the process.

DO JUST ONE THING

• It may be sold in some health food stores, but be cautious about burning incense sticks in your home. Recent studies suggest that burning incense can be as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes.

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.