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?

Friend’s listening habits seem like condescension

DEAR HARRIETTE: Whenever I share a conflict, dilemma or even something I’m skilled at with a particular friend of mine, I’ve noticed that she responds by overexplaining it back to me – often as if I don’t fully understand my own situation or abilities.

Mom can’t find time in the day for herself

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m a wife and mom, and I work full-time, which means my days are busy from the moment I wake up until I close my eyes at night.

Botox can be used to treat chronic migraines

Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the monthly letters column. We hope the new year is treating you well, and that those who made resolutions are having a few victories. Forming new habits continues to be a popular topic, and we’ll explore new research in an upcoming column. And now, on to your mail.

Husband interjects in emotional conversation

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, my daughter asked me to tell her more about my early life. Over the years, I’ve made a point not to talk much about it, but now that she’s older and asking, I think it’s OK to share.

DO JUST ONE THING

• If you use a blender regularly, it’s important to know how to clean it properly.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Here’s a smart, easy way to reduce electricity use when working on your desktop computer – and lessen your impact on the environment. Lower your monitor brightness from 100% to about 70%.