Learning to appreciate fellow travelers

Traveling is inherently annoying. Even if I travel light, I have a heavy handbag, my suitcase catches on the curb, my laptop flops against my hip. Everything takes three times more energy than it seems like it should.Once I get to the airport, there are more annoyances.

Injury sidelines promising volleyball player

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter, a high school junior, recently broke her leg, and it has turned our whole household upside down. She is a dedicated volleyball player and has been training nonstop for years.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Have you ever thought about how unclean the inside of your car really is? Many of us never thoroughly clean the interior, even though our car is a second home.

Eye floaters are a normal part of aging

Dear Doctors: Several months ago, my right eye began to be bothered by “little critters” flying through the air; when I tried to brush them away, nothing existed. I mentioned this to several people and was informed it is a case of floaters. Please explain this condition and what can be done.

Public figure feels he must not rock the boat

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to a gathering at a nightclub this weekend, and I sat with a private group of people who provided table service. It was very chic until random people started to sneak up and try to pour themselves free drinks from our bar setup.

School lunches should be healthful and fun

Dear Doctors: We have three kids in school, and they’re not always happy with the lunches I’ve been packing.Our 7-year-old is the easiest – he loves his PB&J. But his 9- and 13-year-old brothers are a lot harder. You have mentioned you are parents. How do you deal with school lunch?

Older friends hang out while reader works

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently have become friends with a group of older women. We get along great and have had some wonderful conversations and enjoyable times hanging out together.The thing is, they have way more time on their hands than I do. They are either fully retired or semi-retired.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Believe it or not, one of the most dangerous things your pet can eat isn’t a food at all: It’s the bag your favorite chips or snack foods come packaged in. When you’re done eating your BBQ potato chips, a few remnants of the snack remain in the bag.

Navigating new friendships as an adult

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m trying to manage my social life as an adult and explore new ways to make friends.

Diarrhea is a side effect of sigmoidectomy

Dear Doctors: I was diagnosed with diverticulitis, which caused a bowel perforation. I had a sigmoidectomy, no problem, and a resection. Now I’m dealing with constant and urgent diarrhea, as well as some cramping. What can I do to combat this? It is affecting my work and my home life.