Unknowingly a part of the problem

The world – including right here in Clinton – has people who are unknowingly a part of the problem while thinking they are part of the solution.Some examples include those who claim to want our town to grow but when good happens, they quickly go out of their way to point out the hand full of things...

Prolonged use of baby aspirin

Dear Doctors: The recommendation against taking a daily baby aspirin seems to pit heart disease prevention against bleeding risk. But it doesn't include aspirin's potential benefits in colon cancer reduction. How should people factor in the colon cancer benefit?

New girlfriend hinting about engagement

DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend is talking about marriage way too soon in our relationship. We've only been dating for five months. We are having a great time together – that's true. But everything is still new, and she already jokes about the engagement ring she wants.

Note to Dems: It’s not 2020 anymore

There’s been a lot of attention paid to President Joe Biden’s falling job approval rating. And it is indeed going down, down, down. But along with confidence in the president, the public is also losing faith in the Democratic Party’s ability to handle the issues that most concern voters today.

Valley fever result of fungus found in soil

Dear Doctors: I read that something called valley fever is getting to be more common here in Arizona on account of climate change. I’ve never even heard of it.

Parent worried marriage won’t survive

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is applying for college this year and will likely go away to school next fall. I have prepared for this day for years. I know my job as a parent is to get him ready to be an independent adult. He is ready – but I don’t know if I am.

Baseball brings out best, worst

The World Series has come and gone again, evoking the usual mixed feelings. For one thing, I didn’t have a team this year, although I was pulling for Atlanta in honor of my friend Lauren, a serious Braves fan I pretty much talked into baseball when she was my student.

Friend wants to meet on her own terms

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend lives in East Los Angeles, and I live in the Valley. Whenever we hang out, she usually suggests that we do things on her side of town because the Valley "doesn't have a nightlife scene."

DO JUST ONE THING

When we decorate around the house for the holidays, a lot of us use natural materials like pine cones, evergreen swags and branches with berries to add some festive cheer. To keep these natural materials, well, natural, do just one thing: Avoid painting or gilding them.

Freddie Fu always knew what to do

He said, “Call anytime,” hours before he went into hospice. If only I could.