Mandates scarce in rural communities

It was business as usual this week in Watonga, a city of fewer than 3,000 residents known for its fall cheese festival. If someone tests positive, “then we’ll decide if we’ll do anything,” Watonga Mayor Gary Olsen said.

Husband carried on an affair as wife cared for his mother

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 30-plus years cheated on me several years ago with one of his young private students. In our state, she would have been underage, but she was living in an adjacent state with different laws. I had just finished six months of nursing his mom to heaven.

Regardless of religion, sacrifices great idea

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have listened to friends tell me how they have given up different things for religious reasons — especially for Lent — for 40 days. Though I am not Christian, I like the notion of devoting a specific period of time to a discipline that takes something away.

Not everyone with lung cancer will get a cough

Dear Doctor: Our sister saw her doctor because her chest felt “heavy,” and he found fluid in her lung. Further tests showed lung cancer, which had already spread. She never coughed, and she quit smoking years ago. What are some of the symptoms of lung cancer?

Couple’s views on one issue diverge, threaten future

DEAR ABBY: After an abusive relationship ended 14 years ago, I stayed single and raised my small son to adulthood. I dated here and there, but never found anyone I had serious feelings for who also felt the same way about me until seven months ago.

Older adults still need regular exercise

Dear Doctor: Our dad is 78 years old, and he has started spending a lot more time indoors and on his recliner. He’s in good health, but he says he’s getting too old for exercise to matter. What can we say to persuade him to become active again?

Joy over finding love can’t diminish pain of twin’s loss

DEAR ABBY: I have had a serious boyfriend for six months. He’s wonderful, a dream come true. But I find myself more depressed and suicidal than ever. Mom tells me I don’t have any reason to be depressed since I have a boyfriend.

No need to avoid hard to digest starches

Dear Doctor: I keep reading about something called “resistant starch.” People are saying I should get it into my diet. Why is it so important? How much do I need? Dear Reader: As with so many areas of diet and medicine these days, the answer leads directly to the gut microbiome.

Keeping medications straight can be hard

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I am turning into my grandmother. I am in my 50s, and I have many of the chronic diseases that she has had since about my age. I am not proud of that, but it’s true.

Mike Hyman

Private funeral services for Mike Hyman, 56, Hammon resident formerly of Clinton, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020 in the Clinton Church of Christ, officiated by Patrick Peters. Burial will conclude in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.