Study links gut microbiome with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Dear Doctor: It seems like gut microbes are part of every kind of health issue now. I just read that having the wrong bacteria causes pulmonary hypertension, which is something our dad had before he died. Is that really true? How can it be fixed?

FINANCIAL FOCUS

These are challenging times. Like everyone, you are concerned about keeping your family safe and healthy, and you're doing your part to help protect your community from the effects of the coronavirus. And if you're an investor, you must also address your financial situation.

Words of encouragement help keep the country’s spirits up

DEAR ABBY: I believe that love conquers all. The worldwide coronavirus is teaching us we are all one in body, but not yet in spirit. Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.

COVID-19 pandemic response exposes class differences

DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in New York City, and the disparity between the haves and have-nots is so real, it’s scary. We are an average family, but we see now that being middle class almost equals being poor these days.

EL RENO

Jones, Helen: 89, died April 7. Services pending (Wilson, El Reno).

Beau feels like odd man with girlfriend’s family

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for three years. I have been dating a woman, “Stephanie,” whom I love and believe can be my next wife. We talk about marriage and have been very good for each other. We each are blessed with three grown children, and we love our families immensely.

Market dip gives worry to future retiree

DEAR HARRIETTE: My parents used to talk about hiding money in their mattress. It was very old-school thinking, but now I understand the value of their thoughts. I am closer to retirement today than I was before the markets started crashing. My 401(k) has tanked in recent weeks.

Acts of kindness are good for your health

Since the coronavirus reared its ugly head in the state, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has sent out a news release on a daily basis. Many have to do with the latest statistics but one we like is called “Fact or Fiction COVID-19.”

Things are a whole lot different now

My life has changed a lot in the last month. Instead of going to class now, I see my teacher and friends on the computer thru Zoom classroom. We have worked on math, reading, science, and my teacher, Mrs. Sawatzky showed us her farm.

Is Biden weaker today than Hillary was in 2016?

The polls show Joe Biden leading Donald Trump in the presidential race. Looking at the last 10 surveys in the RealClearPolitics average of polls matching Trump vs. Biden, Biden is leading in every one of them – by anywhere from 3 to 10 points. Biden's average lead, in those 10 polls, is 5.5 points.