Flu shots are critical for those with heart disease

Hello, dear readers! Welcome to a bonus letters column. It’s officially flu season, and it’s time to get serious about flu shots. For those who are eligible, the updated COVID-19 shot also offers important protection. The vaccines are available from your doctor and at most national chain pharmacies.

Apartment-dweller feels stifled by complaints

DEAR HARRIETTE: I moved into a new apartment building recently, and while I love the location and my unit, I’ve been having a tricky time with one of my neighbors. They frequently leave passive-aggressive notes about noise, even when I’m careful to keep my music low and avoid loud activities.

CLINTON’S HISTORY 10, 20, 30 AND 40 YEARS AGO

30 YEARS AGO• Ready to walk at the start of the American Heart Association fundraising event at Klump Park were A.A.

Showing limits of crime crackdown

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs was quite understanding with the 15-year-old who had pepper-sprayed a man while a friend pummeled him, and while others in her group tried to steal his car. The young perpetrator has had a difficult life, Briggs noted.

Busy friend gets angry when left out of plans

DEAR HARRIETTE: This year has been extremely busy for me and my core friend group. No matter how much we try, it seems like every time we try to pick a time we can all be available to catch up and do something together, we fail.

Urine culture necessary to identify bacteria

Dear Doctors: I have had a UTI several times and know the symptoms. This last time, when I went to urgent care, they said they needed a urine culture before they could treat me. It was another day of being uncomfortable before getting the meds I needed. Do you know why that was done?

Tense Canterbury tales in 2025

In ordinary times, the arrival of a new archbishop of Canterbury would be a headline that stood alone, especially if England’s monarch had just approved the first woman to serve as the symbolic leader of the Anglican Communion.

DO JUST ONE THING

• A dying houseplant isn’t a dead one, and there are steps you can take to give it a second chance at life. Start with the roots: Unpot the plant and look at the stems and roots. If you see any green stems, and if the roots are pliable, the plant has a good chance to recover.

Employee’s job disappears with DEI initiatives

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am one of the many people who have lost their job this year due to the pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. I have an advanced degree and decades of experience in my field, and it doesn’t seem to matter.

Pain in knee suggests mild MCL injury

Dear Doctors: I was on the couch with my right leg on an ottoman when our black Lab rammed into the inside of my knee. The next day, it really hurt to extend or turn my knee. (Not painful to the touch, though, which seemed weird.)It felt better in a week, but I want to know what got hurt.