Masks not very effective at preventing viruses

Dear Doctor: I work in an open-plan office, and people aren’t good about staying home when they’re sick. Would wearing a surgical mask help keep me from catching someone’s cold or flu? Dear Reader: It’s the height of our annual cold and flu season, so we understand your concern.

Time to push adult son out of the nest

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two adult children — one who is already independent, and another who is struggling. I’m really worried about him. He seems to have a lack of my husband and I have confidence, even though provided him with everything so that he could succeed.

These simple methods soothe fussy babies

If you’ve ever gone to great lengths to sooth a fussy baby, you may feel like you’ve tried every trick in the book. As most new parents learn quickly, this can be one of the most challenging aspects of caring for a little one.

Separate sleeping quarters give loving couple peace

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married for 45 years. When she moved out of our bedroom, I was shocked. I thought she didn’t love me anymore. Then I realized that both our sleeping habits have changed over the years. She snores, and I toss and turn.

Keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake to spur weight loss

Dear Doctor: Can you please explain the keto diet? A bunch of my friends are on it, but it seems like they’re all doing it a different way.

Self-employed reader called for jury duty

DEAR HARRIETTE: I got called for jury duty. I had been able to dodge it for the past 10 years or so, but this time they said I have to come. I’m self-employed, and I can’t afford to take off this time.

Sound ways to weather this year’s tax season

Over half of U.S. adults say financial stress negatively impacted their personal health and work performance in 2018, according to new research. When it comes to tax season, preparation is key to easing anxiety, according to experts.

Take a break, refocus, move forward

Last Tuesday’s Clinton Public School bond election is now in the history books. As in any election, there are some who are happy with the results and some who are not. The big question is where do we go from here?

How will impeachment play in Nov.?

The Democrats who impeached President Trump knew they did not have a prayer of removing him from office. But they also knew impeachment might have another effect – to weaken the president and reduce his chances of winning reelection in November.

My colonoscopy was part of 4th grade Show and Tell

When Dr. Sam said to me, "You've got the colon of a man half your age," it was hard to keep from beaming. This must be how a mother feels when a complete stranger tells her how beautiful her new baby is. Well, maybe not so much. Still, it was hard not to feel proud of my big, fat, beautiful colon.