Midterm elections still gloomy picture

For the first time this term, President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has dipped below 40% in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. The newest rating is 39.9% approval and 57% disapproval.The president’s approval has been ticking downward for months – it started at 50.

Sleep anxiety can impede good night’s rest

Dear Doctors: I am a shift worker and have developed severe sensitivity to noise at night. My brain constantly scans for noise, and even when there is none, it feels like it’s replaying it. Even in good sleep environments, I’m struggling. I’m very motivated to work on this, and I need guidance.

Mom relies on kid for everything

DEAR HARRIETTE: I love my mom, but she treats every little thing like an emergency, and it’s starting to wear on me. Whether she needs help changing her phone settings, opening a jar, finding a contact or even choosing a dress for an event that is months away, everything is urgent to her.

Anything could happen on the balcony

Iwoke yesterday morning, and my cat, Felix, was nowhere to be found.“Felix! Where are you?” In the morning, I put milk in my coffee and a little milk in a tiny bowl for Felix, and I put both my coffee and his milk in the microwave just long enough for his milk to be warm.

President Trump is a bomber, not builder

Donald Trump has defaced democracy in many ways: attacking journalists who question him, politicians who resist him, judges who defy him. He even pressures media companies to fire comedians who mock him.

Hugging is good for your health

Dear Doctors: Is it true that hugging is good for your health? Why would that be? Also, I remember hearing about someone with autism who used a kind of squeezing machine to help with anxiety. Is that the same thing that’s going on when we hug each other?

Employee terrified of losing job

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am having severe anxiety attacks about losing my job. The company I work for has been doing small reorganizations of my department all year. It feels like I am just waiting for my turn to be let go. I am a poor interviewer, and I don’t have a large network.

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

30 YEARS AGO• Honor scholars were announced at Clinton High School by Principal Steve Hill. Named as covaledictorians for Clinton were Landon Lorenz, son of Robert D. and Valerie Lorenz; and Todd Marcy, son of Bob and Ann Marcy.

Eating less meat can improve gut microbiome

Dear Doctors: I read about a study that says it’s possible for someone who eats meat to have a gut that’s as healthy as someone who is vegan. I know your gut microbiome is an important part of good health, but I’m just not cut out to be a vegan. I’d like to know more about that research.

Fasting causes reader’s snappy behavior

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been fasting for years – sometimes for my faith, sometimes for my health – and overall, it’s been a meaningful practice for me. The structure I follow is usually water or tea throughout the day, then one meal after 6 p.m.