Columns & Opinions

Childhood abuse led woman to long life of promiscuity

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Childhood abuse led woman to long life of promiscuity

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

DEAR ABBY: I was molested by my sister’s husband in 1959. I was 5 years old. Growing up in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, sexual abuse was never discussed in my parents’ home. It just wasn’t done then. Of course, my brother-in-law told me it was “our little secret.” This has affected my entire life.

Difficulty in swallowing most common in older adults

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Difficulty in swallowing most common in older adults

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Dear Doctor: Why do the elderly often have a hard time swallowing, and sometimes experience a feeling that food is stuck in their throats? I heard there’s a procedure to stretch the throat. Does it help?

Daughter too self-involved to make time

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Daughter too self-involved to make time

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

DEAR HARRIETTE: When my daughter was a baby, we had a nanny who took care of her for many years. Time has passed so quickly; my daughter is about to go to college. We recently heard from our former nanny, and she really wants to see my daughter before she goes away.

Mom weighs bringing defiant daughter on family vacation

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Mom weighs bringing defiant daughter on family vacation

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

DEAR ABBY: One of our daughters (18) has been rebelling for the last couple of years. She’s not doing well in community college. She is dating a drug user and has been caught in lie after lie, including about spending the night at friends’ homes.

Having morton’s neuroma is a pain in the foot

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Having morton’s neuroma is a pain in the foot

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Dear Doctor: I have Morton’s neuroma in both feet, and my podiatrist has recommended surgery. I really don’t want to have surgery, so I am desperately looking for another remedy. I read about a drug that was being fast-tracked by the FDA. Has it been approved yet?

It’s not too late to make a fresh start

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It’s not too late to make a fresh start

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

DEAR HARRIETTE: We are approaching the end of this year, and I hate to admit it, but I have not reached the goals I set for myself back in January. It seems like the year has zipped by. I worked a lot, but not on the things that I had prioritized.

Bullied sister counts days until she leaves for college

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Bullied sister counts days until she leaves for college

Saturday, December 7, 2019

DEAR ABBY: I have a very toxic relationship with my older sister. I still live at home, although I’ll be leaving for college in a few years. Abby, she has been emotionally abusing me for years. It got so bad at one point that I considered suicide.

Bell’s palsy shares symptoms with having a stroke

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Bell’s palsy shares symptoms with having a stroke

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Dear Doctor: Our dad’s left eye and the side of his face started to droop suddenly, and it seemed like he’d had a stroke. The doctor says it’s actually Bell’s palsy. What is that?

Neighbor shocked at man getting evicted

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Neighbor shocked at man getting evicted

Saturday, December 7, 2019

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently learned that one of my neighbors lost his job and is about to be evicted. It turns out, he hasn’t had electricity in his apartment for more than a year. Who knew? I feel horrible. I could have cooked him a hot meal or been more attentive. I like this guy.

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Use pine branches on sidewalks

Saturday, December 7, 2019

If you’re pruning evergreen trees or if it’s after the holiday season and you’ve got a real Christmas tree or wreath to dispose of, try upcycling them into a sidewalk cover. In Scandinavian countries, pine branches are laid on top of icy and snow-covered steps and sidewalks.