Many options for managing menopausal symptoms

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: I’m 53 years old, officially in menopause — and officially miserable. I’ve got hot flashes, headaches, insomnia and crazy mood swings, and it’s making me depressed. My doctor means well, but he doesn’t really listen and keeps suggesting hormone therapy.

Friend wants to reach out after losing touch

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: I just spent time with some women who are friends with someone I grew up with. I used to be close to this friend’s mother, and I would talk to her from time to time over the years, but we lost touch with each other.

Ex-wife offers to pay child support she owes to the kids

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 16 years. His ex was supposed to pay child support, but didn’t. He worked in his career for only one year after we married and since then has held menial jobs, which have kept his future retirement intact.

It’s time to talk to teenage son about protection

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 15-year-old son came home late from a party with his friends. In the morning, I noticed that he had a hickey on his neck. Now, I am no prude, but I’m also no dummy.

Parent wants more information from camp

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter spent a month at camp this summer. When she got home, she told me that one of the girls in her group had tried to hurt herself through cutting. I was shocked. The camp had not mentioned this to me.

Mom walks fine line amid safety and fear for daughter

DEAR ABBY: I have two beautiful daughters, ages 3 and 4. My concern is that my younger daughter is very friendly. No matter where we go, she says “hi” to everyone she sees, strangers included.

Play activities to help manage ‘bad behavior’

When children misbehave, there’s often a reason for it, according to experts, who point out that understanding the behaviors can help you manage them more effectively, especially during play time. “Our bodies want to be in balance and, ideally, we seek out what we need when we need it.

Religious man is intrigued by invitation to a threesome

DEAR ABBY: I am a single male in my early 50s who looks younger. A married couple approached me and expressed their desire for me to become intimate with them as a couple. They are only acquaintances.

Ultra-processed foods should be treats only

Dear Doctor: Is it true that eating ultra-processed foods raises your risk of cancer? I really don’t want to give up my comfort foods, like a handful of potato chips or an order of chicken nuggets every few weeks.

Reader wants more confidence in public speaking

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am preparing to give a speech in front of the underclassmen at the beginning of the school year. I still have a lot of time to prepare, but I want to make sure that I know exactly what to say. I want to improve my confidence with public speaking.