ASK THE DOCTORS

Dear Doctor: I’m 95 and was recently diagnosed with dementia. The doctor recommended a pill, but it’s not a cure. I don’t want to go through that illness for years, as it would be too hard on my daughter. Do you have any other suggestions? I do word search puzzles all the time.

Performer gets angry when friends don’t show

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: I had a performance recently, and although I invited my friends, none of them came for some reason or another. It hurt me that nobody showed. Whenever any of them has something going on, I’m there.

Small wedding at courthouse makes big waves among family

DEAR ABBY: I recently got married at the courthouse. We had been considering it for months. (A courthouse wedding doesn’t take a lot of planning.) We decided it was best for us and went for it. We didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding, and I’m not one for tradition.

Ease kids back into school with confidence

There’s nothing like a major milestone in a child’s life to test a parent’s confidence. Big changes like a new school or classroom can be trying for kids and adults alike, but tackling the transition a little at a time can make it easier on everyone.

Freelance worker must go on jury duty

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: I work freelance and do not make a dollar when I am off work. I just got called in for jury duty, and it’s at my busiest time of work. I have to go, because they threatened to fine or arrest me because I have been unable to make it in the past.

Make your car last 300,000 miles or longer

It used to be that drivers were lucky to get 100,000 miles out of their vehicles. But now it’s not uncommon for cars to last 200,000, 250,000, or even 300,000 miles. But the number of miles you get with your car depends in large part on how well the vehicle is maintained.

A career in law enforcement is likely to upset former cop

DEAR ABBY: How should I tell my father that I have chosen a career he never wanted me to consider? I plan to become a police officer. Abby, all my life I have felt the call to help people. I know a career in law enforcement brings with it the possibility of danger, especially in today’s climate.

Feeling stressed at work? Try these helpful strategies

Feeling stressed at work? If so, you’re not alone. A recent Gallup Poll revealed that 55 percent of Americans said they experienced stress “a lot” during the day, up from 46 percent in 2006.

Never too late to support grieving friend

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel so bad. My good friend and neighbor lost her father recently. She and I had been talking about his illness, and I was supporting her emotionally to the best of my ability. But I was traveling for work when he died and was away at the time of the funeral.

Recent revelation of affair threatens to break up family

DEAR ABBY: I just found out that my boyfriend of 12 years slept with my stepmother last year. She doesn’t know I know, and now that I do, I struggle with it. Should I tell my dad what I found out, confront her or let sleeping dogs lie? I am deeply hurt. I feel like my heart has been torn out.