Asthma medications may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: Can asthma medications really reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease? It runs in my family, so should I start taking the medications as a preventive?

Reader tries to talk friend out of plastic surgery

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend wants to get plastic surgery, and I am completely against it. I know it’s her body and her choice, but in my opinion, voluntarily going into surgery is purposefully risking her life.

Guests glued to cellphones can wear out their welcome

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I live in a nice home in the desert Southwest with an in-ground pool and guesthouse. Our friends and relatives from back east have an open invitation to visit whenever they please. We enjoyed these visits until recently.

Family disapproves of reader’s online dating

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am trying online dating for the first time. I used to be opposed to this idea — I felt that people should meet each other naturally in person — but that has not been working out for me so well.

Man’s gender transition jolts couples’ long-time friendship

DEAR ABBY: My longtime friend of 30 years, “Charlotte,” lives across the country. I have just learned that her husband, “Harold,” is transgender and is now transitioning to become “Helen.” When they come, they always stay with us for several days because they can’t afford a hotel.

Mom is desperate to stop teen’s violent outbursts

DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: I’m a mother of two boys, 13 and 12. My oldest son has become very abusive, both physically and emotionally. He has been arrested for hitting me and hitting his little brother.

Smelling junk food long enough may quash a craving

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: I read about a study that said smelling junk food you want to quit eating – hello, pizza and donuts! – will stop your craving. Is that really true? I want to eat healthier, but some foods are so hard to resist.

Piano-playing neighbor complains of noise

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: My next-door neighbor recently took up the piano. He practices every evening. Sometimes it is pleasant. Other times it’s annoying, as he is not good at it yet. But I admire his tenacity. It’s pretty cool seeing an adult take up an instrument.

Wedding planning prompts bride to question marriage

DEAR ABBY: I’m getting married in a few months, and with all of the wedding planning, I have realized that in my fiance’s priorities, I come last, as do my opinions and desires. We were supposed to go to a nice restaurant for his birthday, so I made reservations a month in advance.

Retinal artery occlusion not necessarily from gaming

Dear Doctor: I read that a girl went blind in one eye after playing video games on her phone for an entire day. Is this even possible? Should I be worried about my kids, who are video game addicts? Dear Reader: You’re referring to a news story from China that made headlines a few years ago.