Tapering is key when easing off opioids

Dear Doctors: I am going to have a major abdominal surgery. My doctor says it is likely that I will be needing strong pain medications after. My question is about opioids: How long can you take them and not get addicted? What is the best way to stop so you don’t have side effects?

Democrats don’t want Kamala Harris

Here is a simple fact: The Democratic Party does not like to renominate presidential candidates who lost in the last election. Just look at history. The 2016 losing Democrat was Hillary Clinton; the party moved on in 2020. Before that, John Kerry was the losing Democrat in 2004.

Mirror neurons critical for empathy

Dear Doctors: I am a junior in college.I enjoy being around people, so I live in the dorms. Last year, my roommate was depressed, and I also got to feeling down. This year, the girl I live with is cheerful, and I’m having a much better time. Can you “catch” moods from someone you live with?

Readers react to family planning letter

DEAR READERS: I haven’t done this before – run a whole day of your responses to a single letter – but I’m doing so now because you got so fired up I want you to see how you reacted to the situation.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1941, Yugoslavia surrendered to Nazi Germany.In 2014, NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope announced the first discovery of an Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of another star, about 490 light-years from Earth.

Reader wants tips on communication

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been reading your column for several years, and I’ve noticed how you are a big advocate for communication. Yay! I agree that communication is key.Sometimes you provide words or sentences your readers can use.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Do you want the freshest eggs? Get them from a farm or farmer’s market. Conventional eggs at the supermarket are often up to eight weeks old before they reach consumers.When you buy direct, they are usually just a day or two old.

People want clarity, not more confusion

Why did so many fans watch the final episode of “The White Lotus”? Suspense. The first episode of Season 3 had teased a murder, and viewers wanted to know the victim.

Neighbor upset by odor from next door

DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbors are from another country, and honestly I think they have the worst body odor ever. Their house isn’t dirty; I think it must just be what they eat. All I know is that the smell seeps into the hallway and makes me gag.

To find a home for a very good dog

The note from Marci was in Spanish, so I translated it to make sure I understood.“Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to see if you could help us share this photo of a dog to see if anyone could adopt her. Her owner just passed away, and she was thrown out onto the street.