Son drops med school, picks up modeling

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son quit medical school about a year ago to chase his passion of becoming a model. He moved to New York City, but he hasn’t been able to book many jobs.He also works part time as a server to be able to cover his living expenses.

Owning dog may protect against mental illness

Dear Doctors: My wife read somewhere that when kids grow up with a dog in the house, it can keep them from getting schizophrenia. I know that having a pet can help kids develop responsibility, but preventing mental illness seems like a stretch. Is this based on psychology – or something else?

DO JUST ONE THING

• The automatic dishwasher is the most energy- and water-efficient way to clean dishes when you wash a full load. But did you know that pre-rinsing plates and utensils isn’t just a waste of water – it actually can harm your glassware?

Employee questions drinking at work functions

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just got a new job, and it’s a lot of fun and even more responsibility than I previously had. My boss is cool and we often work long hours together, including going to tons of social functions. My boss doesn’t drink, but I do.

Blood pressure machines should not hurt

Dear Doctors: Blood pressure machines at doctors’ offices often cause me extreme pain. During a recent surgery, the repeated readings left me with bruises and caused burst capillaries. Often, my arm isn’t even supported. What can I ask them to do differently?

Friend still owes $8,000 for move

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend owes me $8,000 and hasn’t been able to pay me back for a year. I have been asking her for so long, and every response I get is her telling me she will have it for me “soon.” I loaned this money to her a year ago, and she moved to the state I am also located in.

Review multiple prescriptions with pharmacist

Dear Doctors: I’m a 74-year-old woman in good health. During any medical visit, if I have any issues, I’m prescribed an additional medication. I don’t feel like the list of medications is reviewed, it just gets added to. What advice can you offer to narrow down all the medications?

Friend group does not like co-worker

DEAR HARRIETTE: Over the summer, I became extremely close friends with a new co-worker. We talked whenever we worked together and eventually began hanging out outside of work.

Lucky to be living this unremarkable life

I woke this morning from a vivid dream.The tricky thing about vivid dreams is that what seems vivid about them is usually difficult to describe. The vivid part is the feeling: the way I am completely in this dream and accept the reality of this alternate existence I am living.

Birthday party invitation dilemma

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am planning a trip for my birthday, and managing the invites is intimidating! I don’t like traveling with large groups, so I’ve decided I would like a total of four to six of us on the trip.