Dear Heloise: I've learned that patience really matters at the doctor's office. Sometimes I'm taken in right away, and other times, I wait. I've found that it helps to come prepared. I bring a book or make sure my phone is charged so that the time doesn't feel wasted. I also try to keep ...

Dear Annie: I never imagined that after raising three children, loving them through every stage and being a hands-on mother, I would end up feeling like a stranger to my own grandchildren. My son married a woman who, at first, seemed organized and devoted. Over time, though, it has become ...

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had several abdominal surgeries decades ago. Now that I'm approaching 70, I cannot seem to lose my tummy. My waist is approaching 35 inches despite a strict Mediterranean-style diet, walking or biking for over 30 minutes daily, and weight lifting daily. I would like to ...

Dear Annie: A friend of mine is facing a painful choice, and I can't stop thinking about it. She has dogs she loves dearly, but the man she's dating is allergic. Not "a little sneezy," but truly can't be around them. She feels like she's being asked to choose between her pets and a relationship ...

DEAR DR. ROACH: At age 48, I underwent a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation for stage I breast cancer. All is good so far, but I started experiencing osteopenia in my mid-50s, perhaps earlier than I would have because of the chemo and estrogen-blocking meds. My mother also had osteoporosis. For ...

Dear Heloise: The recent comment about folks grabbing the airline seat in front of them when getting out of their seats hit a nerve with me. As much as I hate to do this, I have no choice. If the airlines would give me enough room to stand up straight on my own without needing to brace myself ...