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Toothpaste tube problems add up

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: How much longer do we have to put up with tubes of toothpaste that we can’t empty like we used to by rolling up the tube? I have to cut open the tube, where almost one-third of the toothpaste is still there. Then I have to scrape it out little by little with my toothbrush, which actually isn’t sanitary if more than one person uses the tube. It’s no wonder that the manufacturers like it this way as a lot of people throw the tube out without cutting it open and have to buy a new one. On top of this, they keep telling us to save on ...

Husband’s new habit beyond annoying — it’s gross!

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Annie: My otherwise extremely well-mannered husband, “Ted,” has developed an unspeakably disgusting habit, and I need help addressing it. The back story: About a year ago, there was an accident involving Ted, his brother and a couple of our ...

Efforts to increase sodium level lead to frustration

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 71-year- old female. I weigh about 96 pounds, and I’m 4 feet, 9 inches tall. My blood pressure has always been good. When I was 25 years old, I donated a kidney. I was told by doctors and nurses to drink lots of fluid to ...

You might be able to avoid a high repair cost for vehicle

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: More drivers notice cars that only have one working headlight. Years ago, fixing a headlight meant buying a bulb, unscrewing it and replacing it in minutes. Today, many vehicles require the removal of panels or bumper parts to access the bulb. Several friends recently complained about high repair costs. A mechanic explained that new assemblies are more complex, and labor can take one to two hours. So, if a headlight burns out, check the owner’s manual first. Some cars allow for simple bulb changes, which saves money. If not, ...

To your good health

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column about a person who was refusing antibiotics due to a fear of a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) recurrence. I am interested in your thoughts regarding people who take probiotics to restore a healthy gut biome. Relatively healthy people ingest ...

Dear Annie: A coffee shop connection worth exploring?

Dear Annie: I'm writing with a small story that left me with a surprisingly big question. Every morning before work, I stop by the same little coffee shop down the street. I started going there because it was convenient, but over time it's become something more than that. The barista ...