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To Your Good Health

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 85 and healthy apart from polycythemia vera, for which I take aspirin. I was interested in the new blood test for cancer. Is it worthwhile? — M.N. ANSWER: When screening patients for cancer, the goal is to find a test that leads to a beneficial outcome for the person being screened -- ideally an outcome where they are less likely to die from cancer. These kinds of studies are large, difficult and expensive to do, and we only have this kind of information for a few screening tests, such as mammograms, colon cancer screening, and Pap smears (although there is ...

The Kovels – Antiques and collecting

Nautical antiques are popular decorations. Their appeal has many aspects: a call back to another time; a sense of seafaring adventure; even the durability and practicality of something made to survive the high seas. For example, anchor lights, an important safety feature, were made to hang from the top of the highest mast, casting light when the ship was at anchor. Like most models, the lamps have Fresnel lenses, invented in 1822 as a lightweight, efficient way to increase the distance and visibility of the beam cast by a lighthouse. Many companies manufactured anchor lights, but ...

Dear Annie

Dear Annie: I’m struggling with how to handle my mother-in-law, “Karen.” My husband, “Jake,” and I have been married for five years, and we just had our first baby, “Emily,” three months ago. Since Emily was born, Karen has been over constantly. At first, I appreciated her help, but now it feels like she’s taking over. She drops by unannounced, critiques how I feed and dress Emily, and insists on holding her the entire time she’s here. If I take Emily back, Karen pouts or says passive-aggressive things like, “I guess I’m not needed.” She once even commented on ...

To Your Good Health

DEAR DR. ROACH: My question to you is about an affliction I have struggled with since childhood. Apparently, it is called sleep paralysis. As explained to me in an old newspaper article, it is when your brain is awake, but your body is still sleeping. This leads me to have minor to moderate panic attacks! It has lessened as I’ve aged, and I’ve learned to live with it. But I discovered by trial and error that it is somewhat avoided with slight head elevation and by strictly sleeping on my sides. I would appreciate any advice from you on keeping this affliction to a minimum. — ...

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Need a few hints on how to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated? Here are a few of my all-time favorites: ≤ Take a slice of lime, lemon or orange and rub it all over your face for about 30 seconds. Wait about 3 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. The vitamin C and acids in the fruit will break down dead skin cells. ≤ Bring a pan of water to a boil with the steam rising. Then turn off the stove and move the pan somewhere safe. You can set it on a thick wooden cutting board if you wish. Next, place a towel over your head to form a ...

Royal Stars Horoscope

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Thursday, March 27, 2025: ≤ You have a steely determination that is hidden behind a casual, offhand personality. You are idealistic with socially aware values. Lucky you! This is a playful, fun-loving year where you can cut yourself some slack. Let your hair down and enjoy life. (But remember your goals.) The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult ARIES (March 21-April 19) ≤ This is a curious day. A lot will be going on behind the scenes (and maybe in your own subconscious). Meanwhile, you’re ...