Lifestyle

In every era, and in most communities, there are individuals and families who are the movers, shakers and doers of their time. Far too soon, they forever fade into forgotten history.

Simply put, I created this column so that I could write stories about remarkable people like the reigning Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley. Life for Ayanna was a challenge from the start. She grew up in Dodge City, the child of two parents who a with substance abuse and related criminal activity. She never knew what would happen when she got up each day or what awaited her after the school day.

Q: My doctor is recommending that I take a blood thinner to reduce my risk of a stroke, because I have mild A-Fib. I already take aspirin. Why do I need to add another medication? -- Stan F., Baltimore

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I pretty much have it under control with medication, but I am still not able to do a whole lot, as I feel shortness of breath easily. But, that is not my main problem! I have a dry mouth from the medication I am taking for it. I am taking Stiolto Respimat inhalation spray.

Dear Amy: Thirty years ago, I began a romantic relationship with “Bonnie.” We were both married. The relationship lasted for 16 years and produced a child (“W”).

DEAR DR. ROACH: No wonder COVID-19 doesn’t go away -- people don’t seem to take it seriously anymore.

A generous $60,000 lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer, will initiate the construction of a new training center to accommodate the expanding Shotgun Team at Fort Hays State University. The training center will be built at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club just north of Hays on the 183 bypass and I-70 and will offer a large meeting room, reloading room, and office.

I saw a poster the other day that caught my eye. It was a tennis-themed poster that included life lessons from a tennis perspective. I smiled as I thought how applicable the tennis quotes were to the practice of leadership. Here are a couple: “Foot faults happen – you get a second chance;” “Commit to follow through;” “No matter how far down you are, there’s always hope for a comeback.” All of these examples offer great advice that is applicable in so many situations.

As the calendar turns over to October it reminds me of Breast Cancer Awareness month and cooler weather! It is very likely that you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Cancer is also one of the leading causes of death in the United States, ranking second only after heart disease. One in every four deaths is due to cancer. While there are a lot of risks for cancer that are outside of our control, such as our genetics, gender, and age, there are many lifestyle choices we can make to reduce risk.

Dear Amy: I live with my fiance and our cat, and I’m really happy. We are getting married at Disneyland next year! I have everything I’ve ever wanted for my dream wedding, including riding in Cinderella’s crystal coach.