Dear Readers: Every year I step away from my column for two weeks to work on other creative projects. (Anyone interested in my personal essays and photographs can subscribe to my free newsletter: amydickinson.substack.com).
Dear Dr. Roach: I read that seniors are strongly advised to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. While I am in bed for that time, nature calls once or twice a night, and I have some difficulty getting back to sleep. So if I am resting while trying to get back to sleep -- say, 20% of an eight-hour night -- does that meet the sleep advisory? -- R.G.
Q: My doctor has told me to start taking a statin -- atorvastatin -- but I’ve heard muscle pain and dementia are possible side effects. Do you know how risky it is? -- Katylin F., Franklin, Tennessee
Dear Amy: Last week I had major surgery on my back. The morning of the surgery, I posted on social media: “Wish me luck, I’m having back surgery today.” All my friends wished me luck, sending their prayers and positive thoughts.
49 Ellis County students were named as the 47th annual Dane G. Hansen Foundation scholarship winners. In selecting award winners, the Scholarship Committee considered proficiency in verbal and writing skills. Other factors that weigh in on the decision include academic records, test scores and community service hours.
Warming up on cold days can be a challenge, especially when the weather outside is frightful. Bundling up near the fireplace is one way to keep warm, as is dining on hearty meals that have staying power.
Dear Amy: I’m a 25-year-old guy. I have a 16-month-old daughter that I stay home with full time.
Dear Dr. Roach: I need some guidance on the use of estradiol. I have been taking a low dose (1 mg) for the past 15 years, following a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. My doctor said I needed it to provide the estrogen once provided by my ovaries that he had just removed. At the time I was also suffering from menopause symptoms such as night sweats.
Cancer is a broad term which encompasses many different diseases, and each type of cancer has different patterns and tendencies. But at its core, cancer means a group of cells which is growing uncontrollably, due to one or multiple genetic mutations.
Dear Amy: Should I have to tell my boyfriend every single place I go during the day? He’ll get home and ask me how my day was and what I did during the day. Sometimes I just want to go get out of the house.