Yearly physicals set baseline for health

Dear Doctors: I am baffled that what used to be a thorough and comprehensive physical exam is now just a few questions, taking some vital signs and a few blood tests. No checking your eyes, throat, glands or reflexes. No breast exam. Why has this changed? What constitutes a complete physical these days?

Time to end the debt limit lunacy

For a generation, lawmakers have periodically engaged in a ridiculous — and very risky — charade of threatening to default on the nation's debts. And here we are again, with a cadre of hard-right House Republicans holding our economic health and international reputation hostage.

When you realize you might be too old

My new friend, Betty Lou, started a book club, and she asked me to join. I was delighted. I hadn't been in a book club for a long time. Because she is a librarian, Betty Lou knows better than most the importance of reading a variety of things and so, at the very first meeting, we read a graphic novel.

Nephew’s question brings about introspection

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a nephew who is getting married, and he is so happy. He came to me recently to ask for wisdom about marriage, and I fumbled and eventually told him I would think about it and get back to him. I have been married for a long time — more than 20 years — but if I am honest, I cannot say that it is a happy marriage. Sure, we have good times, but we argue a lot and pretty fiercely. I didn't want to talk about that stuff, but I really am at a loss for words. I think the main reason we are still together is that we never left each other. We fight, then we keep moving. So far, nothing has been so bad that either of us has walked away. That doesn't sound romantic at all. What do I say to someone who is about to start a life with his wife? — The Secret DEAR THE SECRET: Tell your nephew your truth. Admit that it isn't always easy to be married because you and your spouse argue a lot. Share that you don't always agree on things, which can ignite an argument. But, in the end, you two seem to accept each other for who you are. That has been your secret to staying together. You might add anything that you wish for him in his marriage that includes what you wish for yourself — for example, more listening and less arguing.

Today is the 147th day of 2023 and the 69th day of spring.

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