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Noticing Memory Problems? What to Do Next

Dear Savvy Senior, My mom, who’s 76, has become more forgetful lately and is worried she may be getting Alzheimer’s disease. What resources can you recommend to help us get a handle on this? Oldest Daughter Dear Oldest, Many seniors worry about memory lapses as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To get some insight on the seriousness of your mom’s problem, here are some key warning signs to be vigilant of and some resources you can turn to for help. Warning Signs As we grow older, some memory ...

For Many OTC Drugs, Listed Dose Covers Most People

DEAR DR. ROACH: In the majority of over-the-counter medication, the dosing references “adults 12 years and older” and then gives a maximum dose. I’m 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weigh 220 pounds. The average 12-year-old is 125-ish pounds. I don’t get it. Are we overdosing the 12-year-olds or limiting effectiveness for the older (or much heavier) folks? Please consider my question, and answer in a thoughtful way considering the blood concentration level of a 12-year-old taking two aspirin vs. me taking the same two aspirin, and why that’s OK. Should I be taking a weight-correlated ...

Mom Feels Betrayed by Friend Who Snitched on Her Daughter

DEAR ABBY: I have recently found out that someone I thought was a good friend is the person who snitched and got my daughter in serious trouble at school. Our daughters attended the same preschool, middle school and high school. Although they were friends, the friendship was more between us moms. Before middle school graduation, the students had an outing at the beach. Some of the girls, my daughter included, decided to bring vodka and orange juice. A few days later, my daughter was called to the principal’s office where she was thoroughly reprimanded. Any awards she was to receive ...

Washing An Iron Skillet

Dear Heloise: The advice to not use soap on seasoned cast iron is a fallacy. It comes from the days when soaps were commonly made with harsh ingredients such as vinegar and lye. It’s perfectly OK to use a gentle dish soap, especially the newer eco-friendly kinds. As a reminder: 1. Never soak a cast iron pan and never put it in the dishwasher. 2. Use wooden or plastic spatulas. 3. Don’t “shock” the pan by running cold water into a hot pan. 4. For stuck-on foods, use a mild dish soap and, using a sponge, gently scrub off cooked-on items. You also can use a coarse salt, but ...

Exposure of Porn Addiction Rocks Marriage of 40 Years

DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine has recently discovered that her husband of 40-plus years has been hiding a decades-long porn addiction. The discovery has caused a problem in their marriage. They have had counseling. He says he wants to save their marriage and has vowed to give up the porn. I was told he told his wife that if she decides to divorce him, he will tell the entire family and their children that SHE was the one addicted to porn, and it is the reason he’s divorcing her. My question is, what kind of person would treat his wife this way and think this is an appropriate way to ...

Hang a Christmas Tree!

Dear Readers: It’s been a year for the books, hasn’t it? If you are pushed for time and space and want to put up a tree with a smaller footprint, you can make one, and attach it to the wall! Grab some evergreen garland and some damage-free, easy-to-remove picture hooks. Shape the garland, beginning toward the ceiling, into a tree configuration, and pin with a picture hook, then work your way down the wall. Complete the “tree” with a star on top, ornaments that can easily hook onto the garland and even lights! It’s perfect for a child’s room, apartment or a senior with ...