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Physicians Must Use Best Practices In COVID Treatment

DEAR DR. ROACH: Is there a difference between COVID-19 treatment in academia vs. the real world? I had a telemedicine appointment the other day to see my internist, and he said to call right away if I developed symptoms consistent with COVID. He would order tests for me and start me right away on hydroxychloroquine, doxycycline and zinc. I told him I was surprised that he would prescribe these, since everything I’ve read recently supports no benefit from hydroxychloroquine. Also, I thought doxycycline was not beneficial for viral infections. He said he uses it, and it works. Your ...

Family Ties Break Down After Mom Moves Away

DEAR ABBY: Since I moved eight years ago, my son, “Jim,” has visited me only once, and that’s because I gave his son my car. I rarely hear from him, and when I have visited, we barely talk. We have totally different ideas on life, and it has caused a rift in our relationship. When I have visited Jim and his wife, they just sit, watch movies and eat takeout food unless I take them out and pay for the meal. Over the years, I have given my son money and housed him when he went through a terrible divorce. His children are grown now, and I don’t hear from them either. He ...

Glass-Top Stove

Dear Heloise: How do I clean burn marks off my glass-top stove? — Andrea N., Clarinda, Iowa Andrea, when the top has cooled off, wipe down the surface with a sponge and mild soapy water. Wipe dry. Then make a paste of baking soda and water and, in a circular motion, start to clean the burn spot. It will take some effort, but you can get the marks off your stove. Some people will take a razor blade to carefully scrape the stubborn areas, but if you use a razor blade, be extra careful not to scratch your stovetop. — Heloise HELOISE’S PEKING POTATOES Dear Heloise: Your mother ...

Confession to Decades-Old Infidelity Devastates Wife

DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, my husband of 50 years confessed that 46 years ago, shortly after our son was born, he had a one-night stand with a total stranger he gave a ride to. She offered sex to him, and they went to a hotel for the brief encounter. He said he had totally forgotten about it until recently. He said he was very upset when he remembered, to the point that he felt sick. He decided to tell me because he didn’t want any secrets between us, and he asked me to forgive him. I forgave him, but I have been devastated ever since. He was a virgin when we married, and he has been ...

Moving Tips

Dear Readers: During the pandemic, lots of people are moving because interest rates are low — upsizing, downsizing, you name it. So much work is involved in a move. Checklists are available online to keep things moving smoothly. Here are some things to think about. First off, shutting off and transferring utilities: water, gas, internet, trash pickup, electricity, cable tv and landline phone (if you still have these). Be sure to change your address with these people: post office, any subscriptions, the bank, cell phone provider, boss, car, home and health insurance. Other things ...

Holidays This Year Inspire Thinking Outside the Gift Box

DEAR ABBY: With the holidays fast approaching, I’m starting to think about shopping. Honestly, I’m tired of shopping for adults who don’t need anything. Finding gifts for them becomes more daunting each year. I think gift cards and direct money are tacky Christmas presents. Do you think it would be odd to ask my adult children and other family members to select a charity they would like me to donate to instead of buying them gifts that just take up more room? This year has been hard on many people financially, but most of my family members are lucky enough to still be working ...