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Hearings With the Social Security Administration During COVID-19

In March 2020, we temporarily closed all of our Social Security Hearing Offices due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are not offering in-person hearings. During the office closures, we are providing two flexible, safe, and secure hearing options: either a telephone hearing or our new option of an online video hearing. Additional information on both of these hearing options is available here: www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_options.html What are “online video hearings”? Online video hearings are a secure way to conduct hearings over the internet, using a free platform called ...

The Last Words

Fast cars and even faster boats — Mike Myer loved them all. And over the years, we heard his many stories about both. From his teen years speeding around Wetzel County to his antics in college at West Virginia University, Mike had a story. Maybe that’s what it takes to be a good newspaperman — knowing what stories will interest the readers. And when it came to editorials, Mike had his finger on the pulse of local, state and national issues and delivered them in his unique style. Mike died Wednesday leaving a huge hole in the family of newspaper colleagues and friends who often ...

Another Look At Supplements

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent response to a question about the efficacy of brain supplements. You note there is a paucity of published data, and that there is “no consistent evidence” that supplements help, except perhaps vitamin E. Fair enough. However, the lack of data may indicate simply that there is too little information, rather than the conclusion that supplements do not help. I do not believe the medical community has yet tested adequately the impacts of combined strategies to address dementia over time. It appears likely that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias ...

Too Much Togetherness Puts Pressure on Happy Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship with a wonderful man, “Andy,” for two years. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. We are both divorced with children, and they get along like brothers and sisters. Even though our marriages ended, mine wasn’t an ordeal. My ex and I both knew it wasn’t working anymore, and we still get along pretty well. But Andy and his ex-wife never got along and argued for 18 years, and herein lies the problem. He gives me no space — ever. I have discussed it with him numerous times, and his response is, “Well, I have never been this happy, ...

The Kidneys Perform a Necessary Life Function

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 83-year-old white male. I am overweight and have high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. I recently have been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. I’m told that I have three strikes against me with these health issues, and there is not much hope in saving my kidneys from further damage. I’m told its inevitable that I will be headed for dialysis. I feel that I’ve been given a death sentence! Is there any hope for me? — D.M.S. ANSWER: There is always hope. The kidneys filter toxins from the blood, and are necessary for life. In cases of complete ...

Mom Pressured to Teach Native Language to Daughter

DEAR ABBY: I came to this country 30 years ago, at 16. My parents were very abusive and neglectful, so my uncle in the U.S. took me in. I have worked with therapists, and my mind is clear about my past. I now have a 14-year-old daughter. I do not speak to her in my native language. It is not very good at expressing love and caring, and has more emphasis on strict hierarchy and obedience. There are many things I cannot convey in my native language. One must understand the huge cultural difference between my native country and the U.S. In addition, I do not want to force my ...