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Splitting the mental load makes for a healthy marriage

Dear Annie: My husband is a wonderful man in many ways, but lately I feel more like the household manager than his wife. We both work full time, yet somehow I am still the one remembering birthdays, scheduling appointments, keeping track of the groceries, planning family events and noticing ...

Keeping a butter knife handy

Dear Heloise: I'm not done with that butter knife! After making a sandwich, I like to set the knife on the edge of the sink instead of sending it straight to the dishwasher. A knife with just a light smear of butter on it often comes in handy again later for toast, another sandwich, or a quick ...

A tooth extraction presents a risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 79-year-old female who's in good health. I am 5 feet tall and weigh 95 pounds, and I'm very active. I've been taking Prolia for the past two to three years for osteoporosis, which has since improved to osteopenia. Right after this past Prolia shot, I developed discomfort in my mouth and was told that I have a cracked root in a molar. I previously had a root canal on this molar and was told that this tooth should be extracted. I realized that it would be best to wait five more months to do this to be safe, out of concern of getting osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ...

Mobile grab bar keeps elder steady

Dear Heloise: I am 82. When we travel, I pack a suction-cup grab bar. In hotels or other places, I stick it to the shower wall and have something sturdy to hold and steady myself with. These things work well. My wife likes it, too. The hardest part is getting it unstuck before we leave, but I ...

Choosing peace over an endless battle

Dear Annie: I have read your responses to letters about barking dogs and neighborhood noise, and I appreciate the calm, compassionate way you approach these conflicts. You encourage people to start with empathy, assume good intentions and try to work things out neighbor to neighbor. That ...