Lifestyles

Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Things to know

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Some people may be asking what Parkinson's disease is, while others already have a very intimate knowledge and are dealing with the disease every day. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, “Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die. Because PD can cause tremor, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems, it is called a ‘movement disorder.’ But constipation, depression, memory problems and other non-movement symptoms also can be a part of ...

Dear Annie: Uneven split when dining with friend troubling

DEAR ANNIE: My friend insists on splitting every restaurant bill “evenly,” no matter what. The problem is, she always orders cocktails and appetizers, while I usually stick to one entree. Last week, my $22 dinner somehow became $48 after the “split.” When I suggested we each pay for what we ordered, she laughed and said, “That’s so much more complicated.” I like spending time with her, but I’m starting to dread going out to eat. How do I bring this up without sounding cheap? — Tired of Picking Up the Tab DEAR TIRED: There are plenty of ways to split a bill that ...

To Your Good Health: His PSC morphed into cancer

DEAR DR. ROACH: No parent should ever outlive their children. A couple of years ago, my son, who is now approaching 54 years young, was diagnosed with what I am told is an extremely rare illness called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Since he required special bile duct tubes to be installed and repeatedly changed out, he had been waiting for a proper liver transplant. When this was finally about to happen, the disease apparently morphed into abdominal cancer, thus rendering the (long-awaited) liver transplant no longer viable. I had never heard of this illness before, but ...

Friday evening TV

Bridge by Steve Becker

1. One spade. You might not like the looks of your spade suit, but you are not responsible for the quality of the suit you bid when you respond to your partner’s takeout double. The doubler is expected to tread gingerly after a forced response unless responder makes a strength-showing ...

Hints from Heloise: With scent, less is more

DEAR HELOISE: The French have a saying: “Scents are made to be discovered, not announced.” — David K., in Buffalo, New York David, this is very true. But unfortunately, some people — both men and women — don’t understand the phrase “less is more.” — Heloise DEAR HELOISE: I’m not sure how well this is known, but it took us years to learn it. We use room humidifiers, especially at night, because we live in a dry climate in Montana. Before, we used water from the cold water tap that was untreated, and we would experience small white particles that accumulated ...