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Identifying and getting rid of pests in your pantry

Lifestyles

Every year, I have a schedule to check and clean out my pantry. Hopefully, you do, too! While mine is later in summer, spring is a good time to think of cleaning out because you were baking up a storm just a couple of months back. There may be little black looking insects in and around my foods; or moths flying around the kitchen, as is the case. These are all called “pantry pests.” They can be a nuisance as well as a health hazard. These are our No. 1 insects brought into our clinic for identification. They are easier to eradicate now, rather than later. I take everything out of ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Thyroid cancer treatment explained

Lifestyles

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 74-year-old male who is in good health and works out. I recently had a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer and had my entire thyroid removed. This month, I’m scheduled for a radioactive thyroid treatment. I understand this should cleanse any remaining cancer that was left around this area. I was told to drink plenty of fluids so that I can drain my bladder every 1.5 hours, so as not to damage my bladder. My question is: How is this affecting the rest of my body? If it can negatively affect my bladder, what about my organs and, in particular, my heart and stomach? ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Be there as your pet is put to sleep

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: Most recently, I had to have my sweet dog put to sleep. I had her for 18 years — almost from the time she was born. I petted her head and spoke to her during the whole ordeal, and I cried on and off for four days afterward. But I’m so glad I stayed with her. She had been my shadow, my little companion. Nothing made me happier than to spoil her with treats and little outfits. She’s buried in my garden. If you have a pet who must be euthanized, stay with them until the end. As difficult as it may seem, your pet was there for you all throughout their life, so you ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Revoking driver’s license can be difficult

Lifestyles

DEAR DR. ROACH: A former neighbor who’s experiencing a gradual cognitive decline from dementia recently received a letter from our state’s DMV saying that her driver’s license was being revoked because of a letter she received from her neurologist. She steadfastly maintains that she’s fine and there’s nothing wrong with her, although those of us who know her are very aware of her diminished capacities. Fortunately, she reluctantly moved into assisted living a few months ago and will be able to get rides provided by the facility to doctor’s appointments, for shopping, ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Coffee filter separators work great

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: The best way to separate coffee filters is by using a kitchen gadget called ... wait for it ... a coffee filter separator. Available at major retailers, online, or at your favorite grocery store, it looks like a large plastic tweezer with rubber tips. And it works every time! — Dan, in Charlottesville, Virginia DEAR HELOISE: Thank you for your great column! What would you do about insect eggs that seem to hatch in a stash of paper bags? — Perplexed, in Dallas Perplexed, you didn’t say which insect, but you’ll very likely have to toss out your stash of ...