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Treating depression resulting from grief

Lifestyles

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister died about a month ago. We were very close, and I was with her when she died of a brief but serious illness. The day after, I felt completely unbalanced. I had brain fog and nausea, which comes and goes, as well as extreme exhaustion and tinnitus. I saw my general physician and asked for a full blood test, which came back normal. She said that all signs pointed to grief and stress from a traumatic event. I then went to my doctor of otology, who did a full ear exam and concurred with my physician. I’ve had many people who’ve passed away in my life, ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

Lifestyles

The expert’s chief stock in trade is his ability to reason well. His logic is seldom the deep sort, but the kind of logic that can be more accurately described as plain common sense. Consider this deal where it would be easy to go wrong. West leads the jack of hearts, covered by the Q-K-A. If South now plays the queen of clubs and finesses after West follows low, East takes the king and returns a heart to set the contract. However, this would not be the right way to play the hand. The correct method of play brings the slam home. The key to the winning approach lies in ...

Know thyself, explore possibilities when feeling alone

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: I recently turned 27 and feel as if life is just passing me by. I try many different things to find career opportunities and meet other people but nothing leads to anything, and I am always stuck back at square one. It seems like nobody ever gives me a chance (social and economic). Is there a way to move on in life without sacrificing your identity? Right now, I’m terribly alone. Outside of a few family members, I have no social life, no love life and no career opportunities. It wouldn’t be so bad if I could just have one of those pillars. I’m stuck in a small town ...

Loyal 10-year employee miffed about no gift

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: On a yearly basis, my employer recognizes employees who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, etc. years of service as well as individuals who are retiring. These employees have their names published in local press and also receive a gift. This past year I completed my 10th year of service. While my name was published, I never received a gift. Everyone else received one, so it’s not that the tradition stopped and I was unaware; mine was just somehow overlooked. My co-workers tell me I should ask about it, but I feel kind of awkward doing so. Is it tacky to contact the human resources ...

Bedbugs can cause people to lose sleep — and blood

Lifestyles

NEW YORK — Bedbugs are sometimes called the vampires of the insect world — hiding during the day and coming out at night to feast on human blood. Generations of children have been told: “Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Well, bad news: Bedbug infestations are increasing. This is the time of year when they tend to be at their worst. And some scientists think the reviled pests might be capable of spreading an antibiotic-resistant infection called MRSA. “They certainly are out there,” said Christopher Hayes, a North Carolina State University assistant professor ...

Try water aerobics to lose weight

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: I read the letter from Patty, who wants to lose weight but can’t exercise due to having bad knees. My hint for her is to try water aerobics! It’s non-weight-bearing exercise, and her knees won’t be affected. — Helen, via email Helen, this is an excellent idea! I’ve tried water aerobics, and it was fun. Plus, I met and made a new friend! — Heloise DEAR HELOISE: We all know that plastic bags are a problem in our environment. They choke animals, create garbage and break down into microplastics that have even been found in babies’ placentas! Here are some ...