Opinion

Q: I have Type 2 diabetes and am having trouble getting my A1cs to stay below 7%. I exercise, eat pretty wisely and take my medication. What else can I try? -- Elsie R.,Weehawken, New Jersey A: It can be a challenge to effectively control or reverse Type 2 diabetes, but it’s doable and aiming for an A1c of 6.5% is a great goal. Diet, of course, matters enormously -- and eliminating highly processed foods is step number one. Then upping your fruit, vegetable and 100% whole grain intake is next. A few cups of coffee daily help, too. Daily physical activity, along with your meds, is also essential. Plus, there are some quirky approaches that you might adopt that could make all the difference.

After nearly 40 years, I recently caught up with an old college friend. It’s been nice to reconnect but I’m finding the friendship exhausting.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a health scare about my prostate, but fortunately, I was able to get it treated successfully. Because of my close call (I was diagnosed with a moderately aggressive prostate cancer and was apparently cured by surgery), I encourage my male friends to seek medical advice for prostate issues. But one friend seems cynical and reluctant to seek medical advice. Without being too pushy, how do I convince him it’s in his own best interest to see a doctor? -- A.M.

Dear Amy: I have twin 10-year-olds who are constantly at war. They can’t stand it if things are unfair. If one gets more than the other, it turns into World War III, and I jump into the middle to make things fair.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a friend with multiple health problems, mostly digestive and throat, who has recently discovered the supplement astaxanthin through his treatment with a nutritionist. He is extremely optimistic that this supplement is his ticket to better health. He said it was developed by a biochemical engineer. As a doctor, would you recommend this for your patients? He says it is a powerful antioxidant and reduces inflammation. He also believes it will destroy any cancer cells. -- N.H.

Every day in the clinic or hospital I meet extraordinary caregivers.They are the ones who have gone above and beyond the call of duty; sometimes for years at a time. When you ask them how they do it, they shrug and smile. I am not talking about any doctor, nurse, or therapist. I am referring to those who care for and look after their elderly friends and family members. This can be a spouse, adult child, adult grandchild, neighbor, or even a good friend.

Dear Amy: For the past year, I have been dating a man who is separated from his wife. They separated shortly before we started dating, and both want a divorce. He loves his two children (11 and 13) very much, but does (fairly openly) regret having children with her.

Q: My doctor is recommending that I take a blood thinner to reduce my risk of a stroke, because I have mild A-Fib. I already take aspirin. Why do I need to add another medication? -- Stan F., Baltimore A: I can’t speak to your particular situation without more information. But I can tell you a bit about the choices in blood thinners for managing risks such as stroke that are associated with atrial fibrillation.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was confused by your column the other day, as well as the response regarding weight loss to a writer who is losing height due to aging and/or osteoporosis.

Dear Amy: Thirty years ago, I began a romantic relationship with “Bonnie.” We were both married. The relationship lasted for 16 years and produced a child (“W”).