Opinion

Q: Winter’s shorter days and lack of sunlight really affect me. What can I do to fight off my doom and gloom? -- Jessica D., Camden, Maine A: Many people react negatively to the shorter days and longer nights. But, for some folks, it triggers a condition called SAD or seasonal affective disorder. It’s estimated that around 10 million adults in the U.S. contend with it, and the majority are female. The symptoms are an annual recurrence for about four months of oversleeping, overeating, social withdrawal, irritability, grumpiness/ depression, difficulty concentrating and weight gain.

I’m 32 years old. For a multitude of reasons, my personal growth was stunted after high school, and it took me twice as long to finish college than planned.

A few years ago, I started a rock band with some very talented musicians. We play for fun (not for money), and we’ve played before some very large crowds.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a senior, and I shower in the evenings, regardless of what time I go to sleep.

Q: I heard that life expectancy is falling in the U.S. What can I do to make sure that I live as long and healthy as possible? Mark R., Terra Haute, Indiana A: You’re right. Between COVID-19, opioids and fentanyl, Americans are dying younger. A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that life expectancy fell for all 50 states and D.C. by almost two years in 2020 -- the biggest drop since WWII. Nationally in 2020, life expectancy at age 65 ranged from 16.1 additional years in Mississippi to 21.0 additional years in Hawaii. And New York saw the biggest decline in life expectancy: In 2020, residents were expected to live for three years less than they had been expected in 2019.

Q: I can’t get a straight answer from my doctor about how to manage my weight. Got any insider tips on how to improve our communication? -- Alyese F., Pasadena, California A: Every doctor has a responsibility to listen to a patient’s concerns and questions and provide understandable, complete responses. But patients need to accept responsibility for their end of the conversation -- and communicate what they are wondering/ worrying about. You are an essential partner in any health care relationship. When it comes to weight loss, you want to find a motivational strategy that works for you and your doctor.

Dear Amy: I am an atheist. I believe in practicing kindness and respect for other people’s views.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Both my husband and I just had the flu. We initially suspected that it was COVID, but the tests were negative. My symptoms, especially cough and runny nose, hung on for over two weeks. I visited an urgent care clinic where I was told I most likely had the (seasonal) flu, and I was prescribed an inhaler as well as a cough suppressant. The physician indicated that they have seen a lot of flu cases this summer. I am thinking the rise is because of people wearing masks and staying home these past couple of years, which could thereby weaken our immune systems.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 66-year-old male diagnosed about 15 years ago with mild coronary artery disease, with some blockages in my peripheral arteries. I was taking the maximum recommended dosage of pravastatin to maintain a low cholesterol, but I experienced complete ruptures of both Achilles tendons. These incidences occurred five years apart, but after the second rupture, my doctor discontinued the pravastatin. I then started Praluent injections twice a month to control my cholesterol, which has been incredibly effective -- maybe even too effective -- and is the purpose of my writing to you. With Praluent injections, my LDL level is about 26, and my HDL is 100. When my primary doctor’s assistant recently called to inform me of my bloodwork results, she said she has never seen anyone with such a low LDL level -- and she sees a lot of bloodwork! My primary care doctor doesn’t like it that low, but two different cardiologists I have seen think that the lower it is, the better. What do you think? -- J.W.

Dear Amy: My 18-yearold daughter was kicked out of her friend group for being “too annoying” last fall, at the start of her senior year. Her mental health plummeted as a result of this rejection and isolation, so she finished her senior year online and has been receiving therapy ever since.