Opinion

Dear Amy: I’m asking you to weigh in. My husband thinks that it’s fair game to read my computer or phone screen over my shoulder, even when I’m clearly writing or viewing something private.

Dear Amy: I am a recovering alcoholic, currently celebrating seven years of sobriety. A dear friend of over 30 years, “Brett,” is in a relationship with an alcoholic woman named “Emily.” Brett has rescued Emily from drunk-driving accidents before the police arrived.

Dear Amy: My psychiatrist suggested I write to you because none of the professionals we’ve consulted have an answer. I had two children with a selfish, emotionally abusive man.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 62-year-old female. After about two weeks (sometimes less) of taking water-soluble vitamin supplements, I experience severe abdominal discomfort or a burning sensation. It feels like I either have a UTI or a vaginal infection. I also experienced the same symptoms taking collagen. It doesn’t matter which form or brand of supplements I take. I have tried most. I have gone to my doctor and have had both infections ruled out multiple times. I finally figured out that it was being caused by the supplements. When I stop taking them, the discomfort subsides within a week. I have no trouble with fat-soluble vitamins. I have asked every doctor I have seen in the past 30 years about this, and none has heard of it. Their solution is to not take them. As I age I am concerned that I am not able to support my health with only my diet. Am I getting enough vitamins without supplements if I eat well? -- S.L.

From Babe Ruth to John Wayne, Americans have seen chewing tobacco in popular culture for over a century. Spitting chew has been a trademark of cowboys and professional athletes alike and chewing tobacco use continues at high rates in the United States. In 2018 a survey showed 2.4 percent of American adults used smokeless tobacco, with snuff or snus pouch use on the rise and chewing tobacco on the decline.

Dear Amy: My psychiatrist suggested I write to you because none of the professionals we’ve consulted have an answer. I had two children with a selfish, emotionally abusive man.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old female. In 2012, I broke my ankle and they put in a plate and six screws on one side, and one screw on the other side. I’ve been reading that one should not leave the screws in for the rest of their life, because it can cause problems with the bones, causing arthritis. I can touch and feel the screw heads. The only problem is buying shoes that aren’t too high to rub, or when I sleep, positioning my foot.

Q: Both my parents sort of lost it in their late 70s. What can I do (I am 38) to make sure I stay sharp as I get older? -- Steve R., Cicero, Illinois A: You're already acting smartly! The time to think about protecting your brain from cognition problems and dementia is as early as possible, and it definitely is important when you reach your 40s and 50s.

Dear Amy: They say you never forget your first love. Is reaching out to them crossing a line? Life for me was like a “rom-com” movie; I grew up as the girl next door in a gorgeous home.