Texarkana Gazette

Advice

Why summer temps didn't make virus go away It's the first week of summer, and despite rumors and proclamations from some public figures, the coronavirus is still here despite the warmer weather. by The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Published Jul. 1 2020 @ 8:13pm

Using colorless iodine strengthens your nails Dear Heloise: While looking for colorless iodine, I came across your column. I've never heard that iodine strengthens nails, but I will tell you from a lifetime of use, it can kill nail fungus infections. Published Jul. 1 2020 @ 8:12pm

Fourth of July and dogs: How to keep them safe and calm The Fourth of July holiday is not all about hot dogs, apple pie and family barbecues. Dogs (the creature kind) and fireworks can make for a combustible mix. by Orlando Sentinel Published Jul. 1 2020 @ 8:11pm

Cancer prevention guidelines When it comes to tipoffs, Shaq is king. He's credited with winning 814 jump balls during his career, and often they were game changers. Published Jul. 1 2020 @ 8:06pm

Girl's tantrums hinder man's relationship with mom Dear Abby: I have met the most remarkable woman, but after eight months of serious dating, I have realized that she has the worst and most manipulating 10-year-old daughter ever. She constantly claims sickness, and now even mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorder, although they have never been formally diagnosed, to prevent her mother and me from having time together. Immediately after her mother agrees to her daughter's request and lets her get her way, the kid becomes happy and energetic, and goes back to playing. (I feel she is laughing in my face.) The numerous cancellations and tantrums are very upsetting, and it hurts my feelings when the person I love most in the world sets me aside. Published Jul. 1 2020 @ 8:04pm

Husband's wandering eye not only threat to marriage Dear Abby: My husband of 43 years, an alcoholic, has started going to the local grill/bar in our small town. He spends three to four hours there, six days a week. He would go more often if they were open on Sundays. Published Jun. 30 2020 @ 9:01pm

Shrimp Dijon a favorite recipe Dear Heloise: When my son came home for a visit, I made your Shrimp Dijon and he loved it! I have misplaced the recipe, but I want to make it again when he comes home from overseas. He's served his country, now I want to serve him a dish he really likes. Would you repeat the recipe for me? — Hillary in Mississippi Published Jun. 30 2020 @ 9:00pm

Thinking away immune dysfunction The children's novel "Matilda" by Roald Dahl is about a precocious girl ignored by her parents and bullied by a tyrannical school principal. Matilda feels hopeless, but soon learns she possesses an unusual talent — telekinesis. She can move objects with her mind, so she figures out how to beat the bad guys. "Matilda" is a story about mind over matter. Published Jun. 30 2020 @ 3:35pm

Boyfriend's ghosting causes pain Dear Abby: I am dealing with the worst heartbreak ever. I don't know what I did to make my boyfriend stop liking me. He won't talk to me or text me back, and now he has blocked me on Facebook. One minute he said that he would always hang out with me and the next he told me to stop messaging him and blocked me. All of this has made me go out of control, and now I want to hate on everyone. How can I stop this awful hurt? — Love Hurts In Oregon Published Jun. 29 2020 @ 3:35pm

Make the effort to shop local Dear Heloise: During these uncertain times, it has become more evident how difficult it is for a small, local business to survive. Many times, I have walked our main street and said to myself that someday I'm going to see what that store has to offer or try that "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant. Published Jun. 29 2020 @ 3:32pm

Poor sleep can lead to heart disease In 1964, 17-year-old Randy Gardner went 11 days without sleeping. That's the outer edge of what a person can endure without inflicting lasting damage. In contrast, it turns out you assuredly inflict lasting harm if you repeatedly have lousy sleep patterns — can't fall asleep, wake up and can't get back to sleep easily, wake up too early or have sleep apnea. Published Jun. 29 2020 @ 3:30pm

Concentrated vinegar serves as effective, nontoxic weed killer Vinegar, as you know, is my go-to household helper. It's cheap, environmentally safe and readily available. Published Jun. 28 2020 @ 2:05am

Employee wellness programs protect, benefit employers Whether you have stayed on the job in your usual facility, are working from home, furloughed or currently unemployed, you know that how you're treated at work has a direct impact on your health and happiness. Published Jun. 28 2020 @ 2:03am

Mom tries to patch rift between two daughters Dear Abby gives advice on sibling squabble, unappreciated neighbor and more Published Jun. 28 2020 @ 2:01am

New husband's moodiness may signal deeper trouble Dear Abby: I have a question about my daughter's new husband, "Brad." I haven't interfered with their marriage and don't want to, but he seems very moody and barely speaks to me. Just when I think I've found a common topic, on the next visit four or five weeks later, he doesn't say a word. Published Jun. 26 2020 @ 6:51pm

Overcoming the isolation blues; what antibody tests are reliable? Q: I'm lonely and blue after three months of isolation. What can I do to regain a more connected feeling? I'm 68, I live by myself and am not working. -- Karen G., New York City Published Jun. 26 2020 @ 6:50pm

Vaping harms your oral health -- and fast Once upon a time, Lucky Strike cigarettes used the slogan, "It's toasted." Published Jun. 25 2020 @ 6:09pm

Man's mental health clouds future Dear Abby: I recently started dating again after ending a very difficult marriage. To say I am guarding my heart for fear of getting hurt would be an understatement. Published Jun. 25 2020 @ 6:07pm

Simple ironing trick makes collars crisp again Dear Heloise: My husband the golfer is very particular about his polo shirts. The collars no longer lie flat, and he wants me to buy new shirts. I think that's silly. So, is there a way to perk up the collars? — Kay in California Published Jun. 25 2020 @ 6:06pm

Empty calories create future risk for children Participants in kettlebell competitions are judged on how well they're able to hold the bell over their head while their body achieves "fixation," with all joints locked and their posture in alignment. Failing to hold that position earns them a "no-count." Published Jun. 24 2020 @ 10:54pm

Clipping coupons works when they're remembered Dear Heloise: I'm a coupon clipper and use them frequently — when I remember to pick them up before leaving to get groceries. I'd either stick them in a pocket and forget to give them to the checker or would lose them. Then I had an idea: Tape the coupon to the item before putting it in the basket. Several checkers have commented on how this helps them. And, when I remember the tape and the coupons (ha!), I save a bit on groceries. — Doris R., Kerrville, Texas Published Jun. 24 2020 @ 10:51pm

Hair-trigger temper keeps this mom walking on eggshells Dear Abby: I have one child, a daughter, "Anna," I adopted at 19 months. She's 41 now and has two small children. She had a normal upbringing, although her father and I divorced when she was 9. She has chosen to not have a relationship with him as an adult. Anna has never married, nor has she been in a relationship for longer than four or five months. According to a few counselors I have seen, she has attachment disorder. Published Jun. 24 2020 @ 10:37pm

Simple method results in fluffy scrambled eggs Dear Heloise: When I see the advertisements for scrambled eggs, they always look so fluffy and light. I can't seem to get mine like that. Do I have to put in some water? Help me! — Amy R., Anaheim, Calif. Published Jun. 23 2020 @ 8:31pm