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HINTS FROM HELOISE: Take action to avoid any loud noises

DEAR HELOISE: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more concerned about preserving my hearing. The only loud noise in my life is my blow dryer, so when I need to use it, I pop in a couple of foam earplugs to help block out the noise. — Jeannette B., in Newbury Park, California Jeannette, you’re smart to use earplugs to protect your hearing. Many of us are damaging our ears with loud noises at work or at concerts or by wearing various devices in or on our ears. The damage may not show up right away, but it’ll show up in time. — Heloise DEAR HELOISE: I was reading about ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Errors in treatment of man with chest pain

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 90 years old and was awakened early in the morning with an extreme heaviness in my chest. I have a concierge physician, and they told me that if I was able to drive, I should come right over to the office, where I had my blood pressure taken, as well as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood work done. I did this, and I was then told to go home and wait to find out if I’d had a heart attack. As I was leaving the office, the doctor gave me a nitroglycerin tablet to put under my tongue, and I passed out. (I had never fainted before in my life.) When I came to, I ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

Most deals require nothing more of declarer during the play than proper technique. “Fancy” plays such as squeezes and coups might attract more attention, but in the long run sound technique will win a great many more points than all the so-called fancy plays combined. Consider this deal ...

Servants’ hearts needed

Since January, Jenn Engle of Howland has spent much of her spare time with folks who are facing their final chapter. As a volunteer for Heartland Hospice, which is based in Boardman, she is paired with clients in the program, offering companionship as part of their end-of-life care. Hospice ...

Know when it is safe for you to stop taking aspirin

Q. I’ve been on daily baby aspirin for 45 years after a heart scan spotted small amounts of calcium. So far, I’ve been healthy, but I have two big questions. Does the risk of bleeding diminish with long-term aspirin use? Also, is there a dangerous rebound effect if long-term aspirin use is stopped? Two doctors I’ve asked said no, but I’ve read articles saying the chance of stroke or heart attack is significant if you discontinue aspirin suddenly. A lot of us are in limbo and would love answers to these questions. A. You have asked crucial questions that are rarely addressed. As ...