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

LITTLE RIVER – The Little River volleyball team have begun the 2022 season with three wins after sweeping a triangular on the road before making a sweep of two teams coming to Little River. On the road for a triangular in Fairfield on Tuesday, August 30, the Lady Redskins scored three straight set wins.

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.

Speaking Truth Clay Center, Kansas – “Drugs.” That is what the Sherriff and Police Chief told me was the greatest problem their area faced when I was seeking to learn about the needs in their respective county and city. Since nearly the beginning of mankind, the human race has continually had an ongoing battle with drugs.

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 Dr. Roach: I am a 66-year-old woman who recently had an ECG prior to my knee surgery. The interpretation I received stated that I had an abnormal ECG with a “left anterior fascicular block.” Needless to say, this alarmed me. I saw a nurse practitioner who stated: “Don’t be concerned by the language; your doctor viewed the ECG and said it was fine.” Your thoughts, please? -- M.M.

Q: Since I turned 50, I’ve been gaining weight and don’t seem to be able to stop the slow decline I’m feeling. What’s the secret to avoiding adding more weight and getting rid of what’s accumulated? -- Haley T., Greensboro, North Carolina A: You’ve asked a question that concerns many women your age. According to a new study on “Preventing Obesity in Midlife Women,” from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, women gain weight at an average of 1.5 pounds per year during midlife-putting on 30 pounds between the ages of 40 and 60. The research found that 43% of women that age were obese in 2017!

Dear Amy: I have a very close friend who is 30 years older than I am. We two men have known each other for years.

Dear Amy: I lost my wife to cancer over 10 years ago. I was devastated.