Opinion

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband and I have been going together to the same primary care physician for many years, every six months for routine checkups and sometimes in between when needed. In the past we always were examined in the same room, with each other present during the exams. At our last visit our doctor told us he has to see us separately and gave us the excuse that he finds it more efficient to do it this way. I’m not confrontational, nor is my husband, but I’m not comfortable about this and said so, but he still kept us separated. We are both in our late 70s, and I think it’s important for us to be together during our exams for many reasons. Can you help us with what we can say to our doc to change his mind? It may be in his best interests for this new policy, but I do not think it’s in our best interests. -- M.H.

Q: Is there any harm in continuing to drink caffeinated coffee now that I am 65? I drink about three cups a day, all in the morning. -- Jen G., San Francisco A: There are remarkable benefits from drinking coffee -- and perhaps the most far-reaching are the brain benefits.

Q: I really want next year to be the year I become as healthy as possible. Can you help me figure out a plan and schedule? -- Casey R., Santa Rosa, California A: Bravo! You are planning ahead and making a public declaration of your intention to live a healthier -- and happier -- life! That shows how serious you are about achieving your goals.

Dear Amy: My 18-year-old granddaughter is going to live with us after her high school graduation. She is coming to stay She is coming to stay with us to work for a year and establish residency in our state, which is awash in good quality public universities.

During my eight years as president of the Kansas Senate, I had frequent dealings with journalists who covered the Statehouse. It wasn’t always easy.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been prediabetic for around 13 years and had been able to keep it that way though diet and exercise -- no medications for it. But the real issue now is that I have developed congstive heart failure, which probably sounds worse than it really is. However, the medications I have been given for it (Lasix, spironolactone, carvedilol) from my cardiologist and finasteride for prostate issues have totally ruined my glucose numbers. I used to see around 100 in the mornings. I almost never got to the 120s. Now after a couple months on those drugs I am seeing closer to 150 in the morning. After meals the numbers are running nearly 100 points higher than without them. My doctor tried to get me a drug, but that was so expensive as a copay that I had to tell the drugstore I couldn’t afford that, which I can’t. When I google what to do when your glucose is affected by medication, I get all kinds of sites, but none really seem to have an alternative to the regimen I am now having to take. So, to fix one issue, I fear the diabetes I have worked so hard to contain is going to become a serious problem. What do I do? -- L.H.

 Q: Occasionally I get dizzy. If I roll over in bed it happens sometimes, or if I am playing tennis it can be terrible. But… Login to continue reading Login…

We get dressed every morning to prepare for the work of the day, putting on our uniforms, as it were, and dressing appropriately for both the work ahead and the day’s weather. Why not clothe the soul with the protective garments of faith as well? In the grand scheme of things, our immortal soul is worth infinitely more than our corruptible bodies, and thus we should take greater pains to protect it. The faith and knowledge that God loves us and wants us to be well while we carry out His will is a protective garment greater than anything we have in our closets. A great addition to the morning routine is to “gird up your loins” with the garments of faith and thanksgiving, remembering that our primary mission and the very meaning of our life is to love God with all our hearts, and to love our fellow man as we love ourselves. How wonderful that we can put on the garments of faith each day and go out into the world prepared to do God’s work! – Christopher Simon