Lifestyle

Dr. Keith Roach Dear Dr.

Could the children in your life spend 1000 Hours Outside, in nature, and away from TV, computers and video games? Does that sound like a lot? consider this: kids on average spend 6 or more hours per day in front of a screen. Too much screen time can lead to behavior problems, trouble falling asleep, and less time for play and creativity.

Dear Abby: Recently I have found myself in a difficult spot. My whole life I dreamed about marrying a college football player and, for the past eight months, I have been in a serious relationship with one. Last week he called me and told me we should take a break.

Dear Dr. Roach: I was diagnosed with a UTI on my yearly physical urinalysis, but had no symptoms. I was prescribed Cipro. The five pages of warnings attached to the prescription scared me! So, I checked the FDA and Mayo Clinic websites. Both said that the “risks outweigh benefits” and it “should not be first choice to treat UTI.” But my doctor says to take it, so I will -- 500 mg twice a day for seven days. Possible side effects include tendon ruptures (including the aorta), nerve damage and more. Scary! I am 71 and in good health, with high blood pressure as my only problem, but it’s under control.

Dear Abby: My best friend, who is 54, has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 9. She takes two insulin shots a day -- one in the morning and one in the evening. We live together, and at night her blood sugar drops pretty low. I can tell when it’s happening because she becomes unresponsive. Twice she has had seizures that resulted in 911 calls.

Dear Dr. Roach: My wife, 68, always feels cold. She has mentioned this several times to her primary care physician, and the physician checks her blood to see if an increase in thyroid medication is warranted. The reading always comes back in the normal range, and the problem is not mentioned again until the next appointment. Meanwhile, my wife is uncomfortable most days of the week.

After egg prices hit record highs in late 2022 and early 2023, having a flock of backyard chickens to provide a personal supply of eggs can be tempting. Dr.

Dear Neil: Is Zeon zoysia the best grass for shade? No. Zoysias, including the variety Zeon, require more sun than St.