Lifestyle

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m an 80-year-old male who learned from a much younger male about the tremendous improvement he’s had in his life since undergoing a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) procedure. I hadn’t know he was having a problem and had been through the drug routine that was providing him with limited improvement. Against my aversion of being operated upon, he subsequently convinced me to investigate, and ultimately have the operation.

In both veterinary and human medicine, artificial joint replacements have become more common as technology has advanced. Animals may receive an artificial joint for a variety of reasons, one of which is osteochondrosis.

I recently found myself in the emergency room, and the doctor asked, “Where does it hurt?” He proceeded to take the next steps based on my answer. Resting at home the following day, I spoke with my mother over the phone.

I’m a preacher. That’s my job. Most every Sunday I stand before the congregation and deliver a sermon. I love my job. I chose to do this. But, not to elicit your sympathy, it’s not easy. If you’re a church goer I would wager that on Sundays part of your worship experience is to listen to a preacher preach a sermon. Just typing that sentence makes me shudder. The words “preach” and “sermon” both can carry a negative connotation. Who really likes being “preached” at? Does anyone ever look forward to a “sermon”? Admit it, the preacher has a difficult task.

Dear Neil: We bought a house with a redbud tree near our driveway about five years ago. It seems like it’s going downhill. It hasn’t bloomed as well the past two years, and its leaves turn brown around their edges by late summer. Any idea what their life expectancy might be?

Dear Abby Dear Abby: My partner and I recently had a baby, and it has created some major issues with my mom and in-laws. Mom is an unhappy person who blames others and external factors for her unhappiness.

To Your Health Dear Dr. Roach: As a 73-year-old woman, I had a coronary calcium scan done when my new primary care physician wanted to start me on a statin.

Will Rogers said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute”. Nothing could be truer this past week for sure! When the weather keeps you inside, that can give you a chance to get ready for the busy gardening season that will soon begin.

Dear Abby: I’m divorced and have been dating my guy friend for five years. We recognized after we started dating that we love each other, and we planned to move in together after a year of dating. I was so excited when we started making plans that I reached out to my guy’s ex-wife and daughter as a friendly gesture.