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Defining Hashimoto’s and its treatment

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please explain Hashimoto’s disease. I have heard it is rare, but two colleagues have recently been diagnosed. We all work in a very high-stress field. –– J.H. ANSWER: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not at all a rare disease, occurring in up to 10% of the population and in women much more frequently than men. Although people can be diagnosed at a young age, it is more common at older ages. It is caused by an autoimmune reaction to different parts of the thyroid, with thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies commonly found and TSH receptor antibodies found on ...

‘Ring’ in New Year with a wine glass, literally

Dear Heloise: Here is a hint in time for the holidays, but good to consider anytime. When groups get together, we often toast each other with our glasses as a form of greeting and good luck. But what should you do if you have a crystal wine glass? Ring it instead, as in “ringing in the New Year.” We know that a wine glass is meant to be filled only halfway. When you sip it, you often hold it by the “cup.” But when you hold it by the stem to toast, it makes a ringing sound. The vibration of the ring creates a musical energy that uplifts the energy of the group. Try it. –– A ...

Horoscope

ARIES (March 21-April 19). To outperform your standards will require you to extend your trust and delegate to others. Are your people supportive? Can a process happen without you doing all the work? Stretch beyond your comfort zone and find out. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Considering that no one in the entire world is universally liked, working to be the first would be a weird use of your energy. Instead, you’ll go boldly forward and expect mixed results. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Avoid comparison. You’re working on something that is so wonderfully beyond compare that trying to ...

Today in History

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2023. There are 12 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. On this date: In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pa., to camp for the winter. In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pa. In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks ...

Stepmother’s advice for getting along with your ‘new family’

Dear Annie: I have two adult children who are married to great people; they both have wonderful jobs and beautiful children, who I just adore. So, what’s the problem? They believe they have all the answers and that Mom (me) is an idiot! They don’t outright say it, but their actions and comments suggest it. They believe they are successful despite me, not because of me. They have actually said that. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom who gave up a career to be there for her children. I educated them, loved them, clothed them, fed them, nursed them, played with them, laughed with them, ...

Pregnant woman gets diagnosed with defect after heart attack

DEAR DR. ROACH: We just learned that a 30-year-old woman who was six weeks pregnant with twins had a heart attack during a spin class and is now lying in a coma in the hospital. The woman was then diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Other than insurance companies balking at paying for imaging, is there any medical reason for OB-GYNs not to schedule such a test for women with a family history of cardiac problems? –– A.S.E. ANSWER: I couldn’t find the news story that you are referring to, but congenital heart disease in adults that leads to heart attacks is quite rare, but ...