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

Lifestyles

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 ...

Defining Hashimoto’s and its treatment

Lifestyles

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 ...

How to forgive without apology

Lifestyles

Dear Annie: I have found myself pregnant again, seven years after my first pregnancy. I allowed myself to have fun on vacation and came home pregnant. The second party is aware and unbothered. And that bothers me. I’ve been ignored and disregarded while carrying this child. I attend my doctor’s appointments alone and plan to raise the child alone, as I did with my first one. I do not understand those who do not just do what is right. To me, there is a big difference between the dishes piling up and not getting around to it versus getting someone pregnant and ignoring it. I’ve ...

Today in History

Lifestyles

Today is Monday, Dec. 4, the 338th day of 2023. There are 27 days left in the year. Today’s Highlights in History: On Dec. 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins gathered for the first and only time for a jam session at Sun Records in Memphis. On this date: In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson left Washington on a trip to France to attend the Versailles (vehr-SY’) Peace Conference. In 1942, during World War II, U.S. bombers struck ...

Horoscope

Lifestyles

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve been hurt before, but instead of making you fearful, it made you brave. You can’t protect your heart against everything. Trying to do so would mean living a very small life. Experience keeps making you stronger. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re a loving person, but that doesn’t keep dear ones from occasionally getting on your nerves. Even so, you’ll have a charming way of turning friction into humor. Also, some solo time is warranted to recharge. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It’s really OK to have a number of problems. It means you have a ...

Best to avoid those cheap weight-loss gimmicks

Lifestyles

Dear Heloise: I’m tired of all the scam ads I see for weight-loss gimmicks on TV, on my computer and in magazines. Someone is always selling some “cure” for those of us who need to drop some weight. It all comes down to some product they’re trying to sell ... a pill or a cream. One company swears that their earrings help people to lose weight. These are nothing but scams that desperate people tell themselves they need. So many people buy the item that’s supposed to help them lose weight, but needless to say, the only thing losing weight is their wallet. The scammers make it ...