Columns

Savvy Senior: Should I Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I have thought about purchasing a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is there a good rule of thumb on who should or shouldn’t buy long-term care insurance? — Getting Old Dear Getting Old,There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for you and your wife. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 8 million Americans ...

Getting Fruity

Dear Readers: The first Tuesday in October is National Fruit at Work Day. Fruit is defined as the edible part of a plant, derived from a flower. Fruit is a delicious, all-natural snack option that has no added sugar or calories, is high in fiber and provides a boost of energy to ward off the afternoon slump. Not a fan of the usual fruits? Eggplant, avocado, squash, tomatoes and olives are all considered fruit! It’s time to get healthier with some fruit for National Fruit at Work Day. So whether you’re working at home or the office, snack on some delicious fruit. — ...

Friendship Mysteriously Ends After 30-Year Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I need help moving past the end of a longtime friendship. I don’t know what happened. My friend, my former college roommate, just drifted away. After school we continued to be friends — not besties, but we would meet for coffee or dinner a few times a year. Fast-forward 25 years. She called me the day she left her husband, 10 years ago, to tell me the news. I was her emotional lifeline for a few days, and it was intense. We continued to be in touch a few times a year. Then, a few years ago, I sent a message suggesting we meet soon. She replied that she was busy but ...

Social Security Column: New Benefit Verification Letters

We are excited to announce the release of a new, standardized Benefit Verification letter. People receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can obtain their letter by using their personal my Social Security account. You can use the letter as proof of income for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and other verification purposes. Please create your personal my Social Security account to access your new Benefit Verification letter online in a safe, quick, and convenient way without needing to contact us. People not receiving benefits can use ...

Rare Statin Side Effect Requires Expert Evaluation

DEAR DR. ROACH: In your column about statins, you said they have the potential for side effects. Why don’t doctors know or consider these when prescribing them or tell you when to stop taking them? After a few years on statins, I had muscle aches, especially in my legs. Not one doctor acknowledged it when I asked if it could be the statins — except to say “Let’s try another one.” It wasn’t until I read an article online written by two European doctors and one from San Diego that talked in depth about statin side effects. That’s why they said they don’t prescribe ...

Friend Wants to Break Up With Longtime Golf Partner

DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I met a man through golf, and we developed a casual friendship. I lost track of him for a few years, but when I heard his wife was being treated with chemo for cancer, I took them food and offered my support. As our friendship grew stronger, we began playing more golf and became “refriended.” He’s a good golfer, but very serious, and he whines constantly on the course. I have kidded him about it, and he acknowledges it to a small degree. He’s also joined at the hip with his wife, so much so that when I invited him to our cabin for a guys’ weekend, he ...