Dear Dr. Roach: I am a healthy 79-year-old female who recently underwent a right total knee arthroplasty. In a routine post-operative X-ray there was indication of early osteopenia in my long bones. I live in Montana and walk regularly during the summer months, but during winter it is more ...

Dear Heloise: Besides checking your batteries in your smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide devices, you also should pick up your handheld fire extinguisher and give it a vigorous shaking. This keeps the fire suppressant suspended so it’s more effective and doesn’t settle at the bottom. -- ...

Dear Annie: I spent my early childhood years with a loving foster family, and today, at age 75, I have a great relationship with my foster brother. I lived with my biological family from age 7 until I left for college. I have one biological brother, and long story short, we are not close. ...

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a healthy 63-year-old woman. My 29-year-old niece was just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She discovered that she carries a mutation of her CHEK2 gene. Her father, who is my brother, also has the gene. Should I get tested for the gene and should my children be ...

Dear Heloise: Thanks so much for your column. I do a lot of solo driving to visit my daughter, who lives eight hours away by car. Here are some helpful hints: Always use the same credit card along the route and tell your loved ones which card you will be using. In case something happens to ...

Dear Annie: My wife and I recently found out that our 19-year-old son has been smoking pot for about a year. We had been suspicious but didn’t have proof until last week. He says that it helps his anxiety (something we didn’t know he had), keeps him focused and helps him to have a decent ...