Dear Dr. Roach: Could you offer any general advice on how patients should weigh the risks versus benefits when they are prescribed a drug that lists many potentially serious side effects? I once had a specialist suggest that I do a trial of a drug for a noncardiac issue, but my cardiologist ...

The Independent calendar lists upcoming meetings, facility hours and events in and around Marshall. To have your group’s events listed, email the information to news@marshallindependent.com or submit the information to our virtual newsroom. Today Household Hazardous Waste Facility, open 8 ...

Dear Dr. Roach: I see screening tests advertised often. For $160 I can get screened for conditions that might cause stroke, heart disease, aneurysms, etc. My partner and I are in our early and mid-60s. Should we get these done? -- K.S. Answer: Sometimes, screening tests make a great deal of ...

The Independent calendar lists upcoming meetings, facility hours and events in and around Marshall. To have your group’s events listed, email the information to news@marshallindependent.com or submit the information to our virtual newsroom. Saturday AA (Book study), 8 a.m., Open Door ...

Dear Heloise: When a rambunctious child scribbled with a crayon on many parts of the back of the church’s choir room piano (including the black areas), it left the piano looking terrible. To find a remedy, I searched my two Heloise books and three other helpful volumes. In “Vinegar, Duct ...

Dear Annie: My daughter-in-law and I have never had a good relationship, but we tolerate each other because of my son. I have tried to be a good mother-in-law. I never visit unannounced. When my DIL had surgery for breast cancer, I took her to her appointments, and I was even the one to go ...