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When tough love turns too tough

Dear Annie: My husband, “Keith,” and I have been married for 12 years. We’ve always been a team when it comes to parenting our two kids, ages 9 and 6, but lately I’ve noticed a shift. Keith has become increasingly harsh with them, especially our oldest, “Ben.” He’ll snap over small things -- like a jacket left on the floor or a missed chore -- and his tone has turned cold and critical. I’ve brought it up several times, but Keith insists he’s “just trying to teach them responsibility.” I understand that, but I worry he’s doing more harm than good. Ben has started ...

Explaining the science behind having the factor V Leiden gene

Dear Dr. Roach: My son is 32 years old and developed a superficial blood clot in his arm near the elbow. They tested him for the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation, and he is positive and heterozygous. They put him on blood thinners. I went and got tested. I tested positive and am homozygous, which means that I inherited the gene from both my parents. My cousin (my mom’s brother’s daughter) took the test and was negative. How can this be? I had a blood clot during one of my four pregnancies 25 years ago. It was superficial, and I had to give myself injections twice daily of heparin for ...

Regional Calendar

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 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Public Works Building, Marshall. Call 532-8210 for more info. SW MN Arts Council Gallery 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., 509 West Main Street, Marshall. Lyon County Museum 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall. Marshall-Lyon County Library hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 201 C ...

When marriage changes everything

Dear Annie: My younger sister “Natalie” got married this spring to a man none of us really know. They met online, and within six months, they were engaged. My parents were uneasy about how fast it all happened, but Natalie was sure. She said she’d never felt so connected to anyone. Since the wedding, though, she’s been pulling away from the family. She used to call me almost every day, and now it’s maybe once a week. She skipped our mom’s birthday dinner last month and didn’t seem that apologetic about it. When I ask how she’s doing, she just says she’s “busy” and ...

Reader writes in with two hints

Dear Heloise: Hey there. I wanted to write in with two hints from a boy in Illinois. My mother lives alone, and I’ve asked her to turn on the front porch light when she goes to bed, then turn it off when she gets up. I’ve asked the neighbors to check on her light. If it’s still on around 11 a.m., I ask them to please call her and check in on her. The second thought is: When I make the grocery list, I memorize it and leave it in the car. It’s great practice for the brain. Last time I did this, I only forgot two items. -- Keith Filges, via email AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS Dear ...

Regional Calendar

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 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Public Works Building, Marshall. Call 532-8210 for more info. SW MN Arts Council Gallery 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., 509 West Main Street, Marshall. Lyon County Museum 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall. Marshall-Lyon County Library hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 201 C ...