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When grocery lists meet rocket ships

Dear Annie: I recently introduced my 62-year-old husband to emojis, and now I fear I’ve made a huge mistake. Every text I receive — whether it’s “Pick up milk” or “Your sister called” — is followed by a winking face, a heart and, inexplicably, a rocket ship. He signs grocery lists with smiley faces. He even sent our plumber three flame emojis. I’ve gently suggested that not every situation requires digital fireworks, but he says the emojis “make every message more fun.” Must I accept a future filled with cartoon faces, or is there a tactful way to dial it down? ...

Getting rid of a stubborn case of ‘jock itch’

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 74-year-old male, and for the past two years, I have been unable to rid myself of a stubborn case of jock itch. I have tried all of the over-the-counter ointments, powders, and antifungal and antibacterial soaps without success. My dermatologist prescribed econazole nitrate cream 1%, which keeps it from getting worse but does not rid me of the problem. Do you have any other recommendations on how to treat this? — I.F. ANSWER: The first concern is whether the diagnosis is correct. Many people are able to recognize the typical symptoms of tinea cruris, aka the ...

Pennsylvania needs to do more to deliver justice for children

As a legislator fighting to improve conditions for children, I’ve invited Bree Hood, an individual who has directly experienced harm within the juvenile legal system, to join me as we recognize the importance of protecting children in residential facilities. We are partnering in this advocacy because I believe the lived experiences of young people and their families have given them a unique perspective. It is past time to elevate their voices as we work to improve our laws that protect young people across the Commonwealth. Our current state regulations simply do not adequately ...

Too neighborly for my own good

Dear Annie: My neighbor has taken “borrowing a cup of sugar” to ridiculous levels. In the past six months, she’s borrowed my ladder, my hedge clippers, two baking pans and, most recently, my patio chairs for her daughter’s graduation party. She always promises to return things “tomorrow,” but I usually have to go ask, and sometimes they come back a little worse for wear. She’s perfectly pleasant, and we have to live next to each other, but I’m starting to feel like the neighborhood rental shop. How do I put a stop to this without seeming totally unreasonable and rude? ...

Testosterone levels must be low at 8 a.m. to receive injections

DEAR DR. ROACH: My insurance company won’t let me receive my testosterone injection unless I have a low testosterone level at 8 a.m. Does this make any sense? — T.B. ANSWER: Although I am never fond of insurance companies making medical decisions, this does make sense from physiology. Cholesterol is made in the body, mostly in the liver and mostly at night between midnight and 8 a.m. (This is why people are often recommended to take statin drugs at night; although with long-acting statins like rosuvastatin, it isn’t as important.) Since cholesterol is used to synthesize many ...

I can’t stop Trump’s war, but I can show up for my community

While President Donald Trump initiated war against Iran last weekend, my family was out volunteering at our local community garden. Another war weighs heavy on me, but I know I do not control military orders. I cannot make Trump adhere to the Constitution and get a proper declaration of war from Congress. Nor can I control how Congress responds, or in this case, chooses not to respond. But I can pick up a rake and help my community prepare a garden for spring and feed our neighbors. Trump, with the help of a GOP-dominated Congress, has stripped billions of dollars from healthcare ...