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Doctors disagree on whether ‘incisional hernia’ needs repair

DEAR DR. ROACH: For many years, I have had a visible abdominal hernia that is above and to the right of my belly button. My primary doctor declared it an “incisional hernia,” probably due to gallbladder surgery from many years ago. He declared that surgical repair was entirely optional. Annual examinations did not change his diagnosis. I’ve never had pain or discomfort from it, and I have no problem eliminating it. Notably, I can maneuver 50-pound luggage in and out of our SUV (not easily but without pain). I was due for my final colonoscopy (I’m 76), and when my ...

Winter storm panic-buying

If there is one thing as common in the face of a coming winter snow storm as road crews loading their trucks with salt, it is the massive rush of people to grocery stores in a frantic search for, among other items, milk, bread and toilet paper. Store parking lots are jammed, store aisles are filled with people pushing their shopping carts at breakneck speed, the goal to get in and out as fast as possible. If you have ever wondered about the shopping behavior of people before a snow storm, you are not alone, as it is not a recent phenomenon and has been the focus of psychological human ...

The value of a college degree

The debate regarding the value of a college degree has resurfaced in the news recently. With tuition continuing to increase at universities and colleges across the country, many people have, as NBC News political reporter Ben Kamisar described, “grown sour on one of the longtime key ingredients of the American dream.” Kamisar cited an NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters in which 33% said they believe college is “worth the cost” because a degree provides more opportunities for better-paying jobs. Sixty-three percent stated that they felt a college degree “was not worth the ...

The language we use

Ancient proverbs can be helpful in adjusting our language and behavior in ways that can benefit every generation. They have become ancient because they work. One example: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger “ (Proverbs 15:1). It means calm, patient and kind words can de-escalate conflict, while harsh, angry responses provoke further rage. Try it sometime when you are in an argument with someone. Display humility, or say “I can see how you feel that way, but may I share my view?” The language we use to communicate with one another can heal or wound, ...

Wife and husband torn on family’s future

Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married eight years and we have two young kids. They are my whole world. I love being a dad in a way I did not expect. I am the one who volunteers for bedtime stories, who gets up early on Saturdays so my wife can sleep, who actually enjoys the chaos of backpacks, snack cups and little shoes that disappear. Here is the problem. I want a third child and my wife does not. We used to talk about having “a big family” when we were dating, but after our second baby, something shifted for her. She loves our kids, but she says she feels done. She talks ...

Urologist suggests chemo prior to surgery for man with cancer

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82-year old man who was in good health until I found out that I have an issue in my left kidney. My urologist discovered cancer on my urethra, and the cancer was removed in December 2025. This all started when blood was found in my urine back in September 2025. Now I have a mass on my left kidney that was discovered through an MRI. The urologist suggested removing the kidney to prevent cancer from spreading throughout my body. He also suggested doing chemo before the operation rather than after. I’m having tests done to determine if my kidneys are strong ...