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Severe flooding raises deadly overdose risk in rural Appalachia, study finds – and the harm lasts for years

Columns

When she went to sleep on July 27, 2022, McKayla wasn’t worried about the storm that was raging outside her trailer in southeastern Kentucky. Intense storms came frequently in summer. While the creek in front of her home would often rise, water never came close enough to be a concern. But at 6:30 the next morning, one of her children rushed into her room panicked. McKayla ran to the window to see their neighbors’ belongings floating by. “I started waking the kids up,” she recalled. “But by that point, there was absolutely no way we could have got out. From 6:40 to 7:10, the ...

Frequent MRIs and cancer surveillance cause patient anxiety

Columns

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m writing to seek your perspective on a diagnosis that has caused me significant anxiety. A recent incidental finding on an MRI, followed by an endoscopic ultrasound, revealed a cluster of several small cysts (3-7 mm) in my pancreas. They’re suspected to be branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). My main pancreatic duct is mildly enlarged. My doctors have recommended an MRI/MRCP with and without contrast in six months, followed by ongoing monitoring every six months to two years. I’ve been told that IPMNs are precancerous but usually ...

Everyone is campaigning on ‘affordability’ that no one can deliver

Columns

Remember “affordability” mania? The time was 2025. A young, charismatic democratic socialist candidate for New York City mayor named Zohran Mamdani became a viral sensation. His secret? “Affordability.” Ask him about almost anything and he’d turn the conversation to affordability. When a reporter asked Mamdani to respond to President Trump’s claim that he was the better-looking politician, Mamdani responded, “My focus is on the cost-of-living crisis, bro.” Queried about whether Hamas, the terrorist organization, should disarm, he began with “I believe that any ...

Dear Annie: The old ways don’t need to change

Columns

Dear Annie: I know I am stuck in the “old ways,” but I am trying to adapt to changing times. It is becoming very common for couples to live together before marriage. While I have come to accept traditional and extravagant weddings as an occasion to finally declare their commitment before church and family, what I still struggle with are the bridal showers. This tradition is to gift the bride (and groom) with the necessities to set up their home as they begin their married life together. Many couples now have lived together for years in a furnished home. I doubt they are living ...

16% of Pennsylvania teens have considered suicide – but everyday connection may help

Columns

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text, or via chat at 988lifeline.org. What comes to mind when you think about preventing teen suicide? Crisis hotlines, maybe. Emergency interventions. Those matter — but prevention often starts earlier, in everyday relationships at home, school and in the community. A parent asking about a teenager’s day over dinner, for instance. Or a teacher helping a student find purpose in what they’re learning. Or even neighbors cheering on teens at a Friday night ...

Vintage board game sets balance utility, fun

Columns

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, it’s time to take on some intellectual challenges. That doesn’t mean giving up fun and games. Some of the earliest manufactured toys, dating to the 18th century, had educational purposes. These included “Sunday toys” that taught Bible ...