Keeping Up - May 14

“Success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal.”

Dear Car Talk:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Thursday, May 26, 2022 — You are a dedicated, hard worker with focus. You’re observant and insightful about others. Although you appear lighthearted, you are philosophical and serious. This is the first year of a nine-year cycle for you. It’s time to explore new opportunit…

Q: I’ve seen online a so-called EcoChip, which is supposed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 55%. Is this legit? Does it work? It plugs into the car’s onboard diagnostic system. Will using it void my OEM or my extended warranty? Thanks, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated! J.M., Flo…

Dear Dr. Roach: Please advise: Do our bodies “reject” certain foods as we get older? I am a healthy, slender 70-year-old woman on no medications. For several years now, I can’t eat anything made of corn or oats (to name a couple). I get an irritation in my throat and mucus buildup, which dri…

Today is Wednesday, May 25, the 145th day of 2022. There are 220 days left in the year.

“A good way to overcome stress is to help others out of theirs.”

Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I planning to travel much more frequently in retirement and are very interested in educational trips and adventures. Can you recommend any groups or firms that specialize in this type of travel geared towards retirees? Love to Learn

Dear Dr. Roach: My blood pressure crept up on me, and I went on medication. I had been eating what I thought was a healthy diet to keep my blood pressure in check. My nutritionist suggested to me I back off my handful of almonds daily and check my intake of other foods high in oxalates. Two …

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Wednesday, May 25, 2022 — You’re pretty cool because you don’t let much bother you. You are relaxed in social situations because you are talkative and witty. Privately, you are surprisingly serious. This year is the last year of a nine-year cycle for you, which means it’s …

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years, and that popularity grew even more over the last year.

Demand for travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels just in time for travel’s hottest season — summer. National parks, Mexico and other resort destinations have surging demand, making them less-than-ideal destinations for budget-conscious travelers. Instead, deal seekers should go to places that have been slow to recover, such as Italy and Greece. Last-minute deals can be found on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars, but you risk zero availability by waiting too long to book. Meanwhile, flights should be booked now — but only if the airfare has flyer-friendly change and cancellation policies. In short: Flexibility remains key.

Outdoor living has come a long way since throwing a blanket down for a family picnic. Advances in exterior features have made al fresco relaxation as much a part of everyday life as spending time in your kitchen or living room.

Bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators play an important role in our global ecosystem. In fact, they are essential. By transporting pollen from one plant to another, they make growing the food we eat and the beautiful garden spaces we enjoy possible. One of the easiest ways to suppo…

Warm weather means more time to relax outdoors. For those homeowners lucky enough to have entertaining spaces outside, spring and summer provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air under the sun or stars.

As the days grow long and the weather warms, you’re likely spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or competing in a triathlon, keep these five sunny season tips in mind:

May

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.”

Q. Mother’s Day was interesting at our house this year. I’ve been married to the kids’ dad for most of their lives. They are now 15 and 17 and were scheduled to be with us but decided to be with their mother for most of the day. This was a little weird because normally they spend more time h…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Tuesday, May 24, 2022 — You have strong opinions and strong boundaries. You don’t hesitate to share your ideas. You have excellent business savvy and are sometimes firmly entrenched in your views. Good news! This year you will receive increased acknowledgement, public awar…

Dear Dr. Roach: My son was recently diagnosed with factor V Leiden. He has had heart issues since he was 12 (chest pain, irregular EKGs with no explanation and intermittent irregular heart rate). He has worn a heart monitor twice with no conclusive results and has done cardiac stress tests w…

“I can’t give you a recipe for success, but I can give you a recipe for failure: try to please everybody.”

If it ain’t broke, maybe you should fix it anyway.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Monday, May 23, 2022 — You are a hardworking perfectionist who has excellent communication skills. Nevertheless, you are fun-loving and good-natured. You have a good sense of humor. Welcome moments of solitude this year, because this is a year of reflection for you to expl…

Dear Dr. Roach: I have a question for your column. What is the number of LDL cholesterol that would necessitate taking statins? I am an active 51-year-old female and weigh 126 pounds at 5 feet, 2 inches tall. I eat a healthy diet and avoid trans fat. My total cholesterol is 260, LDL is 173 a…