For the past two fiscal years, Pennsylvania taxpayers have had cause for cautious optimism about the state's financial condition for the short and longer terms, going forward.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I keep hearing that amlodipine, my blood pressure medicine, has a cancer-causing agent in it. I had ovarian cancer surgery in 2010. So far, my doctors say I am doing well. I am very concerned the amlodipine might be to blame. - M.H.
Q: I purchased a used 2019 Ford pickup with 11,000 miles on it. As I was driving on I-80 at 70 mph, suddenly the front end started to vibrate. I was able to pull over. The next day while driving 55 mph on a 2-lane highway, the truck started to vibrate so badly that the steering wheel pulled …
Change is hard. We say we understand that, but it seems less scary in the rearview mirror.
Thought for Today: "It's not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts." - Oscar Levant, pianist-composer-actor (1906-1972).
Today is Thursday, Jan. 23, the 23rd day of 2020. There are 343 days left in the year.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were "stepping back" from their duties as senior royals, it triggered a number of interesting reactions on this side of the pond.
Thought for Today: "I know there's a proverb which says that 'To err is human,' but a human error is nothing to what a computer can do if it tries." - Dame Agatha Christie, English mystery writer (1890-1976).
Today is Wednesday, Jan. 22, the 22nd day of 2020. There are 344 days left in the year.
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover outpatient counseling services for its beneficiaries? Since the death of my sister last year, I've struggled with depression and anxiety and would like to get some help. - Sad Senior
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband and I are very fortunate to have had a happy relationship for many years. Our lovemaking has always been a pleasure for both of us. Now, we have to add Viagra to the mix. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't, which is a disappointment to both of us. Is there an…
Prescription drug price reduction is supposed be one of the policy areas on which Congress and the Trump administration agree.
Q: I remarried two years ago. I have been working quite well with my husband's ex-wife, but we just hit a roadblock over the holidays and would like your take on things. Last year the holidays were easier to navigate because my kids schedule matched my husband's kids' schedule, but this year…
Thought for Today: "I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate." - George Burns, American comedian (1896-1996).
Today is Tuesday, Jan. 21, the 21st day of 2020. There are 345 days left in the year.
One danger Iran presents to the world is ideological, but the greatest threat it poses is nuclear.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old woman who works with young children. I get a physical each year for my job, and until this year it was acceptable to say that because I was born before 1957, I was presumed to have immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. This year I was required to get an i…
For 43 minutes, the six Democratic presidential candidates repeated an array of familiar positions on Iran, North Korea and trade.
Q: When my iPhone connects to my car via Bluetooth, iTunes will play two songs, then skip through about 25 songs. It will then play two more songs, then skip ahead again. What's wrong? - K.M.
DEAR DR. ROACH: My son is 62 years old and has cirrhosis of the liver. He does not drink. Years ago, he had a blood transfusion that turned out to have hepatitis C. He cannot get a liver transplant. He has ascites, which needs to get drained once a week. It is very painful.
Thought for Today: "Whatever people in general do not understand, they are always prepared to dislike; the incomprehensible is always the obnoxious." - Letitia Landon, English poet (1802-1838).
Today is Monday, Jan. 20, the 20th day of 2020. There are 346 days left in the year.
An embassy attacked and the U.S. on the brink of war with Iran.
Stop telling me who's electable and who's not.
Q: Our ten-year-old granddaughter lives with us. We have custody of her but her father, our son, is now asking us for visitation privileges. I probably don't need to tell you that both he and his ex-wife were not up to parental responsibilities. He says he's cleaned up his act and wants a re…
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a patient with myelofibrosis, and have been under treatment for over three years. At one time I was receiving blood transfusions every three weeks and taking Jakafi (very expensive) to stabilize my hemoglobin and platelet levels, and Exjade to get rid of excess iron caus…
The 2010s will go down as a contradictory period at the Supreme Court.
Thought for Today: "The only thing wrong with immortality is that it tends to go on forever." - Herb Caen, American newspaper columnist (1916-1997).
Today is Friday, Jan. 17, the 17th day of 2020. There are 349 days left in the year.
The survival of independent regional newspapers shows hope for a revival of American local journalism. Thanks to a new federal law, these bastions of the free press can build toward long-term stability despite financial burdens left from an earlier era.
