Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Dear Doctors: I’m having radial nerve problems whenever I use my triceps, like pushing the lawn mower, opening doors or pushing up from the recliner. It’s making my thumb and pointer finger very weak.

Promotion causes rift in friendship

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got promoted at work, which I was really excited about until things got awkward with a close colleague of mine.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column. We’re thrilled to have an abundance of interesting mail. Let’s dive right in.

Cousin shares intimate post on social media

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I saw that one of my cousins came out on social media. She posted herself and a partner kissing, and a lot of her friends were commenting, congratulating them and admiring their courage.

Trump-is-bad-but-he’s-right effect

There’s something interesting going on in the continuing controversy over President Donald Trump’s anti-crime initiative in Washington, D.C.

Worker considers looking for hybrid position

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work remotely, and while I’ve enjoyed the flexibility and freedom it provides, I’ve started to feel increasingly isolated and unmotivated. At first, it felt like a dream: no commute, more control over my schedule and the comfort of home. Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m missing the daily interactions, spontaneous conversations and overall sense of community that comes from being in a physical workspace. Most of my communication with co-workers is confined to emails or scheduled video calls, which makes it hard to feel connected to the team. I find myself feeling drained and uninspired, even though I still like the actual work I do. Some days, I barely speak to anyone at all, and I’ve started to worry that this lack of connection is taking a toll on my mental health and productivity.

As Kiley puts it, ‘total chaos’ is looming

Extreme partisanship started infecting American politics long before Donald Trump emerged, but the president’s unhinged desire for unlimited power is now driving the two-party system to the brink of all-out war.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Dear Doctors: What are microplastics, and where do they come from? They’re all over the news, and it’s hard to tell if they’re a real problem or just another internet scare. One news story said there’s an entire teaspoonful of microplastics in our brains. Is this true?

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