Who’s a hero in the age of Trump?

John Adams and Samuel Adams are in, but John Quincy Adams isn’t. Alan Shepard and John Glenn are in, but Gus Grissom isn’t. Betsy Ross is in, but Ross Perot isn’t. John Wayne is in, but Wayne Newton isn’t. Andrew Jackson is in, but Michael Jackson and Jackson Pollock aren’t. Henry Ford is there, but Ralph Nader isn’t.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Dear Doctors: I recently watched a video on the positive effects of napping in regard to heart disease. I am 66; I am a lifelong athlete with normal blood pressure and an LDL cholesterol level that is slightly elevated. I’ve been considering a statin and now wonder how napping may affect that decision.

Trump has become the ‘rigger-in-chief’

Elections have consequences, and winners set the rules – up to a point. In a healthy democracy, the majority’s power should always be tempered by a decent respect for minority rights. Otherwise, ruthless rulers can subvert the underlying system and entrench themselves as permanent powers.

Partner wants to focus on improving credit

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always prioritized my credit. For our entire relationship, I have known that my fiance has been working on improving his credit, eliminating debts and being more fiscally responsible.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Hello, dear readers! Welcome to our monthly letters column. With long days, warm nights and plenty of outdoor living, it’s time for our annual summertime reminders. Please protect yourselves from the sun, take precautions against ticks and mosquitoes, always watch children playing in water, and never underestimate the physical threats of a heat wave.

Retirement party plans thwarted by finances

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom is gearing up for her next big step in life – RETIREMENT! She couldn’t be more excited, and my siblings and I are so happy for her.

Democratic anger vs. Trump success

President Donald Trump met with reporters in Scotland recently to tout his new trade deal with the European Union. Accompanied by United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump held court for more than an hour taking questions on trade, China, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and more.

Reader wants to pinpoint trigger for tics

DEAR HARRIETTE: Since I was young, I’ve found that I’ve always had strange anxiety-induced habits – pulling at the edges of my hair, sucking my thumb, picking at scabs, etc. Over time, I’d find a solution, or I’d just sort of grow out of it. At present, I scratch the insides of my palms when I’m nervous, stressed or frustrated. I think I may do it at other times, but I haven’t pinpointed all of the triggers. Lately, it’s been out of control. I haven’t been able to resolve this one, but I’m so ready to leave it behind. How do I find a lifetime solution for all these behavioral tics? – Old Habits Die Hard DEAR OLD HABITS DIE HARD: I feel your pain. When I was young, I used to suck my thumb; I couldn’t stop myself.

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