During the past few months the number of people roaming the streets, and sleeping on sidewalks and in our parks appears to have grown substantially here. Sadly, our neighboring communities are dealing with the same problem.

Friend doesn’t always include roommate

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I ended up becoming roommates earlier this year. I was worried about living with her because I did not want to put a strain on our friendship by adding the roommate dynamic, but we haven't had many issues at all.

Artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms

Dear Doctors: I need it to be completely dark to sleep well. I've got blackout curtains, I use an analog clock and I even duct-taped the digital lights on the smoke alarm. I just read that light at night is bad for your health. Is that true? I want my husband to know I'm not overreacting about this.

Dear Editor, I was put in the hospital here in Clinton on Aug. 10, 2022, and discharged on Aug. 18, 2022.

Turkey tail mushrooms act as immune modulators

Dear Doctors: I'm a 73-year-old Vietnam War veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange. Last December, I was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. I had immunotherapy and also used turkey tail mushroom extract. All except one of the tumors shrank. Do you think the mushrooms helped?

Things are certainly looking up

Meanwhile, back at the ranch ... To readers of a certain age who grew up watching cowboy movies on TV, that timeless phrase signals a major plot development. Maybe the scheming rancher with the mustache is ordering his henchmen to saddle up. Alternately, a hero in a white hat may be entering the fray.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Bees aren't the only insects that help pollinate fruits, flowers and veggies. Butterflies are also an important part of the ecosystem. To help attract butterflies to your garden, avoid using insecticides, which are obviously lethal to them. Also be aware that butterflies aren't attracted to flowers -- they seek out flowering plants and bushes that are rich in nectar. Look for milkweed, mint, zinnias, buddleia and heliotrope, which are all varieties of plants that butterflies love to drink from. Filling a shallow dish with fresh water every day is a simple way to give them a place to drink, too.

Pages