ASK THE DOCTORS
You might not have noticed, but Minnesota governor and losing 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz is on a national tour. He is holding town halls in congressional districts won by President Donald Trump in Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin and more. Any time a national political figure schedules a visit to Iowa, there is speculation that he or she is going to run for president. But Tim Walz? Really?
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m getting out of prison soon, and I’m worried about what comes next. When I left home, things were a bit rocky with my family. Some people have stayed in touch, and others created distance, but I wonder if there is space for reconciliation. I am truly sorry for any difficulty I have caused my family. How can my family and I heal and move forward? – Coming Home DEAR COMING HOME: Take things one day at a time. Set yourself up for success by making sure that you have a place to live. If you have a parole officer or other representative of the law with whom you need to connect, get that sorted immediately. Next, be in touch with the family members who have been supportive. Thank them for being there for you, and tell them that you will appreciate it if they continue to have your back. You know it will be challenging to ease back into life outside, and you don’t want to feel alone.
Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the monthly letters column. We hope everyone is recovering from the lost hour in the daylight-saving annual time shift. Speaking of which, we have had several letters asking about any physical drawbacks to permanent Daylight Saving Time, an idea that has been floated but not enacted into law. There is interesting research on the topic that we will explore in an upcoming column. And now, onward to your letters.
SEBASTIAN, Fla. – Was Florida whispering? Was Wisconsin shouting? Suddenly these two questions, rooted in states that Donald Trump carried only five months ago, are at the forefront of American political discussion and calculation.
DEAR HARRIETTE: A woman at my job has been giving me hell. She works nonstop. She’s often sending emails at 9 p.m. or 4 a.m. – and she actually expects a response! Recently she chewed out one of my colleagues because she requested something at 6 a.m. and didn’t hear back until 8 a.m., which is still outside of our normal business hours. It may come as no surprise but, yes, she is single and a bit older. She has thrown her whole self into work and expects everybody else to do the same. Her team is made up of all kinds of people, from young people who are just starting their careers to single parents with young kids and other people who don’t necessarily put work over everything even though they do a good job. I’m worried that people may start to leave because of how she’s treating them. How can I give feedback to someone who is above me without having to worry about backlash? – Higher Rank DEAR HIGHER RANK: If you have a relationship with this person, you could pull her aside and ask her if you can share something sensitive with her. After getting her blessing, tell her that you have noticed that she works odd hours and has become known for expecting staffers to respond immediately, outside of regular office hours. Some team members are getting frustrated, and you worry that it is impacting their attitude and productivity. Let her take it from there.
Ihave decided the expression “she was nervous as a cat,” makes no sense. Our cat, Felix, is the least nervous creature I have ever lived with.
President Trump says he’s “not joking” about possibly running for a third term. But the Constitution clearly forbids such a move. So what’s going on?
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently went to see a musical that I had been looking forward to for months. The theater was packed, and the performance was absolutely amazing. About halfway through the show, though, I realized I needed to use the restroom. I tried to hold it until intermission, but eventually I just couldn’t wait any longer. Since the theater was dark, I carefully made my way out of my row, trying not to disturb anyone, but as I was walking down the aisle, I didn’t see a small step in the dim lighting.
Dear Doctors: I had a total hip replacement. I also have arthritis. It has made it hard to get back on my feet. My doctor is wanting me to try aquatic physical therapy. Is it all that different from the regular physical therapy I’ve already been doing? Why would it be more helpful?