DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

National Handwashing Awareness Week runs Dec. 5-11, in observance of the importance of proper hand hygiene technique. Handwashing is a fundamental way to prevent getting sick and reduce the spread of germs and viruses, such as respiratory, diarrheal, foodborne and travel related illnesses.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday, when people are encouraged to donate to charitable organizations. If you’d like to take part in this special day, you’ll want to maximize the effectiveness and benefits of your charitable gifts.

Southwestern Electric Power Co. encourages the public to be mindful of electrical safety during the holiday season. SWEPCO offers these seven safety tips:

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

It’s human nature to want to make things easier for our loved ones — and to have great concern about adding any stress to their lives. In fact, 72 percent of retirees say that one of their biggest fears is becoming a burden on their families, according to the Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pilla…

There has been a recent wave of news articles complaining that pumpkins will cause methane in the landfill. The claim is that all the pumpkins used as fall decorations will take up space in the landfill and result in a terrible buildup of methane gas.

Cranberries are once again making their appearance in the produce sections of the supermarkets, and they add a cheerful color to the table during the holiday season. Cranberries grow in marshy land in North America and Asia and in northern and central Europe. Even though the cranberry season…

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

While you’re working, you may be contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA), which can provide a tax-advantaged way to save for your future. So, is it ever a good idea to tap into your IRA before you retire?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

November is here, and the countdown to Thanksgiving is underway. Many of you have started your holiday meal planning, but hopefully the following will serve as a helpful guide.

Some foods such as cranberries, pumpkins, stuffing and turkey make a strong appearance during these upcoming holidays.

On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. If you’ve recently separated or retired from the military, or you will be leaving soon, you can be proud of the service you’ve provided to your country.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

If you’re going to retire in the next few years, you’ll want to start thinking about making some changes to your investment portfolio. And one area you may want to look at is whatever type of cash account you might have — because, when you’re retired, the amount of cash you have readily avai…

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

Generally speaking, investing is a long-term process. You invest in your IRA and 401(k) to reach a long-term goal — retirement. You may invest in a 529 education savings plan for many years to reach another long-term goal — college for your children. But is there also a place in your portfol…

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a fit 85-year-old woman. I walk regularly and eat healthily. I have severe COPD and have been on the recommended dosage of Symbicort for 40 to 50 years. Within the past several years I have been getting urinary tract infections every second month, if not every month. My doctor has given me a standing order for urinalysis and culture to determine the infection, and prescriptions for an antibiotic to start when needed until the proper source is found. I am concerned that I take antibiotics eight to 10 times per year, sometimes for several weeks. Is there any substitute for Symbicort if that is contributing to these infections? I fear becoming immune to antibiotics. — L.F.

If you’re an investor, you probably enjoy the convenience of managing your accounts online. But you’ll also want to make sure that you’re not making it convenient for hackers, “phishers” and others with bad intentions to gain the same access.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently went to my dermatologist because I noticed a dark mole I hadn't seen before. He did a biopsy, and it was called a "moderately dysplastic nevus." He recommended removal, which was done right away. During the appointment he mentioned that I am now at greater risk for melanoma, even though I have no family history of melanoma and I do not have a great number of moles. I do get a yearly skin screening, as I am at risk to develop cancer due to my misspent youth basking in the sun despite my fair hair and skin. I have tried to find more information online, but it's been challenging to find things I can understand. Can you shed more light on this topic? — T.M.H.

If you’re a woman who owns a business, you may have some challenges not shared by your male peers — but you also have several opportunities to help improve your financial future.

Unwanted agricultural surplus pesticides? Dispose of them properly at no cost and stay in your vehicle! An agricultural pesticide waste collection day event will be held Oct. 28 in Athens. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Henderson County Regional Fair Park, 3356 Texas 31 in Athens.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 69-year-old Caucasian woman with newly found necrosis of the knee bone, along with a fracture. I do not have diabetes, but I received a month of steroids last November when I had COVID. I also use Adair daily for asthma. I am scheduled for total knee replacement this coming October. My primary care doctor, my orthopedist and my knee surgeon do not know how this occurred. I would like to know so that I might be able to prevent it from happening in the future. I felt fine until after a long walk three months ago. I've had to use a cane for walking ever since, and am unable to walk very far, due to pain. — S.R.

Homeowners who are thinking about adding fruit trees to their home landscape need to first start by taking an honest look at their site. Before we get excited about peaches or pears or citrus or other fruits, we need to be honest about our available space, the amount of sunlight it receives, as well as the soil type.

The pandemic has not changed the fact that motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19 in the U.S. and in Texas.

October is National Retirement Security Month. But what does retirement security mean to you? And how can you work toward achieving it?

With the arrival of autumn, apples will begin filling the produce aisle in supermarkets. And apples seem to be the most beautiful and colorful of the entire section.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have multiple sclerosis, Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. I am on steroids daily as well as potent immunosuppressives. In November 2013, I received a flu shot, and 10 days later I came down with Guillain-Barre syndrome. I was paralyzed for six months. Half of my doctors say I should take the COVID vaccine; the other half say I shouldn't. Do you have any statistics on the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and GBS? What is your opinion? — D.D.

All of us hope to live long, healthy lives, so we do what we can to take care of ourselves through proper diet, exercise and avoiding unhealthy activities. However, none of us can predict our future, so it pays to be prepared for anything — including a serious physical illness or the onset o…

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have read about the benefits of having a glass of wine per day for women, or two glasses for men. Can you please tell me how your health will be affected if you have more? My husband often drinks a bottle of wine a night, and if we go out he will have cocktails as well. — Anon.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been taking calcium supplements for many years to assist in strengthening my bones. I’m 74, weigh less than 95 pounds and stand 5 feet tall. I’m on the verge of osteoporosis, and have been getting Evenity injections for almost a year. Now I’m hearing that calcium supplem…

Once you’re retired and your children are grown, they are likely “off the books,” as far as your financial responsibility for them is concerned. Yet, you’re probably still prepared to do anything to help them — but are they ready to take care of you if the need arises?

When you go to any feed store and buy a sack of feed, you know exactly what you’re getting. We know the weight, the ingredients and the quality of the feed. You can buy 12% or 20% protein cubes to feed cattle.

DEAR DR. ROACH: We know COVID-19 came from Wuhan, China. Where are the delta and other variants coming from? — D.B.

For most of the state of Texas, dove hunting season has begun and wildlife enthusiasts, both watchers and hunters, would do well to plant a winter food plot for the upcoming opening seasons later this fall.

It’s been called the “Great Resignation” — the large number of Americans voluntarily leaving their jobs. If you plan to be part of it (ideally with another source of employment lined up), you’ll need to make the financial moves necessary to keep making progress toward your long-term goals.

National Cholesterol Education Month is observed during the month of September to increase awareness of our cholesterol levels and to educate on ways to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. Education is important, as high blood cholesterol is asymptomatic and is one of the major risk factors …

Boost the flavor and health value of your meals without adding more salt. A trip through the spice aisle at the grocery store and close look at the labels reveals the secret to salt substitutes — herbs.

The grief that comes with the loss of a loved one, including pets, is never easy.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently I was diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after symptoms of unexpected and sustained diarrhea for three months. I was also diagnosed with NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) last November. A year ago, I first noticed slight weight loss (5 pounds) an…

As we leave summer and enter the fall season, beginner and expert gardeners alike are planning their fall vegetable gardens. Whether you are growing vegetables in a pot in your apartment or refreshing your backyard garden, it is important to know that a fall vegetable garden needs to be managed differently than a spring garden.

If you’re a grandparent, you don’t need Grandparents Day, observed on Sept. 12, to remind you of the joys of having grandchildren. Yet, you might want to use this day as an opportunity to think about ways to help provide for your grandchildren’s future.

Every 10 years Texas requires brands be re-registered in the county or counties you are operating in. The next brand re-registration period will begin Aug. 31 and conclude Feb. 28, 2022. All current marks and/or brands will expire Aug. 30.

DEAR DR. ROACH: How do you choose your own doctors? The old advice to interview doctors can’t be done within insurance constraints. I am an old Hispanic woman with a low income. I have Ph.D. in cell biology from a widely respected university, but I am treated just as I witnessed my own mothe…