Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column

Q:  Several of my neighbors in the elder housing where I live disagree on whether or not it is still important for us to have regular dental check-ups. Some of us don’t have dental insurance so we have let this go the last couple of years. Can you settle this and tell us if this…

Q:  I spent hours watching television of the coverage of the memorial service for the late President George H.W. Bush. As a caregiver of a disabled spouse would you remind people of the role the late president had in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act? A: There are past U.S. presidents who will be…

Q:  A friend of mine moved her mother in with her after the recent gas explosions. The elder’s home had minimal damages and all the repairs have been completed. Her mother is terrified to return to her home. She has not been sleeping well at night and cries at the least little thing. My friend…

Q:  Several weeks ago you mentioned in a column the possibility to receive nutrition counseling if you are a diabetic. Could you provide more information? I am interested to find out if this would be a good opportunity for me. A: Thanks for reminding us about this. The nutrition counseling could be a great educational resource…

Q:  My primary care physician has strongly encouraged me to lose weight. My mobility is becoming more limited and my blood sugar numbers have gone up so he thinks taking off a few pounds would help with both issues. I have tried countless diets and joined exercise programs but I get discouraged and eventually give…

Q:  Sometime in October you had an article about the gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. That article focused on preventative measures for folks who use natural gas. How are things going in the aftermath of this accident? A:  As we move from crisis to restoration for those affected, we are stronger and more…

Q:  Last month I had my annual Medicare Wellness checkup. My physician ordered a comprehensive fasting blood test. I just received the results which showed my blood sugar level was higher than the normal range. In the letter I received I was told to start exercising more and change my diet. There is a history…

Q:  I received a call last week from Social Security informing me I had not provided them correct information and had been fraudulent in receiving benefits not entitled to me. They were very aggressive on the phone and started asking me all kinds of questions. I got so nervous and upset I hung up on…

Q:  My mother always handled the family finances. After she passed away my father was not capable of assuming responsibility for paying the household bills. He was really depressed and started declining cognitively. I have been coming over once a week to help him out. I just received a job promotion which will involve a…

Q:  Fortunately I do not live in any of the towns that were recently impacted by the devastating gas explosions. I am concerned for myself and several older relatives who live nearby if this situation was ever to occur again. Are there steps people should take if they believe there is a gas leak in…