Dear Doctor: I’ve read about a recent study that found that elderly patients with female doctors fared better than those who were treated by men. I wonder – what does Dr. Glazier think about these results?

DEAR ABBY: I have been communicating with this woman that I work with. She is currently seeing a guy she’s been with for about four years. We have a clear connection and primal attraction, and have both discussed our feelings with each other. We communicate by texting. There is no communication through phone calls, for obvious reasons. Her man works for the same company but in a different building than we do. It’s clear to me that he isn’t good enough for her and doesn’t know how to elevate himself to her level.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two adult is already indepen- children — one who dent, and another who is struggling. I’m really worried about him. He seems to have a lack of my husband and I have confidence, even though provided him with everything so that he could succeed. He got a great education and did fairly well in school. But his motivation is limited. He has a job, but not in his area of interest, and he seems to be floundering. He doesn’t make enough money to be on his own fully, so my husband and I supplement his income. He still lives at home. I’m ing. Do you think that he not sure if this is help- would get his act together if he were more motivated? What can we do to help him grow up and accept responsibility for his life? — Leaving the Nest

Dear Doctor: I work in an open-plan office, and people aren’t good about staying home when they’re sick. Would wearing a surgical mask help keep me from catching someone’s cold or flu?