Melanin Bee curves her spine like a stretching cat as she lets out a maniacal, forced laugh. The quick-fire pattern of manufactured giggles — “oh, hoo hoo hoo, eeh, ha ha ha”— soon ripples into genuine laughter, and she giddily kicks her feet. She’s practicing what she calls ...

Q. I’m 76 years old, and I’ve taken an aspirin every day since I was 28 because of arthritis. Although cancer runs in my family on both sides, I’ve never had cancer of any sort. My dad died of prostate cancer. My mom has had breast cancer with both breasts removed. She also had skin ...

To include or update items in the weekly Health News list, email information to tmunnell@tribtoday.com or dbigelow@tribtoday.com. The deadline for inclusion for next week’s list is noon Sunday. ST. JOE’S AT THE MALL: • EXERCISE CLASSES — Cardio Jam, Zumba, SilverSneakers Classic ...

DEAR ANNIE: Every December, my life starts to feel like one of those “year in review” videos — only mine looks more like the blooper reel. Back in January, I sat at my kitchen table with a brand-new planner, a cinnamon latte and all the determination in the world. I even wrote, “This ...

DEAR HELOISE: I sympathize to some extent with the writer in a recent column of yours who lamented how doctor’s offices will say the appointment is at 10 a.m. but ask that you arrive at 9:30 a.m. for paperwork. However, I think it actually makes sense to do it this way. Ten a.m. is the time ...

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 76-year-old male who is in relatively good health. For the past six months, I have been experiencing diarrhea on and off. I initially spoke to my general physician, and he thought it could be lactose intolerance. I reduced my dairy intake, drank lactose-free milk, and ...