Sadly, the monarch butterfly population is declining. One of the primary reasons is the loss of open space where the monarchs’ host plants, milkweeds, grow. Alameda gardeners can help increase the monarchs’ numbers by building habitats in even the smallest of yards.

Seeking professional help is not for everyone. When a client comes to my office, I ask them to fill out a couple of forms. One asks for basic data. The other is a consent form. A client, or parent, must sign that they are agreeing to therapy and are there of their own choosing. 

On Jan. 26 City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance requiring of tobacco retailers be licensed. The ordinance would also include a ban on the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco. Licensed tobacco dealers will need to pay an annual fee.

The last two weeks, I have heard many people tell me they have stopped watching the news. They say they feel overwhelmed, scared, depressed and helpless. I have asserted for many months that I believed the political agenda is affecting people more than they are aware. 

Though colorectal cancer cases have been steadily decreasing for the past two decades, it remains the third-most-common cancer in both men and women — with 90 percent of cases in people age 50 or older. 

Seniors make up about 15 percent of Alameda’s population, yet many are forced to leave the Island for healthcare due to both a shortage of physicians and practices capping the number of Medicare patients they’ll accept. 

Cataracts often come with age and can affect anyone’s vision. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. New eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses may help symptoms. If not, surgery may be necessary.

A man told me a story about his 10-year-old son, Jeff — a good student and a well-behaved child. Jeff is somewhat quiet and did not begin to develop strong friendships until the past year. Four boys have become good friends. They play video games and hang out at school together. 

As people age, it’s important to receive wellness care: healthcare that may lower risk of illness or injury. Medicare pays for some wellness care, but it does not pay for all the wellness care a patient might need.