July 2024

Dear Readers: Over my 21 years writing this column, I’ve stayed in touch with many readers whose questions have particularly affected me.One such reader, whose question first ran in 2021, provided an “update,” published in 2023.He and I have continued to correspond, and I’m happy to share an update to his update, as a reminder – to all of us – that time plus wisdom can bring on a (mostly) happy ending.Below is the original question and my answer (edited for length).

DEAR DR ROACH: I am a 75-year-old male who has had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for about 20 years and have taken tamsulosin during this time.

DEAR DR.

Q: My doctor says that I have to lower my triglycerides by changing my lifestyle choices -- but what are triglycerides exactly and how do I lower them?