The world’s population is steadily growing older. Along with increased age comes a variety of age-related health problems, and degenerative spine diseases constitute a common health problem in older persons.

Spine surgery can improve quality of life in many patients with damaged or deteriorating spinal components. This is true for older patients as well as for younger ones. But what about patients in the upper range of elderly, those 80 years of age or older? Is spine surgery advisable in this group and what risks does it carry?

I’m not sure if it’s a southern saying or something my family said, but I heard “Dropped by” quite often while growing up. It simply means an unexpected visit to somebody else’s home. Usually it was somebody you knew, but in times of desperation it could be any home. I had to “Drop by” a stranger’s home many years ago and it’s a day a-I still remember. And I still can’t explain what I experienced.

(This is the continuation of last week’s story titled “From Dust Thou Art”.)

It was after Bella had put the little Mosley aunts to bed and had turned in herself before Mother Maggie returned. She talked quietly to Pa Fain, so quietly that Bella tiptoed out of her bed and hid behind the living room door to hear what was being said. Bella was so curious to know what had happened to Della that she felt she could not sleep if she didn’t know. Sneaking like this was dangerous, for if Pa Fain had caught her, his belt strap would have given her backside a reminder not to snoop that would have lasted for at least a week.

Everybody loves Banana Pudding. This recipe is a variation of that favorite. I made it when I was doing the Wednesday night suppers at church. It is a good potluck dish, doesn't cost much to make and goes together quickly. If you like a butterscotch flavor, this is for you.

Utility Services are what makes our homes comfortable, providing electricity, water, sewage disposal, etc. It’s easy to forget that these services are provided through wires and pipes that are overhead or below ground. When trees are planted near these lines there could be trouble in the future, so think before you plant. Here are some things to consider.

Back in the 90’s when I was seriously getting into writing, I also rediscovered a childhood favorite. That was the show, Zorro, and it was on the Disney Channel at the time. Zorro was the brainchild of a pulp magazine writer named Johnston McCulley back in 1919 when he published “The Curse of Capistrano.” The next year it was made into a silent movie with Douglas Fairbanks in the title role. McCulley cranked out many more Zorro stories until his death. There were more movies (like the stellar Tyrone Power film of the 1940’s) and numerous serials as well.

You all know the nursery rhyme. In fact, I’ll bet that most of you are humming it in your head right now after reading the title of this article. It’s cute, it’s easy for little ones to remember, and it asks an age-old, thought-provoking question.

“How I wonder what you are!”

Patients with covid-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have covid-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of covid-19. For more information: www.cdc.gov/covid19-symptoms

Uniquely Union host Dr. Ronnie Mincey interviews Commissioner Gary England.

In the first part of our tomato series, we discussed selecting the right variety of tomato for your garden and preferences. In this edition, we will talk about fertilization and one of the two biggest problems with growing tomatoes, weeds. Of course, being an Extension Agent, I must always recommend a soil test before planting your garden.