Housemate wants to attack kitchen

Dear Amy: I’m a 28-year-old former city dweller who relocated for more space and a quieter location.

I live in a house with a 70-year-old man, who is a former art history teacher and librarian. We have our own living spaces and bathrooms.

I have loved his company and the care that he devotes to the garden. There’s just one thing — he is a very sentimental hoarder.

Our kitchen is loaded with many dozens of wooden spoons, sets of dinnerware, and cabinets full of cookware. There are easily a dozen sponges. We easily have 150 spice containers, as well as random knickknacks. There are corners that are covered in spider webs.

How do I get him to let me organize the space?

I don’t know where to begin and how to preserve our good relationship.

Any ideas? — Happy Nester

Dear Nester: As a rent-paying housemate, you have the right to essentially take over half the kitchen, but because you are a considerate and respectful person, you are handling this carefully.

Now that you have settled in and have lived in the house for a while, you will have to muster up the courage to approach your housemate. Say, “I hope this isn’t too awkward, but would you mind if I more or less attacked the kitchen and did a deep-clean?”

Let’s assume that he will agree to this. After you get started with the cleaning, ask him, “How attached are you to some of these spices? I’m seeing duplicates and stuff that is expired.”

Basically, I’m suggesting that you take on this job in stages. Just as the accumulation happened over time, once he has the experience of navigating in a cleaner space, he might encourage you to do more.

Vaccines must be held to standard

Dear Dr. Roach: I read recently that a coronavirus vaccine is scheduled for release in late October or early November in the very early stages of clinical trials. Although the manufacturer has offered assurances that the vaccine is safe, this seems awfully early.

I am 77 years old and reasonably healthy, but my age puts me in the higher risk category for contracting COVID-19. Would you recommend I get this vaccine as soon as it becomes available? — P.L.

I understand the desire for a vaccine quickly. An effective vaccine could dramatically change the course of the pandemic, saving lives and allowing people to return to work sooner.

However, treatments that prevent disease must be held to the highest standards of safety. I recall the 1976 swine flu vaccine, which was associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, although there remains controversy still about whether the swine flu vaccine really caused it or if it was a statistical fluke. I still have patients who refuse the flu vaccine due to that single event and the perception that it was a rushed and inadequate vaccine.

For me to recommend a vaccine, it must have undergone extensive evaluation, showing that its benefit far outweighs its risk. This requires a large number of volunteers and a significant follow-up period to identify any potential adverse effects. I have consistently advised taking the currently recommended vaccines because of that thorough evaluation prior to approval and because of continued monitoring after release.

I am unaware of any vaccine that has the kind of record that would allow me to take or recommend it outside a clinical trial. While it is possible that such evidence will become available in the future, as of this writing I cannot recommend a coronavirus vaccine.

Thoughts turn inward, Sagittarius

Today’s Birthday: Creativity blossoms this year. For satisfying results, apply consistent focus and efforts. Adapt to winter financial changes.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (8) Profit from home. Research investments carefully. It’s easier to make money this month.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (9) Provide leadership. Your spotlight shines bright with the Sun in your sign this month.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (7) Complete projects and invent new possibilities. Thoughts turn inward over the next month.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (8) Add your strength. Teamwork generates powerful results, with the Scorpio Sun.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (9) Your professional agenda advances with the Sun in Scorpio. Career matters have your attention this month.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (8) Expand territory this next month under the Scorpio Sun. Exploration and adventure inspire. Study subjects of curiosity, fascination or passion. Enjoy trips and classes.

Aries (March 21-April 19) (9) Professional opportunities flower. You can grow shared accounts, with the Sun in Scorpio for a month. Grab a lucky break. It’s all for family.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) (8) Adventure together. Develop partnerships over the next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Take your relationship to the next level. Romance and friendship flower.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) (7) Care for yourself to care for others. Prioritize health and wellness, with the Sun in Scorpio.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) (8) Begin a fun, games and romance phase under the Scorpio Sun. Take action for what you love this month.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (8) Prioritize health. The Sun enters Scorpio for a month, favoring home renovation projects.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (8) Research and write your discoveries. The next month, under the Scorpio Sun, benefits communications