Q: My co-worker in the cubicle next to me is a nonbeliever in modern medicine, hasn't been to a doctor in years, and refuses to go to one. She will only go to an herbalist. Another co-worker and I are diabetics and because of that, have compromised immune systems. Our anti-medicine employee also refuses to stay home when she is sick. She comes in sick and likes to talk about her illness. She told us she has a yeast infection that goes all the way down to her knees and that she has parasites. I didn't want to ask what kind. She even has thrown up in the trash can at her desk. Although she complains about the odor, I constantly spray and wipe things with antibacterial cleaner because I can't risk getting sick. She has told the administration department about her health problems, but they won't make her leave work. What recourse do my other grossed-out co-workers and I have? I don't want to wear a mask and gloves, but I have considered it.

A: Your herbal-taking co-worker sounds like a hypochondriac, and talking about her health problems bring her the attention she craves. You can't catch someone's yeast infection, as it is an internal condition. Throwing up in her trash bin may be from taking herbs that are actually harming her. Herbs are part of an unregulated industry and have no true medical studies to support their usage. Even though she sees an herbalist, she has no idea what her system needs or what she is putting into it. Your administration heads probably view her behavior as an emotional problem, which is why they don't send her home but can't admit this to you and other co-workers. Ask your boss whether you can move away from this person because her discussions about illnesses keep you from concentrating on work.

Retired Workers Can Get Temp Jobs if High Income Is Not a Goal

Q: I know many retired people have a difficult time finding other full-time employment, but I'd like to share my experience.

I retired from the U.S. Foreign Service while I was still in my mid-50s. After enjoying years of playing in paradise, I got bored and started looking for a job. I didn't try the consultant route because my skills did not transfer easily to that sector of the work force. I knew little about local private industry. I could have volunteered, but I wanted to supplement my retirement income. My sister, who is a human resources vice president at a big company, suggested temporary work. I registered at a temp agency that put me to work immediately. I was 67, and they never asked my age. I am now on my fifth assignment two years later and have worked for some large, highly reputable companies. Admittedly, I am making only $15 per hour with no benefits, but I am allowed to turn down any assignments that don't interest me.

A: If a person isn't seeking a large income, registering with nationally known temporary firms is an excellent way for a retired person to keep busy. A person's educational background and work experience will be matched appropriately to a company's needs, so it is likely that your administrative and management work overseas made you easy to market. If one firm doesn't have enough appropriate jobs coming in, a person can register for another firm, as well. If a company wants a worker to sign an exclusivity contract, it should be able to guarantee a reasonable number of job assignments coming in.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com, or visit her Web site at www.LindseyNovak.com. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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