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an illustration of items on a desk, including a post-it reading "MIT Extended Plan?" and a mobile phone displaying the text "Dad lost his job"

April 18, 2018

Dear Lucy: I’m an MIT sophomore. Last year, and this year again, I waived the MIT Extended Plan coverage, because I could be covered under my father’s health insurance plan. But my father just got laid off, and he’s losing his health insurance at the end of the month. I know I can get the Extended Plan next fall if he doesn’t get a new job by then, but what should I do in the meantime? Do you have any suggestions for me? —Uncovered

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illustration of a person sleeping in the shadow of a large sundial

April 4, 2018

Eyes wide shut

Dear Lucy: I’m often seized by extreme sleepiness about one and a half or two hours after lunch. I’m usually much sleepier at this time of day than I am at midnight. I think many people share this experience. Unfortunately, many classes at MIT are scheduled in the afternoon, just at this “sleepy time.” Do you have any advice on how I can become more alert at this time of day? —Somnolent Sophomore

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March 15, 2018

Teary query

Dear Lucy: My right eye is very red, but it’s not itchy, so I don’t think I have “pinkeye”/conjunctivitis. However, I do feel some pain, or maybe pressure, which bothers me enough that that eye releases some tears occasionally. Any idea what this might be? —Red Eye

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