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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (March 7, 2015)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Eyeglasses cause skin to blister DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently purchased two new pairs of prescrip- tion eyeglasses that are in plastic frames. Forty-eight hours after I began wearing the first pair, the bridge of my nose became very red, and small, flat blisters appeared. The same behind both ears — anywhere the plastic touched my skin. I got this to heal with cortisone cream, and a week later I tried the other pair. This time, the reaction came within about 14 hours and involved swelling of my nose as well as the blistering and bright redness. What causes this — an allergy or some sort of chemical burn? The area itched yet felt like a burn and peeled after the cortisone treatment brought the blistering down. — N.W. ANSWER: This sounds like a case of contact dermatitis, probably SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Disappointed about something that didn’t go your way? Cheer up. Look at the reasons it happened, and you could find a valuable lesson about what to do (or not do!) the next time. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to do some reassessing of plans and goals — even how you con- sidered redoing your bathroom. The point is to be open to change if change can improve things. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Take some time to learn who is the right per- son (or persons) to approach and dis- cuss your ideas with for your new proj- ect. Also, reserve time to prepare for an upcoming family event. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Dealing with a demanding situation, as you recently did, could drain much of related to the chemicals used in the manufacturing of the plastic. Some people are just sensitive to any of the many chemicals used; however, I am increasingly seeing bad reactions to manufactured goods, especially to those made overseas. Not every country has the same safeguards we have in place in North America. Some of these chemicals are volatile and disappear after a short while. It’s possible that washing the glasses in hot, soapy water could have been able to remove them. However, in your case, the reaction was so strong that I would avoid that brand in the future. DEAR DR. ROACH: I have arthritis in my neck. When I turn my head, I get a snapping sound in my head under the skull. What can be done for this, and is it dangerous to ignore and maybe just wear a collar? A doctor in Florida wanted to do sur- gery on my neck when I went for back surgery three years ago. I’m 76 years old. I have no pain or weak- ness, just a light ringing in my head. — S.M. ANSWER: The snapping sound is likely made by one of the tendons in your neck moving over a bony prominence. If it isn’t causing any pain, I don’t think you need to do anything about it. I certainly would not recommend neck surgery. I reserve consideration of neck sur- gery for people with severe neuro- logic symptoms, such as pain and weakness, and those whose function is limited. A warm pack on the back of the neck probably is as good a treatment as anything. DEAR DR. ROACH: Does taking psyllium interfere with the body’s absorption of prescription medica- tions? If so, how long should one wait after taking psyllium before taking prescription medications? — M.H.S. ANSWER: Psyllium, which is in Metamucil but also can be bought in bulk, is a soluble, non-absorbable fiber that carries water with it as it passes through the GI tract, relieving constipation. It is safe and effective for most people with mild constipa- tion, but can cause some bloating sensation, especially if started at too- high doses. It should be taken with plenty of water. Psyllium can prevent absorption of medications. It should be taken one hour before or at least two hours after other medications. your own emotional reserves. Take time to relax and indulge yourself in some well-earned pampering. LEO (July 23 to August 22) The regal Lion might feel that she or he is above emotional displays. But show- ing your feelings can be liberating for you, and reassuring for someone who has been waiting for you to do so. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An emotionally needy person might make more demands than you can cope with. Best to ask for some breathing space NOW, before resent- ment sets in and makes communica- tion difficult. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) An unexpected spate of mixed sig- nals could cause serious schedule set- backs. Best to focus on straightening everything out as soon as possible and get everyone back on track. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be aware that someone in the workplace could try to use a dis- agreement with a colleague against you. If so, be prepared to offer your side of the story with the facts to back you up. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An unexpected chal- lenge to a previous decision can be unsettling. But your reservoir of self- confidence — plus your loyal support- ers — should help carry the day for you. Good luck. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While the idea of making some sort of major move in the near future continues to interest you, don’t overlook a new possibility that could be emerging closer to home. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Be careful not to base an upcoming decision on gossip or any- thing you might hear if it can’t meet provable standards. That’s true regard- less of whom the source might be. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might still need to do some solid reassessing early in the week before you can close that sensitive situation. A new job-related opportunity could present itself later in the week. 5 B Siuslaw News ! 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