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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (March 28, 2015)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH No quick fix for belly fat DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an old man (84) with a middle-age paunch (5 feet, 7 inches tall and weigh 200 pounds) who needs to fit into a suit with pants an inch too tight in time for a wedding in a few weeks. About how many pounds do I need to lose to fit into them? Is there any formula for converting waist inches to pounds? And are there exercises or other means to focus the weight loss on belly fat? — Anon. ANSWER: I am afraid there’s no formula. Further, I have to tell you that weight doesn’t always come off where we want it to, and specif- ic exercises aren’t going to make the fat come off in those locations. The good news is that for most people, especially men, the first 10 pounds or so to come off usually comes from the middle. The fat in SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might be upset about having to deal with problems that are no fault of your own. But you can turn the annoyance into an asset by showing how quickly and how well you can resolve them. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Bovine’s fondness for tidiness pays off when you untangle a situation that seems hopelessly snarled. You might later be surprised to learn who will be expressing his or her gratitude. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although you can tackle your assign- ment the way you prefer, it might be a good idea to at least ask for suggestions. Who knows? One or two might even turn out to be helpful. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Make all the changes in your plans or propos- als that you feel are necessary before — the omentum (an apron-shaped structure inside the abdomen) is metabolically active and often is the first place where fat is gained or lost. Moreover, that fat is the most likely to increase risk of heart disease. So losing weight around your middle is a good way of improving overall health, especial- ly if you have more inches there than you’d like. Often people start a healthy diet and exercise program and find that the waist size decreases but their weight stays the same. That may be because muscle is much heavier than fat, and the increase in muscle mass makes up for the loss of fat. More muscle is good for you; less body fat is good for you. Weight is an imperfect measure. Liposuction can remove fat from around your waist, but a healthy diet and regular exercise will make you feel better and quite possibly live longer. DEAR DR. ROACH: I injured my little finger in an athletic event. The end of my pinky pointed in toward the ring finger. It is black and blue, and swollen. Do you think I fractured it? Should I get an X-ray? I am still able to curl my finger. — A.J. ANSWER: It’s most likely that you damaged one of the tendons in the finger. Sometimes a fracture can happen at the same time. Most often, these are treated conserva- tively, with ice right after the injury and the finger splinted in a straight position for up to six weeks. Only an experienced physician, such as a hand surgeon, can provide exact recommendations. DEAR DR. ROACH: When you are instructed to take medicine, vitamin, etc., on an empty stomach, how long after eating should you wait? Also, if taken before eating, how long after you take the med- ication until you can eat? — B.H. ANSWER: It depends on the particular medication. For exam- ple, the osteoporosis drug alen- dronate (Fosamax) should be taken after an overnight fast, with plain water (even mineral water can affect its absorption) and then no food for a half hour. Different med- ications have different require- ments. Your pharmacist remains your best resource, and often has both more training and experience than doctors. In general, most vita- mins should be taken with food. repeat, before — you submit them to your colleagues. You’ll come off look- ing more decisive that way. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You might feel a mite intimidated in a new environment, be it a job, a classroom or meeting the future in-laws. But enter with a big smile, and everyone will see you as a real take-charge Cat. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This could be a romantic time for you if you can set aside your cynicism and let yourself believe that someone really cares. If you’re already in a rela- tionship, expect your partner to be extra-loving. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) It’s a good time to shed any doubts about your abilities. You’ve proved yourself in the past, so why not accept that you’ll do just as well, or better, in dealing with the new challenge ahead? SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your suspicions might be on the mark, but unless you can prove what you assume, you need to exercise that Scorpion discretion and let events unfold without your assistance. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Be careful not to go over the top this week. Avoid overeating (especially of the wrong foods), or drinking too much, or working too hard. You can do it all, but in modera- tion. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A family matter is given to you to resolve because you have the gift for bringing quarrelsome kinfolk together. But while you’re playing Dr. Phil, don’t neglect your career obliga- tions. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Someone of importance shares your goals but disagrees with your plan to achieve them. Never mind. Defending your methods with logic and facts earns you admiration and respect. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Consider getting away, perhaps for the weekend, despite all the demands made on your time and energies. You’ll return refreshed and ready to tackle it all with your usual finesse. Siuslaw News ! 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