6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Woman’s eyebrows
have almost
disappeared
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an
active 63-year-old female of normal
weight. I exercise several times a
week and am in seemingly good
health. About a year ago I noticed
that my eyebrows were disappear-
ing, starting on the outer edges.
They are now almost completely
gone.
During my annual physical in
November, my general physician
found that I have thyroid nodules.
Three large ones were biopsied and
proved negative. Blood work,
including a TSH level, is normal.
Both my GP and dermatologist feel
certain that the nodules are not caus-
ing the eyebrow problem, because I
don’t have any other symptoms of
thyroid disease, but they don’t know
what is causing the loss. — K.F.
ANSWER: The loss of eyebrows,
superciliary madarosis, has many
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Still
operating under a full head of self-
esteem makes you want to tackle a mat-
ter you had shied away from. OK. But
be sure to arm yourself with facts before
you make a move.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) That
smart move you recently made caught
the attention of a lot of people, includ-
ing some with financial deals to offer.
Use your Taurean wariness to check
them out thoroughly.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Shyness might keep you from asking
for more information on a potentially
important matter. But your curiosity
grows stronger by midweek and gives
you the impetus for data-gathering.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Taking on too many tasks may not be
possible causes, but low thyroid is
the first that most doctors think of. A
TSH level is a reasonable screening
test for thyroid disease, but if the
suspicion is high, I check additional
thyroid tests, such a thyroxine (T4),
free T4 and T3. Occasionally TSH
still can be in the very broad “nor-
mal” range for most people but be
abnormal for that person.
Other causes of eyebrow loss
include
autoimmune
disease,
inflammatory skin conditions and
infection. Repeated plucking of the
eyebrows can lead to permanent loss
of the follicles. Allergies to cosmet-
ics also can cause eyebrow and eye-
lash loss. Have you changed your
makeup recently?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 42-
year-old woman in good health. I
am beginning a new job soon, and I
feel it’s a good idea to build up my
immunity before I work in this new
environment. I chose an over-the-
counter support supplement, but I
am coming down with a cold!
I have found that I regularly react
in this way to vitamins and supple-
ments. Is this common? — D.F.
ANSWER: Having a strong
immune system is always a good
idea. However, supplements, even
those that say they are good for the
immune system, have no proof that
they prevent colds or shorten their
duration. A healthy diet, exercise
and good sleep are much better for
your immune system than a supple-
ment.
Some readers insist that these
products are effective for them, but
the science so far has not proven it.
Also, any drug, herb, vitamin or
other supplement always has the
potential for side effects. I would
advise you to save your money.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I often
wonder if the white mold one sees
on supermarket blueberries is at all
dangerous to one’s heath. I’ve eaten
a few with such mold, but with no
apparent effect. — A.W.
ANSWER: I contacted an expert
at Michigan State University, who
told me that the white mold is likely
a type of trichoderma. Trichoderma
are not usually dangerous to
humans, although some people can
have an allergic reaction to it.
Still, moldy blueberries are likely
to be old, not have as many nutrients
and not taste so good. Eat berries
right away, before they can get
moldy, and if you notice that they
are moldy as soon as you get them
home from the store, take them
back.
the wise thing to do at this time. You
might overspend both your physical
and emotional energy reserves, and
have to miss out on some upcoming
events.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Try to
keep your spending at an affordable
level. Splurging now — especially on
credit — could create a problem if your
finances are too low for you to take
advantage of a possible opportunity.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) You might not approve of a col-
league’s behavior during much of the
week. But don’t play the judgmental
Virgo card here. As always, check the
facts before you assume the worst.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Coping with an old issue that has
suddenly re-emerged could take a big
toll on your emotional energies. Decide
whether you really want to pursue the
possibilities here.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) For all your skill in keeping your
secrets safe, you could be unwittingly
letting one slip out by the way you’re
behaving in that new relationship. Are
congratulations soon to be in order?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Good old-fashioned
horse sense could help you get around
those who unknowingly or deliberately
put obstacles in your way. Ignore the
confusion and follow your own lead.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) A puzzling attitude change
in a colleague from friendly to chilly
might stem from a long-hidden resent-
ment suddenly bubbling up. An open
and honest talk should resolve the prob-
lem.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) This week, many ever-
generous Aquarians might find them-
selves feeling an acquisitive urge. If so,
indulge it. You’ve earned the right to
treat yourself to wonderful things.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Expect to get a lot of advice on how to
go about implementing your plans. But
once you’ve sorted it all out, you’ll
probably find that, once again, your
way will be the best way.
Siuslaw News
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