6 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Honey has sweet healing qualities DEAR DR. ROACH: I am diabet- ic and had a sore on my big toe about a year ago that wouldn’t heal, so my podiatrist sent me to a doctor at a hospital wound center. After three visits, the doctor started talk- ing about removing a bone from my toe, and I refused to accept it. I came across a catalog that had alternative remedies for some health problems. One of the items was a wound honey, used to treat diabetic sores and bed-pressure sores. I ordered some and started using it, and within three weeks my sore had started to heal. I went back to my regular podiatrist and told him what I had used, and he was aware of that type of treatment. More can be found out about the healing proper- ties of wound honey on the Internet. I felt compelled to share this with SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Making things more complicated than they need to be can be a problem for the typically orderly Lamb. Try to look for a less intricate way to accom- plish the same goals. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Avoiding personal involvement in a troubling situation might be advisable at this time, especially since you probably don’t have all the facts. The weekend brings a surprise. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A problem with a colleague you thought had been resolved could recur. However, this time you’ll be able to rely on your record to get a quick res- olution in your favor. Good luck. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Giving your self-esteem a boost could others who may be facing the same problem. It is a far better option than amputation. — L.G. ANSWER: Honey has been used since ancient times for wound heal- ing, and modern science confirms it is an effective way of treating super- ficial burns and ulcers. It has been shown to have antibacterial proper- ties, as well as antimicrobial proper- ties, and is a potentially useful treat- ment for many burns and ulcers. I have found that few of my col- leagues are aware of this. I have two concerns to pass along with your story. First, honey may not be appropriate for all types of diabetic sores. Honey has been used for superficial and slightly deeper ulcers, which we call stage 2 and 3. The evidence for honey in a stage 4 ulcer is less clear. Also, one needs to be extraordi- narily careful about the quality of medical information available on the Internet. I strongly recommend starting with Medline Plus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus), which references trusted sources for information. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82- year-old male who exercises regu- larly for strength, cardiovascular fit- ness, agility and flexibility. I prefer stair-climbing workouts ranging from about 20 to 115 flights of stairs. I would like your opinion on this type of exercise. I have what appears to be some moderate knee arthritis and have heard that stair climbing can be harmful to the knees. I do not experience knee pain while climbing stairs. — D.K. ANSWER: Osteoarthritis used to be called “degenerative” or “wear and tear” arthritis, both of which suggest that you could be damaging your knees from exercise. However, this doesn’t seem to be true. Exercise turns out to be one of the most important treatments of osteoarthritis, and one that shows a significant improvement in function and quality of life, far better than the medications many people take. Most people should start slow and build up, but you are exercising at quite an intense level. I offer you congratulations and don’t recom- mend stopping. The arthritis booklet discusses osteoarthritis, rheumatoid rthritis, and lupus. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 301W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853- 6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. be a good idea for the Moon Child, who might feel a bit daunted by the week’s occurrences. Just focus on all your positive accomplishments. LEO (July 23 to August 22) The “mane” attraction for the Lovable Lion this week is — what else? — love. New relationships move to new levels, while long-standing partner- ships are strengthened. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A recent workplace problem will prove to be one of miscommunica- tion, and once the matter is settled, you should have a better chance of getting your proposals approved. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good news! After dealing pretty much in the dark with a matter that seemed to be taking forever to resolve, you should soon be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A positive message should help lift that energy-draining sense of anxiety, and you should soon be able to deal with even the peskiest matter, whether at work or personal. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Try to control that heated Sagittarian temperament while dealing with what you believe to be an unfair matter. A cool approach is the best way to handle things. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Nursing hurt feelings could keep you from learning what went wrong. Ask your partner, a fam- ily member or a trusted friend to help you reassess your actions in the mat- ter. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Nature is dominant this week. Try to spend time outdoors with someone special. An act of kind- ness in the past might be recalled by a person you believed was out of your life. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) An upcoming career decision could be based on how well you might be able to apply your artistic talents. Be sure to use the finest samples of your work to make a strong impression. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS