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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 15, 2015)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Shuffling of feet raises red flag DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 85 and in good health, except for dizzy spells. It was said that I have vertigo, but I do not believe this to be the case. Meclizine is of no help. The symptoms are worst when I close my eyes: When I do, I feel like may fall. Other symptoms are shuf- fling of feet, dizziness and dizziness on standing too quickly. Is it possible I have Meniere’s disease? — A.T.H. ANSWER: “Dizziness” is a very nonspecific term. It can mean verti- go, which is a sensation of movement when there isn’t any; lightheaded- ness, such as we can all get some- times when standing too quickly; or a disorientation that can happen when blood sugar is low. Meniere’s disease is a cause of true vertigo, often with SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A relaxed mood early in the week could give way to high-temperature dis- putes. The Aries Lamb should resist being pulled into heated quarrels that could really singe your wool. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Satisfy that practical obligation first, then you can feel free to indulge in your creative endeavors. Also, check for hidden or overlooked areas where repairs might be long overdue. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Home is still the Twins’ major focus this week. But outside matters begin to take on added importance, espe- cially those involving possible career moves. Stay alert for signs of change. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A travel plan might need to undergo some considerable adjustment ringing in the ears and hearing loss. Shuffling of the feet is a red flag for Parkinson’s disease. Dizziness is a common if not universal symptom in people with Parkinson’s. However, only a thorough history and physical exam can make the diagnosis. If your regular doctor hasn’t been able to help, you might see a neurologist, who is an expert in making diagnoses about neurologic symptoms such as dizziness. There are many possible causes. The booklet on vertigo explains this disruptive condition in detail and outlines its treatment. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 801W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. 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. DEAR DR. ROACH: My daugh- ter was diagnosed with Lyme dis- ease. I’m from Michigan, in a county with open spaces and lots of animals. Probably a tick caused it. Are there doctors who treat this disease in our area? Lots of people in this area have it. — P.A. ANSWER: Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria, Borrelia burgd- oferi, which in turn is spread by the black-legged deer tick, Ixodes scapu- laris. I checked with the health department in Michigan and found that there has never been a reported case from your county. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible — you are not far from some counties in western Michigan where Lyme disease is known to be present. It’s possible your daughter traveled, or it’s possi- ble she is the first case in your coun- ty. Most cases of Lyme disease start with a characteristic rash, sometimes with fever or other symptoms. It can be treated effectively, in the vast majority of cases in early stage, with oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline. An infectious-disease expert can help confirm the diagnosis and make sure she is properly treated. DEAR DR. ROACH: You wrote about the health benefits of nuts. Does roasting them matter? A friend says they need to be raw. — A. ANSWER: The data showing improved heart disease rates in peo- ple who eat nuts looked both at raw nuts and roasted. Many roasted nuts include more salt than you want, and some roast in unhealthy oils. Look for dry-roasted and low or no salt. because of unexpected changes. Keep an open mind and let the facts guide you on how you want to handle this. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Playing cat and mouse with a matter you don’t really want to tackle wastes time, energy and, most important, an opportunity. Ask someone with expe- rience to help you get started. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A shift in policy might not please you, but before you put up a “no go” wall of resistance, examine the cir- cumstances. You might be quite pleasantly surprised by what you find. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Yesterday’s critiques about your methods might have already evolved into today’s praise for your achieve- ments. Good for you. Now go on and continue to build on your credibility. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An occasional tem- peramental flare-up might occur as you continue to help get things back to normal. Stay with it. You should soon get some idea of where to take things next. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A negative reaction to what you believe was a well-deserved request might mean that you need to reconsider your position and make changes accordingly. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) There’s always room for someone new at the Sea Goat’s table. And the someone new this week could bring a message you’ve been waiting a long time to hear. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A pile-on of personal matters this week might seem too overwhelming to deal with. But han- dling them on a one-by-one basis could have you out from under it by the weekend. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A friend might need your good advice regarding a matter. Be supportive. But unless you can be absolutely sure you have all the facts, be careful about any suggestions you might be asked to offer. 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