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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
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