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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 13, 2016)
8 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Common shaving myth debunked DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 48- year-old, athletically fit man with excessive body hair on my back, chest and arms. I see that the younger generation of men at the gyms, pools and beaches seem to all groom (shave) their body hair for better appearance. I started trim- ming down but have not fully shaved. My concern is whether, when you cut hair, it grows faster. When I’m in my upper 60s or 70s and decide to stop, will my body hair grow to 4 inches long? Does your body hair continue to grow at a normal rate when you’re older, or does it slow down? Please advise. — M.C. ANSWER: No, it’s a myth that cutting or shaving hair makes it grow faster. It certainly might seem to come in more coarsely, since the SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Time is on your side in the early part of the week. But anything left undone by midweek will need to be put into rush mode. The weekend offers choices for you and someone special. TAURUS (April 30 to May 20) Finally getting credit for a contribution is nice for all you idea-generating Ferdinands and Fernandas. But don’t sit on your laurels under the cork tree. Use it as a first step to a bigger oppor- tunity. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Despite the progress made, a hint of doubt might set in. That’s OK. You need to stop and consider not only what you’re doing but also how you are doing. Make adjustments where need- ed. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The cut hair under the surface of the skin is thick. But there is no effect on hair growth. Hair growth rates stay roughly the same throughout adult- hood. I am aware that the current trend is for hairless-appearing skin. However, I see a lot of people with infections from shaving. If you do shave, use plenty of mild shaving cream or gel, always use a new, sharp razor, and use a soothing aftershave cream or lotion to help close the pores after shaving. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 86- year-old male in good health. I take a 40-mg simvastatin and a 150-mcg levothyroxine. I exercise three times a week — one hour with weights and one hour of aerobics (elliptical and treadmill). On the treadmill, I go from a speed of 3.5 for 25 sec- onds to 6.0 for 25 seconds. My heart rate goes from 89 to 170 (sometimes 165 to 178) but drops back to about 89 when I return to the slower speed. I have heard that your exer- cise heart rate should be 212 minus your age times 80 percent. That would be 101. Does my 170 for 25 seconds sound OK? — E.N.W. ANSWER: No, that sounds too fast for an 86-year-old. The formula you mention is one frequently stat- ed, and it isn’t particularly accurate, since there is a great deal of individ- ual variation. But 170 is very fast for an 86-year-old. I wonder if it’s accurate. A pulse monitor, using electrical impulses, is the most accurate, but even these can be fooled by electrical interference. If it really is so fast, I would worry about an exercise-induced tachycar- dia, and a visit to your doctor or car- diologist would be a good idea, especially if you are having symp- toms of chest discomfort or short- ness of breath. DEAR DR. ROACH: Do peanuts (which are not nuts, but legumes) afford the same health benefits as nuts? — A. ANSWER: Most of the studies showing benefits of nuts included peanuts as well. Peanuts probably have the same benefits as tree nuts. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to nuts, and many to peanuts. Those people can’t get the benefits of eating nuts, as it is unsafe, even life-threatening on occasion. dreamer is dominant in the Moon Child’s aspect, but a dollop of hard- headed practicality is coming up fast and jockeying for space. The challenge is to make room for both modes. LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good week for Leos and Leonas to start assessing what they’ve done and what they plan to do. Moving to a new envi- ronment — home or job-related — is a possibility for some Cats. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The week calls for Virgos to make tough decisions, but in a way that leaves the door open for changes. Ask for advice from someone who has been in the position you’re in now. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Disappointments are never easy to take, but you have the ability to learn from them and go on to success. Meanwhile, continue to build up your contacts. You’ll need them soon. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Things might still be going much too slowly to suit you. But you need the time to make sure they’re going in the right direction. It’s easier to make a course correction now rather than later. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Showing some tempera- ment at the way things are going is one way of getting your point across. Just don’t overdo it, or you risk turning away more-moderate supporters. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Things could change more quickly this week than you like. But don’t fret; you’ll most likely find that you’re up to the challenges. The week- end offers much-needed relaxation. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Big challenge coming up? Uncross those fingers and believe that you’re going to do well. And keep in mind that so many people have faith in your ability to succeed. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Testing the waters is a good way of learning about an opportunity before plunging right in. Ask more questions and be alert to any attempts to avoid giving complete answers. 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
