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8 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH How safe is ultrasound? DEAR DR. ROACH: Could you please discuss the use of ultrasounds during routine pregnancies? How many typically are performed, and are there any possible negative effects on the fetus? Are doctors today perform- ing more ultrasounds (including 3-D ultrasounds) just because they can and because it’s exciting for the expectant parents, or is there a medical reason for performing these? My daughter-in-law is in her sixth month and has had two ultrasounds, plus a 3-D session. She is under the impression that she will have at least one more. To my knowledge, this is not a high-risk pregnancy (she’s 26 and everything is going fine). I’m just wondering if so many sessions are really needed and what is known about the effects on the fetus. — G.M. ANSWER: There is some contro- versy over whether an ultrasound poses risks to the developing fetus. SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might feel more encouraged about changes in your personal and/or pro- fessional life. However, it might be best not to rush things but rather work with them as they evolve. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Bovine’s business sense is especially keen this week. But remember that it’s always best to investigate before investing. Make sure there are no hid- den factors that can rise up later on. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Working on a family project could cre- ate tension between and among those concerned. Your good sense and your patience can help reduce bad attitudes and raise positive feelings. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You should be seeing more progress in the development of your plans and more The Food and Drug Administration has noted that there may be some heat- ing of tissues and that any long-term risks are unknown. I did find studies showing that there is no long-term risk of leukemia, hearing loss or abnormal eye development. A 2013 guideline from multiple groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommended a stan- dard first-trimester ultrasound, and a standard second- or third-trimester ultrasound. Any other ultrasounds would be based on a clinician’s con- cern for a potential problem. The guideline specifically states: “Fetal ultrasound should be performed only when there is a valid medical rea- son, and the lowest possible ultrasonic exposure settings should be used to gain the necessary diagnostic informa- tion.” I don’t have enough information to know why your daughter-in-law has had more ultrasounds than is usu- ally recommended for a normal preg- nancy. Perhaps her obstetrician has a low-level concern she hasn’t shared with her, or your daughter-in-law with you. While not the case for her, I am concerned about the growing trend of so-called keepsake ultrasounds that are not performed for valid medical reasons, such as those done in shop- ping malls. These might not be admin- istered with the same degree of expert- ise and safety as a medical ultrasound. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 78 and have had urinary tract infections con- tinually for the past eight or nine months. My urologist prescribed methenamine for six months, then a month of cephalexin, then back to the first prescription. Why is it so hard to get rid of UTIs? What would you rec- ommend? — A.C.S. ANSWER: Frequent urine infec- tions are common. However, it is important to find out if this is the same infection that hasn’t ever gone away, or a series of new infections. An infec- tion that doesn’t go away needs an evaluation for something abnormal in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone. Your urologist is treating you with medication to prevent new infec- tions. Methanamine is a urinary anti- septic, and cephalexin is a broad-spec- trum antibiotic. You didn’t tell me if you are a man or a woman. Men with recurrent infec- tions should be evaluated for prostate issues. Women with recurrent UTIs frequently are affected by atrophic vaginitis. There are many other caus- es. It’s worth discussing further with your urologist. supporters joining in. News from the past could help change someone’s long-held position. LEO (July 23 to August 22) With personal aspects strong this week, Leos and Leonas might want to spend more time with family and others who are especially close to them. Also expect news of a possible career change. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Taking a strong stand can be help- ful this week. But be careful you don’t cross the line into obstinacy. Best to take a position on facts as they are, not as you want them to be. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You have a strong sense of the needs of others. This week, turn some of that sensitivity into an honest self- appraisal, and let it find places where you can help yourself. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Creating an emotional comfort zone to handle a personal problem helps at first. But by mid- week, you’ll realize you need to deal with it directly or it could linger for too long. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Turning the page on a mistake to start fresh might not be the thing to do. Better to go over each step that led up to the decision you made and see which one misled you. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Goats enjoy a varied diet, but eating crow isn’t on the menu — at least not this week. An embarrassing situation might have gone wrong before you got into it. Check it out. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your sense of honesty might impel you to speak up about a situation you disapprove of. That’s fine. But do so without sounding accu- satory. You might not know all the facts behind it. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Being asked to create a reassuring atti- tude in the middle of chaos isn’t easy, but you can do it. Support for your efforts comes slowly, but it does come. Enjoy an arts-filled weekend. Siuslaw N ews ! 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