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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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