8 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
If walking hurts,
try water exercise
DEAR DR. ROACH: I just want-
ed to touch base with you about my
diabetes. While my weight has
stayed stable around 320 pounds,
my sugar numbers have been
increasingly hard to keep in line.
I’ve maxed out on the oral medica-
tions we use. My latest A1c was 6.6.
The doctor says it should be under 6
and that our next step is insulin. He
asked me to try to lose 50 pounds
over the next six months in order to
get my sugar back under control.
I agree and want it to happen. I’m
counting calories and cutting out
carbs, and have started walking in
the morning. I know I can’t run,
with no discs in my bottom three
vertebrae. But even walking is hard.
I walk until my leg goes numb, but I
don’t think it will be enough, and I
may not even be able to keep that
up. Even walking easy makes my
hip hurt and leg go numb after about
20 minutes. — S.A.
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
You’re the first sign in the Zodiac
and like to take the lead wherever
you go. But this time, you’d be wise
to follow someone who has much to
teach you.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Your adversary hasn’t given up try-
ing to undermine you. Continue to
stay cool — someone in authority
knows what’s happening.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Spring brings a positive aspect for
relationships. Paired Twins grow
closer, while the single set finds new
romance — perhaps with a Leo or
Libra.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Wavering aspects this week mean
ANSWER: I am surprised by
your doctor’s advice, because it’s
very clear now (from the ACCORD
study) that an A1c (a measure of
average sugar levels) of 7 percent
has lower overall risks than an A1c
of 6 percent for someone like you.
Exercise is always good, and my
first thought is water. Getting in a
pool will take pressure off your
back, and you should be able to
swim, walk in the water or do water-
exercise classes to your heart’s con-
tent.
Readers: Start reaping the bene-
fits of exercise the moment you
begin. To learn more, order the
booklet on Aerobics, Fitness and
Abdominal Exercises by writing:
Dr. Roach — No. 1301W, 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: What can
you tell me about laser iridotomy for
angle-closure glaucoma? What are
the risks? What is the success rate?
Any other things that would help
make a decision? — J.K.
ANSWER:
Glaucoma
is
increased pressure inside the eye.
Without treatment, it damages the
optic nerve and can lead to vision
loss, even permanent blindness.
Angle-closure glaucoma is
caused by abnormal anatomy inside
the eye, where the lens blocks the
pupil, “closing” the channels that
allow fluid to leave the eye. In acute
closed-angle glaucoma, symptoms
include headache, a “halo” around
lights and severe eye pain. This is an
emergency, since permanent vision
changes may occur within hours to
days, so the surgery is done immedi-
ately.
Ophthalmologists can suspect the
condition based on exam, and if
confirmed, will recommend treat-
ment to prevent this emergency. It
sounds like that is what has hap-
pened in your case.
I resist making a recommendation
of laser versus non-laser surgery. In
my mind, you trust your surgeon to
use the right technique for you.
However, in this case, laser is the
standard treatment. I have read
effectiveness rates of 60 percent to
95 percent. Complications are
uncommon but can include inflam-
mation and “ghost” images. Repeat
surgery is occasionally needed.
weighing your words carefully to
avoid misunderstandings.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You
could soon be on a new career path
in pursuit of those long-standing
goals, but don’t cut any current ties
until you’re sure you’re ready to
make the change.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) A former colleague wants to re-
establish an old professional connec-
tion. It would be wise to make the
contact, at least until you know what
he or she is planning.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A relationship that survived
some rocky moments could be facing
a new challenge. Deal with the prob-
lem openly, honestly and without
delay. Good luck.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) A recent and much-
appreciated change in the workplace
inspires you to make some changes
in your personal life as well. Start
with a plan to travel more.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) A friend needs your
kind and caring advice, but you need
to know what he or she is hiding
from you before you agree to get
involved.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Your circle of friends
continues to widen. Expect to hear
from someone in your past who
hopes to re-establish your once-close
relationship.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Your aspects favor the
arts. Indulge in whatever artistic
expression you enjoy most. A work-
place situation will, I’m pleased to
say, continue to improve.
PISCES (February 19 to March
20) Warning! Your tendency to let
things slide until the last minute
could have a negative effect on a
relationship that you hope can devel-
op into something meaningful.
Siuslaw N ews
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