6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Can tea tree oil
cure nail fungus?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in a
medical advice column that tea tree oil
can help cure the nail fungus that I
have had for more than 10 years on
my big toe. It did dramatically reduce
the inflammation around the nail, but
the nail is unchanged, and the inflam-
mation
subsequently
returns.
Recently, though, I have seen or heard
of several nail fungus treatments that
do not present a danger of liver dam-
age. Are there any new treatments for
the nail fungus that actually are effec-
tive? — J.S.
ANSWER: According to the
Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database, 100 percent tea tree oil
cream, applied twice daily for six
months, is effective at curing infection
in only 18 percent of people who try
it. Most people have some benefit that
isn’t permanent, as you did.
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
Although you would prefer to move
forward at a steady pace, it might be a
good idea to stop and reassess your
plans. You could find a good reason to
make a change at this time.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Just
when you thought you had everything
planned to the smallest detail, you get
some news that could unsettle things.
But a timely explanation helps put it all
back on track.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Home
and work continue to compete for your
attention. But you handle it well by giv-
ing each its proper due. Someone you
trust offers valuable advice. Listen to it.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Unsettling news creates a difficult but
The only highly effective medi-
cines I can find good evidence about,
with cure rates of 50 percent to 75 per-
cent, all have the possibility, albeit
small, of liver damage.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 72.
Several years ago, because of bad
back pain, I had tests and X-rays. The
orthopedic physician assistant I was
directed to afterward said I’d need hip
replacements, or I could get a shot. No
more comment than that. At my own
insistence, I tried physical therapy
instead of a shot. It merely aggravated
the situation.
Twice since, I’ve seen the same PA.
We have a little conversation, and he
bills me for the same advice. He did
not display the X-rays, and I didn’t
think to ask. I’ve yet to see the
licensed doctor in that office.
Walking is the one exercise that
generally doesn’t bother me, so that’s
how I keep a bit active. Judging by
charts, I am about 30 pounds over-
weight. My leg and hip pains now do
have me thinking about having at least
one hip replaced. How do I initiate
this? What sort of improved mobility
can I expect? How long is recovery?
Might my insurance cover a second
opinion? What options are there?
Which implants are best? — J.W.
ANSWER: You need a different
orthopedic surgeon. He or she will go
over all the questions you have — all
of which are reasonable, but can be
answered only by someone who has
examined you, listened to your con-
cerns and knows your particular
orthopedic problem. Almost all insur-
ances will let you seek a second opin-
ion.
If you are feeling kind, let the
orthopedic surgeon you didn’t see
know the treatment you got from the
PA. It has been my experience that
physician assistants give out very
good care, within the scope of their
expertise, but this one is not giving
good care to you, and I’m sure the sur-
geon would like to know.
The booklet on back problems
gives an outline of the causes of and
treatments for the more-common back
maladies. Readers can order a copy by
writing: Dr. Roach — No. 303W, 628
Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
Enclose a check or money order for
$4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipi-
ent’s printed name and address. Please
allow four weeks for delivery.
not impossible situation. Continue to
follow your planned routine, but keep
your mind open to a possible change
down the line.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Lick
your wounded pride if you like, but it’s
a better idea to find out why your sug-
gestions were rejected. What you learn
could help you deal with an upcoming
situation.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Feeling a bit listless? No wonder.
You might be pushing too hard to finish
everything on your to-do list. Cutting it
down could help get your energy levels
up.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Taking time out of your busy sched-
ule might be the best way to handle that
sensitive private matter. It will help
reassure everyone involved about your
priorities.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) Insist on full disclosure by all par-
ties before agreeing to be part of a
“great deal.” What you learn should
help you decide whether to go with it or
not.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Your decision to protect
the secret that was entrusted to you
might irk some people. But it also wins
you the admiration of those who value
trust and loyalty.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Creative activities take on a
practical approach as you realize you
might be able to market your work. Ask
for advice from someone experienced
in this area.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) If you’re suddenly a bit
unsure about your decision, ask trusted
colleagues and/or friends or family
members for suggestions that could
help resolve your doubts.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
A workplace situation could get stormy.
But stay on course until there’s a solu-
tion that meets with everyone’s
approval, and things finally can calm
down.
Siuslaw N ews
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