6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Don’t let summer
heat cutail cardio
workout
DEAR DR. ROACH: I usually
walk 45 minutes daily for a cardio
workout. However, the Florida sum-
mer heat can be brutal, so instead of
walking, I swim and walk one hour
in the pool. Is that as good a cardio
workout as walking? — R.G.
ANSWER: I think that having
several different ways to exercise is
a good idea, since the muscles used
will always be at least somewhat
different and it can keep you from
being bored when doing the same
thing day after day. In your situa-
tion, I think that it makes a great
deal of sense to avoid the heat by
getting in the pool.
The intensity of a cardiovascular
workout can be measured simply by
your pulse rate. A rough but com-
monly used guide is that moderate
cardiovascular exercise is 50 per-
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
You feel ready to face up to a major
change, although it might involve
some risks. A once-dubious family
member comes around and offers
support and encouragement.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Move forward with your plans,
despite discouraging words from
those who underestimate the
Bovine’s strong will. Your keen
instincts will guide you well.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A
misunderstanding is easily cleared
up. Then go ahead and enjoy some
fun and games this week. A Libra
might have ideas that merit serious
consideration for the future.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
You might feel as if you’re in an
cent to 70 percent of your age-pre-
dicted maximum of 220 minus your
age. So for age 50, your maximum
is 170, and moderate exercise is a
pulse of 85 to 119. You can check
your pulse at the wrist with a clock,
or wear a heart monitor.
Swimming almost always is a
more-intense workout than walking
(race walkers certainly can get a
very fast pulse rate), and walking in
the pool is a good exercise for your
heart and many muscles.
If the pool is outdoors, as is usual
in warm, sunny places, you need to
wear and reapply plenty of sun-
screen to protect your skin.
DEAR DR. ROACH: In 1978, I
was diagnosed with a benign brain
tumor. It was on the pituitary gland
and pushing on the optic nerve. I
had surgery, but only half was
removed because of the optic nerve.
The other half was shrunk with
chemo and radiation. I am con-
cerned about the long-term effects
of radiation, because I had a stroke
in 2012 and the doctors said this
stroke might have been a link to
long-term effects of radiation. But
36 years later? Can you confirm or
deny that the long-term effects of
radiation cause stroke? — B.R.
ANSWER: I can’t tell you
whether your stroke was caused by
the radiation you received; however,
I can confirm that high-dose radia-
tion (from radiation therapy for your
tumor, not from a diagnostic CT
scan) increases the overall risk of
transient ischemic attack and stroke.
A well-done study from Australia in
2011 showed that radiation treat-
ment approximately doubles the risk
of TIA and stroke.
This does not mean that the treat-
ment you had in 1978 was inappro-
priate. Treatment of a brain tumor,
even a noncancerous one, is critical,
because there is very little room in
your head for a tumor in that posi-
tion. The medical treatment we have
now for these kinds of tumors was
not available in 1978.
What this means for people with a
history of radiation treatment to the
head is that they should do every-
thing to reduce their risk of stroke,
which means no smoking, careful
control of blood pressure and cho-
lesterol, careful diet including low
sodium and low sugar, and discus-
sion with a doctor about aspirin
therapy.
emotional pressure cooker, but the
situation is about to change in your
favor. Take time out for some well-
earned fun.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) A shift
in your workplace responsibilities
creates resentment among some co-
workers. Deal with it before it
becomes a threat to your success on
the job.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Expect some surprises in what
you thought was one of your typical-
ly well-planned schedules. Deal with
them, and then enjoy some light-
hearted entertainment.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Be careful: What appears to be a
solid financial opportunity might
have some hidden risks attached. A
hazy personal matter needs to be
cleared up.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) It’s a good time to
strengthen ties with family and
friends. You might feel unsure about
a recent workplace decision, but time
will prove you did the right thing.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Just when you thought
your relationship was comfortable
and even predictable, your partner or
spouse could spring a potentially
life-changing surprise on you.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Your usually generous
self is overshadowed by your equal-
ly strong suspicious nature. You
might be judging things too harshly.
Keep an open mind.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Love and romance
dominate the week. Married
Aquarians enjoy domestic harmony,
while singles could soon be welcom-
ing overtures from loving Leos.
PISCES (February 19 to March
20) An old health problem recurs,
but it is soon dealt with, leaving you
eager to get back into the swing of
things. A favorable travel period
starts this week.
Siuslaw N ews
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