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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 6, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Prostate screening guidance has changed DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 67 and male. When I had a male doctor, he did a yearly testicle and prostate exam during my physical. Now the practice has been taken over by female doc- tors, and for the past three years, this has not been done. Is this new? Is there a correct way to ask why the change? Believe me, this exam is not one I look forward to, but with a fam- ily history of prostate cancer and other cancers, the bloodwork I get each year alone does not seem to be enough. — Anon. ANSWER: There has indeed been a change in the way prostate and tes- ticular screening tests have been con- sidered in recent years, and recom- mendations by advisory groups have changed as well. The current recom- mendation by the most influential SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You sometimes go to extremes to prove a point. But this time, you won’t have to. Supporters are ready, falling over themselves to help you make your case. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Venus might be your ruling planet, but Mars is in the picture as well. So don’t be surprised if your romantic relation- ships are a bit rocky at this time. But they’ll soon smooth over. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Geminis might rush into romance and risk being wrong about someone rather than be left with no one. But this is one time when it’s wiser to be wary of where your heart takes you. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) With all (or most) of those pesky problems group in the U.S., the Preventive Services Task Force, is against routine screening for prostate cancer and tes- ticular cancer. However, there are some situations, such as with a strong family history, in which screening for these conditions is appropriate, and it is always appropriate for your doctor to listen to your concerns and prefer- ences. As far as male doctors versus female, most studies have shown that women physicians tend to spend a bit more time with their patients and tend to be more in compliance with prac- tice guidelines. However, differences between individuals are more impor- tant than differences between the groups. Just tell your doctor, male or female, that you would like to further discuss prostate and testicular cancer screening. READERS: The new booklet on the prostate gland discusses enlarge- ment and cancer. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 1001W, 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: I have had episodes for many years where I am shocked, like an electric shock, which wakes me from sleep. I jump out of bed, then my legs and feet tremble rapidly, and I need to sit down or I will fall. I have been diagnosed as having “night terrors,” but it is not that. I had a normal MRI. It used to happen twice a week, then dwindled to monthly. Lately, I have it pretty much under control. I wonder if there is some diagnosis out there for me. I hope you have an answer. It would make me feel like less of an idiot! — J.N. ANSWER: I don’t think you are an idiot at all, and I do think I know the cause of these episodes. You have a pretty severe case of nocturnal myoclonus (which sounds like I know what I am talking about, but it just means muscle jerks at nighttime). These are very common and usually are normal, but are sometimes associ- ated with epilepsy. Since yours aren’t getting worse over time and you haven’t had seizures, you are almost certain to have the “physiologic” type. Occasionally, there is a family history. I don’t think you will need any treat- ment. behind you, take time for your family and friends. Travel aspects are favored, with long-distance journeys high on the list. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You might have started to question the wis- dom of being open with someone you hoped you could trust. But be assured you won’t be disappointed. You’ll soon hear good news. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You have a reputation for honesty and integrity, and that will help turn around a situation that was not only disappointing but also quite unfair. Good luck. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A happy event creates a closer tie with a family member who seemed hopelessly estranged. Positive aspects also dominate in important career mat- ters. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your ruling planet, Pluto, helps you adjust to change. So, stop putting off that long-delayed move, and make it with the assurance that you’re doing the right thing. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You have a wonderful capacity to learn quickly and well. This will help you when you are faced with an opportunity to move on to a new path in life. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Good news: You suddenly find that you’re not facing that new challenge alone. You now have some- one at your side, ready to offer what- ever support you might need. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your versatility — which is just one of those aspects of yourself that make you so special — helps you adapt to the challenges of a new and exciting opportunity. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your sensitive nature picks up on the needs of others. But what about your desires? You need to take more time to assess what your goals are and, if nec- essary, redirect them. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS