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
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TO
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