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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 13, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Too much vitamin D DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 86- year-old woman with three doctors battling over my vitamin D level for many years. I am 59 inches tall and weigh 95 pounds. I play nine holes of golf three times a week. I have always been a poor eater, so I get lit- tle nourishment from food. I drink 3 ounces of scotch every evening with chips. That’s my nourishment. I’ve beaten lung cancer and recently had skin cancer surgery in my ear. The vitamin D situation never goes away, and the doctors keep changing my meds. One of the doctors claims that my vitamin D count is almost toxic (my blood lev- els of vitamin D are 121 from my rheumatologist and 145 from my internist), and I have been taken off any meds with vitamin D in them, but it’s still high. SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A troubling situation takes a positive turn and moves toward a resolution that should please you and your supporters. Meanwhile, make time to deal with new domestic issues. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to reassess your goals and consider shifting directions. Remember to keep an open mind, and be prepared to make changes as new opportunities arise. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Rely on your strong Mercury aspect to help you close that communication gap before it becomes too wide to cross. A sibling or other family member has news. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’re about to get off that emotional I am feeling OK now and want to forget the whole matter of the vita- min D level. Your opinion would be appreciated. — Anon. ANSWER: I admire your spirit for life, even if I don’t agree with your diet. I have seen only one case of vita- min D excess in my career. It is very rare if people are taking less than 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily, so I sus- pect you were taking much higher doses at some point. When I hear that multiple doctors may have been tak- ing care of you, I worry that more than one was prescribing high doses of vitamin D. There also have been cases of manufacturing errors and excess fortification of milk, but these are quite rare. Vitamin D is normally stored in the liver, with the fat cells becoming a second reservoir. The toxicity of vitamin D is due to high calcium lev- els, which can cause confusion, nau- sea and vomiting, and muscle weak- ness. Toxic levels can be treated with short-term prednisone, but that isn’t necessary unless there are symptoms or a dangerously high calcium level. By the time your letter is pub- lished, your vitamin D levels should have returned to normal. If they haven’t, it’s time to look for a rare cause, such as sarcoidosis, where occasionally the abnormal cells can make vitamin D. The booklet on sodium, potassium and mineral discusses the importance of these and other substances to our health. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 202W, 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: My mother was diagnosed a few years ago with macular degeneration (both wet and dry). Is this disease hereditary? What can I do to prevent myself from get- ting this disease? — K. ANSWER: There does seem to be an increased risk in people with a family history. Several studies have shown that vitamins, especially B vitamins, can reduce risk by a third or so. Since a combination of zinc and vitamins A, C and E was shown to help reduce progression of macular degeneration, many experts recom- mend it for prevention as well. roller coaster and start experiencing more stability than you’ve been used to. This is a good time to let someone new into your life. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Good news: A trusted friend comes through for you. But you still need to shed that last scrap of self-doubt and once more become the cool, confident Cat we all know and love. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Things should be getting back to a less hectic pace. Enjoy the more peace- ful atmosphere. You earned it. But don’t forget about those still-unresolved issues. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A more positive family relationship develops as misunderstandings are explained away. A job situation appears promising, but check it out before you act on it. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Congratulations. That on-the-job situation is working out as you’d hoped. Now’s a good time to relax and to enjoy the company of family and close friends. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You might feel as if you’re caught in an emotional tug-of- war. But don’t be rushed into a decision on either side. Wait for more facts before you act. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The Goat’s usually high level of self-confidence is brimming over these days. This should help you deal with a situation that you’ve avoid- ed for far too long. Go for it. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Relationships become more intense. But be careful not to be pushed into decisions you’re not com- fortable with. Remember: You’re the one in charge of your life. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You need to show more confidence in your ability to reach your goals. Make that long-delayed decision, and avoid floundering around in a sea of self- doubt. 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