SIUSLAW NEWS ❜ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Cooled
thermotherapy is
prostate option
DEAR DR. ROACH: What’s your
opinion on cooled thermotherapy for
benign enlargement of the prostate? I
recently was put on Flomax and finas-
teride, and was given the option of
having this procedure to eliminate tak-
ing these two drugs.
My urologist has had great success,
while my internist says the success
rate is only 60 percent. My internist
did say it’s great if it works. — S.V.
ANSWER: Benign enlargement of
the prostate is very common in older
men, and medications like tamsolusin
(Flomax) and finasteride (Proscar)
often are used, and are pretty effective
in most men. The most effective treat-
ment remains surgery, called
transurethral resection of the prostate,
TURP, which reduces symptoms by at
least half in 98 percent of men.
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The
pitter-patter of all those Sheep feet
means that you’re out and about, rush-
ing to get more done. That’s fine, but
slow down by the weekend so you can
heed some important advice.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
You’re in charge of your own destiny
these days, and, no doubt, you’ll have
that Bull’s-eye of yours right on target.
But don’t forget to make time for fami-
ly events.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be
prepared for a power struggle that you
don’t want. Look to the helpful folks
around you for advice on how to avoid
it without losing the important gains
you’ve made.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Congratulations! You’re about to claim
Unfortunately, TURP causes side
effects in at least 20 percent of men, so
there are several procedures designed
to try to get the benefit of surgery
without the drawbacks.
Cooled thermotherapy is a proce-
dure using a microwave device to
reduce prostate tissue. It isn’t as effec-
tive as TURP: Only 72 percent of men
reduce their symptoms by half or
more; however, it has reduced side
effects, such as need for blood trans-
fusion. Unfortunately, there were
more symptoms of uncomfortable uri-
nation, urgency and need for a
catheter after surgery.
I think both of your doctors are
right: Some men have good experi-
ences, but not everyone will get relief.
Some serious side effects are better
with thermotherapy, and others are
worse. You need to decide how much
taking the medications bothers you
and if you can live with the symptoms
the way they are.
READERS: The new booklet on
the prostate gland discusses cancer,
enlargement, infections and erectile
dysfunction in detail. 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 up to four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I just read
your column regarding the shingles
vaccine. I am an insurance agent who
is often asked about coverage for the
shingles vaccine. The Affordable Care
Act does include this under preventive
care for individuals 60 and over.
Preventive care is covered at 100 per-
cent for health plans that are not
grandfathered. (Grandfathered health
plans are plans that have been contin-
ued virtually unchanged since 2010.
They are not required to comply with
all aspects of ACA, so these plans
might not provide this service.)
You also may be interested in
knowing that, in our area, the
Department of Health clinic does offer
the shingles vaccine for a fee of $5 for
individuals over the age of 50 who do
not have it covered under a health
plan. I am not aware if this is unique
to our area, or if it is a widespread pro-
vision.
ANSWER: Thank you for writing
in. Others wrote to me that their
Department of Health paid for most or
all of the cost. Some said they could
get the vaccine covered at a pharmacy
but not at physician’s offices.
your hard-earned reward for your
patience and persistence. Now, go out
and enjoy some fun and games with
friends and family.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big
Cat might find it difficult to shake off
that listless feeling. But be patient. By
week’s end, your spirits will perk up
and you’ll be your perfectly purring self
again.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) A problem with a co-worker could
prove to be a blessing in disguise when
a superior steps in to investigate and
discovers a situation that could prove
helpful to you.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) This is a favorable time to move
ahead with your plans. Some setbacks
are expected, but they’re only tempo-
rary. Pick up the pace again and stay
with it.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) Your creativity is recognized and
rewarded. So go ahead and claim what
you’ve earned. Meanwhile, that irk-
some and mysterious situation soon will
be resolved.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) A new associate brings
ideas that the wise Sagittarian quickly
will realize can benefit both of you.
Meanwhile, someone from the work-
place makes an emotional request.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) It might be a good idea to
ease up on that hectic pace and spend
more time studying things you’ll need
to know when more opportunities come
later in November.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) A relatively quiet time is
now giving way to a period of high
activity. Face it with the anticipation
that it will bring you some well-
deserved boons and benefits.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Go with the flow, or make waves? It’s
up to you. Either way, you’ll get
noticed. However, make up your own
mind. Don’t let anyone tell you what
choices to make.
7 B
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