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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 19, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Bald Spot on Cheek? Get Thyroid Checked DEAR DR. ROACH: Six months ago, I noticed a “bald spot” on my right cheek. It is round and about the size of a 50-cent piece. I’ve never had this problem before, even though I am going bald. I am gen- erally healthy. I am concerned that this might be an infection or can- cer. There is no itching, redness or discoloration of any sort. Can you address this issue? I am worried that it will spread, and I want to know if it will grow back. -- Anon. ANSWER: This sounds very much like alopecia areata, which usually is found on the scalp, but can be in any area of the body with hair. It probably is an auto-immune disorder, and it happens frequently in people with autoimmune thyroid SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Keep those sharp Sheep eyes focused on a hazy situation. As things begin to clear up, you’ll fi nd a sharper picture emerging, showing something you will need to know. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Watch your expenses through the end of the month. Later, you’ll be glad to have extra money to pay for some- thing that will make an acquisitive Bovine’s heart beat faster. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re now ready to make that oft- deferred commitment, if you still believe it’s what you want. Don’t be afraid to change your mind if you feel you should go in another direction. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Now that you are moving on with disease, such as Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease. People with alo- pecia areata should get screened for thyroid disease. It usually starts in people under 30. About half of people will have their hair regrow within a year. If the skin otherwise looks com- pletely normal, it is very unlikely to be a cancer or infection. A derma- tologist should be able to confi rm the diagnosis. DEAR DR. ROACH: Is there any type of corrective surgery for eye “fl oaters”? -- J.W. ANSWER: Floaters are bits of cellular debris that fl oat inside the vitreous humor in the eye. The eye has no way of getting rid of these, normally. Most people are not bothered by them, and they do not need to be treated unless they are interfering with vision. However, if they do affect vision or are very bothersome, there are surgical techniques developed to deal with them. I’ve had readers write in that they had treatment with laser or with vitrectomy. At least one ophthalmologist of one of my readers has a specialty practice just treating fl oaters. The sudden appearance of fl oat- ers can be a sign of serious disease, especially a detached retina; this should be evaluated immediately, especially if any changes in vision are present. DEAR DR. ROACH: For two to three months, I have been tak- ing 17 grams of polyethylene gly- col mixed in 8 ounces of water three times a week. Finally, I have found something that is effective in relieving my lifelong chronic constipation problem. In the past two months, however, I have lost approximately 10 pounds and at 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches tall, I now weigh 100 pounds. Could the weight loss be related to the use of the polyeth- ylene glycol? -- P.D.M. ANSWER: Polyethylene glycol (Miralax and others) is a nonab- sorbable, inert substance that car- ries water with it as it goes through your digestive tract. This gives the stool more moisture and makes it easier to pass. It is considered very safe. I don’t think that it is responsible for 10 pounds of weight loss. I would be more concerned about an underlying medical issue, espe- cially one that might cause consti- pation, such as thyroid disease. I also would be sure you have had a recent colonoscopy. your life after that recent disappoint- ment, how about reactivating your travel plans and taking someone spe- cial along with you. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Many new friends come into your personal life, which suits all of you social Lions just fi ne. However, one new friend might make demands that you could fi nd diffi cult to deal with. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Communication doesn’t exist unless it’s two-way. So if you’re get- ting no replies to the signals you’re sending, it could be time to look for someone more receptive. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A workplace complication that you thought was ironed out devel- ops new wrinkles that need atten- tion. Meanwhile, expect continuing improvement in your home life. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A tense personal prob- lem needs to be talked out before someone decides to walk out. Resist making decisions until full explana- tions are offered from both sides. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A technological glitch that caused problems recently will soon be repaired, and life can return to normal. A colleague has a surpris- ing message to deliver. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your partner might feel that you haven’t been as open with him or her as you should be. Deal with this now, before it turns into something more diffi cult to handle. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Good news: Many of the stumbling blocks that affected the progress of some of your career proj- ects are fading away. Things also start to look up on the home front. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’ll need that strong Piscean pluck to get through waters that will be turbulent for a while. A more posi- tive aspect soon emerges, along with some welcome news. 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
