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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 24, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Zero-Calorie Drinks No Match for Water DEAR DR. ROACH: I walk 30-60 minutes about four times a week and drink several times from a water bottle that I carry with me. Would it be OK to occasionally substitute caffeine-free diet soda for the water? ANSWER: I’ve talked a few times about diet soda, and the controversy about whether it helps people lose weight or whether, despite having zero calories, it makes people more likely to gain weight. There has been evidence for both. A recent and fascinating study was published showing that artifi cially sweetened beverages predispose a person to higher blood sugars, and that the effect was due to changes in the bacteria in our gut (called the microbiome). These bacteria have become the focus of intensive study of how important they are for our overall health. I recommend against habitual use SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Th e New Year brings challenges that can change many things in your life. You need to be prepared not only to con- front them, but also to deal with what happens aft erward. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You have what it takes to set your goals quite a bit higher this year. Learn what you need to know and put what you learn into your eff orts. A partner off ers loving support. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) In true Gemini Twin fashion, you’re confl icted about a decision you know you’ll have to make in this New Year. Best advice: Get the facts before you make any commitment. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend off ers you an exciting oppor- of artifi cially sweetened beverages. Occasional use of diet soda is unlike- ly to harm much; however, water -- still or bubbly, plain or with a wedge of fruit -- is the best and most natural way to hydrate. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 68 years old, and will be having bypass surgery soon. After my surgery, will L-arginine be good for my heart? I know I will be walking every day. -- G.J.S. ANSWER: L-arginine, an amino acid, has been shown to increase nitric oxide in blood vessels of peo- ple with high blood cholesterol and blockages in their arteries. There are two studies I know of that showed no effect from arginine on blood fl ow or infl ammation. On the other hand, one study showed that supplements of arginine, along with phytoestrogens, B vitamins and vitamins C and E (as part of a medical nutrition bar) in people with angina improved some blood fl ow measurements and the ability to exercise on the treadmill. It also has been shown to have some benefi ts in people with heart failure. Based on these studies, I don’t recommend arginine after cardiac bypass surgery. However, there may some benefi t, and since it is unlikely to be harmful, I wouldn’t try to dis- suade someone who wanted to give it a try. The booklet on heart attacks, America’s No. 1 killer, explains what happens, how they are treated and how they can be avoided. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 102W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. 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 had radia- tion treatment in 2011 for a goiter. I know tanning beds are very danger- ous, but are spray tans dangerous for me? -- V.V. ANSWER: Dihydroxyacetone, the most common coloring agent in spray-on tans, is generally consid- ered safe, but you should avoid get- ting it around your eyes, mouth and nose. There is some controversy, but the Food and Drug Administration has considered it safe. The radiation treatment for goiter slightly increases risk for cancer, especially leukemia. I think it rea- sonable to do what you can to reduce cancer risk, but I don’t think tanning spray is a big risk. tunity for the New Year. Although your positive aspects are strong in most respects, caution is advised. Investigate before you invest. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You can make this New Year a roaring success. Start by readjusting your goals to refl ect the changes in the economy. Your den-mate off ers both wise and loving support. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Th e New Year brings new oppor- tunities for change. But you need to be ready to move from the comfort- able status quo to the challenging unknown. It’s up to you. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your most important New Year’s resolution should be to work out problems with a family member in order to avoid continued misunder- standings. Do it soon, for both of your sakes. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Th e New Year has much to off er the intensely deter- mined Scorpian, who isn’t afraid to take on challenges and stay with them until they surrender their rewards. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’ll have many fi ne opportunities in this New Year. But be warned: Reject off ers of “help.” You work best when you’re free to be your own creative self. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th e New Year off ers changes that you might feel you’re not quite ready for. Best advice: Deal with them one step at a time, until you’ve built up your self-confi dence. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is a dominant aspect of the New Year. Th is could mean relocating to another city (or even another country) in connection with your education or your career. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Th is New Year brings news about a change you’ve been anticipating. You might have a problem persuading a loved one about your new plans, but he or she will soon go along with 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
