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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Swallowing Pills Just Got Easier DR. ROACH WRITES: A while back, I asked readers for sugges- tions on swallowing pills, and I got many helpful answers. I particularly liked this pharmacist’s advice, since it combines physics and common sense: “Because capsules FLOAT and tablets SINK, two ways are help- ful. For capsules this works for me: Place the capsule on your tongue, then take a big swallow of water through a straw, keeping your chin neutral. For tablets, put water in your mouth fi rst, then tilt your head back and drop the tablet into your mouth and swallow.” Using a straw was the most fre- quent advice I heard. Thicker liq- uids were the key for other readers, while one reminded me that an in- expensive pill crusher can turn a pill SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A recent spate of confusion regarding decision-making begins to clear up. But caution is still advised. Continue to check details. An old friend has important news. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re anxious to see your ideas move from concept to development. But trying to force the issue right now could backfi re. Wait for move- ment to resume shortly. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Keep your thoughts focused on the positive as you deal with an unex- pected turn of events in a personal or professional relationship. Th is could be the start of a welcome change. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Health matters take on added to powder, which can then be mixed into yogurt or applesauce. However, always check with your pharmacist, since some pills, such as long-acting formulations, should not be crushed, and a few should not be mixed with foods. Another person found that swallowing some ice chips for a few minutes prevented the gag re- fl ex that kept her from swallowing medicines. DEAR DR. ROACH: My father read your recent column pertaining to kidney stones. He recently passed a kidney stone and was wondering if there is a lab that he could send his stone to directly to be analyzed? Unfortunately, he prefers not to visit an internist or urologist. -- L.P. ANSWER: It depends on the state, but most laboratories require a professional’s order to perform testing. I have mixed feelings about this; however, I generally agree, since a physician or other provider should provide individualized rec- ommendations on the appropriate changes in diet, medication and fl uid intake, based on the stone type, medications taken, diseases or con- ditions present and other factors. There are services available on the Internet that will perform laboratory testing without an order (by having a medical director in a given state order the lab), but I don’t recom- mend it for the reasons above. DEAR DR. ROACH: I have to take levothyroxine in order to obtain an acceptable TSH number. I have read that some doctors are stating that there is a relationship between hypothyroidism and gluten intoler- ance, possibly even celiac disease. Is this proven to the point where a patient should alter his or her diet and give up the basic foods of bread and cereal? -- R.K. ANSWER: People with celiac disease have a much higher risk of autoimmune thyroid disease (espe- cially Hashimoto’s, the most com- mon cause of low thyroid) than ex- pected, to the point where everyone with celiac disease should have a blood test to look at thyroid lev- els. Celiac disease, or intolerance of gluten in general, may have few or subtle symptoms, and it might be worthwhile to consider testing for celiac disease in people with auto- immune thyroid disease. However, I would not recommend a drastic change in diet for people with thy- roid disease if there are no symp- toms. importance at this time. Deal with them before they interfere with your summer plans. A relationship that cooled off could soon warm up again. LEO (July 23 to August 22) While a few details involving upcoming decisions still need your attention, you fun-loving Felines can begin to spend more time enjoying your lively social life again. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Th at long-sought-aft er career change could require you to move to another city. Weigh your decision carefully before either accepting or rejecting the off er out of hand. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A workplace situation can be awkward for Librans who prefer to keep their problems private. But you might have to “tell-all” if you hope to see it resolved in your favor. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Although your fi nan- cial situation starts to improve this week, you still need to be cautious about money matters. Avoid major obligations, for now. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your overall aspects continue to brighten, allowing you to tackle long-deferred challenges. A change in travel plans could work to your benefi t. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th ings seem to be slow- ing down for the usually restless Sea Goat. But wouldn’t a bit of respite be just what you need right now? Activity picks up by the weekend. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Personal relationships take a positive turn for both married and single Aquarians. Professional commitments, however, could be complicated by newly emerging events. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A decision you thought was fi nal might be reopened as new facts are discovered. Th is could lead to a short-term problem, but ultimately might prove benefi cial. 7 B 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
