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
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