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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 8, 2017)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 8 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Can Magnesium Pills Help Control A-Fib? DEAR DR. ROACH: Ten years ago, I had many episodes of rapid heartbeats, diagnosed as atrial fi bril- lation. My cardiologist put me on a medication, which I took for a couple of years, but the A fi b came back. The doctor changed my medication to so- talol, but that didn’t help either. I read that low magnesium could be a cause of atrial fi brillation, and I started tak- ing calcium, magnesium and potassi- um, and have not an episode of rapid heartbeat for four years. I went back to my doctor, who told me it was a crazy idea. I haven’t seen him in four years. It seems a shame that we hear of so many treatments for A fi b when it might be stopped with a simple supplement. -- S.Z. ANSWER: Well, it certainly isn’t a crazy idea, but low magnesium isn’t the only cause of atrial fi brillation, and supplementing magnesium and SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Aspects favor socializing with family and friends, but an irksome work- place situation could intrude. No use grumbling, Lamb. Just do it, and then get back to the fun times. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Th ere’s still time for you Ferdinands and Fernandas to relax and sniff the roses. But a major work project looms and soon will demand much of your attention through the 24th. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your enthusiasm persuades even the toughest doubters to listen to what you’re proposing. But don’t push too hard, or you’ll push them away. Moderate for best results. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your energy levels are rising, and you other electrolytes will not stop atrial fi brillation in most people. However, low blood magnesium levels are a recognized risk factor for developing atrial fi brillation, and giving magne- sium during heart surgery reduces the risk of developing A fi b afterward in some (but not all) studies, so there certainly is something to it. Also, oral magnesium can make other medica- tions for A fi b work more effectively. Since oral magnesium is safe and cheap, I think it is reasonable to try. However, I am concerned because atrial fi brillation can go on in some people without their being aware of it, and the major risk of A fi b is blood clots. I would recommend that you continue to get evaluated periodi- cally to make sure your heart rate is persistently normal. I also would try to fi nd a physician who is willing to work with you on combining “alter- native” treatments like magnesium with traditional therapy if needed. READERS: Atrial fi brillation is quite common, affecting some 2 mil- lion Americans, and becomes more common with age. To learn more, order the booklet on Heartbeat Ir- regularities by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 107W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please al- low four weeks for delivery. DR. ROACH WRITES: I wrote a column awhile back about a man who kept falling, whose doctor wasn’t able to fi nd the cause after a thorough search. I had suggested checking his vitamin D level, but many readers wrote in to tell me about conditions that were missed in themselves or in a loved one. I thought that a few of these were worth sharing. Many people wrote that a physical therapist (and perhaps an occupation- al therapist as well) would be impor- tant, and I fully agree. I have found physical and occupational therapists to be among my most treasured but underappreciated colleagues, and almost always, they are able to im- prove people’s function. Other suggestions included look- ing for low oxygen levels, and checking whether the blood pressure drops too much upon standing. One person wrote in to note that walk- ers and wheelchairs can decrease activity and lead to loss of strength and balance. Another recommended looking for hidden infections, such as in the urine. These should have been checked for. feel you can handle anything the job requires. Th at’s great. But don’t iso- late yourself. Keep your door open to your workplace colleagues. LEO (July 23 August 22) A work- place change could lead to that pro- motion you’ve been hoping for. But you’ll have to face some tough com- petition before the Lion can claim his or her share of the goodies. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your rigidity regarding a diffi cult workplace situation could be the rea- son your colleagues aren’t rushing to your assistance. Try being more fl ex- ible in your demands. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Th at uneasy mood could be your Libran inner voice reminding you that while it’s great to be with your new friends, you need to take care not to ignore your old ones. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A sudden spate of criticism could shake the Scorpion’s usually high sense of self-confi dence. Best advice: You made a decision you believed in -- now defend it. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your reluctance to help restart a stalled relationship could be traced to unresolved doubts about your partner’s honesty. Rely on a trusted friend’s advice. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th e capricious Sea Goat is torn between duty and diversion. Best advice: Do both. Tend to your workaday chores, then go out and enjoy your well-earned fun time. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Cutting back on some of your activities for a few days helps restore your energy levels. You should be feeling ready to tackle your many projects early next week. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A co-worker might be secretly carping about your work to mutual colleagues. But associates will come to your defense, and the situation will ultimately work to your advantage. 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
