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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 29, 2017)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 29 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Strange Dreams? Check Medications DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 90 years old and take many medica- tions. I am having many different dreams at night. Can medications cause this? -- A.C. ANSWER: Pretty much when- ever I get the question, “Can medi- cations cause this?” the answer is “yes.” In your case, it’s very clear that some medications cause un- usual dreams in many people who take them. Antibiotics, antidepres- sants, blood pressure medications and even sleeping medications can cause remarkable dreams. Some people hate this side effect; others enjoy it. Knowing that medications could be causing them often is a source of relief. I would caution you not to stop your medications suddenly or with- out talking to your doctor. You should go over your list of medi- cines and try to discover which are the most likely to be the source. SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A strong social whirl brings a new round of good times to fun-loving Rams and Ewes. Cupid also is busy aiming arrows at single Lambs hoping for a heart-to-heart encounter. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A romantic incident could take a more serious turn if the Divine Bovine considers meeting Cupid’s challenge. Meanwhile, a professional opportu- nity also is about to turn up. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A bit of hardheaded realism could be just what the Twins need at this emotion- ally challenged time. Face the facts as they are, not as you want them to be. Good luck. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Many opportunities open up. But you Sometimes, a medicine can be stopped if the dreams are very both- ersome. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 62-year-old man who likes to ride his bicycle for exercise. I ride on paved trails and streets, approxi- mately 10 miles at a time with an eye on extending the length of my rides. I own a road bike, but current- ly I ride a bike that provides a more upright seating position. In either case, the seat is narrow and fi rm. My body is in a forward-leaning po- sition while riding. Should I be concerned with my prostate gland or any other body parts in that general area? I wear padded bicycle shorts when riding. I have annual physicals, and I am not aware of any problems. I do have an older brother who is going through radiation treatment for prostate cancer, and he used to ride to and from his work. His rides were not extreme. I have read cautionary reports from the bike community about such things, but they seem to focus on the more exposed body parts. Lance Armstrong comes to mind in this regard. -- Anon. ANSWER: There is research looking at three areas of men’s health with regard to cycling: pros- tate, sexual dysfunction and testicu- lar cancer. The results suggest no or very small increased risk in prostate cancer or sexual dysfunction. How- ever, some bike saddles and riding positions do put pressure on the nerves and arteries that supply the penis. Finding a comfortable saddle that doesn’t cause numbness, avoid- ing very long rides and standing up periodically on the pedals can pre- vent problems. Biking shorts help most people. Although some early studies did link cycling with testicular cancer, most authorities now believe there is no such link. In fact, regular ex- ercise reduces risk of both testicular and prostate cancer. DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 73 years old, with osteoporosis and scoliosis. Can scoliosis be correct- ed? -- W.E.W. ANSWER: Osteoporosis is loss of strength of the bones, and scolio- sis is a curvature of the spine. They may or may not be related. The os- teoporosis should be treated, but the scoliosis usually does not need to be treated. Muscle strengthening exer- cises are important, and braces and injections may be used. Surgery is reserved for very severe cases, par- ticularly in adults. need to be aware of their actual pros and cons. Check them all out and make your choice from those that of- fer more of what you seek. LEO (July 23 to August 22) A more stable situation begins, allowing you to feel more secure about making im- portant decisions. Meanwhile, be sure to meet your project deadline so you can move on to other things. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Congratulations. A new personal relationship thrives as you learn how to make room in your busy life for this wonderfully warm and exciting emo- tional experience. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A new contact opens some doors. Th at’s the good news. But there’s a caution involved: Be sure you protect your rights to your work before show- ing it to anyone. SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem- ber 21) A former colleague might seek to resume a working partnership. Ask yourself if you need it. If yes, get more information. If no, respectfully de- cline the request. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Good times dominate your aspect. So why not have a party to celebrate a loved one’s success? And do invite that special person you want to know better. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th e shy side of the Sea Goat soon gives way to your more as- sertive self. Th is should help you when it comes time to speak up for yourself and your achievements. AQUARIUS (January 20 to Febru- ary 18) A new period of stability will help you deal with some recently re- worked plans. Once you get your cur- rent task done, you can devote more time to personal matters. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Th ings are fi nally much more stable these days, so you can restart the pro- cess of meeting your well-planned goals with fewer chances of interrup- tion or delay. 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
