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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
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AD IT DAY
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