Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 12, 2017)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Tracking Osteoporo- sis Through Testing DEAR DR. ROACH: I have mild osteoporosis in one area. I was on Fosamax for seven years. I have been off for two years. My doctor is suggesting I go back on Fosamax. Your thoughts on treatment in my case? -- A.B. DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been advised that Medicare will cover the bone density test only every two years. If that’s true, why? -- A.L. ANSWER: Osteoporosis is loss of bone minerals and strength. There are at least two ways to mea- sure changes in bones, whether as an age-related drop in bone density and strength or as an increase in response to treatment. One way is to measure the bone density via an X-ray (DEXA). The other is a urine test, N-telopeptide of collagen (ab- breviated NTX), which looks at net bone loss. DEXA correlates well to fracture risk, but it changes very slowly. In SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) As eager as you are to take on that new challenge, it would be best to temper that spurt of “Ram”-bunctious energy until you have more facts to back up your decision. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Th is is a good time for hardworking Bo- vines to take a break from their hectic on-the-job schedules to bask in the unconditional love and support of friends and family. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Pay attention to what you hear in the workplace. You could pick up some hints about possible changes. Mean- while, a new infusion of creative en- ergy sets in by week’s end. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Try to be more fl exible in dealing with a fact, it changes so slowly that a re- peat test within two years usually refl ects variability in the test itself rather than an actual change in the bone, which is why most insurance companies -- and, yes, Medicare -- will cover the test only every two years. Some experts believe that mea- suring NTX is a useful way of mea- suring the effectiveness of treat- ment, such as with a medication like Fosamax. Further, although the optimum duration of treatment for osteoporosis isn’t clear, fi ve years is commonly used (as it sounds like is the case for A.B.). NTX can guide whether restarting treatment is necessary. There just isn’t enough information to make this a general recommendation, al- though the theory makes sense to me. If I were treating someone in A.B.’s situation, I would restart treatment if the NTX level showed high bone resorption. READERS: Nearly every wom- an, if she lives long enough, must come to grips with osteoporosis. To order the booklet about this de- bilitating disease, write to Dr. Roach -- No. 1104W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please al- low up to four weeks for delivery. DEAR DR. ROACH: What are your thoughts about the MiraDRY procedure to get rid of underarm sweat? Is it safe not to have sweat under the arms? -- S.J. ANSWER: MiraDRY is the brand name of a microwave device de- signed to treat hyperhidrosis (exces- sive sweating). This is a condition of abnormal, drenching sweat that greatly interferes with social activi- ties, not normal underarm sweating. It is currently used only for under- arms -- not hands, feet or face, the other most common places for lo- calized hyperhidrosis. According to several published papers, the micro- waves heat up the water in the sweat glands, destroying them, while the skin itself is cooled. The published success rates (at reducing sweating to “never noticeable” or “tolerable”) are very high, as are patient satisfac- tion results. Side effects included swelling, redness and temporary numbness. This is a new procedure, but it appears to have promise in the treat- ment of excess sweating. I also found a very helpful website at www.sweathelp.org. suddenly diffi cult situation, whether it’s on the job or in the home. Others might have some good points to off er. Listen to them. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You might think you’re not getting the royal treatment you deserve. But be careful not to become a royal pain by complaining about it. Be patient and allow things to work out. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Watch that penchant for being super-judgmental at work. It might create a bad impression with someone whose decisions could determine the course of your career. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’ve been your usual busy-bee self, gathering nectar wherever you can fi nd it. But now’s a good time to kick back, relax and just enjoy smell- ing the roses. SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem- ber 21) Th at pesky personal situation seems to be improving. But change comes slowly, so be patient. Expect someone to bring more positive news by week’s end. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Whoa! Ease up on that hectic pace you’ve been putting your- self through. Take time to recharge your energy levels before going full gallop again. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Try to be intrigued, not intimidated, by the issues you’re sud- denly facing, and you’ll be ahead of the game. Don’t be afraid to demand answers to your questions. AQUARIUS (January 20 to Febru- ary 18) New associates freezing you out of their inner circle? Never mind. Put a warm smile on that friendly face of yours, and you’ll soon thaw them all down to size. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your wise guidance helps colleagues agree to compromise and move for- ward. Meanwhile, there are still vital issues you need to deal with in your personal life. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO UNCLE FRANK IS BACK! Frank’s 101 Barber Shop Don’t lie to me or steal from me a nd I will do the sa me! 396 Highway 101, Florence • 541-902-9588 Taking lunch from Noon - 1:00 It is a must! Fra nk is at the Barbershop on Mon, Tues, Thurs a nd Friday, 9-3
