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