Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/10458
Friday, May 14, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Is a Canadian drug comapny reputable? DEAR DR. GOTT: I saw a written advertise- ment from BTM (Better Than Med- icine) that sells medications at far lower prices than I can currently buy them. They state I can save up to 85 percent on my pre- scriptions, the pro- gram is free, there are no deductibles or restrictions on who can join, and the program can be used along with Medicare at no cost to me. What’s your opin- ion? It kind of sounds too good to be true. DEAR READER: There’s an old expression that says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it proba- bly is.” I have reviewed their ad and can certainly see how some people might be swayed to join the plan. And, for all I know, it may be legiti- mate. The company is based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The website is impressive, there are no co-pays, no deductibles and the prices are inviting. They do indi- cate that all drugs shipped are generic equivalents and not brand-name drugs. Unfortunately, there are some medica- tions that do not yet have generic equivalents. I guess those would either be unavailable through BTM or would be shipped at a higher price. I must say I was put off by the fact that I can make inquiries through the same site to purchase airline tickets, car insurance and inquire about foreclosures as well. Call me naive, but personally, I’d like to know that my pharmaceu- tical supplier is just that — my pharmaceutical suppli- er. When I choose to pur- chase auto insurance, I’ll go to my local agent. When I attempted to run BTM through the Bet- ter Business Bureau, I came up empty. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps I didn’t fol- low through correctly. The U.S. federal gov- ernment issued a state- ment some 3-1/2 years ago indicating it was generally Dr. Peter Gott illegal for individ- uals to import pre- scription drugs into the United States, but Cus- toms had largely ignored small shipments for per- sonal use. Since then, our govern- ment has taken an almost hands-off approach and allowed the trafficking to continue. If you happen to have a Wal-Mart in your area, a one-month supply of many medications is avail- able for $4, a three-month supply for $10. And they ship for free. Target has $4 prescriptions as well, with the added bonus of free flavoring on liquid med- ications. Perhaps both sources of supply cross borders, but I would feel more comfortable pur- chasing locally. The choice has to remain with you. Speak with your physician for his or her guidance. To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self- addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newslet- ter, P.O. Box 167, Wick- liffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDr- GottMD.com. DEAR DR. GOTT: I don’t want to take bispho- sphonates for osteoporo- sis. My doctor insists. Can I refuse? He discounts the heavy-duty resistance exercises I do daily. DEAR READER: Yes, you can. Your physician can strongly recommend a medication or course of treatment and indicate why he feels it is neces- sary, but the bottom line is that it’s your body. I am sure that he has your best interests at heart, but per- haps a calcium plus vita- min D supplement will suffice. Therefore, before getting into any shouting match, I suggest you speak with him and review all options. The gay divorcee worries stepmother, kids Dear Annie: I have a 49-year-old stepdaughter, ‘‘Tina,’’ who was married for 20 years and has two children and four grand- children. Tina has been divorced for five years and has dated regularly. Three months ago, she began an intimate lesbian relation- ship. She says this is nor- mal for divorced women because men are no good. I think this is a copout and she doesn’t want to deal with the reality that she can- not find a husband. Her kids think she is nuts and want nothing to do with her. They also don’t know how to explain this to their chil- dren. I was divorced for four years and eventually found a wonderful man. We have been married for 25 years. I never once thought of another woman. Just thinking about it turns my stomach. Is this something new? Is it normal? — Confused in Minnesota Dear Confused: Most hetero- sexual divorced women do not turn to women because ‘‘men are no good.’’ It’s possible Tina is simply experimenting. But it is equally possible that she has always been attracted to women but never had the nerve to follow through until now. Either way, please try to let her sort it out on her own. Dear Annie: I was married to Tom for 20 years before he died seven years ago. He had two daughters from his first marriage, Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar both grown now, and we had three children together. Tom expressed to me that he did not want to be buried alone at the ceme- tery. His will states that he be cremated and his urn kept ‘‘with his wife and children.’’ He also asked me to have his urn placed in my casket when I die. Last year, our daughter was diagnosed with a termi- nal brain cancer. I thought that if she should die, I would place Tom’s urn in her cas- ket. The problem is, Tom’s brother feels that since I have remarried, the cremains belong to him. He doesn’t care what Tom’s wishes were. He says I should have enough respect for his family to give them the ashes. Tom was not close to his family. In the 20 years we were married, we saw his family members twice. Since his death, no one from his side, including grandparents, have contacted our children. My children were devastated by their father’s death and cannot bear the thought of splitting up his remains. I agree with them and am trying to respect my deceased hus- band’s wishes. What do you think? — Once Widowed Dear Once: If Tom’s will states that the ashes belong to you, then you get to decide what to do with them. While it would, of course, be extremely generous of you to give a portion of the cremains to Tom’s side of the family, it doesn’t sound as if the relationship will suffer if you choose not to. Do whatever brings you peace of mind. Our condolences. Dear Annie: I read the letter from ‘‘Grieving in Kentucky,’’ who could not understand why her late husband’s brother has van- ished from their lives. My husband’s best friend passed away in his early 50s. We wanted to help his wife with the adjustment, but unfortunately, she began to use us as handymen. After several weekends spent at her house doing ‘‘chores’’ dis- guised as invitations to visit, we cut ties when she asked my hus- band over to change a light bulb that could be reached by a child. At first we thought she was lonesome, but once the jobs were done, she would make it clear that she had other things to do. Many of her previous friends have also discontinued contact. — Sure Miss Him, But Not Her Dear Sure: We don’t believe most widows (or widowers) are like that. It’s a shame this woman didn’t value the friendships for what they could offer emotionally. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. DMV launches sharing the road video In connection with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, the Department of Motor Vehicles released a new safety video, “Sharing the Road with Motorcycles and Bicycles,” which illustrates safety tips and information for all motorists. “Spring brings better weather and more motorcycle and bicycle riders,” said DMV Director George Valverde. “This video is an invaluable tool designed so that all motorists and bicyclists share the road responsibly and safely.” The new, 5-minute video, available on the DMV YouTube channel, features various safe driving tips, such as checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections; merging into traffic, avoiding hazards and generally being a more attentive dri- ver. California has seen the number of registered motorcy- cles double over the past 10 years to more than 800,000 as of January 2010. Additional safety tips are provided at www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/media/10-11.pdf and www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles. The video can be viewed at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/video orwww.youTube.com/CaliforniaDMV. DVDs of the video are available upon request. Motorcycle safety is a specific challenge area within the State Highway Safety Plan, a collaborative effort involving more than 80 state, federal, county and local government agencies. Paid Political Advertisement Anniversary Special: FREE Regular or N.G. glass with all custom frames during May. Must persent this ad. Offer Expries 5/31/10. Oversize glass not included 857 Washington St. red bluff 530-527-3369 CANDIDATE COMPARISON FOR JUDGE OFFICE 1 PART 2 COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR All makes and models. We perform dealer recommened 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES Smog Check starting at $ (most cars and pick-ups) 2995 + cert. Pass or FREE retest 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. Now Available Organic & Heirloom Spring Vegetable Plants 1 1/2 miles South of Red Bluff 12645 Hwy 99E (530) 529-2546 Sponsored by Downtown Red Bluff Business Association Red Bluff Veterinary Clinic Chip 445 Luther Rd., Red Bluff (530) 527-1886 The Red Bluff Veterinary Hospital is pleased to announce that DR. WAYNE MERHOFF, DVM Shoppers discounts & restaurant specials at participating merchants WELL-BEING FAIRE Wine & Mamma Mia at the State Theatre Wine @ 4pm Movie @ 5pm Saturday May 22 10am-4pm Jack the Ribber Come by for the Best Lunch in town • Ribs •Tri-Tip • Pulled Pork • Specials Mon.-Fri. 11am-8pm Sat. 4-9pm 1150 Monroe St. 527-6108 has retired afer 30+ years of caring for the animals of Tehama County. He now plans to devote some time to fly fishing. Please welcome DR. ART SUTFIN DR. JON SUTFIN & DR. LEIGH BATEMAN who have purchased the practice and will be continuing a tradition of fine care for your pets and livestock. Please visit them at 445 Luther Rd., Red Bluff or (530) 527-1886 for an appointment Lisa Muto Red Bluff High School Top 10% of Class Graduated 1979 University of California, Davis Ranked by U.S. News and World Report 42 out of 258 in the U.S. Major - Political Science Graduated with Honors 1984 Santa Clara University School of Law Ranked by U.S. News and World Report 85 out of 184 in the U.S. Academic Scholarship winner at SCU Accredited by the American Bar Association Accredited by the California Bar Association Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Honors Moot Court Board Member Graduated top of class 1989 Passed California Bar Exam 1989 Skillman Red Bluff High School Graduated 1987 Bob Jones University, South Carolina Graduated 1991 Cal Northern School of Law Not accredited by the American Bar Association Graduated 1995 Passed California Bar Exam 1995 VOTE JUNE 8, 2010 FOR ✓ Lisa Muto Skillman Paid for by the committee to elect Lisa Muto Judge Office 1, 2010