Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/10521
Saturday, May 15, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Despite strict diet and exercise, weigt gain still a problem DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m begin- ning to think I’m crazy. I’m five-feet- nine, 41 years old, about to tip to 200 pounds, and am unable to lose weight. Everyone talks about chal- lenges in weight loss, but I have seri- ously made giant efforts and do not see any results. I’m beyond frustrat- ed. Dr. Peter Gott I swam competitively in high school with up to four hours per day of heavy train- ing, ate as little as possible, and still gained. I continued to swim in college and met with doctors, trainers and nutritionists who claimed I had a healthful and appro- priate diet and got plenty of exercise despite my ever increasing weight. Today, I continue a steady routine of exercise — a minimum of two hours each day doing both strength and aerobic activi- ties. I mix up the routine so my body won’t get adjusted to doing the same thing every day. During weekends and vacations, I increase my activity levels. I’ve studied to become a trainer, read anything I can get my hands on about how to exercise properly and tried many, many ways to lose weight. I started with the basic expend more calo- ries than you consume. I used a weightlifter’s compe- tition diet of 1,000 calories a day for three weeks and gained six pounds. I’ve weighed, measured, and kept a food journal in order to keep my calories at a min- imum. My doctor has ordered all sorts of blood work that always comes back normal. It was discovered that I have an airway-obstruction issue (apparently my tongue is too big for my mouth), and my physician told me that the sleep issue caused my weight issues and that a CPAP machine would help. I started using this in November and have put on 10 pounds since then. I continue to question my doctor, but he maintains that if I reduce my calories enough, I will lose weight. I don’t drink soda or alcohol, nor do I eat white flour or sugar. At one point in a depressed, desperate mood, I consumed 500 calories per day for two weeks, kept up my workouts, and gained four pounds. Needless to say, I was crabby. I’m sad, depressed, and at my wits’ end. I’m serious- ly disappointed with my ability to conquer this hur- dle. What is wrong with me? DEAR READER: It cer- tainly appears you have done all the right things and even some “not so right” things to keep your weight down . There are several reasons why individuals can experi- ence difficulty los- ing weight, includ- ing the consump- tion of too many calories without expending them, hypothyroidism, alcohol use, certain medications, emo- tional factors such as depression, slow metabolism, Cush- ing syndrome and more. Some individuals may even be weight-loss intolerant. Based on your letter, I don’t believe you are weight-loss intolerant. The fact that you continue to gain weight despite drastic calorie cuts is a concern to me. It indicates that either you are not being truthful about your diet and exercise habits or there is some underlying medical problem causing the unintentional weight gain. For the record, I would like to say, that I do not believe you are being untruthful and the sheer des- perateness of your letter is proof of that. You claim to have had blood work but because you did not elaborate, I do not know what you were tested for. Because of this, I will again review some of the testing you should undergo or perhaps have repeated. First, a complete blood count and work-up should be done. Several endocrine disorders such as hypothy- roidism and Cushing syn- drome can lead to unwanted weight gain and difficulty losing weight as well as other problems. Hypothy- roidism is often easy to resolve with inexpensive prescription hormone replacement. Cushing syn- drome is more complex. It often results from a benign pituitary-gland tumor, a benign adrenal gland or an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting tumor (typically found in the lungs, thyroid, thymus gland or pancreas). Alcohol use, quitting smoking, depression and certain medications may be contributing factors. I believe your current issues with depression are stem- ming from the persistent weight gain, not the other way around. In my opinion, your physician is being negligent about your situation. Despite your repeated attempts to get help, he has essentially ignored the situa- tion. Now is the time to find a new physician who will take you seriously and work with you to get to the bottom of this very frustrating prob- lem. Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. Brother’s other woman splitting family Dear Annie: A year ago, my brother left his wife of 34 years when he became emo- tionally attached to a woman he met through his weekend activities. His wife actually transported the two of them to their kayaking adventures. She warned him that the friendship was not healthy for their marriage, but he didn’t listen. The divorce was dev- astating to the entire family. Even my brother admits he screwed up and it was entire- ly his fault. My ex-sister-in-law is still a mem- ber of our family. We celebrate all the holidays together. My brother is now with Miss Kayak, and we have limited contact because he refuses to attend any family function without his new partner. I have told him that I doubt I could ever accept her because I can’t respect someone who knowingly and actively pursued a married man. The funny thing is, I’m sure she and my brother are more compatible than he and his ex-wife. If he had divorced and later found this woman, it would not be an issue. Tehama County 4-H is proud to announce Elora Brunelle, Courteny Cal- houn, David Foss, Kyle Hansen and Maryn Span- gler as the newest mem- bers of the BLAST — Becoming Leaders All Star Trainees — Team. This team will work close- ly with the All Star Team in providing leadership to the County 4-H Program. Elora Brunelle is the daughter of Fawn and LeRoy Brunelle of Corn- ing. She is in the eighth grade at Maywood Middle School and is completing her ninth year as a 4-H member of the Corning 4- H Club. Brunelle’s major projects are horses, beef, rabbits and cavies. She shares her knowledge of rabbits and cavies with other 4-Hers as a Junior Leader. She has served as Corning 4-H Club’s Reporter, Historian and Attendance officer in the past. Brunelle participates in the Maywood band, and was named Maywood band Student of the Month for November and GEAR Up scholarship winner. Brunelle is excit- ed about the year ahead, helping plan and imple- ment 4-H events, and hopes that being a part of the BLAST team will help her to become a better leader. Upon finishing high school, Brunelle plans to prepare for a career in veterinary medi- cine. Plum Valley 4-H mem- ber Courteny Calhoun is the daughter of Juli Cal- houn and Vic Ciardi of Paynes Creek. She is in the eighth grade and attends Plum Valley Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar I have forgiven him because he is my brother and he is remorseful. He is planning to marry Miss Kayak soon, and we won’t be invited to the wedding because he knows how we feel about her. Annie, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without my brother. How do I get past this? I feel it would be a betrayal of my sis- ter-in-law and my niece to accept his new wife. I know they would never come to a family function if she were there. Please help. — His Sister Dear Sister: We commend you for showing loyalty to your ex-sister-in- law, but at this point, it will only estrange your brother. You cannot turn back the clock and make the divorce disappear, and you admit that your brother’s current relationship is more compatible than his marriage. And while he may not have behaved in an honorable way, he has expressed gen- uine regret and taken responsibility. If you can stop blaming the other woman, there is a chance you could forgive her, as well. Please try. You can see your ex-sister-in-law at other School. Calhoun is com- pleting her fourth year as a 4-H member of the Plum Valley 4-H Club. Cal- houn’s major projects are quilting, breeding and market sheep. She has served as the Plum Valley 4-H Club’s president and participates in Sun Coun- try Quilters and works with Tehama Search and Rescue medical staff teaching CPR and first aid. Being in 4-H, Cal- houn has learned that "no idea is too big or small as long as you try" and she is eager to show others with her position as a BLAST team member. Upon fin- ishing high school, Cal- houn plans to prepare for a career in Agriculture and hopes to own her own farm raising sheep for 4- Hers. David Foss is the son of Dayvene and Mike Foss of Corning. He is in the eighth grade at May- wood Middle School and is a 4-H member of the Corning 4-H Club. Foss’ major projects are bowl- ing, shooting sports, rock- etry, and Web design. Foss is a member of the Tehama County 4-H Pro- grams delegation to Cali- fornia Focus. Foss has been chosen as one of the teen staff for 4-H Youth Camp in August. He has served as club secretary in the past and is eager to be part of the planning and running of local events rather than participating. Upon finishing high school, Foss plans to pre- pare for a career in the Air Force and then transfer- ring what he learns to become a California Highway Patrol Officer. Two Great Events in June at Tehama Family Fitness Center TFFC Womathalon June 5th Women of all ages are encouraged to participate in this 10 event test of strength, agility, and endurance. The Womathalon is a true test of fitness. Just finishing this contest is a great accomplishment. Tehama Pump & Run June 19th Tehama Pump and Run is a bench press and 5k race competition. Competitors first bench press their body weight or a percentage of it based on divi- sion. Each completed repetition on the bench press will reduce competitors 5k time by 30 seconds. Troy at 528-8656 or at Troy@tehamafamilyfitness.com Tehama Family Fitness Center To learn more about these events contact 2498 South Main St • Red Bluff 528-8656 • www.tehamafamilyfitness.com times, but we hope you will continue to have your niece at all family func- tions. She, too, needs to adjust to the new situation, and it will help to have your support and assistance while she finds her way. Dear Annie: My in-laws will be visiting us soon (at our expense), and we are quite excited since we only see them once a year. However, my step- mother-in-law invited her son, daugh- ter-in-law and three grandkids to stay with us, too. Even though our home is not quite big enough for nine people, we will make it work. But I don’t think we can afford to feed all of them for a week. My husband doesn’t understand why I am upset and says I should be more understanding. Am I out of line? — Annoyed Dear Annoyed: Hardly. Your in- laws should not have invited anyone else to join them, especially on your nickel. Put your husband in charge of feeding this crowd so he gets the point and, if necessary, can inform his par- ents that they will be responsible for feeding the grandchildren. At the very least, we hope they will treat you at least once while they are there. 4-H BLAST welcomes five new members Corning 4-H Club member Kyle Hansen is the son of Matt and Bon- nie Hansen of Corning. He is an eighth-grader at Maywood Middle School where he is an honor roll student and has been named Student of the Month. Hansen’s major projects are swine, dog, horse, archery, guitar, and bowling. He shares his fun for bowling with other 4- Hers as a Junior Leader. Hansen hopes that being a BLAST member will give him the training and insight he needs to become an All Star and to represent his county 4-H program. Hansen is look- ing forward to attending events he hasn’t attended in the past. Upon finishing high school, Hansen plans to prepare for a career in engineering. Maryn Spangler is the daughter of Scott and Deb- bie Spangler of Red Bluff. She is in the seventh grade at Lincoln Street School and is completing her fourth year as a 4-H mem- ber of the Bend Jelly 4-H Club. Spangler’s major projects are meat goats, dog obedience and leathercraft. Maryn shares her knowledge of meat goats with other 4-Hers as a Junior Leader as well as 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 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 in her S.E.T. (Science, Engineering, and Technol- ogy) project. She has served as a club officer for the Bend Jelly 4-H club in the past and is currently working on her 4-H Emer- ald Star project, raising funds to purchase emer- gency blankets for our local fire department. Spangler has also been the student body president at Bend Elementary School and an activity leader for a local kid’s camp. Spangler is ready for the year ahead, hoping to give back to her community. She would also like to be a positive role model for younger 4- H members and learn leadership skills. Upon finishing high school, Spangler plans to prepare for a career in pathology or become an author. Upon completion of duties as BLAST Team members, each member will receive a partial scholarship to attend the State 4-H Leadership Conference at a Universi- ty of California campus in August to further expand leadership skills. Congrat- ulations to all 2010-2011 BLAST Team members. For more information about 4-H, call the 4-H office at 527-3101 or visit cetehama.ucdavis.edu/.