Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/12687
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Calls come for deadbeat kin Vitamin talk, from Ato K Dear Annie: In these tough eco- nomic times, my husband and I have managed to stay ahead of things by working hard and being careful with our money. We know we are both fortunate to have jobs. Some family members are not so lucky and have lost their homes. The appalling thing is that bill collectors have started calling us look- ing for these relatives. I have no intention of helping them. Each time they call and ask for the extended family member, I first ask their name and that of the company they’re calling from, and I write this down along with the date and time. I then tell them there is no one here by that name and never has been and ask that they please not call again. But they still call. I now have a list of these repeat offenders. My ques- tion is, to what agency should I report this harass- ment? And maybe you could let the rest of the world know that they have recourse against these repre- hensible tactics. I under- stand they are owed money, but that is between them and the individuals. It has noth- ing to do with me. — Tired of the Harassment Dear Tired: The Fair Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Debt Collection Practices Act says a debt collector may contact a relative or friend, but only to learn the location of the debtor. They are permitted to do this only once, unless the collector has reason to believe you have new infor- mation or that pre- vious information was false. It can be a form of harass- ment if a debt collector con- tacts you repeatedly or is abusive or threatening. You should be able to stop con- tact by writing directly to the debt collector. You also can lodge a complaint with the FCC. For information on how to do that, go to fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.htm l or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). Dear Annie: Is there a scientific or medical term for a person who has an obsession with another per- son’s terminal illness and death, or is this person just weird? When someone is near the end of life, my friend ‘‘Lou’’ wants to be in atten- dance as often as possible until the person dies. Lou appears to almost experi- ence euphoria when the per- son dies, but shows little or no emotion after. I have wit- nessed Lou’s behavior more than once and wonder whether this is some uncon- MORE THAN JUST BOWLING & Bowling Greens Minature Golf “Endless Summer of Fun” REGISTER TO WIN 3-DAY 2 NIGHT STAYS IN RENO, LAKE TAHOE OR LAS VEGAS Spring Leagues Now Forming! Join our SIGN UP YOUR TEAMS NOW!!! Flyers online at www.lariatbowl.com Bring in this ad to receive GAME OF BOWLING 1 FREE with one paid game. Valid for up to 6 people for casual open play. One coupon per group per day. Not valid w/any other offer or discount. Not valid after 6pm Fri or Sat. Expires 6/27/10 365 So. Main, Red Bluff • (530) 527-2720 • www.LariatBowl.com trollable compulsion or just plain nosiness. — Keeping My Distance Dear Keeping: Paging Dr. Kevorkian. An entire cottage industry has devel- oped around ‘‘death voyeurism,’’ or watching people die. Those who are sexually aroused by the process may have some form of paraphilia. We agree it is downright creepy, but generally harmless. Dear Annie: The letter from ‘‘Not Over the Hill Yet’’ was ridiculous. She said her teenage grandson asked if he could be nude around his friends because they all did it. My husband and I have two teenage sons and, between us, seven brothers. Not one of these guys has ever felt it normal or natural in any setting to be naked with a group of their buddies. Tell the kid to do us all a favor and keep his pants on. Oh, and by the way, what is the mother of ‘‘Jay’’ doing when her son and his friends are hanging out naked in her home? Are we the only ones who see this as a prob- lem? If there were a bunch of naked girls in front of one of the fathers, the other par- ents would be horrified.— Not Nude in Glendora, Calif. Dear Not Nude: You make a good point about naked girls, and a lot of readers agree with you about Jay’s mother. What’s on TV? ✓ Check out ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE select TV Free - Online - 24/7 Broadcast/Cable/Satellite Listings-Sports-Movies & More! redbluffdailynews.com www.LassenMedical.com DEAR DR. GOTT: I am inter- ested in information on vitamins in general. DEAR READER: There are 13 vitamins that your body needs, all essential for maintaining good health. These are broken down into two categories, water soluble and fat soluble. B1 (thiamin) works with the ner- vous system and helps the body use carbohydrates for energy. When deficiency occurs, it can cause impaired growth, muscle weakness, mental confusion and more. B2 (riboflavin) helps the body process protein, carbohydrates and fats. It works to support good vision, healthy skin and the production of red blood cells. Deficiency can cause fatigue, slowed growth, swollen/sore throat and more. Dr. Peter Gott of the fingers and toes. Biotin helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates. Deficiency is rare. Folic acid/folate prevents birth defects and makes DNA and new red blood cells. Deficiency can cause anemia, diar- rhea and other symptoms. C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxi- dant necessary for the growth and repair of tissues. It helps repair bones, teeth and cartilage. Excess- es can cause kidney stones, upset stomach and an increase in iron absorption. A (retinol) is necessary for good vision, bone and tooth development and several other functions. Excesses can result in nau- sea, headache, blurred vision, vomiting and an increased risk of developing osteoporo- sis. D (calciferol) helps teeth and bones stay B3 (niacin) assists the body in processing proteins and fats. It also helps the skin, digestive tract and nervous system to remain healthy. Deficiency can result in diarrhea, weakness, skin disorders and pellagra. Excesses can cause stomach upset, skin flushing and itching, and rash. The most common cause of too much niacin is from supplemental niacin taken to reduce choles- terol levels; therefore, it should be intro- duced gradually to prevent unwanted side effects. B5 (pantothenic acid) helps the body process nutrients and synthesizes hormones and cholesterol. Deficiency is uncommon. B6 (pyridoxine) aids in the formation of red blood cells and maintains brain function. Deficiency can cause kidney stones, anemia and nausea. Excess can cause leg pain and more. B12 (cyanocobalamin) maintains red blood cells, is important for metabolism and the maintenance of the central nervous sys- tem, and helps to make DNA. Deficiency can result in pernicious anemia and tingling healthy. Deficiency can result in osteoporo- sis, fractures and rickets (in children). Excesses can cause diarrhea, constipation, weakness and other problems. E (tocopherol) acts as an antioxidant that helps the body utilize vitamin K and works to form red blood cells. Deficiency is rare because E is stored naturally in the body for extended periods of time. Excesses include possible hemorrhage and impairment of blood clotting. K helps with the formation of bone and aids blood clotting. Low levels can lead to excessive bleeding. Excesses can cause liver damage. People who maintain a well-bal- anced, healthful diet should not experience deficiency or excesses of vitamins unless there is an underlying condition that alters metabolism. Problems caused by excess consumption come into play primarily when supplements are used inappropriately or unnecessarily. Deficiency is most com- mon in people who don’t eat properly, take medications that reduce a vitamin’s efficien- cy, or are vegetarian or vegan.