Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/13092
Thursday, July 8, 2010 – Daily News – 3B What’s the buzz all about? DEAR DR. GOTT: Any advice on how to treat tinnitus? DEAR READ- ER: Yes, but first let me explain the condition. Tinni- tus is a roaring, hissing, clicking, buzzing or ring- ing in the ears that is likely related to an underlying disorder such as ear injury, hearing loss or disorder of the circu- latory system. There are two forms of tinnitus — subjective and objective. The sub- jective form is common and can be heard only by the person whose ears are affected. This type is generally connected to the outer, middle or inner ear; however, the audito- ry nerve or portion of the brain that interprets nerve signals might also be involved. The objec- tive form of tinnitus is less common but can be heard by a physician dur- ing examination and gen- erally involves blood vessel, muscular or inner-ear-bone problems. The inner ear contains delicate hairs that move with the pressure of sound. The cells of the ear then release an elec- trical signal via the audi- tory nerve to the brain that ultimately interprets the signal as sound. Should the hairs become bent or broken, they send random impulses to the brain that can result in tinnitus. Some of the more common causes for the condition include repeat- ed exposure to loud nois- es, as with using a lawn mower or chain saw or listening to music through earphones; excessive wax buildup in the ears; the normal aging process; and abnormal changes in bone growth. Less com- mon causes include Meniere’s disease, injury, hypertension and benign tumors called acoustic neuromas. A number of medica- tions, including aspirin taken in high doses, some antibiotics, diuret- ics and others can cause tinnitus or worsen it. Diagnosis begins with an examination to deter- mine whether simple ear- wax impaction might be to blame. A medical his- tory that includes drugs and over-the-counter medicines or supple- ments will help a physi- cian determine whether the medication is to blame. If so, a change or discontinuation might be appro- priate. Dr. Peter Gott While tinnitus of unknown cause cannot be cured, there are a number of treat- ments that can reduce or mask its severity. Pro- tect your ears with plugs, cotton or muffs when exposed to loud noises. If appropriate, reduce your alcohol intake, because it dilates blood vessels and causes a greater flow to the already damaged ears. To provide related information, I am send- ing you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disor- ders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, 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 have horizontal ripples, bumps and concaves on my index-finger nail and thumbnail. My index finger has had the prob- lem for years, the thumbnail for about six weeks. And other nails have been changing. I’ve gone to too many doc- tors to count, and there are still no visible changes or solutions. Any inkling would be appreciated. DEAR READER: Ridged nails are often an indication of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, poor diet, the aging process or a loss of moisture. Short- ages of A, B, iron, pro- tein and calcium are commonly detected. Horizontal ridges have been linked to heart con- ditions, diabetes, kidney disorders and respiratory disease. As we age, the nails don’t always receive ade- quate moisture. If your diet is adequate, consider drinking more water each day and rub castor or olive oil onto your nails periodically. 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. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Tehama County’s Personal/Professional Service Directory Bankruptcy Attorney Local Bankruptcy Attorney Jocelyn C. Olander 530-824-0288 Free Consultation Payment Plans Available Web: www.jcoattyatlaw.com email: mail@jcoatty atlaw.com A federally qualified Debt Relief Agency under 11 U.S.C. 101(12(A)) Embroidery AT YOUR SERVICE! $ 9900 3 month Clock Repair 530-736-7079 Grandpa’s Clocks Jim Paul 20910 Pebblestone Dr. Red Bluff Shelf & 31 Day Clocks Repaired Call for appt. Member NAWCC Cuckoo Clocks, Anniversary, Wall, Clock Repair James W. Tysinger, Jr. M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Fellow American Academy of Ophtalmology We accept Medical, Medicare & most Insurances Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Fri & Sat 8am-12 noon For Emergencies, After Hours, Week-ends, Call 530-567-5001 345 Hickory St. Red Bluff Tel: (530) 529-4733 Fax: (530) 529-1114 Orthotic Therapy is our Specialty, also treating all aspects of the feet including Bunions, Hammertoes and Plantar Fasciitis with conservative and surgical intervention. We offer comprehensive skin care products from; FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALIST 2530 Sr Mary Columba Dr Red Bluff (530) 527-7584 commitment Runs every Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday Eye Physician Financial Services BANKRUPTCY Free information $50/mo. + court fee MICHAEL O. HAYS Attorney at Law 1-800-387-9299 Feet Health Snubbed soul stymies school selection Dear Annie: My parents eloped 35 years ago, and my grandmother never for- gave them. She disowned my mother and has never been part of our lives. Four years ago, my oldest broth- er also cut off contact with the family. ward to, and I don’t want her to be hurt again. — Lost in Louisville, Ky. Dear Lost: You should- After losing two of the most important people in her life, my mother, who is bipolar, feels as if everyone is going to betray her at some point. My two other brothers and I walk on pins and nee- dles, worried that we will acciden- tally do something to hurt her. Mom has gone to counseling and is on medication. Recently, my 5-year-old son was accepted to two excellent schools. Unfortunately, it puts us in a very tough situation. Mom works at one of the schools. She loves the place, but we don’t feel it is as good a fit for our son as the other. But we are afraid of hurting Mom by choosing the other school. Even talking about it will make her feel she is a terrible person for putting us in this situa- tion. My question is, is it worth the trouble to send our son to the school of our choice, or should we just send him to Mom’s school? She was so excited when he was accept- ed there that she cried tears of joy. It has given her something to look for- Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar n’t have to sacrifice your child’s education because you don’t want to hurt Mom. On the other hand, the dif- ference between the schools may be minor. Talk to Mom. Tell her you value her input, and ask her to help you com- pare the two schools with your son’s personality and talents in mind. Ideally, she will reach the same conclusion as you. But if not, do what is best for your child, and try to make it up to Mom in other ways. Dear Annie: My husband has a high-level executive position that entails attending many public situa- tions that involve eating. Annie, he uses his fingers to push food onto his fork, and then he licks his fin- gers. He has done this at office ban- quets and dinners in fine-dining restaurants. I have actually seen him pick up the food with his fin- gers and then put it on his fork. It makes me think, why even use the fork? It’s how he was brought up, because his mother does the same thing. I was always taught to use my knife or a piece of bread to push the food when needed. It embarrasses me when he does this, and I imagine he is embarrassing himself, as well. Is there any way to approach him about this? — Sticky Situation Dear Sticky: Be honest. Use this as an opportunity to educate your husband on the social graces he ought to have in the rarified circles in which he finds himself. Tell him you love him and understand that he was never taught these things, but pushing his food with his fingers is considered poor manners and you don’t want others to think ill of him. Explain that it takes time to shed old habits, and offer to work with him at home, gently reminding and correcting him as needed. We hope he is amenable. Dear Annie: I completely agree with ‘‘No Photo Op’’ to have a closed casket, but for a different reason. While I, too, think taking open-casket photos is a bit ghastly, I also am creeped out when people say, ‘‘Doesn’t she look beautiful?’’ Despite the solace it might give the grieving family members to hear these words, the answer is, ‘‘No, she doesn’t look great. She looks dead.’’ This is one reason I want my cas- ket closed. After all, what made me who I am is already gone from that dead body. — No Open Casket Dear No: This is such a person- al decision that everyone should be certain his or her loved ones are aware of their preferences. Feel free to use this column to start the dis- cussion. CREAMS, SALTS, MOISTURIZERS, GIFT SETS www.aerosilknatural.com SPA SKIN CARE PRODUCTS ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS