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Monday, August 16, 2010 – Daily News – 5A Partying progeny piques parent Will MS respond to herbals? Dear Annie: A while ago, my husband, my adult son and I attended a family function in a dif- ferent city. My husband left for home a day earli- er, so my son and I ended up shar- ing a room before our early- morning flight. That night when he is stay- ing with you, since you would otherwise worry. He sounds Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar there was a party to which he was invited. I had a wonderful evening on my own. But by 2:30 a.m., my son still had not returned and there were no mes- sages. I texted him, say- ing I hoped he was not wrapped around a tree. A few minutes later, he replied, saying he was on his way back. The next morning, he could not understand why I was upset that he didn’t let me know when he planned to come home, nor was he will- ing to apologize for making me worry. He said he doesn’t let his girlfriend know if he’s going to be out late, so why should he tell me? I think this is a basic lack of courtesy. But a friend of mine says I’m expecting too much, and that this is how today’s young adults function. I need to add that I think the world of my son. He’s funny, smart, loving and easy to talk with. So, Annie, am I expecting too much? — Wondering in Santa Fe, N.M. Dear Santa Fe: No. Although your son is not obligated to tell you his whereabouts on a regu- lar basis, it is a matter of consideration to do so like a great kid, so we are sure if you explain this to him, he will try harder not to cause needless anxiety to those he cares about. Dear Annie: My husband’s daughter is gay, and his late uncle, who was like a father to him, was also gay. My husband’s two sisters ostracized their uncle and have no con- tact with his daughter, which has created a lot of resentment. My hus- band has not spoken with his sisters in years, but one sends an annual Christmas card with family photos. They refuse to apologize or change and see no rea- son to try. I think deep inside, my husband would like to have a relationship with his sisters. He believes family is important. But he thinks all psy- chologists are charlatans and would definitely refuse to get counseling. Do you see any hope for this sad state of affairs? — Feeling for Him Dear Feeling: You cannot change anyone without their coopera- tion. There is no magic solution to these painful situations. Your husband has the choice of accepting his sisters as they are or leaving things estranged. Your job is to help him understand this, and then be supportive of whatever decision he makes. Dear Annie: I read your answer to ‘‘Devas- tated and Frustrated,’’ whose daughter-in-law treats her like dirt. I don’t understand why you often tell the parents to ‘‘play nice.’’ Why on earth should they? This daughter-in-law is a selfish, passive- aggressive, vindictive person. My heart goes out to this mother who is unable to visit her grandchildren. Since when is it so bad to drop in on your kids? Yet it’s OK for them to ask for money? The daughter-in-law is doing those grandchildren a disservice by not allow- ing them to see their grandparents. One day, they will understand that there are two sides to every story. You certainly should have at least told that daughter-in-law to play nice with her husband’s parents. — Mrs. R. Dear Mrs. R.: The daughter-in-law didn’t write to us. While she is not behaving well, nei- ther is ‘‘Devastated.’’ In order to see those grandchildren, one of them needs to ‘‘play nice,’’ and we can only advise the person who wrote. 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. FEATURES DEAR DR. GOTT: Please give me information on multi- ple sclerosis. Do you recommend any holistic or natural supplements that are helpful in treating the condition? My 41-year-old daughter-in- law has just been diagnosed with it. Thank you. Your column is very informative. DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This, in turn, interferes with sig- nals between the brain and the remainder of the body, resulting in nerve deterioration. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include an inability to speak or walk, dizziness, tremor, unsteady gait, double or blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body at a time or on the bottom half of the body. Increases in body temperature can worsen symptoms. The disorder can affect anyone at any age but commonly begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with Caucasians at the top of the list. Women are more likely to develop MS than are men. Heredity plays an important role except in the case of identical twins. Should one twin be diagnosed with MS, the second has only a 25 percent to 30 percent chance of developing it. People also appear more suscepti- ble if they have other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, a thyroid disorder or inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis can be difficult because other disorders with similar symp- toms must be ruled out first. A spinal tap, MRI or electrical testing might be considered. A spinal tap can show abnormal levels of white blood cells or pro- teins. The MRI can detect lesions of myelin loss caused by MS. Electrical testing can trigger the brain to respond to outside stimuli. An MRI may not provide proof- positive results, however, because the lesions detected could be caused by other conditions, including lupus and Lyme disease. Dr. Peter Gott While there is no cure, there are medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and glatiramer, which protects the myelin (the fatty substance that cov- ers nerve fibers) and prevents it from being attacked. Another procedure patients might consider is interferons (proteins that pro- tect against vital infection), which appear to slow the pro- gression of MS. The downside is that interferons can cause liver damage. Then there’s physical therapy, obtaining sufficient rest, avoiding extreme heat, and eat- ing properly. Because mental stress can accom- pany MS, counseling and support groups are endorsed. Herbal remedies are a long shot but could include omega-3 fatty acids, such as is found in freshwater salmon, and bromelain, a substance extracted from pineapple that is thought to control pain and inflamma- tion. Before trying either of these reme- dies, I would recommend your rela- tive speak with her physician to obtain his or her opinion. Your daughter-in-law should be under the care of a specialist who can guide her through this ordeal. Many people do not require any treatment in the early stages, while others will fare better with a more aggressive approach. To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” 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.AskDrGottMD.com. 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. PAID ADVERTISEMENT I For information on participation in Kids & Families call (530) 527-2151 P.A.W.S. (Partners for Animal Welfare & Safety) A Volunteer Program Dedicated to the Prevention of Litters, Not the Destruction of Unwanted animals. HOW CAN YOU HELP? CALL US! 528-8018 Please leave your number we WILL call you back P.O. Box 8908, Red Bluff CA 96080 For information on participation in Kids & Families call (530) 527-2151 P.A.W.S. (Partners for Animal Welfare & Safety) P.A.W.S. SAYS...A FEW POINTS OF CLARIFICATION... Yes, we are suspending our spay neuter certificate program. The last applications will be taken on September 1st. Call 528-8018 starting at 9:00 a.m. sharp. No, we are not closing all of our programs at this time. Yes, we are still requesting donations and urge you to continue to use your Food Maxx share cards as well. Any funds raised will be directed back to benefit animal welfare in Tehama County. We expect to be able to reevaluate our options for remaining in operation by the first quarter of 2011. Some of the decisions will be made based upon finding qualified volun- teers to join the management team of PAWS, the economic environment of our commu- nity, and the viability of a reasonable expectation of attaining our goals into the future. Accepting Enrollment for 2010-2011 Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Call (530) 527-7040 Serving Tehama County Since 1970 R H L C O O O H M C M S U N N T I A I Y S C T