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Friday, October 15, 2010 – Daily News – 5A Family feuds fueling fixation Dollar-store glasses fill the bill Dear Annie: I have been fighting a lot with my 16- year-old daugh- ter, ‘‘Rebecca.’’ It has escalated to the point where she moved into an apartment with her 19-year-old bo yfriend, ‘‘Rick.’’ I am not comfortable with the age difference and have tried to talk to her, but she just won’t listen. I don’t know Rick very well, and I am wor- ried about my daughter. Rebecca comes home only to ask for money, do laundry or get a few personal items. When I try talking to her during those times, she throws a tantrum and storms out. I saw a therapist about it, but that led nowhere. Taking away her car keys, phone and credit card has done nothing. What can I do? — Desperately Con- fused Mom Dear Mom: Is Rebec- ca considered a legal adult in your state? If not, you can report the situation to the police. It is a drastic step that may get her away from Rick, but it will likely estrange you completely. Your second option is to get to know her boyfriend. Part of the problem is that Rebecca is in full-blown rebellion, and your dis- approval of Rick is a compelling reason for her to stay with him. Stop railing against the situation. Instead, invite Rick and Rebecca over for dinner. You need to find out whether he’s a good guy, and if not, help Rebecca see that for herself. Dear Annie: I have Bring in this ad to receive $10 OFF* any *Regular Price. Must present ad at time of purchase Crossroads Feed & Ranch Supply 595 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff, CA 95080 530-529-6400 Shopcrossroads.net Act II Consignment Boutique Closing after 17 years Carol of Act II will be retiring and closing as of October 30th . 645 Main St., Red Bluff • 529-2482 We’re now booking gourmet catering for your Holiday Parties Call us to get a quote, or book your party www.californiakitchencompany.com Hobart received a certificate of excellence and a gift certificate donated by Price’s Pharmacy. Many Thanks and Blessings to our Consigners and Customers (couldn’t have done it without you) Everything must go including accessories and fixtures Come by and enjoy all the bargains 707 Walnut St., Red Bluff • 527-4227 Join the Job Training Center in celebrating great customer service this October. Secret Shoppers have been visiting all types of businesses throughout the county. While there were plenty of honorable mentions, just twelve are selected who go above and beyond. We celebrate them this week. Hobart Vogel, Executive Chef Rolling Hills Casino, Corning Service is in the details. Hobart Vogel is the Executive Chef at Rolling Hills Casino. The Secret Shopper has worked with the casino on numerous occasions utilizing Carlino’s Event Center. “The food is always absolutely delicious, which I’m sure Hobart has a huge part in, but what I have been consistently impressed with is his time outside of the kitchen. Hobart always comes out to make sure that the buffet is set-up correctly and everything is in order. The presentation of the food is always impeccable, and while Hobart checks on everything he provides excellent customer service. He always has a smile on his face, and will answer any question— even if it is simply pointing the way to the restroom. He interacts with participants at all the various events, making sure that their questions are answered, and they leave happy. He is an unobtrusive figure but always a bright spot.” A&R Custom Butchering, Red Bluff (Dairyville) Knowledge and trust. While the Secret Shopper loves a good dinner, shopping for meat isn’t her greatest talent. Visiting A&R Customer Butchering makes life easier. Sometimes I go in and just say, ‘What should I make for dinner tonight?’ And Russ helps me out. He knows their product, he’s proud of their product, and I trust his judgement. The guys run a clean shop, and even though I always push the clock to the last few minutes before they close, they always have patience and humor. It’s a great shop. Russ Preul, Co-Owner Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar known ‘‘Geor- giana’’ since grade school. She’s a good- hearted, loyal, trustworthy per- son, but is quite difficult to be around, and I can only take her in small doses. My mother reviewed an autism website and discovered that Georgiana displays many of the traits and characteristics of some- one with autism. Howev- er, she grew up at a time when learning disabili- ties were not commonly diagnosed, and she never got the help she needed. Both of her parents died when she was in her early 20s, and although she’s in contact with her extended family, they provide minimal sup- port. Now things seem to be piling up. In four years, Georgiana has had five different jobs. She’s currently unemployed and owes thousands of dollars in credit card debt. She is barely mak- ing it. We want to help by directing her to the support she needs, but she is very stubborn and defensive, so we are reluctant to approach her. If she does have autism, how do we con- vince Georgiana to be evaluated by a special- ist? — Bedford, Mass. Dear Bedford: It is possible that Georgiana suffers from Asperger’s, which is a high-func- tioning form of autism. She may also have an underlying mental ill- ness or simply lack social skills. In order to influence her, you will have to spend more time in her company and per- haps enlist the help of her extended family. Ask if she’s seen her doctor lately, and whether she would allow you (or one of her relatives) to accompany her to her next visit. Whoever goes with her can mention these concerns to the doctor. FEATURES DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78- Dear Annie: ‘‘With a Grateful Heart’’ is exact- ly right: Placing a child for adoption takes courage. I am thankful for my loving and devot- ed parents, siblings and large extended family. My dad was my coach, my mother baked cook- ies, and my sibs and I rode bikes and built forts. I attended excel- lent schools and earned college scholarships. I am educated, well- employed and married to a wonderful man with whom I have four chil- dren. I am adopted and am living the American dream. I have met my birth parents and half-sib- lings. They are amazing people, but encountered hardships and tragedies I never had to deal with. My birthmother gave me an immeasurable gift by putting my needs before her own. My husband and I have already agreed that if one of our children should acciden- tally become pregnant, we will guide her to choose adoption. — The Luckiest 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. year-old white male, 6 feet 2 inches and weigh 195 pounds. I use glasses that cost $1 to read sometimes. I have been seen by two doc- tors. Both say I have glaucoma. I would like to know what the devil this is because both doc- tors said to use Xalatan at bed- time for the rest of my life. DEAR READER: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that dam- age the optic nerve in the eye(s) that results in diminished vision, leading to blindness. The light-sensitive optic nerve connects the retina to the brain, transmitting visual information. There are different forms of the dis- order, but the most common is known as open-angle glaucoma. The front of the eye has a space known as the ante- rior chamber, through which a clear fluid flows, nourishing surrounding tissues. The fluid leaves the anterior chamber and flows through a drain area and leaves the eye. There are times, however, when it passes too slowly through this drain, resulting in a buildup of fluid. The buildup of pres- sure that results can damage the optic nerve, resulting in open-angle glauco- ma and may lead to a loss of vision. It should be noted that an increase in eye pressure is not an indication a person has glaucoma. Rather, it indicates a person is at risk for glaucoma. Then there is the diagnosis of glaucoma without an increase in pressure. This is slightly less common but is known as low or normal-tension glaucoma. Some people are able to withstand higher eye pressure than others. It all depends on how much pressure your optic nerve can handle. The key is early detection. Eye exams should be performed by an oph- thalmologist or optometrist every three to four years for Caucasians and two to four years for African-Americans aged 20 to 39, every two to four years for both races aged 40 to 64, and every one to two years for both races aged 65 and older. Under ordinary circumstances, if a person follows these timelines, visu- al abnormalities can be corrected and treated early. If glaucoma is discov- ered, medication in the form of eye- drops or pills can be prescribed to either lower the pressure or cause the eye to make less fluid. It may be necessary to take the pre- scribed medication several times a day. If you experience burning, stinging or redness, advise your prescribing spe- cialist, who can make a modifi- cation. Dr. Peter Gott It is important to understand that glaucoma often has no symptoms, and you may be inclined to discontinue your medication. Continued use is extremely important. The purpose of the medication is to either lower the production of fluid or to reduce the pressure of the fluid. The Xalatan drops you have been prescribed will reduce the pressure in your eye(s). You should wash your hands before and after use. The med- ication should be taken in the evening unless your doctor provides other instructions. You may experience blurred vision, and your eyes may become sensitive to light. Refrain from driving or doing detailed work until you determine whether you experience any unwanted side effects. Never use more than the recommended dose. It appears both physicians you con- sulted are in agreement. My guess is the Xalatan is a completely appropriate recommendation that you should fol- low. Many people your age are on more medications every day than I have fingers and toes. You’re one of the fortunate ones that have reached the age of 78 without a plethora of problems. 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 payable to Newsletter and mailed 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. Russ received a certificate of excellence and a gift certificate donated from Luigi’s Pizza. Marilyn Sanford, Head Clerk Vern Sorenson , Senior Clerk Freddie Hudson, Receiving Clerk Raley’s, Red Bluff It’s not uncommon for Raley’s to have several employees nominated for great customer service. This year we’ve opted to honor three for their service. According to our Secret Shoppers, each has their own special gift to bring to work every day. Marilyn Sanford, Head Clerk, has a terrific sense of humor, and she is always very sweet and friendly. Marilyn works hard to display her department at its very best. Her personality naturally shines through at all times. Vern Sorenson, Senior Clerk, has an awesome personality. He is always in a positive and cheerful mood. He has great conversational skills and is never too busy to take the time to make a customer feel special. I am confident that his customers and fellow employees appreciate his good-natured approach to everything. Marilyn, Vern, and Freddie each received a certificate of excellence and gift certificates donated by Prime Cinemas, Dutch Bros. and Lariat Bowl and Bowling Greens Miniature Golf. Freddie Hudson, Receiving Clerk, gives new meaning to the words “excellent customer service.” All customers appreciate hearing the words, ‘Can I help you?’ which Freddie so readily asks while beaming a smile. He is also exceptionally fast when working the check-out counter. Waiting too long in line is never an issue when Freddie is working.