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Wednesday, February 9, 2011 – Daily News – 5A Fine friend fascinates fellows Another new antioxidant Dear Annie: I have been best friends with ‘‘Claire’’ since junior high. She is nothing short of a knockout, with a sweet per- sonality to match. We have always been very close, and I trea- sure our friend- ship. The problem is, when we are out together, men are inter- ested in Claire but feel she is unapproachable because she is so beauti- ful. Instead, they talk me up to try to get their foot in the door with her. Quite frankly, I am fed up with men only talking to me because they know I am friends with Claire. Then, when she isn’t interested in them, I have to let them down. It’s exhausting. I am successful, edu- cated, smart and funny, and I’m not bad looking, either, but men are only interested in my hot friend. This has been going on since high school, and I’m 35, for heaven’s sake. How do I break this cycle or, at the very least, tactfully tell these men that I am not the key to Claire’s heart? — Invisible Dear Invisible: You are always going to suf- fer by comparison to Claire, so we strongly urge you not to try to meet men when you are with her. Her bright light makes everything else seem dim. On other occasions, when you are in Claire’s company, it is perfectly OK to refuse to intercede. If you are approached about Claire, simply say, ‘‘Sorry, but if you are inter- ested in my friend, you’ll have to talk to her directly.’’ Dear Annie: Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar We recently had dinner at a local restaurant with three other cou- ples. Usually, a tip is automati- cally added with parties of six or more, but this time, the server did not do so. Our friend who han- dled the check added the tip to the total bill, including the fairly hefty tax, and then divided by the number of couples to see what we each owed. I was taught that one gave a tip on the price of the meal, not including the tax. Who is correct? — Wondering in New Hampshire Dear N.H.: You are, although we are sure the server appreciated the extra money. Since it bothers you, we recom- mend you handle the check next time. Dear Annie: This is in response to ‘‘To Gift or Not To Gift,’’ whose daughter-in-law was talking about a divorce. ‘‘Gift’’ wanted to know if the daughter-in-law should be taken off the annual gift list. It is always best to take the peaceful way in a family matter. I did and never regretted it. When my son and his wife split up, I told them both that I love them and their child and would not make my granddaughter choose between her par- ents. I included my daughter-in-law in all family gatherings. They separated, but never divorced. When my son was killed a few months later, I said as far as I was concerned there was no separation. I included my daughter-in- law in planning the funeral and the obituary. People had the nerve to say I shouldn’t have been so inclusive, but I told them I was the mother and this is what I wanted. I did it for my daughter- in-law, my granddaugh- ter and our family. We are still close, and my granddaughter stays with me quite a bit. Had I made enemies with my daughter-in-law when they separated, I may not have had the chance to spend so much time with my son’s daughter. I say give her the gift, and the next time she complains about your son, simply say, ‘‘You are talking about my child, and it hurts me to hear negative things about him. Please don’t put me in the mid- dle like that.’’ You will be surprised how fast she will respect your wishes. My daughter-in-law once asked whether I minded if she still con- sidered me to be her mother-in-law, even if she someday remarries. I told her I would be hon- ored. — A.G. Dear A.G.: You did it right. Brava. 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: Have you ever heard of the supplement Protandim? I’ve been told that it could help my rheumatoid-arthri- tis pain. What can you tell me about it? And if it’s so great, why don’t doctors tell us about it? DEAR READER: Let me start by saying I have no affiliation with this product. Protandim’s ingredients include milk thistle, Bacopa extract, Ashwagandha, green-tea extract and turmeric extract. This dietary supplement is an antioxidant that has received a fair amount of publicity on national television, in newspapers and elsewhere as a new breakthrough in boosting the immune system. Dr. Peter Gott tions. The Food and Drug Administration Milk thistle has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for many ail- ments, including liver and gallbladder disease, and as an antidote for mushroom poisoning if given within 10 minutes of ingestion. When given within 24 hours, it’s purported to greatly reduce the risk of liver damage and death from ingestion. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflamma- tory properties. Bacopa extract is used to restore and nourish the central nervous system. It contains antioxidants thought to protect brain cells and is commonly used to enhance memory and concentration. Ashwagandha is commonly taken to relieve stress, treat inflammation and fever, and to protect against illness and infection. It is marketed as an immune- system booster, to improve memory and promote overall wellness. Green-tea extract is derived from green-tea leaves. It contains antioxidant properties that can be generally divided into four aspects — antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti-radiation and anti-car- cinogen. Turmeric extract is yet another antiox- idant/inflammatory/bacterial remedy touted to support healthy skin, reduce cholesterol levels and joint pain, and pos- sibly help in preventing some cancers. Aging begins within every cell of the body and is both progressive and inevitable. As a person ages, the body produces fewer antioxidants to fight the aging process and disorders such as arthritis. The manufacturers of Protandim state that scientists agree that aging and many “deadly” diseases are the result of deterioration of cells owing to rogue mol- Red Bluff High School would like to thank the 2010 VIP Sponsors and Volunteers Cornerstone Community Bank Andy Redfield & Bob Staples –Food Mart –Valero Bev Howard Bud’s Jolly Kone California Parks Company Charlie and Maryanne Willard Claire Flanders Clayton Homes Dan King “Dr Joe” Busey Duane & Cindy Haase Dudley’s Excavating, Inc. Dutch Bros Expect More Tehama Families and Players of the 2010-11 Red Bluff Spartan BasketballTeams Gary Olson Greg Stevens Growney Motors Harold and Stephanie Dodero Hope Chest JB and Julie Stacy Katie Grissom Ken and Melina Robison Ken Smith Lassen Medical Group, Inc. Lee Shoop MD & Family Lonnie Scott Luigi’s Pizza Marvin Benefield Matt McGlynn McGlynn & McGlynn – Attorneys at Law Moore & Benton Families Moule’s Tehama County Glass Mr. & Mrs. David Barnes Mt. Lassen Trout – Big Cat Fisheries Rainbow Bread Store Raley’s Red Bluff Daily News Rich Greene Robert R. Chase MD Special Spartan Sweepers St. Elizabeth Community Hospital – Sports Medicine Program Staff and Students of Red Bluff High Tehama Family Fitness Tim Frantz, MD Tony and Rachel Sandow “Tractor Dan” Marshall Troy Lalaguna Warren and Kim Wheeler We Shoot Ya! William and Jill Hill Families William J Moore DMD has not evaluated any of these statements; nor is Protandim intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. My guess? If you haven’t heard about this so-called breakthrough product, it is because your physician has chosen to address your medical issues through more conventional methods. Your arthri- tis is an inflammatory disorder that com- monly affects the small joints of your feet and hands. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system is inappro- priately attacking your own body’s tis- sues. I recommend that you speak with your physician regarding an exercise program, apply heat or cold to your painful mus- cles, join a yoga program, or practice tai chi for pain control. Then consider NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammato- ry over-the-counter medications, stronger prescription NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, DMARDs (dis- ease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and others. To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made 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. ecules known as free radicals. The damage that occurs is known as oxidative stress. The product is touted to reduce that oxidative stress by an average 40 percent. The product is contraindicated for people undergoing chemotherapy or organ trans- plant. Potential users should con- sult their physician before begin- ning the supplement, especially pregnant or nursing women and anyone on prescription medica-