Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/36967
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 – Daily News 3B FEATURES Slacker sister sapping seniors Dear Annie: My parents are in their early 80s. They’ve had some health problems and are slowing down, but they are still able to care for themselves. They make ends meet because they carefully saved over the years. The problem is my younger sister, who went through a diffi- cult divorce several years ago. ‘‘Donna’’ hasn’t worked much since then, and Mom and Dad are paying nearly all of her expenses. If my parents were to need assist- ed living, I worry it could be a major hardship. Donna shows no signs of looking for full-time work. When Mom recently told me that vacuuming hurts her arms, I asked Donna to pitch in with the heavy housework. She agreed to do so, but when I later asked Mom about it, she said Donna told her she didn’t have time because she was so busy applying for jobs and was afraid she might miss a phone call if she left home. (As if cell phones don’t travel.) I understand that jobs aren’t easy to come by, but couldn’t Donna spend one day a week doing housework and run- ning errands for my parents? I would do it myself, but there have been layoffs and pay cuts at work, and my hours have increased substantially. I get home late, and I’m exhausted. It annoys me that Donna is living a life of leisure at my parents’ expense, and when I say any- thing, they make excuses for her. Any advice for me? — Emma in Texas Dear Texas: You cannot force Donna to be a better daughter, nor are your par- ents likely to insist on it. Since they could use some extra assistance, howev- er, it wouldn’t hurt to talk to Donna again and remind her gently that she currently is the one with the most flexible sched- ule. Ask her how she thinks she can be of help. Then suggest to your parents that they discuss their future financial needs with their banker, lawyer or other impar- tial intermediary. Dear Annie: I belong to an organiza- tion that supports women who wish to go to college. We recently presented a siz- Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar able scholarship check, in per- son, to a very needy young high school graduate. We have had no response from her. We would like to send her a note about this. There is a possi- bility she could get additional grants in the future, but we feel a response is both courteous and necessary. Is there proper word- ing for such a letter from us? It seems shameful that our young generation is not taught this proper etiquette. — Midge Dear Midge: When you pre- sented the scholarship, did the girl thank you in person? If so, she may not realize that it is good form to also express her appreciation in writing. Send her a note saying, ‘‘We were delighted to award you the Women’s Scholarship last spring. We would very much like to be kept informed of your progress, so please let us know how you are doing.’’ Dear Annie: I read the letter from ‘‘Wondering,’’ who was asked to return her parents’ nativity set to her brother. Both of my parents have passed, and we adult children all enjoy the memories of Christmases with Mom and Dad. We, too, have a special nativity set that has sentimental value to all of us. Our solu- tion is to share it. Each year, a different sibling gets to use the set as part of their Christmas decorations. When it comes time to take down the tree, we pack up the nativity set and send it along to the next person, and so on. This is a nice way for each of us to have the special display in our own homes and then share the memories when we visit each other. — Remember- ing in New York Dear New York: This is a lovely idea. Thank you for suggesting it. 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. Seaweed has its downside DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your recent column where one of your readers discovered the side effect of eating things with sea- weed as an additive. Thank goodness I caught that particular item. I thought I had begun to suffer from psoriasis and even dis- cussed it with my doctor. He said to use hydrocortisone to control it. It didn’t stop it. After reading your column, I checked and found that the heavy cream I was using in my coffee, sold in most supermarkets, had seaweed as a thickener. I stopped using that brand, went to natural cream, and the rashes slowly went away. I have no problems now and wish to pass along the information and a thank- you. It’s amazing and scary what is put in our food. DEAR READER: Because I drink my coffee black and don’t use heavy cream in cooking, I had no knowledge that some brands contain seaweed. Seaweed has been used with success by botanical, industrial and pharmaceu- tical companies. Traditional Chinese medicine even utilizes saltwater extracts of specific seaweeds for the treatment of cancer. Wounds, burns and rashes have been treated with seaweed, despite the fact that limited information is available regarding its use as an anti-bacterial or anti-fungal agent. Contact dermatitis, goiter, gastrointestinal problems and rare cases of potent inflammatory reac- tion have been reported. I guess you are among those affected. This was a great pickup on your part and further rein- forces my preaching regarding reading labels. You’ll get quite an education. Readers who would like related infor- mation on psoriasis can order my Health Report “Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Eczema” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order for each report to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s), or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDr- GottMD.com/order_form.pdf. DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like more information on cellulitis. What is affect- ed by this, and what I should do about it. DEAR READER: Bacteria can enter the body easily through breaks in the skin, insect bites and skin ulcers. Skin can split because of lymphedema, eczema, shingles, chickenpox, IV drug use and athlete’s foot — leading to an increased risk for bacteria to enter. Cellulitis is a skin infection common- ly caused by the staphylococcus or Dr. Peter Gott streptococcus bacterium. There is an increasing number of cases of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and it is becoming a common cause of cellulitis. The condition can occur on any surface of the skin; however, the lower legs and feet are most commonly affected. Fungal infections of the feet may lead to recurring cellulitis. People with a weakened immune system are more sus- ceptible than those who are healthy. Diagnosis can often be made through visual examination. However, a physi- cian may order blood tests or wound cultures if any questions remain. Symptoms include fever, chills, skin that is warm to the touch, muscle aches and pains, and fatigue. Glands may become swollen. As the infection pro- gresses, the area involved may enlarge and the skin may feel stretched. Left untreated, infection can spread rapidly to the lymph nodes and bloodstream, becoming a very serious issue. Treatment is focused on controlling the infection, primarily with oral antibi- otics. Improvement should occur com- pletely within two weeks unless the individual has a diagnosis of a chronic disease such as diabetes. It is extremely important you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the length of time you remain on the antibi- otic. You should also revisit him or her for a follow-up to assure the drug’s effectiveness. Prevention involves maintaining good hygiene, keeping skin moist to pre- vent cracking and splitting, washing scratches or open skin areas with warm soap and water daily, applying an over- the-counter antibiotic ointment and dressing until a scab forms, trimming finger and toenails and watching for the telltale signs of infection. 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. If readers want to contact Dr. Gott, they may write to him at his website, or send their mail directly to Dr. Gott, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Connecticut address listed above. • Everyday Cheapskate • Gleaners • Food on the Table The Daily News - At your side when times are tough