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Monday, September 19, 2011 – Daily News 5A FEATURES Neighbor near nakedness; now nervous Dear Annie: My wife said I should ask for your advice. We have a next- door neighbor, ''Dee,'' whose husband died 10 years ago. She's become my wife's best friend and confidant. I help with main- tenance on her house and car. We both think the world of her. canceled and rescheduled a complete physical. My new appointment is coming up soon. I don't want to switch doctors. What can I do? — Modest Mike Dear Mike: Please My doctor has a small practice with one nurse. I've been going to him for- ever, but he's getting along in years. He has a hard time keeping up with the patient charts and taking notes, so he has his nurse stay in the exam room after prepping the patients in order to assist the doctor. I'm a modest guy, but I've tolerated this extra woman in the room. This worked out fine until recently. The nurse left when her husband relocated. Dee is a nurse, and she applied for the position and got it. I'm now faced with the prospect of having Dee in the room while the doctor examines me. I'm not comfortable with this. I can't ask for a different nurse because there isn't one. My wife thinks I'm being silly. She says see- ing men undressed is part of Dee's job and no big deal. She also told me that before Dee applied for the job, she asked if this would be a problem and my wife assured her it wouldn't. I don't want to cause any hard feelings with Dee. She's a great per- son, but it disturbs me to think she and my wife might be discussing my health over coffee. I've already Annie's Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar inform your doctor of your concerns so he can make sure Dee follows profession- al standards and doesn't dis- cuss your health with your wife or anyone else. It is also OK to ask your doctor to examine you without Dee present or to have her leave before you disrobe. Perhaps he can record his notes if he has difficulty remem- bering them. Dear Annie: My husband and I were close friends with ''Jane'' and her husband for more than 40 years. We even spent vacations together. A few years ago, Jane's husband died. A couple of months later, a gentleman was paying a great deal of attention to her, and I said, ''If I didn't know better, I would wonder about the two of you.'' Jane said I insulted her and told me to never contact her again. I wrote anyway and apologized. I've sent birthday cards and Christmas cards, but haven't heard from her, although she keeps in touch with my kids. She said she expected me to come to her house. She recently told my daughter that the more she thought about it, she realized my comment wasn't so bad, but she just isn't ready to make up with me. Now I wonder if perhaps she never really liked me, but was close only because of our husbands' friendship. Should I try again or let it be? — Missing My Friend Dear Missing: Let it be. We assume Jane was ultrasensitive to your comment because her husband had only recently died. But you have done everything possible to be forgiven, and Jane has made it clear that she isn't ready. If she wants to repair the friendship, let her make the next move. Then you will know she is genuinely interested in renewing the bond. Dear Annie: You printed a letter from ''Sexually Frustrated,'' whose wife isn't interested in intimacy. Here's another option: She may not be into men. After 32 years with my husband, I, too, wondered why he wasn't interested. For years, I thought it was me. I wasn't pretty enough or sexy enough. Then it came out that he was really attracted to men. Please tell ''Frustrated'' that his situation may not improve unless his wife is open and honest about what is up with her. I wish I had known earlier. My husband and I are great friends, but my needs go by the wayside. — Monogamous and Unfulfilled 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. Special pheasant hunts offered People seeking hunt- ing opportunities during the upcoming pheasant season can visit the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Upland Game Bird Stamp Pro- gram's webpage to apply online. It lists numerous hunts statewide, includ- ing opportunities in DFG's Central Region, which includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mon- terey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties. DFG's Central Region will offer 20 apprentice junior pheasant hunts, 18 apprentice family pheas- ant hunts, three appren- tice women pheasant hunts and one special mobility-impaired pheas- ant hunt. Applications and information are avail- able online at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/ hunting/uplandgame/gam ebird. Hunters must create an account using a valid e- mail address and submit an application with their choice of hunts listed in order of preference. Restless leg syndrome responds to calcium DEAR DR. GOTT: My hus- band and I are both in our late 40s. He has suf- fered from restless legs syndrome (RLS) for more than 20 years. He has taken different prescription med- ications that either have not worked or have left him groggy the next day. tion is not limited to the legs, and the word "syndrome" implies a collection of symptoms, rather than a disor- der. DEAR DR. Dr. Peter Gott A couple of months ago I had some mild heartburn and my legs had that creepy-crawly feeling, so I got up and took two Tums. Even though my heartburn did not completely go away, the sensation in my legs did. The next night my husband's legs were both- ering him, so I told him to take two Tums. For the past couple of months he has continued to take them every night. If he forgets and his legs start to bother him, he gets up, takes two, and within 30 minutes he is able to rest. DEAR READER: Cal- cium has been found to be helpful in relieving noctur- nal leg cramps, and some RLS sufferers have also found that it is beneficial in preventing symptoms when taken just prior to sleep. However, many sources don't list it is a pos- sible remedy. Other deficiencies, most notably iron, magnesium, folic acid and B vitamins, are known to cause RLS symptoms in some. Some studies have found that dia- betes and other diseases may also lead to RLS. Treatment includes supple- mentation for deficiency, prescription medications and relaxation techniques. For other sufferers or those interested in learning more, there are several online sources that discuss symptoms, causes and treatment. The most popu- lar of these is the Restless Legs Foundation (www.RLS.org). As a side note, the Rest- US Fish and Wildlife Service photo Hunters may apply only once for each hunt, either as an applicant or as a guest. Submitting multi- ple applications will result in disqualification. To apply online you will need: a valid e-mail address, hunter's name, address and phone num- ber, 2011-2012 hunting license GO ID, and, if applicable, information about mobility impair- ment and special accom- modations needed. Hunters will be selected by a computerized draw- ing for one hunt only, and only successful appli- cants will be notified. Special hunts are pro- vided in cooperation with many volunteer organiza- tions. The purchase of an Upland Game Bird Stamp supports these special hunts and other programs that provide additional Upland Game Bird hunt- ing opportunities. All upland game bird hunters, except those with Junior hunting licenses, must purchase an Upland Game Bird Stamp. Nature hikes offered in the region • Saturday, Oct. 29- Battle Creek Wildlife Area Day Hike, five miles round trip. (1a) Ideal time to enjoy diverse migrating waterfowl, see salmon, hear crunch of fall leaves underfoot, along $128 million fish restora- tion project Battle Creek from both north and south sides of creek. Binoculars, snack, 1 qt. water; meet 9 a.m. Battle Creek Wildlife parking area. Limit 20. Reserve your spot with leader M.Weidert, 474-4300. • Friday, Nov. 4, Sat. Nov. 5 Hat Creek Day Hikes. (1a) Car camp Friday @ USFS Cave Campground,west side of Hwy 44 @ junction of Hwy 44 and Hwy 89 $10 sites, each site acco- modates 2 cars, 8 people. Meet leader 5p.m. Nov. 4 or 9 a.m. Nov. 5 at Cave Campground for Nature Knowledge day hikes Thank You for Supporting the 275 C St. / Tehama along Hat Creek, to a collapsed lava tube, and to springs on the side of the Hat Creek Rim. Wear good hiking boots to see close-up wintry views, bring water,lunch, rainwear, gloves, heat covering ears and all campgear and own meals if camping. Daylight savings time ends this weekend. Limit 10. Reserve spot with leader M. Wei- dert, 474-4300. • Saturday, Nov. 12, Upper Battle Creek Watershed hike; aerial View, Upper Battle Creek Watershed Hike; Aerial View. (1b) Climb uphill on dirt trail to a spectacular bird's eye views of volcanic Mt. Lassen, Brokeoff Peak & Mt. Shasta at top, 3 mile loop, about 900 ft. elev. gain, then descend a different way. short car shuttle. Physically fit hikers only bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking boots, light The North State's premier supplier of stoves STOVE JUNCTION The Over 25 years of experience NOW OPEN! Sales • Service • Installation *Wood Stoves * Pellet Stoves * Gas Stoves Tues-Sat 9am-5pm Closed Sunday & Monday 22825 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff www.thestovejunction.com 530-528-2221 Fax 530-528-2229 SC raingear. Meet leader 10 a.m. at Manton location leader will pro- vide; trail will be forested, dirt, may be wet, 40 miles east of I-5 in central Redding, from there allow 1 hour 10 min. drive to trailhead. Return to cars by 2 p.m. You're invited to sign-up in advance with outings leader M. Weidert, 474-4300. • Saturday, Dec. 3. Urban Christmas Lights Hike, (1a) meet leader at 6 p.m. in S.W. corner of free parking garage at junction of California and Placer in down- town Redding for hilly tour of the night lights followed by hot cider & cookies on a high hill we climb above Mary Lake overlooking the City of Redding. Bring flash- lights, good walking shoes and your Christmas spirit. Leader M. Weidert 530.474.4300, co-Leader Diane Madgic 530.365.5852. Limit 20. Ice Cream PS Gelato & More! Wraps & Salads Drive thru window Now Serving Sandwiches, 905 Walnut St., Red Bluff 528-1698 11am-9pm 7 days http://www.facebook.com/scoopsofredbluff facebook.com/scoopsofredbluff Let's Talk About Hair Jeannie Stroing Perm, Cut & Set Special $ 450 Antelope Blvd. Bus 528-2900 Cell 526-1304 Sept. 1st through Dec. 31st long hair extra 35 less Legs Syndrome Foun- dation has also initiated the process of changing the name of the condition to Willis-Ekbom disease. This is for several reasons, in part because the condi- GOTT: It seems like everyone talks about diabetes and high blood sugar, but I recently found out I suffer from the oppo- site. What can you tell me about hypoglycemia? DEAR READER: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, is not a disease, but rather a symp- tom. It is most commonly seen in diabetics who do not have their sugar levels under proper control. In non-diabetics it is the result of an underlying condition. Possible underlying causes include certain medications, tumors, alco- holism, anorexia, hepatitis, kidney disorders and endocrine deficiencies. Hypoglycemia can be fatal if symptoms are ignored. Signs can include confusion, abnormal behavior, visual distur- bances, tremor, anxiety, hunger, sweating, heart palpitations, seizures and loss of consciousness that typically occur between meals or on an empty stomach. When symptoms occur following a meal, it can be the result of the body pro- ducing too much insulin. This is usually seen in those who have had gastric bypass surgery. It is impor- tant to note that these symptoms can be the result of other conditions, too, so it is important to seek prompt medical attention, especially if onset is new. Treatment is twofold. First, blood sugar must be brought back into normal range. Then the underlying cause must be treated. For diabetics, carefully managing blood sugar lev- els and medication use is vital. In non-diabetics, small, frequent meals throughout the day can help keep blood sugars steady, but this isn't recommended for long-term treatment, so testing to determine the cause is necessary.