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Saturday, April 24, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Rose thorns can be dangerous DEAR DR. GOTT: Last spring, I contracted rose-thorn disease. Very painful and extreme swelling occurred in just one finger. I was in the hospital for days under seda- tion and on anti- fungal meds. I’m still having stiff- ness and swelling in that finger now and then. When will this go away? I must say, everything is not com- ing up roses here. DEAR READER: Rose-thorn (or rose gar- dener’s) disease has the technical name of sporothrix schenckii. It is a fungus that resides on hay, sphagnum mosses and the tips of rose thorns. It can cause infection, redness, swelling and open ulcers at the puncture site. The fun- gus can spread to the lym- phatic system and move on to the joints and bones, where it ends up attacking the central nervous system and lungs when the thorn or thorns are deeply embedded. Diagnosis can be com- plicated because the condi- tion is relatively uncom- mon. When an ulcer does present, it is often mistak- en by a physician as a staph or strep infection and gets treated accordingly. It is only when the antibi- otics prescribed fail to eradicate the ulcer that physicians look outside the box. Many people enjoy the fragrance and beauty of roses in their gardens, and they should continue to do so. It is likely that they’ve had their skin pierced by thorns on numerous occa- sions. The best way to pre- vent rose-thorn disease is to wear appropriate gloves when pruning and to wash any minor punctures with an antibacterial soap. Should a thorn embed the skin beyond that of a minor puncture, it is criti- cal to watch carefully for any signs of infection and report them at once to a physician for testing. The best way to determine whether the infection is present is through a culture of the wound. This is often done by taking a biopsy of the area, which is then examined. You have continued with symptoms for close to a year now, so I can’t guess how long they might last. Perhaps a small portion of the thorn has remained embedded in your finger and is the reason for the prolonged flare-up. Speak ★★ ★ with your physi- cian to determine whether further testing or another short course of antifungals is appropriate. Dr. Peter Gott The simplest things in life carry risk. If flowers provide you plea- sure, take precau- tions that will allow you to stop and smell those roses. DEAR DR. GOTT: My dermatologist told me that I have a fungal infection in my scalp. He gave me a shampoo that didn’t help and also made my hair very dry and unhealthy looking. I am now begin- ning to lose my hair every time I brush and wash it. It comes out in strands and doesn’t grow. I’m getting a small bald spot in the front and don’t know what to do or where to turn. Can you please help me? DEAR READER: Fun- gal scalp infections, also known as tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp, are relatively common. Caused by a moldlike fun- gus, the condition is very contagious. Symptoms include scalp itch, inflammation, pus-filled lesions, small black dots on the scalp and areas of the head that appear bald because the hair has literally broken off. As a general rule, oral antifungal prescription medications are more effective on a greater vari- ety of fungi. Topical oint- ments control surface fungi only. Less expensive (and perhaps better) home treatments include tea-tree oil, grape-seed extract, (green) black walnut and the juice from fig leaves. Because the condition thrives in areas of poor hygiene and skin injuries, it is recommended that hair be washed regularly and allowed to dry completely. Avoid scratching an itchy scalp. Do not use a sharp- toothed comb. And, of extreme importance, do not share a comb, brush, towel for drying the scalp, or hats and headscarves that haven’t been cleaned. Sharing such articles will simply pass the fungus from one person to anoth- er. Ringworm is also known to be spread by pets, particularly cats. If a physician is unable through visual exam to make a diagnosis, biopsy and other procedures are available. The disorder is persistent and will require meticulous attention. AMERICAN SELF-STORAGE 64 Mulberry Ave., Red Bluff • 527-1755 • Fully Fenced • Onsite Manager • Well Lit Property website: www.americanselfstorage.biz • RV & Vehicle parking now available $ 25 $ $ 1ST COUPON THREE MONTHS 8x10 units only Special rates on all unit sizes per month $ $ ATTENTION LICENSED CONTRACTORS! The Daily News is publishing the 2010 Contractors Guide Tehama County Information provided by the State of California. To confirm your state information or inquire about enhanced or duplicate listings, contact Nadine Souza at 527-2151 x132 or nsouza@redbluffdailynews.com before Monday, May 3, 2010 We have a factsheet that we’ll be happy to email to you. D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY Come see us at the Children’s Fair on April 24th Recently expanded and moved near Bidwell Elementary License # 525405817 My qualifications include: B.A. in Elementary Education and experience teaching grades K-8. Accepting state pay programs & cash pay, etc. (530) 209-8743 ! Wife hurt by behaviour of alcoholic sister Dear Annie: My mother recently decided to sell her house and move into a senior living complex. As a result, she needed to downsize. My sister, ‘‘Liz,’’ came for a visit and made a list of things she wanted, and not really caring about the mate- rial things, I wrote down a few items I wanted as remembrances. Liz decided to ship some of her things back home, and she and my mother gave the rest to my wife. My wife was so pleased, as this made her feel closer ties to the family. Unfortunately, at Liz’s next visit, she borrowed my truck, went to a party and drove back completely intoxicated. When she asked to bor- row the truck the next time, I said no and told her why. She replied that she wasn’t drunk — she’d had only three or four margaritas and maybe five glasses of wine. The next day, Liz demanded we return the things she gave my wife. She called again the next night, intox- icated, and screamed that we were ‘‘stealing her inheritance’’ and demanded that we return the items or pay for them. My wife and I decided to give Liz Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar back the stuff she wants and write her off. But, Annie, what right does she have to demand that we give back gifts we were given freely? My mom refuses to get involved, which essentially means she is siding with my sister. My wife is so deeply hurt by this that it has ruined her relationship with my mother. What should we do? — Wronged in South Dakota Dear S.D.: Liz is punishing you for noticing that she has an alcohol problem. Shame on Mom for not having the courage to tell her daughter to knock it off and get some help. Please explain to her why this is so hurtful. Still, Liz was under no obligation to give you those items, and returning them is the only way for this to end. We hope Mom will give your wife something else of equal emotion- al significance so she once again feels like a valued member of the family. Dear Annie: My boyfriend and I broke up two weeks after Valentine’s Day, which also happens to be my birthday. Our relationship was always a bit rocky, so the split was not a shock. However, my now ex- boyfriend gave me a pair of lovely dia- mond earrings as a birthday gift — only to ask for them back when he broke up with me. I was stunned at what I thought was clearly a lack of propriety on his part, but enough of my friends have supported his position that I feel I must seek your help. Tell me, Annie, wasn’t it rude for him to take the ear- rings back? They were a gift, after all, not a loan. — Samantha Dear Samantha: Birthday gifts belong to the recipient. However, when a gift is particularly valuable or if it is a family heirloom, it is extreme- ly gracious of the recipient to return it. So although your assumptions are cor- rect, we recommend you take the high road. Dear Annie: I read the letter from ‘‘Kentucky,’’ who asked what to do with her mother’s custom-made wed- ding dress, which she also wore at her own wedding. She assumed neither of her sons would want to give it to their brides, since her own marriage to their father ended in divorce. Here’s my suggestion: If ‘‘Ken- tucky’’ can stand to have her wedding dress cut up, I’m sure it would make a beautiful bassinet cover or christening gown for her future grandchildren. — Practical in Peoria Dear Practical: What a lovely and useful idea. Thanks for sending it on. Internet trolls In a previous article, we discussed cyber bullying and its potential danger to children in our community. Certainly, the Internet has redefined our ability to con- duct research, advertise and communicate. However, this same technology has spawned a different type of harassment, which is chal- lenging for victims and law enforcement agencies. Recently, I was watch- ing a news report regarding "cyber trolls" and/or "cyber trolling," which I felt was closely related to Cyber- bullying. The term cyber troll is a term used to describe someone who posts derogatory, offensive, hateful, and slandering comments on the Internet. In addition, I personally have been fielding ques- tions from parents regard- ing harassment via the internet and text messag- ing. Unfortunately, the peo- ple that harass their victims sometimes do so with com- plete anonymity and with- out motive. I recently learned about a family whose daughter was killed in an automobile collision. The family had an online Blog in their daughter's memory, which fell under attack by a "cyber troll." Not only did this person post derogatory comments, but somehow posted inap- propriate photographs of the deceased, which were taken at the scene of the collision. In another case, follow- ing the suicide of 13-year old boy classmates created a page in his memory on a social networking website. People began posting obscene material on this website such the child's gravestone with an I-pod on it. His parents also began receiving harassing tele- phone calls from unknown people. The callers would say things such as, "Hi, this is your son, I'm at the Cemetery" or "Hi, I've got your son's iPod." In order to find out how this was affecting our stu- dents locally, I called Prin- cipal Patrick Gleason of the Red Bluff High School. Gleason said the use of social networking websites for the purpose bullying other students has "nega- PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT ✓ ❏Re-Elect GREGG COHEN TEHAMA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY Mon.-Fri. 10:30 to 5:30 Sat. 11-3 40 Crafters in 1 Shop! Or Rent a Space to Sell Your Crafts 650 Main St., Red Bluff (530) 528-2723 Come & Shop Crafter’s Boutique tively impacted the culture of the campus." He explained it was difficult to take action against harassing com- ments when they are posted on Internet blogs and social networking sites anonymous- ly. In most cases, Gleason said the harassment does- n't rise to a threat- ening level, but presents a prob- lem due to the distraction it can cause for stu- dents. As a pre- ventive measure, Gene Randall Cop’s Corner he said the computers at school, which have Internet access, are equipped with filters that block the use of social networking sites. The National Crime Pre- vention Council's Web site has a lot of useful informa- tion and I would encourage anyone with questions to visit their web- site. In addition, Officer Coley of the Red Bluff Police Depart- ment is assigned to the Red Bluff High School Campus as a School Resource Officer. Coley has had a lot of success in pre- venting incidents stemming from cyber bullying and can be reached by tele- phoning the Police Depart- ment. Officer Gene Randall has been with the Red Bluff Police Department since 2003 and can be reached by email at grandall@rbpd.org or by phone at 527-3131. Corning Calif. Largest Selection In Tri-County • Herbal Medicines • Edibles (Foods) • Clones 1317 Solano St. (530) 824-4811 www.tehamaherbalcollective.vpweb.com Tues-Sat 9:30-5:30 A Unique Children’s Boutique Closed 905 Walnut St., Red Bluff twopeasinapod@aol.com Bring in this ad for 10% off 528-1698 ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● Sun.-Mon Tehama County Business Spotlight Highlighting selected Tehama County businesses for their customer and community service! As of January 2010, Sharon Wilkes & Mike Jenkins made changes to They provide seasonal and year-round pool maintenance, employing four maintenance and two service technicians; they also offer vinyl liner replacements for in-ground pools, equipment repairs & upgrades. Stop by and visit Sharon & Richard in the Antelope store at 10 Damon Ave on May 7th! They’ll be serving refreshments & food to all their customers between 11am & 1pm. Visit Kayla on the west side at 1015 Walnut Street in the Howell’s Paint store building. Call for more information 527-3262 • www.sunplaypoolsinc.com. SUNPLAY POOLS & SERVICE CSLB Lic # 944446 Local Businesses create and maintain jobs, provide personal customer service, donate to local charitable causes and community betterment projects, generate sales tax revenue ... and turn cities into communities. We hope you will always remember to shop locally first for the goods and services you need! D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 China Buffet CHINESE RESTAURANT 10% OFF TOTAL BILL with coupon Expires 4-30-10 COUPON Open 7 Days A Week LUNCH Buffet Adult: $6.99 Mon-Sat. 10:30am-3:30pm DINNER Buffet Adult: $9.99 Mon-Thurs 3:30am-9:30pm Fri-Sat 3:30-10:30pm Carry-Out Buffet Lunch $3.50 / Lb. • Dinner $4.50 / Lb. All Seafood $6.50 / Lb. SUNDAY $ Buffet 10.99 All Day DRINKS with coupon FREE Expires 4-30-10 COUPON 343 S. Main St. Red Bluff 530-529-5888 (No Checks) their business structure, incorporating and name changing. Additionally, Sharon received her Contractors State Licensing for the Pool & Spa industry, which allowed for expansion of their business in positive ways. Mike’s Pools & More! is now known as Sunplay Pool Services, Inc, dba as SUNPLAY POOL S AND SERVICE. Finishing out 2009 in a positive manner, the business continues to remain the longest standing pool store in Tehama County, withstanding competitors and the economy downturn. Sunplay Pools & Service maintains two locations in Red Bluff, east & west, respectively to serve their customers more efficiently. At both locations they offer free water chemistry testing for swimming pools & spas, only suggesting what you need and not what you don’t.