SALISBURY POST
Thursday, July 14 You could finally be in a position in the next year to achieve the harmony and balance you’ve been hoping to find in your life. Once you feel you’ve accomplished this goal, you’ll be able to relax and just be yourself. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Hold off on making any important agreements with another. The aspects are such that, although people mean well, it isn’t likely they would stand the test of time. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — People in general tend to want to shift their burdens onto someone else, so if anybody thinks you’re an easy mark, this person will try to dump his or her work in your lap. Don’t be had. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Depending too heavily on Lady Luck instead of your own abilities will guarantee you to fail at whatever it is you’re trying to pull off. Avoid getting involved in anything chancy. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don’t be unduly awed by titles or trappings. Just because someone has a title doesn’t necessary make him or her bigger than life. It only defines the job the person is assigned to do. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — For the sake of peace, don’t let yourself be drawn into a debate with someone who loves to argue. Once this person gets started, you won’t be able to turn him or her off. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It’s wise to abide by your instincts and perceptions about participating in any kind of financial debate with someone who always thinks he or she is right. It’ll be a lost cause. Carpicorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Underestimating the competition is always a mistake. Thus, regardless of how inept you think someone is, take him or her seriously. This person might know something to which you’re not privy.
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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011 • 11B
Reader asks about natural remedies for arthritic hands Dear Dr. Gott: My 67-yearold husband has recently become affected by arthritis pain in his hands. They swell and his knuckles seem to “stick.” What are some ways of dealing with this problem? He is currently taking asDR. PETER pirin for the pain, but GOTT we’d like to know if a supplement or anything else would be helpful. Dear Reader: There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. This form typically occurs as we age and is the result of joint cartilage breakdown. While typically seen in seniors, anyone can develop osteoarthritis; it generally affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine, but may be pres-
ent in just about any joint in the body. To determine if this is the cause of your husband’s hand pain, I suggest he make an appointment with his physician for an examination, blood work and Xrays. Other types of arthritis can cause similar symptoms but may require different treatment. I will answer your question as though he has osteoarthritis since it is the most likely cause. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can relieve pain and swelling, but do not use more than the recommended dose because they may upset the stomach. Glucosamine chondroitin may prevent further damage and rebuild lost cartilage. Topical castor oil, or castor oil-based lotions with capsaicin or menthol (such as Castiva), applied to the affected areas twice a day can reduce pain.
A purple grape juice and liquid pectin combination has been found to reduce pain and swelling while increasing mobility. Simply mix 8 ounces of the juice with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the liquid pectin; drink up to three times a day. When pain levels have been lowered, reduce the pectin to 1 to 2 teaspoons and drink the mixture once or twice a day as a maintenance dose. Other readers have had success using 4 ounces of grape juice and 8 ounces of apple juice, and a few brave souls have even taken the pectin without any juice at all. Apple pectin capsules have also been found beneficial by some, but they may be difficult to find. Beyond that, prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medications may be recommended. Exercise and physical therapy will keep the joints moving. Heat or ice applied to the affected areas several times a day may also relieve pain. There are many options,
so I urge your husband to see a physician to get to the bottom of the situation. Together, they can then come up with a treatment plan that will successfully ease pain, improve hand mobility and prevent further damage. Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Reports “Osteoarthritis,” “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order per report to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order—form.pdf. Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 13year-old girl. I have excessive arm hair, mostly between my elbows and wrist. Is there some reason for it?
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That well-known orator A.N. Other said, "The best defense against the atom bomb is not to be there when it goes off." The best defense against a contract is often twofold -- the right opening lead and the correct follow-up by third hand. This deal provides an example. What should West lead against four spades? What would he have chosen if North had raised two no-trump to three no-trump? If North had rebid three spades, would it have been forcing or nonforcing?
In traditional methods, three spades would be nonforcing, showing three-card support with 10-12 points. But I believe treating it as forcing is more sensible. It is rare that three spades will be the last making contract, and if the responder can bid a forcing three spades, he can offer a choice of games or, when very strong, perhaps save space in a slam investigation. West's lead choices against four spades are the heart eight and club five. Given the bidding and his trump control, the heart eight is the better choice. Now, should East win this trick and
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. UNItED FEAtURE SYNDICAtE
Survey: Americans more accepting of risque tunes
Bridge hand: The right lead and best defense B Y P HILLIP A DLER
Dear Reader: Unless you have other health concerns, the most likely reason is genetic. If your mother, grandmother and/or other close female relatives also have excess forearm hair, you can blame them. Some ethnic backgrounds may be more prone to developing heavier amounts of arm, body or facial hair. I suggest you speak with your physician regarding your concerns. Perhaps an examination and blood work may be in order if you are experiencing other symptoms you did not mention in your brief note.
NEW YORK (AP) — A new survey shows Americans are increasingly accepting of musicians who sing potentially offensive lyrics. The survey conducted for the First Amendment Center and released Wednesday found that twothirds of Americans agree that musicians should be allowed to sing songs with lyrics that some might think are offensive. That’s up from 51 percent when the same question was asked in 1997. The survey also found that 62 percent of Americans believe public schools should not have the authority to discipline students for offensive material that is posted from their home. The Washington-based group interviewed 1,006 adults over the telephone last month. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.
give his partner a ruff? Or should he duck (signaling with the nine), playing partner for a doubleton? Remember the bidding. If West has a singleton, South holds four hearts. That is impossible, because he would have rebid two hearts, not two no-trump. East must encourage with the heart nine. After this start, the defenders should get four tricks: the spade king, heart ace, a heart ruff by West, and the diamond ace. Finally, note that three no-trump should fail after the club-five lead.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Think twice before absentmindedly being unrealistically generous to someone who doesn’t deserve it. There’s a good chance that on impulse you’ll give away something you’ll regret. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you have a choice, avoid any gathering where someone who makes you feel uncomfortable is likely to be in attendance. You won’t have any fun being miserable.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don’t try to impose your views on someone who you know will be unreceptive to what you have to say. All you’ll accomplish is making this person stand even firmer in his or her beliefs. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — The handling of your resources isn’t likely to be your strong suit today, so it behooves you to be as prudent as you can. Additionally, it would be wise not to offer any financial advice. Trying to patch up a broken romance? The Astro-Graph Matchmaker can help you understand what to do to make the relationship work. Send for your Matchmaker set by mailing $3 to Astro-Graph, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH UNItED FEAtURE SYNDICAtE
Today’s celebrity birthdays Actor Dale Robertson is 88. Actor Harry Dean Stanton is 85. Actress-singer Polly Bergen is 81. Actor Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”) is 65. Singer-comedian Kyle Gass of Tenacious D is 51. Actress Jane Lynch is 51. Actor Jackie Earle Haley is 50. Actor Matthew Fox is 45. Keyboardist Ellen Reid of Crash Test Dummies is 45. Singerguitarist Tanya Donelly (Belly) is 45. Actress Missy Gold (“Benson”) is 41. Singer Tameka Cottle of Xscape is 36. Country singer Jamey Johnson is 36. Musician taboo of Black Eyed Peas is 36.
Elijah hamilton, 10, a rising fifth grader at Millbridge Elementary School, ties rubber bands on his shirt for a tie-dye experiment.
SCIENCE FROM 1B students of the safety rules in the class. “You are definitely going to need your goggles,” she said. Then she asked the class to talk about how to tell if the ingredients react to one another. Students said signs of a reaction taking place could include changes in temperature, smell and color, as well as changes in sound and a gaseous reaction, such as bubbles. Brinegar-German went through the steps of what students would do — “You are not doing, you’re watching,” she reminded students — when adding the ingredients to the baggie. When they got their chance, students put the calcium chloride on one side of the baggie, measured baking soda onto the other side and added a small cup full of the bromothymol blue indicator in the middle of the two. After zipping the baggie closed, they shook the bag around, spilling the ingredients all together. Bags filled with air, the mixture turned yellow and bubbles formed. Students were amazed as the ingredients turned from room temperature to cold, then hot. Exclamations of “Wow!” and “Oh man, that’s cool!” sounded through the room. Then students got a little worried. Their bags were filing up with air. BrinegarGerman told the students to
slowly release air from the bag — which resulted in quickly opening the baggies and causing loud popping. After students were done with the initial experiment, many added more ingredients to see what else they could make happen. It is what science camp is all about — learning what happens. Aaron Kendall, 10, a rising sixth-grader at China Grove Middle School, admitted that his favorite subject is science and that’s why he’s attending the camp. The only other camp he’s ever attended was in fourth grade, when he spent a week at a leadership camp offered at Wake Forest University. “I thought it would be fun,” he said. “And it is. Lots of fun. From 8 to 11:50, I have lots of fun.” Kendall said he’s not sure what his favorite part of the camp would be. “It’s all been fun,” he added. Leah Davies, 9, agreed. A rising fifth-grader at Koontz Elementary School, Davies said she’s been to Horizons Unlimited several times for various camps. So far, making ice cream has been her favorite part of the camp, which ends today. “You had to follow the instructions and shake the bag and record the temperature,” she said. “When we were finished, I poured it in a cup and ate it.” Thomas Perrell, 11, a rising sixth-grader at Southeast Middle School, said he loves the camp.
Joanie morris/FOR thE SALISBURY POSt
Donovan Kerns, 11, a rising fifth-grader at Overton Elementary, front, and Aaron Kendall, 10, a rising sixth grader at China Grove Elementary School, check over their ingredient lists prior to mixing items in a chemistry experiment. “Especially today, since it was chemistry day,” he said Tuesday. “I loved science since I was like five or six. I just always liked science.” The camp continues through today. Campers will have a chance during the week to create watersheds, observe animal behaviors and design T-shirts. Students will have a chance to explore the mysteries of physics, chemical reactions, the natural world and environmental sciences. Horizons Unlimited is offering several other summer camps and while many are filled, there are still spaces available for the Summer Engineering Experience for Girls camp. Designed for rising sixth- and seventh-grade girls, the camp will take place July 18-21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost is $100 and includes all camp materials and a daily snack. Campers will design bridges or windmills, explore sustainable living and biological membranes and other engineering activities. The four-day camp involves classroom activities and experiments to help girls learn about the many
fields of engineering. For more information on enrolling your child in the Summer Engineering Experience for Girls camp, contact the school at 704-639-
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3004. Joanie Morris is a freelance reporter for the Salisbury Post. She can be reached at 704-797-4248 or news@salisburypost.com.
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Aries (March 21-April 19) — It would be best not to depend on another to do something for you that you know the person really doesn’t want to do. She or he will either do a bad job or totally let you down.
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