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Friday, February 15, 2013 — The Weekender
Diabetes support group meets Feb. 21 At their February meeting, the Tehachapi Diabetes Support Group will be discussing weight loss surgery. A guest will talk about his experience with one of the procedures. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 329 S. Mill St. Call Eve at 822-3517 for more information.
Health and Fitness Directory DENTISTS
OPTOMETRISTS
RICK D. WELLS, DDS LINDA T. WELLS, DDS
Family Dentistry
FAMILY EYE CARE
20878 Sage Lane
Dr. John E. Fagan
822-4861
Fashion Eyewear Contact Lenses Provider for Most Insurance Plans OPTOMETRIST
661-822-1212
20231 Valley Blvd., Suite G
Ask the Doctor
Herpes outbreaks lessen over time DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please, give me all the information possible about herpes. I am a carrier. -- D.N. ANSWER: I take it you're interested in genital herpes, herpes simplex virus-2, HSV-2. The first encounter with the virus leads to an outbreak of tiny, painful blisters on red patches on the genital skin. Fever, headache, muscle pain and pain on urination often are also experienced with a first outbreak. Recurrent attacks are not as severe. Fever, headache and muscle pain do not accompany subsequent outbreaks, but the skin signs are painful. The first year of infection is a year of more-frequent outbreaks. After that, they come less often. If a person is subject to many outbreaks, that person can suppress them by taking Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex at the first inklings that an outbreak is about to take place. For recurrence
after recurrence, a person can go on daily doses of these medicines to keep outbreaks in check. Once infected, a person stays infected for life. That person is a carrier. Transmission is a huge problem. Even when a person has no signs of an outbreak, he or she can pass the virus to a partner. Therefore, all sexual partners should be told about the infection. Condoms, while not 100 percent protective, afford a major degree of safety. When a visible outbreak takes place, the infected person ought not to engage in sexual contact. You are not alone. The herpes-2 virus infects up to 20 percent of the adult population of North America. Bad as it is, it is not the end of life or the end of a sex life. The booklet on herpes
infection provides a more detailed discussion of this common malady. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 1202W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you explain to me why a doctor would refuse to give a patient a shot of vitamin B-12? My former doctor, now deceased, gave me a monthly B-12 shot, and it kept me peppy. My new doctor says I don't need the shots. Would they hurt me? -- B.A. ANSWER: The shots won't hurt you. However, you need them only if you have a proven B-12 deficiency. At one time it was a widespread but not endorsed practice to give people shots of vitamin B-12 to energize them. It's a practice that never
should have been started. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My mother made all her children chew their food at least 25 times. She claimed that it helped food digest. I gave this up when I left home at 18. Is there any evidence that chewing that number of times aids digestion? -H.H. ANSWER: The object of chewing is to reduce the size of food so it can be swallowed easily and to mix saliva with the food for the same reason. Saliva starts the digestive process. I have never heard that a prescribed number of chews is necessary to accomplish these goals. DR. DONOHUE regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Š 2013 North America Synd., Inc. All rights reserved.
DOCTORS
Want to increase your nutrient intake?
To be in this directory please call (661) 822-6828
MARK PESCHE, D.O. Board Certified Family Practice
Pour a glass of OJ
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
To many people, orange juice is like that best friend from childhood you eventually lost touch with over the years. Chances
822-2530 Located at:
707 VALLEY BLVD.
LOCATIONS
TEHACHAPI FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS
Tehachapi Mojave California City Tehachapi Hospital Tehachapi Hospital 115 West E Street Rehabilitation Center 105 West E Street 2041 Belshaw Street 9350 North Loop Blvd PO Box 1900 116 West F Street Tehachapi, CA 93561 Mojave, CA 93501 California City, CA 93505 661.823.3000 661.824.4511 760.373.1785 Tehachapi, CA 93581 Tehachapi, CA 93561 661.823.0235 - Fax 661.824.2773 - Fax 760.373.1786 - Fax 661.823.3000 661.823.3070 661.823.3079 - Fax 661.823.3090 - Fax
are, you lost more than a friend, and it's time to get reacquainted. Dietary guidelines from 2010 pointed out an overweight, nutrient-challenged population whose downfall is somewhat anticlimactic: a lack of fruits and vegetables. But, the reality is alarming. The National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance reports that 88 percent of children do not eat the suggested amount of fruit. Only eight percent of individuals even eat enough fruit to achieve daily goals. One easy way to get more fruit in your diet, and the nutrients that go with it, is to carve out a 15 minute window for a quick breakfast. Even something as small as a piece of fruit, oatmeal and a glass of orange juice will improve your vitamin and nutrient intake. According to an article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, kids and adults
who eat breakfast tend to get more key vitamins than people who skip it. In addition to eating fruit, drinking 100 percent fruit juice, such as Tropicana Pure Premium, the leading orange juice, made with 100-percent Florida oranges, can help Americans reach daily fruit and nutrient recommendations. Since orange juice is one of the most nutrientdense juices, it's a great source for nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium. Although orange juice has a day's supply of vitamin C and two servings of fruit, it doesn't only support a healthy immune system. Potassium plays an active role in heart health, and the B vitamin folate helps with cell development, which is especially important for pregnant women. Drinking orange juice with breakfast can help maintain nerve and muscle function as a result of high thiamin levels. Now, does-
n't that sound like a friend you need in your life? In case you're hesitant due to old myths about your former BFF, here are some important facts: Myth: 100-percent juice has added sugar. Fact: FDA-certified 100-percent fruit juice has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Myth: 100-percent juice does not count as a fruit serving. Fact: One eight-ounce glass of Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice provides two fruit servings. Myth: Children who drink juice are less healthy than those who don't. Fact: NHANES data say those who drink fruit juice tend to have more nutritious diets than those who don't, plus drinking juice daily is linked to consuming more servings of total whole fruit. Learn more about the health benefits of orange juice at tropicana.com.