032310 by The Vicksburg Post

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Vicksburg Post

Inquisitive high school secretary is playing by rules on absences DEAR ABBY ABIGAIL

VAN BUREN

backed by a physician’s statement, the school will bend over backward to work with him or her, ensuring the student receives the best possible education available. It’s not that I don’t empathize with that young lady, but part of an education is teaching students that in the real world, they have a responsibility to maintain a good attendance record that will precede them into college, the work force and life itself. — Diane S., Spring City, Pa. Dear Diane S.: Thank you for straightening me out. It appears from the mail I have

TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE

BY BERNICE BEDE OSOL • NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION If tomorrow is your birthday: A more adventurous you might emerge in the year ahead, if that’s at all possible, as you’re already pretty daring. Regardless, your boldness will encourage you to explore areas that even you might define as being pretty gutsy. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You might believe you’re right, but unless you express yourself without pushing your view on others, they won’t buy what you’re selling. Voice your strong beliefs with a bit of lightheartedness. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Although you’re gifted with a keen mind, you must be careful not to use it against yourself. Be realistic in your evaluations and keep your emotions out of serious considerations. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — An old obligation you failed to handle because you didn’t like the terms that came with it might rear its ugly head today. Negotiate for better means of expression, ones you can live with. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — One-on-one relationships must be handled with much greater tact than you usually apply if you hope to have a peaceful resolution today with someone who means a lot to you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Unless you know you can first handle your own responsibilities before assuming anybody else’s burdens, you could quickly get in way over your head. Be realistic as to what you can and cannot do. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — There is nothing you like better than getting something for nothing, but don’t resort to gambling just because you think you can make a quick killing. Your chances of doing so are very slim. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — That pressure cooker could be boiling over in your household today if you don’t watch what you’re doing. Once you stir in volatile issues, it will be difficult to keep the temperature down. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Keep your strong opinions to yourself if you know others in the room don’t readily share what you believe. What you say could be unduly antagonistic to them and cause a brouhaha you didn’t expect. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be careful about doing business with a firm or individual who has what you consider to be a shady reputation, regardless of what terms are being offered. You could be taken. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You might meet with greater opposition against your personal aims or interests today than you’re prepared to handle. Be extra careful not to react with anger to an innocent bystander. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The largest problem with which you might have to contend today could be one of your own making. Try not to stir up needless trouble and end up being your own worst enemy. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Avoid a gathering today that you know could contain several individuals you don’t like. Being in their midst will make you feel uncomfortable to the point of having a miserable time.

TWEEN 12 & 20

BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE • NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION Dr. Wallace: I’ve been reading your column for five years. I have noticed that when teen girls who are dating older guys write asking for advice, you always tell them to dump the older guy. That’s not always the best answer. I was 15 when I met Larry, who was 21. I looked 18 and so did he, so nobody stared at us when we were together. My mother and stepfather agreed that I could go out with him because I told them that he was 18. When they found out that he was 21, they forbade me to see him anymore, but it was too late. I was already three months pregnant, so when I told my stepfather that we were going to be married on my 16th birthday, he agreed. I am now 20 and my husband is 26. We are more in love now than ever before. Our first child was a handsome baby boy and our second was a beautiful baby girl. My husband is a college graduate and teaches history and helps coach the high-school football team. There is no doubt that we will never be separated “until death do us part.” My husband is a wonderful father and a marvelous husband. I’m so happy that we found each other. Had I written to you when I first started seeing my then-future husband, you would have told me to dump him. Thank goodness I didn’t write to you. If I had, I might now be married to a real loser instead of a great winner. — Nameless, McComb, Miss. Nameless: I’m very happy that you found your perfect mate at a young age, but, yes, had you written asking for advice I would have encouraged you to stop seeing him. Getting pregnant at 15 and married on your 16th birthday is usually a recipe for distress, not happiness. You are the very fortunate exception! • Dr. Robert Wallace writes for Copley News Service. E-mail him at rwallace@Copley News Service.

received from educators and school administrative staff that my answer left something to be desired. Mea culpa. For the benefit of parents and students who may not be aware, I’ll share a few more. Read on: Dear Abby: For your information, many times school secretaries are charged with the unpleasant task of having to contact the truant officer, children’s services and others in law enforcement if a child doesn’t come to school and can’t provide a valid doctor’s excuse. The principal and superintendent do these jobs, but it is up to US to track these kids and make sure they attend school as they are supposed to do. — Bothered in Muncie, Ind. Dear Abby: I’m a school secretary. We are required by law to ask for a doctor’s note when a student has accumulated more than five absences

due to illness. When a student arrives at school more than 30 minutes late, or leaves more than 30 minutes early (three or more times), that student is considered truant. With today’s economic mess we need to know why a student is not in school. In California, schools lose more than $30 a day when a student is not in his or her seat, and that money adds up. So, yes, Abby, it IS “our business” to know a student’s medical history. — Victoria in California Dear Abby: “Sick of It” and her mother should speak to the school social worker. She may qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including an individualized education plan that could cover services such as in-home schooling, extended time on assignments and the ability to leave school with little or no warning. This is called a 504 Plan. — Kathryn

in Newark, Del. Dear Abby: The girl with frequent illness said she plays the clarinet. Has anyone suggested to her that her clarinet could be the culprit? As a band director for more than 30 years, one of the first lessons I go over with beginning or continuing students is to throw away reeds that were used

Calcium citrate not better than carbonate for most Dear Dr. Gott: Is calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate? Dear Reader: For most people, no. Both types of calcium are absorbed similarly by healthy people. Calcium carbonate is more commonly available and is usually less expensive. It is more readily absorbed when taken with food. Calcium citrate is generally more expensive but is often more easily absorbed by those with lower levels of stomach acid. It is readily absorbed by the body with or without food. The supplements also contain different amounts of elemental calcium. Carbonate is 40 percent by weight, and citrate is 21 percent. Calcium absorption decreases as the amount of elemental calcium per dose increases. In order to get the most out of your calcium supplements, you should take several smaller doses. If you are taking 1,000 milligrams per day, for example, try taking 500 milligrams twice a day. Your body will use more of the calcium, thus providing greater benefits. Calcium is also added regularly to certain foods. It is common to find calcium-fortified breads, orange juice, cereals and tofu. Dairy products are naturally high in calcium, so consuming three servings of low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt can provide significant amounts. Calcium supplements are most often recommended for people who have osteoporosis or are at risk for it. It is important to take supplemental vitamin D to aid absorption. Supplements are also important for vegans, strict vegetarians and those with lactose intolerance. Speak with your primarycare physician regarding which treatment is best for you. He or she is your best resource for information regarding your health. If you are simply looking for information, visit the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements Web site at http://dietary-supplements. info.nih.gov/index.aspx. Dear Dr. Gott: If a doctor recommends that an elderly person monitors blood pressure a couple of times a week, is there a time of day when it is best to take it? Is it lower in the morning, afternoon or evening? Dear Reader: To get an accurate measure of what your blood pressure is averaging, it is usually best to check in the morning and again at night. Be sure to keep a record of what time you take the readings. It may also be helpful to make a list of physical activities each day and what time they occurred, since exercise, for example, can raise the blood pressure during and immediately following. Salt may also increase blood pressure. If you have a digital blood-

ASK THE DOCTOR pressure monitor, have it calibrated by your physician before use. He or she should also review its usage so you will be able to obtain more accurate readings. I do not recommend finger or wrist monitors, because they are extremely sensitive to temperature and position, and can provide inaccurate readings.

• Write to Dr. Peter Gott in care of United Media, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 440920167.

• Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.Dear Abby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME by Mike Argirion and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

DYNAD

Dr. PETEr

GOTT

prior to any illness and clean the mouthpiece thoroughly. — Sarah Jane in Severna Park, Md.

ENFEC CHAPER GIRDIF

NEW BIBLE Jumble Books Go To: http://www.tyndale.com/jumble/

Dear Abby: I am a high school secretary, and I’m writing about your reply to “Sick of It in Iowa” (Jan. 28), who is upset at the school secretaries for questioning or commenting on her frequent absences. You were right that her medical history is of no concern to the secretary, but her attendance record is very much the business of the secretary. The principal makes the decision regarding when a student is required to bring a doctor’s note with every absence. This procedure is called Persistent Absence, and it means someone has been out of school at least 25 days that school year, or has developed a pattern with his or her absences. School rules are governed by the state. You would be surprised how many parents receive citations and must go to court because of their student’s poor attendance. When a student has a chronic illness,

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

“

A: A Yesterday’s

”

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: HANDY DIRTY JUMBLE GALLEY Answer: What Grandpa did when candles covered his birthday cake — MADE “LIGHT” OF IT

RELEASE DATE– Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

ACROSS 1 “The __ Kid”: early TV Western 6 Suit parts 11 “__ the season ...” 14 Choir members 15 Even if, for short 16 Cal. neighbor 17 *Sam in “Casablanca,” e.g. 19 Spinner 20 Squealed, so to speak 21 Be under the weather 22 Formally unsay 24 Cutlass or 88 26 She plays Julia in “Julie & Julia” 27 Tack on 30 Standards of excellence 32 CEO’s degree 34 Dirty 36 *Fast-paced 39 “Wake Up With Al” weatherman 40 China’s Mao __tung 41 Studio stand 42 *Collapsible headgear 44 “Honor Thy Father” author Gay 45 Sun, to Esteban 46 Outcome 48 Canonized 26-Down 49 Festival showings, perhaps 51 Quartz variety 53 Began the betting 55 UN anti-childlabor agcy. 56 Old oath 60 Menu phrase 61 Big finish, and what the first words of the answers to starred clues can be 64 Roofing material 65 Part of a pound 66 Best-seller list entry 67 NBC fixture for nearly 35 yrs. 68 Dirty campaign tactic

69 Show reverence, in a way

33 “__ of robins ...”: Kilmer 35 Capital east of the Elbe River 37 Substantial 38 Elation 40 Base melody 43 Boring 44 Like a __ bricks 47 Obama attorney general Eric 50 Tyke’s blocks 52 Arc lamp gas

53 Granola ingredient 54 Word after flight or floor 55 Ancient Peruvian 57 Contributed 58 Away from the wind 59 Farmer’s place, in song 62 “Wheel of Fortune” buy 63 Printer need

DOWN 1 Limits 2 Hip bones 3 Ollie’s partner 4 Zaire, today 5 Disney toon panda, “Special Agent __” 6 Travel bag 7 Airline to Tel Aviv 8 Farm home 9 “Spider-Man 3” ANSWER TO PREVIOUS actress Russell 10 More ticked off 11 *Hank Aaron’s 6,856 is the career record 12 Heavy metal 13 Back-to-school mo. 18 Rice source 23 One of a drum set pair 25 Scales of the zodiac 26 Swiss miss, maybe: Abbr. 27 Soil-related prefix 28 Fails to grasp 29 *1962 Gene Chandler hit xwordeditor@aol.com 31 Helpers: Abbr.

PUZZLE:

03/23/10