4A • Friday, February 3, 2017 To Your Good Health
gwinnettdailypost.com
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Keith Roach
High calcium may be clue to excess parathyroid hormone DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a healthy female in my mid-70s. I’ve taken the recommended calcium citrate with vitamin D for years, until about three months ago, when test results showed I have slightly higher than normal calcium levels. I stopped the calcium, but testing results were the same three months later. Since women have been advised to take calcium, especially as we age, this is quite a surprise. — M.T. ANSWER: Most of the calcium in the body is locked away in the bones. The body has several systems to carefully regulate the calcium level in the blood. The two most powerful of these are vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. Abnormalities in either of these can cause problems in blood calcium levels, which is very dangerous, because it can affect the muscles. A very low blood calcium level causes tetany, severe cramping and inability to move muscles normally (tetanus is an infectious disease that causes muscle cramps via an entirely different pathway). With low calcium intake, blood calcium remains normal or near normal, but the calcium in the bones is depleted. That’s why adequate calcium intake is important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium through the diet is preferred to calcium via supplements, because supplements increase the risk of kidney stones and may increase the risk of heart disease. High levels of blood calcium are more likely to be due to excess parathyroid hormone than high vitamin D (which is very uncommon). With the body systems working normally, excess dietary calcium is simply excreted by the kidneys. Since the most likely cause for high calcium is an excess of parathyroid hormone, often made by a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland, your doctor should test your parathyroid hormone level. The osteoporosis pamphlet furnishes details on calcium intake and how it affects bones. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach Book No. 1104 628 Virginia Drive Orlando, FL 32803 Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell. edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.
HOroscopes
weather watch
54
35
33
43
53
solunar tables
The solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period. Major
The Gwinnett Daily Post (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 10860096) is published Wednesday through Friday and Sunday by SCNI, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Periodical postage paid at Lawrenceville, GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.
6:00-8:00 a.m.............6:26-8:26 p.m.
Minor
12:07-1:07 a.m...11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
pollen counts Trees: High Weeds: Low Grass: Low
Lake
57
29
40
lake levels
Full Yesterday
Lake
Allatoona (840.0) ........ 828.02
Full Yesterday
Lanier
(1071.0) .......1060.92
Blackshear (237.0) ......... 237.06
Nottely
(1779.0) ....... 1761.82
Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1669.31
Oconee
(435.0) ........ 434.95
Burton
(1865.0) .......1865.21
Seminole (77.5)........... 78.07
Carters
(1072.0) .......1068.44
Sinclair
Chatuge
(1927.0) ....... 1917.47
Thurmond (330.0) ........ 320.67
(339.8) .......... 338.9
Harding
(521.0) ........ 520.31
Tugalo
Hartwell
(660.0) .........650.12
Walter F. George (190)......189.43
(891.5) .......... 889.8
Jackson
(530.0) ........ 529.06
West Point (635.0) ........ 629.81
today in history
lottery Thursday Cash 3 Midday: 3-1-1 Cash 4 Midday: 2-0-0-9 Ga. 5 Midday: 0-9-8-1-8 Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 9-8-9 Cash 3 Evening: 1-9-5 Cash 4 Midday: 0-7-3-5 Cash 4 Evening: 7-7-6-2 Ga. 5 Midday: 8-4-3-0-7 Ga. 5 Evening: 2-6-7-9-1 Fantasy 5: 3-18-21-39-40 Powerball: 9-43-57-60-64, Powerball: 10, Power Play: 2X
TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1690, the Massachusetts Colony printed the first American paper currency. In 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, prohibiting state and federal governments from denying the right to vote based on race or color. In 1913, the federal income tax was authorized with ratification of the 16th Amendment. In 1959, rock pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. In 1962, President John Kennedy announced a ban on nearly all trade with Cuba. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), composer; Horace Greeley (1811-1872), activist/ newspaper editor; Gertrude Stein (18741946), writer; Norman Rockwell (1894-
1978), artist/illustrator; James Michener (1907-1997), author; Fran Tarkenton (1940- ), football player; Blythe Danner (1943- ), actress; Morgan Fairchild (1950- ), actress; Nathan Lane (1956- ), actor; Maura Tierney (1965- ), actress; Isla Fisher (1976- ), actress. TODAY’S FACT: Norman Rockwell’s body of work is estimated at more than 4,000 original pieces. TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1990, legendary jockey Willie Shoemaker rode the 40,350th and final race of his career. TODAY’S QUOTE: “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” — James Michener, “Chesapeake” TODAY’S NUMBER: 17 — age at which Felix Mendelssohn wrote his overture to Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” TODAY’S MOON: First quarter moon.
reader’s guide
Gwinnett Daily Post
resource center at 770-9639205, ext. 1161 or 1162. To Report a News Item: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Call 770-3395850. Editor Todd Cline is at Editor – Todd Cline to start your subscription. 770-963-9205, ext. 1300; Main Office – 770-963-9205 Classified Ads: ClassiSports Editor Will Hammock fieds can be placed at the main office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; is at 770-963-9205, ext. The Gwinnett Daily Post phone lines open 24 hours, 1310. To request a photo, call 770-963-9205, ext. 1327. invites your input. Here are seven days a week by callAdministration/Finance: some guidelines to help you ing 770-236-9988. Email: Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., communicate with us. classified@gwinnettdailypMon.-Fri. Call 770-963-9205. Subscription Rates: Delivery Problems: Your Subscription rate is $99 plus ost.com Legal Notices: Hours are satisfaction is our No. 1 prisales tax for one year, limitority. If we miss delivery, call ed delivery areas. Call 770- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. The fax number is 770-339- our circulation department 339-5845 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8082. Reach the legal customer service line, 770-
Who To Call
339-5845, or email the circulation department at circulation@gwinnettdailypost. com between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and noon Sunday. If your paper delivery is missed, we no longer redeliver on each delivery day. We only redeliver on Sunday and Monday. All other delivery days that are missed, we will have this paper delivered with the next day paper delivery at the request of the customer.
Woman doesn’t feel valued by boyfriend Dear Amy: I have been with my boyfriend for two years now, and we are both in our mid20s. One of the things that I am increasingly bothered by is our differing attitudes toward gift-giving. I grew up in a family that threw huge Christmases that centered on the exchange of gifts. Though that sounds vain and superficial, the exchange of gifts is a very meaningful tradition to me. My siblings and I spend months scoping out (and making) the perfect gifts for each other for Christmas. When the day comes, the best part is not opening your own gifts, but watching with glee as the others open the gifts you gave them! On the other hand, my boyfriend grew up with very stingy parents who sometimes do not even acknowledge his birthday. This was not for financial reasons, but because of their minimalist values. Needless to say, he doesn’t really understand my desire to exchange gifts. In our entire relationship, I have not once received so much as a birthday card from him. I was a little heartbroken to realize that, when we got together to exchange Christmas gifts this year, the gift that I spent weeks making for him was countered with, “Your present is that you’re getting really good sex tonight!”
Ask Amy
Amy Dickinson I’m not asking for anything fancy. I would utterly cherish something as simple as a handwritten love letter. Am I being too materialistic? Should I just try to let it go? — A Little Hurt in Houston Dear Hurt: Speaking of Christmas, at this past year’s celebration in my huge family, several of the young adults were talking about the book, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts,” by Gary Chapman (2015, Northfield Publishing), which had been making the rounds through the family. This book, first published in 1992 and now updated with many different editions, outlines how differently many people perceive ways to give and receive love. Chapman says an individual’s “love language” is based on temperament, and also how the person was raised. You and your boyfriend are giving each other the gifts you would most like to receive. If you received anything handmade from
him, your “love tank” would be full. You would feel honored and appreciative. (His gift idea also indicates how you might fill his love tank.) If he wants you to be happy in your relationship, he will have to figure out how to make the simple gestures that you treasure, and vice versa. And who knows? Really good sex might follow. Dear Amy: I frequently work at a busy cafe in my hometown, which is also a beehive of activity because it is a college town. I feel so lucky to have a place to go where I can nurse a cup of coffee, use the Wi-Fi and get out of the house for a while. I am self-employed and sometimes I go a little stir-crazy in my house or car. The only problem with my routine is that I often see people I know; these encounters can soak up literally hours of my day. I don’t blame others for being friendly, but I obviously need ways to indicate that I’m trying to work. Do you have any ideas for how to do this without being rude? — Working Hard, Hardly Working Dear Hardly Working: This is an increasingly common issue, as more of us head to cafes and coffee shops to do our work (I’m sitting in one now, in fact). Noise-canceling headphones can work well to basically create a cone of silence; they are also a
visual indication to other people that you are otherwise engaged. You are also going to have to be a little more disciplined during your encounters. If you say, “It is so nice to run into you, but I’m up against a deadline. Can we make a time to catch up later?” it will indicate to your pals that you’re happy to see them, but now isn’t a good time. I’m sure readers will weigh in with additional suggestions. Dear Amy: I was really angry when I read the question from “In a Quandary,” whose mother-in-law pressured him to use a handicap parking permit that wasn’t hers. I am wheelchair-bound. I have actually had to cancel plans when I arrived at a venue and couldn’t enter because I didn’t have access to a parking spot. — Seething Dear Seething: I received a huge volume of responses to this question, all from people who want to respect your right to use a designated parking spot. You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.
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Stay in control, no matter what others do or say. It’s up to you to manage your life and be responsible for your actions. If you strive for equality, you will be treated with respect. Balance, integrity and fair play will guide you to the victory you desire. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keeping a steady pace will ensure that you don’t lose sight of your goals, even if someone puts an emotional block in front of you. Be strong and do your own thing. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Do what needs to be done. Connect with someone from your past who has the knowledge and experience to help you reach your goals. Showing a little charm will lead to romance. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Don’t leap before you look. Your desire to get things done quickly needs to be handled correctly and channeled efficiently. Know your boundaries and make your move. TAURUS (April 20May 20) — Your emotions must be tightly controlled. Delve into a creative project that will keep you occupied and help you avoid a showdown with someone trying to disrupt your plans. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Listen to what’s being said or offered, but don’t assume you are being told the whole truth. Dig deep and make your own assessment before you take action or respond. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Let your imagination take charge when it comes to creative projects, but not when it comes to dealing with others. Making an assumption or impulsive response will lead to trouble. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — A problem will surface if you are too open. Closely observe what’s going on around you and learn from what others say and do. Information will give you the power to excel. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Mingle and meet new people. Get involved in pursuits that lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Open discussions will provide you with information that will influence your future. LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) — You need to pay more attention to what’s going on at home. Review your personal papers and finances, and discuss issues with anyone who will be affected by the cutbacks you enforce. SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Live your life your way. Don’t fear being different. It’s your unique nature and mysterious ways that make you so attractive. You should embrace who you are and aspire to reach your goals. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Call in a favor or reconnect with someone you have enjoyed working with in the past. An opportunity to meld the past with the present will result in a brighter future. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Tender, loving care will be valuable when it comes to home and family. Make amends with anyone who has been disgruntled or is feeling left out. Nurture what you have. Romance is encouraged.