4A • THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014 To Your Good Health
gwinnettdailypost.com
TODAY
40%
Keith Roach
Surgery risky for 82-year-old DEAR DR. ROACH: About five years ago, I developed atrial fibrillation and received a pacemaker. I also was put on blood thinners — first warfarin, and now Pradaxa. This past year, I developed a hernia in my left groin area. I believe it has grown worse. Neither my heart specialist nor my general practitioner says much about it. I assume they would not recommend an operation because I am on the blood thinner. Is there anything that can be done? I am almost 82. — R.A. ANSWER: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots in the heart because of the lack of coordinated rhythm. As a rough guide, the risk of blood clot leading to stroke is about 5 percent per year for a person with A fib. Surgery on an anticoagulant like warfarin or Pradaxa is risky; because the blood doesn’t clot normally. However, it still can be done. Depending on the risk, the anticoagulant is stopped entirely for a few days before and after surgery, or an injection anticoagulant like heparin or Lovenox is used around the time of surgery. In A fib, the risk of stroke is low: very roughly 0.1 percent in the week you might be off anticoagulation. A surgeon can tell you whether a hernia needs to be repaired. It depends on how large it is, where it is and how much it’s bothering you. Most surgeons would be cautious in any 82-year-old even without the A fib; however, yours still may need repair, in which case your cardiologist will recommend the correct anticoagulant regimen for you. Readers wishing for more information on heart valve disorders can order the booklet on that subject by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 105, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and 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 P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.
HOROSCOPES
WEATHER WATCH
88
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
10%
10%
30%
30%
40%
40%
89
91
91
92
91
93
68
68
69
69
SOLUNAR TABLES 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.
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
....................... 11:53 a.m.-1:53 p.m.
MINOR
4:40-5:40 a.m.............7:04-8:04 p.m.
POLLEN COUNTS Trees: None Weeds: None Grass: Low
Lake
70
68
68
LAKE LEVELS
Full Yesterday
Lake
Allatoona (840.0) ........ 839.68
Full Yesterday
Lanier
(1071.0) .......1070.79
Blackshear (237.0) ......... 237.09
Nottely
(1779.0) .......1775.63
Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1685.89
Oconee
(435.0) ........ 434.75
Burton
(1865.0) .......1865.03
Seminole (77.50)............76.37
Carters
(1072.0) .......1072.03
Sinclair
Chatuge
(1927.0) .......1925.01
Thurmond (330.0) ........ 328.72
(339.8) ........ 338.70
Harding
(521.0) .........520.15
Tugalo
Hartwell
(660.0) ........ 659.27
Walter F. George (190).......188.49
(891.5) ........ 888.68
Jackson
(530.0) ........ 528.29
West Point (635.0) ........ 634.61
TODAY IN HISTORY
LOTTERY Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 9-7-5 Cash 4 Midday: 0-4-0-3 Ga. 5 Midday: 4-0-6-8-3 Tuesday Cash 3 Midday: 8-7-7 Cash 3 Evening: 6-3-7 Cash 4 Midday: 6-1-0-9 Cash 4 Evening: 9-0-6-4 Ga. 5 Midday: 2-6-9-0-7 Ga. 5 Evening: 3-0-6-2-1 Fantasy 5: 14-15-18-19-20 Mega Millions: 14-25-27-4849, Mega Ball: 9
TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1821, the United States took possession of Florida, which it had purchased from Spain. In 1890, Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state. In 1940, Nazi forces began an air attack on southern Britain that would last 114 days and become known as the Battle of Britain. In 1962, AT&T (in conjunction with NASA) launched the first privately owned satellite, Telstar 1. In 1991, Boris Yeltsin took office as the first popularly elected president in Russia’s history. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: John Calvin (1509-1564), theologian/reformer; Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), physicist/ engineer; Marcel Proust (1871-1922), author/critic; Carl Orff (1895-1982), composer; David Brinkley (1920-2003),
TV journalist; Alice Munro (1931- ), author; Arthur Ashe (1943-1993), tennis player; Arlo Guthrie (1947- ), singersongwriter; Urban Meyer (1964- ), football coach; Sofia Vergara (1972- ), actress; Adrian Grenier (1976- ), actor; Chiwetel Ejiofor (1977- ), actor; Jessica Simpson (1980- ), actress/singer. TODAY’S FACT: The Special Olympics are held in more than 170 countries, with more than 4 million athletes in participation. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, co-founder of the Special Olympics, was born on this day in 1921. TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1999, the U.S. soccer team defeated China 5-4 to win the Women’s World Cup in Pasadena, California. TODAY’S QUOTE: “Remembrance of things past is not necessarily the remembrance of things as they were.” — Marcel Proust
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Being with a married man has a downside DEAR AMY: My boyfriend of four years is married. He and his wife separated months before we got together, and I am sure he has had limited to no contact with her while he is with me. But as I get older and friends are becoming engaged and married, I find myself wanting those things too. Confronting him with the topic of filing for divorce ends in World War III! He says the only reason he hasn’t filed for a divorce is due to laziness, but I worry it is more than that. My dilemma is that I have a 4-1/2-year-old son (my boyfriend is not his biological father). They adore each other, and he has been an amazing bonus dad. I feel bad complaining about his refusing to get a divorce because he has helped to raise my son. But his unwillingness to settle down with me is unfair. I can’t walk away from the relationship because a child is involved. How can I approach the situation and
you try to talk about his choices and your future? Not in your son’s best interests. Know this, however: Locking this guy down with marriage is no guarantee he will stay. You don’t seem involved with your son’s birth father; at some point I hope Amy Dickinson you will realize that being alone is almost always express my feelings withpreferable to being with the out sounding controlling? wrong person. — Upset Girlfriend If this man loves your DEAR UPSET: Your child, he can continue judgment seems so comto love and spend time promised, it is hard to with the child as a special advise you about a specific friend, regardless of whethcourse of action, other than er you two are a couple. for you to take a long look DEAR AMY: I read the in the mirror and make a recent letter from “Repromise to yourself to act jected and Dejected,” who in your son’s best interests wrote about feeling bullied from here on out. by some “frenemies.” Ponder your choices: In my research there Committing to a married have emerged a few tips man who gets attached that can be helpful for to your son but will not people in these situations. legally commit to either of First, try not to spend too you? Not in your son’s best much energy imagining a interests. witty comeback that will Being in a relationship make the bully wilt with with someone who engages shame. In reality it doesn’t in “World War III” when happen easily or often.
Ask Amy
Second, in the short term, use distraction. Watch a funny movie or read a good book — something that will absorb your attention and keep you from dwelling on the situation. Third, and this is most important and most effective, make an effort to spend time with people who you know do truly care about you. Stick with your friends, your spouse, your kids, your parents, your siblings — whoever can dependably be nice to you. Remind yourself that others really do love you and this will make the mean people seem much less important. Meanness can be coped with. The trick is to not suffer alone. You can’t change what mean people do, but you can work on changing how you feel about it. — Elizabeth K. Englander, director, Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center DEAR ELIZABETH: Excellent and practical advice. Thank you.
If you feel your life has become too hectic, slow down. Reflect on where you are and where you are headed. After all, your first obligation is to yourself, so do the things that make you happy. It’s your turn to shine. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Your style and flair are what make you unique. Don’t be deterred if someone dislikes your artistry or creativity. Jealousy will likely be at the root of any such complaint. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Face any dilemma head-on. Don’t give in to anyone trying to take advantage of you or who is standing between you and your happiness. Follow your heart and do what’s best for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take any opportunity to travel that comes your way. Organize your time so that you can mix business with pleasure and come out on top in both areas of your life. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will be flattered by the attention you get today, but before you let things go to your head, consider whether all the hubbub is sincere or merely the product of ulterior motives. SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Your appearance and self-confidence go hand-in-hand. Some minor improvements and indulgences will lift your spirits and rejuvenate your approach to your life and goals. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You may have doubts regarding your career choice. It’s important to find an outlet that you enjoy and try to turn it into a living. Research the options that interest you most. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can meet some fascinating and stimulating individuals at group functions. Check out what’s happening in your area. Love and romance are on the rise. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Don’t be too quick to sign on the dotted line. Make sure that you get all the goods or services that have been promised. Read the fine print. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Follow your intuition. You know deep down what is best for you, regardless of what others say. Travel opportunities are apparent and should be geared toward future business. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — There are lots of gimmicks designed to make you buy various products. Don’t be tempted to buy on impulse. It’s no bargain if you end up not using what you purchased. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You have many appealing and desirable qualities. Accept social and community invitations, and you will discover a new window of opportunity that can help you out personally and professionally. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — If you are vocal, you can make substantial progress in the workplace. Let your superiors hear your ideas and opinions. Finding solutions will lead to advancement.