Wednesday, September 28, 2016 • 3A
gwinnettdailypost.com To Your Good Health
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Keith Roach
Treatment ‘vacation’ could bring fractures DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your article recently regarding weighing the risk of medication against the risk of not taking it. I recently was injected with Prolia (denosumab), and am scheduled again for one in December. I am 79 years old, 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weigh 108 pounds. I started Fosamax in 2007, and took 35 mg until several years ago, when the dose changed to 70 mg. My doctor is an endocrinologist who treats thyroid conditions that I have. He suggested a five-year “vacation” from the Fosamax (alendronate) last year, then changed his mind, so I was on 70 mg all last year. This year he prescribed the Prolia injection. My hip bones actually have increased in density in the past year (my T-score went from -1.8 to -1.6). I’m on my feet a lot, walk around 30 minutes per day at a fairly fast pace and do strengthening exercises on a large rubber ball daily. I take 400 mg daily of magnesium and take 1,100-1,200 mg calcium citrate per day (from food and supplements). I try to eat about 35-50 grams of protein daily. Do I need treatment for osteoporosis now? — J.H. ANSWER: I used the FRAX tool (www.shef. ac.uk/FRAX/tool.jsp) to get an estimate of your risk for a hip fracture, and based on the information you gave me, the tool estimates a 2.9 percent chance of a hip fracture in the next 10 years. You have been on alendronate (Fosamax) and denosumab (Prolia) for almost 10 years. Even though you stopped taking the alendronate last year, the medicine stays in bones for a very long time (perhaps decades), and with very prolonged use, the risk of atypical femur fractures increases. This is because alendronate and other similar drugs, including teriparatide (Forteo), work by preventing bone turnover, leading to the possibility of stress fractures. Most experts recommend a reassessment of risk after five to seven years on these types of drugs. Given your low risk (over 97 percent of women like you will not have a hip fracture in 10 years), I probably would not recommend treatment. I must emphasize that your endocrinologist might know something about you that I don’t that makes him want to prescribe medication in your situation. It sounds like you are doing a lot of things right to prevent fractures already. I also would want to be sure your vitamin D is optimal. The osteoporosis pamphlet furnishes details on how to prevent this universal condition. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach Book No. 1104 628 Virginia Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 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.
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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 11:49 a.m.
Minor
5:13-6:13 a.m..............6:17-7:17 p.m.
pollen counts Trees: Low Weeds: Moderate Grass: Moderate
Lake
59
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lake levels
Full Yesterday
Lake
Allatoona (840.0) ......... 837.45
Full Yesterday
Lanier
(1071.0) .......1064.63
Blackshear (237.0) ........ 236.80
Nottely
(1779.0) .......1764.40
Blue Ridge (1690.0) .......1673.36
Oconee
(435.0) ........ 433.80
Burton
(1865.0) .......1864.96
Seminole (77.50)............76.58
Carters
(1072.0) .......1068.33
Sinclair
Chatuge
(1927.0) .......1918.52
Thurmond (330.0) ........ 324.21
(339.8) ........ 338.65
Harding
(521.0) .........519.34
Tugalo
Hartwell
(660.0) ........ 654.46
Walter F. George (190)....... 187.54
(891.5) ........ 889.53
Jackson
(530.0) ........ 528.55
West Point (635.0) ........ 630.66
today in history
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TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England. In 1923, the first aerial circumnavigation of the world, conducted by a team of aviators from the U.S. Army Air Service, ended in Seattle, Washington, after 175 days. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the pregnancy-terminating drug RU-486 after a 12-year controversy. In 2008, the space transportation company SpaceX launched Falcon 1, the first private spacecraft, into orbit. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856-1923), author; Ed Sullivan (1901-1974), TV personality; Max Schmeling (1905-2005), boxer; Al Capp (1909-1979), cartoonist; Marcello Mastroianni (1924-1996), actor; Brigitte Bardot (1934- ), actress; Ben E. King (1938-2015), singer-songwriter; Janeane
Garofalo (1964- ), comedian/actress; Mira Sorvino (1967- ), actress; Naomi Watts (1968- ), actress; Fedor Emelianenko (1976- ), mixed martial artist; Hilary Duff (1987- ), singer/actress. TODAY’S FACT: William the Conqueror rose to power despite early controversy that he was an illegitimate child. He was also known as “William the Bastard” before his conquest of England. TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1941, Ted Williams hit 6-for-8 in a doubleheader to finish the season with a batting average over .400 (.406), a feat no player since has accomplished. TODAY’S QUOTE: “Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.” — Kate Douglas Wiggin
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Adult daughter of alcoholic still struggles DEAR AMY: I am an adult professional woman with two teenage children. I am divorced, and the survivor of an abusive alcoholic mother. I have been through years of counseling and have struggled with anxiety my entire life. My relationship with my mother has always been my burden. As my children have gotten older, my mom’s health has deteriorated. She doesn’t call or attend birthday parties or sporting events, and tries to put the burden on me. I have not had a mother for most of my life and she doesn’t seem to care. Now that she is sick from her chosen lifestyle, she wants again to pull us toward her because she needs us, not because she wants to make amends or apologize. People view me as coldhearted, but I let her abuse me until I had children and only then was I able to pull away. All I ever wanted was for her to love me. She has broken my heart so many times and affected all of my relationships, because when the only person on earth who is supposed to love you abuses and rejects you, you’re afraid to love. I’m going to a psychiatrist and a counselor and they say to protect myself and to go with my heart. I’m so conflicted. I really don’t like her, but she is my mother. I’ve spent 46
conflicted feelings, is common for adult children of alcoholics. In addition to your therapy, you should research and seek support from others who understand your challenges, through Al-anon or another support group. Read “After the Tears: Helping Adult Children Amy Dickinson of Alcoholics Heal Their Childhood Trauma,” by years of my life trying to Jane Middleton-Moz and please her, and she just Lorie Dwinell. (HCI, disappoints me. 2010). What do you think? Do DEAR AMY: I am I keep trying or just move currently living with my on with my life? daughter, her hubby and — Angry in Iowa their children. I came here DEAR ANGRY: Mov- because when my husband ing on starts with acceppassed away, I was unable tance. You need to accept to get an apartment. your bad luck at growing My daughter and her up in the household of an husband graciously ofalcoholic parent. You defered a room to me; it was served better — everyone a good feeling to know I does — but you didn’t get wasn’t alone at this time. the parent you deserved to I feel that the time has have (but your own chilcome for me to move on. dren did — lucky them!). Unfortunately, this brings Please don’t let your up the problem of finances. childhood define you for I have been living on the rest of your life. Being Social Security, and now a good parent and a good with the upcoming presiperson should define you dential election, there is now. a lot of talk about this After acceptance, you program and others being work on detachment. You cut back, or worse, cut can’t fix your mother, and completely. you can’t change her. You I’m so confused. I don’t cannot rewrite the past, want to make a bigger misyou can’t rewire your take by moving out. This mother’s brain, and you is not a decision that I can can’t cure her disease. just jump into. What do You should attempt to you think I should do? have the relationship YOU — Running in Circles want to have — and that DEAR RUNNING: includes no relationship. You should enlist your Your desire to fix things, daughter’s help to research while wrestling with housing options in your
Ask Amy
area. Where I live, you can apply for subsidized housing specifically intended for low-income seniors. It is sensible to try to anticipate possible changes in your benefits, but I don’t think Social Security is going to go away anytime soon. Regardless, you should do your research and apply soon — the process might take several months. Moving into a community of elders could be a positive life change for you, and I hope you’ll bravely try to make this happen. DEAR AMY: “Worried” is an 11-year-old girl whose father recently died. The letter and your compassionate response moved me. In addition to your recommendations, readers should know that hospices often offer grief groups for children. I hope her mother looks into this for her. — Touched DEAR TOUCHED: Thank you for the reminder of how important and helpful hospice programs are — before and after a loved one’s death. 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 Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.
Keep an open mind, listen to what others are saying and watch what they’re doing. Gathering information will give you the edge when it comes to domestic, workplace and financial matters. Aim for moderation and simplicity. Indulgence and overspending will make you look bad and set you back financially. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take seriously matters concerning institutions and government agencies. A practical approach will be necessary if you want to avoid opposition. Too much of anything will be your downfall. SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Approach whatever you do with a practical plan and an open mind. Being receptive to different techniques will make things easier and more fun. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you aren’t sure about something, don’t make a move. A risky venture will leave you stressed out and cause you to rethink your strategy. Concentrate on personal improvements instead of trying to change others. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Nothing will be as it appears. Everything will cost more and take up more time than you had planned. You need to downsize and cut your overhead. Don’t believe everything you hear. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — A job opportunity will develop if you send out your resume. Get the inside scoop from a trusted party to help you bring about a positive personal change. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Speak up and refuse to let anyone push you around. Spice up the way you present yourself to others. Update your look. Romance is highlighted. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Learn through trial and error. Take a practical approach to any job you are given and leave nothing to chance. An unusual relationship will help you advance. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You’ve got more going for you than you realize. Take pride in what you do and show off the skills and talents you have mastered. Travel and romance are highlighted. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Someone will play emotional games with you. Refuse to let anyone talk you into doing something you shouldn’t or don’t want to do. Focus on personal improvements, and avoid indulgence and overspending. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You can make positive changes at home, but you must stick to your budget to avoid criticism. Your insight into trends will prompt a good professional choice. Spruce up your appearance. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don’t let demanding people lean on you. Ask for favors and incentives to make whatever needs to be done worth your while. Don’t let anyone boss you around. Call the shots. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Express your thoughts and feelings, and find out where you stand. You will have the upper hand as long as you identify and eliminate any negativity before it has time to fester.
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