Sonora, California
Friday, June 26, 2015 — D5
AT THE UMO ii(DEMOCR
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ami n amicc an e D EAR ~ : My fat h er-in-law "Ron" is having an affair. At first I was notsure,butnow Ihaveproof,and my husband has seen his father with this
Annie's
) Mailbox "
woman, as well. Even my in-laws have
told us that they only coexist with one another. I am not sure if my husband' s mother knows of the afFair. She might. Since we saw my father-in-law with this woman, things have not been the same between him and my husband. My mother-in-law is not the same, either. One minute she is fine and the next she is not. We will be leaving soon for a joint family vacation and I am not sure I want to be there. I don't even want to
bring my children to their home to visit. My father-in-law has cheated before. I think my mother-in-law should divorce him and my husband agrees. He said his parentsnever seemed compatible when he was growing up. It seemed as though they were forced to be together
because of his sister and him. I want to tell my mother-in-law and give her my evidence. My husband says toleaveitalone.Hesaysheneedstime. But I feel his mother needs to know now, the sooner the better. I don't want to be the one who knew all about his affair and did nothing.— I AM HURTING, TOO DEAR HURTING: This is truly not your business,and forcing your mother-in-law to confront her husband's behavior (of which she is undoubtedly aware) may not be in her best interest. Sometimes, a spouse chooses to ignore evidence in order to maintain the status quo. It is not up to you to
at e r 'sa air
decide whether a divorce is better for her. What you can do, however, is tell your father-in-law what you know. Anyone who cheats is exposing a spouse to sexually transmitted diseases, and this is something the spouse should know. DEAR ANNIE: I live in a retirement community. You would think a great many residents would have either spent time in the service or know someone who has. It isso diffi cult for me to drive through the streets and see only a few homes with flags out on Memorial Day or Flag Day. You can buy flags at the dollar store, for heaven's sake. When I think of all the young women and men who have sacrificed so much for our country, it is hard to understand. Ihope people getthis message,and when July Fourth comes around, we will see flags at every home. Thank you. — J.
DEAR J.: What an excellent idea Homes used to come with flag holders attached near a door or window so people could hang large flags on poles for these occasions. But it is certainly easy enough to pick up a small flag on a stick and put it on your lawn or by the curb. It doesn't matter if you are "red state" or "blue state." We all love our country and appreciate our freedoms.Ifyou don't own a flag, pleasegetone.And ifyou have one, please display it properly on these national holidays. Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy
Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmail-
boxocreatoracom, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, clo Creators Syndicate, 737
3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA90254. Youcan also find Annie on Facebook at Facebook.corn lAskAnniea
Metformincan sometimes cause nigbt sweats DEAR DR. ROACH:As a preventivemeasure forprediabetes,my doctor recommended I take 500 mg of metformin twice a day (morning and evening). I have been following this regimen for two months. The same day I started the medication, my night sweats started up again, with a vengeance. On the metformin, my quality of sleep was negatively affected by four to fi ve episodes ofbad hot flashes every night. Since hot flashes/night sweats were not mentioned as a sideeffecteitherby my doctoror on the information pamphlet, I notified my doctor. He suggested stopping the metformin for two to four weeks to see if the night sweats subsided. I had IMMEDIATE relief with the night sweats being eliminated the first day I stopped the medication. I am a 58-year-old female, and other than needing to lose about 20 pounds,am in good health,exerciseevery day and eat a healthy diet. Some research indicates that metformin causes hypoglycemia, which then causes the night sweats. A sometimes-mentioned desirable side effect is weight loss. What is your take on metformin and whether it is a help or a hindrance to good health? — R.M.T.
To Your Good Health Keith Roach, M.D ANSWER: Metformin was tested in a large trial to see whether it could help preventpeopleathigh risk fordiabetes from developingovertdiabetes,and it was successful at doing so. It wasn' t quiteas successfulas a good diet and regularexercise,butmany experts do use metformin, especially in overweight people, to help them lose weight and reduce their diabetes risk. In my opinion, it works best when combined with a healthydietand regularexercise. However, it does have side effects. Gastrointestinal side efFects, especially diarrhea but also nausea, are the most common. Hot flashes are listed as occurring in 1 to 10 percent of people taking the medication, and I found many people in online support groups who also noted that hot flashes occur with metformin and stop immediately on
discontinuing the medication. A few peoplenoted thatafter staying on the medicine for a few weeks, the hot flashes went away. I believe that medications — whether over-the-counter medications, supplements,or prescribed medicineshelp some people but not everybody. Metformin has been very successful for many people, but I can't imagine it would be worth the severity of the side efFects you report and which interfere with sleep (which itself can exacerbate weight gain). A trial is fine, but if the medicine doesn't agree with and help you, then it isn't worth it. Do what you can with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Those are more important than just about any medicine, or even losing 20 pounds. DEAR DR ROACH: What causes cataracts? — B.J.H. ANSWER:A cataract is an opacity in the lens of the eye that affects vision. As people get older, the cumulative effect of sunlight exposure tends to cause cataracts. The majority of peoplewilldevelop cataractseventually. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, but much less
OIIOSC OI'E
so indeveloped nations. Additional risk factors for blindness include smoking, malnutrition, physical inactivity, diabetes mellitus and coriicosteroids, both systemic and inhaled (at high dose). A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruitsand vegetables reduces the risk of development of cataracts, although nothing is proven to slow down progressionofa cataractonce it develops.
Vision is a hot topic. The booklet on macular degeneration explains this common eye ailment. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 701, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.SJ$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 incorporatethem in the column whenever
possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or requestan order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475,
Orlando, FL32853-6475.Health newsletters may be orderedfrom www.rbma-
mall.corn.
TOday in hiStOry
Today is Friday, June 26, the 177th day of 2015. There are 188 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On June 26, 1945, the charter of the United Nations was signed by 50 countries in San Francisco. On this date: In 1915, following a whirlwind courtship, poet T.S. Eliot married Vivienne Haigh-Wood in London. (The marriage proved disastrous, but the couple never divorced.) Air conditioning manufacturer Carrier Engineering Corp. was incorporated in New York. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for a second term of office by delegates to the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia. In 1950, President Harry S. Truman authorized the U.S. Air Force and Navy to enter the Korean War. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he delivered his famous speech expressing solidarity with the city's residents, declaring: "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner). In 1973, former White House counsel John W. Dean told the Senate Watergate Committee about an "enemies list" kept by the Nixon White House. In 1974, the supermarket price scanner made its debut in Troy, Ohio, as a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum costing 67 cents and bearing a Uniform Product Code (UPC) was scanned by a Marsh Supermarket cashier. In 1988, three people were killed when a new Airbus A320 jetliner carrying more than 130 people crashed into a forest during a demonstration at an air show in Mulhouse (muhLOOZ'), France.
IIIR
Birthday forJune 27. Prosperity rises this year. Watch subtleties of a project. Find an answer in a dream. Your numbers and keep in action to grow them. Balance work effort s pay offathome. Once you see what's underneath, with healthy activities. Prioritize family, friends, nature you can build it stronger. Update domestic technology. and beauty to feed your spirit. October eclipse creativity Get something cool for your workplace. opens unexpected career doors (10/13, 10/27). Adventures Libra(Sept. 23-Oct. 22):Today is a 9 — Your creativsweep you off (after 3/8), before returning you for home ity is in demand. Make the most of a professional offer. renovations (after 3/23). Nurture the ones you love. There's a lot of work ... schedule it with time for exercise, healthy food and rest. Keep correspondence current. To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the Provide facts and data. You can accomplish great things. easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Follow through. Aries (March 21-April 19): Today is a 6 — Wait to make Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):Today is a 9 — You' re gaina final decision until you' ve done the research. You could ingconfidence.Say what you mean, and mean what you feel pressured. Find the facts you need. Rest and review. say. A conversation could lead to romance. Ask for what Let someone teach you a new trick. Communicate plan you want, or assume things will stay as they were. Grasp changes. Love finds a way. a potent opportunity. Savor it. Taurus (April 20-May 20):Today is a 9 — Budget for Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dsc. 21): Today is a 7 — Stretch upcoming purchases. Plan it out, and you can invest in your mind with a new game. Think about new ways to your dream. Don't give up. Make lists and inventories. see old problems. Have an excellent, innovative idea. Focus on the task at hand, and check off one item after Shift definitions and look from a different view. Remain another. Your influence is spreading. flexible. Be who you' ve always wanted to be. Gemini (May214une 20):Today is a 9 — You and Capricorn (Dec. 22 Jan. 19):Today is an 8 — Believe in yours are respected in the community. Make a good your team. Put plans in motion. Look at what you have impression. Keep your objective in view. The more you differently. Timing is everything. Others find you attraclearn, the more valuable you become. Push yourself a bit. tive. Let your feelings show. Saving counts the same as M ake posi tive changes.Team up with a genius. earning. Create a new path. Cancer (June 21duly 22):Today is an 8 — Don't relax Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):Today is an 8 — Enjoy the moment. Conditions are in your favor. Align intellect and your standards. Put your talent to work. Invest in your business. A new idea makes the job easier.Chooseyour emotions. Pleasantness is a huge plus. One person' s path carefully. Include the happiness factor. You can find ideas spark another' s. Your charms cannot be denied. the money you need. Someone's true feelings get revealed. It could get lovely. Leo(July 23-Aug. 22):Today is a 7 — Friends contribGet gentle and listen. ute to the party. Show your appreciation. Let your partner Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):Today is an 8 — Hone your take the lead. You' re even more attractive now. You are skills of persuasion. Study trends. Practice your arts to loved and in love. Look at things through another's eyes. support a cause near to your heart. Focus creative energy Fantasize about the future. to make money grow. Help comes from far away. Adapt Virgo (Aug.23-Sept. 22):Today is an 8 — Work at the as you go. You' re gaining professional respect.
Three 5nesses in twosuits
North
06-26-15
463 Y A J1 09 8 0 1 08 7 4542
By PHILLIP ALDER
D.B. Sweeney, an actor, said, "When you do a East play,oreven a movie, you have weeks to finesse 4 754 your character. You really understand why they 4 8 2 dowhattheydo. In TV,you get new material V 763 weekly about your character." t K 652 tQ43 A t the bridge table, you will often be faced y q J ~ 09 4876 3 with finesses, but you do not have weeks to South decide upon your line of play. In this deal, which 4 AKQ J 10 9 finesses should South attempt? He zooms into Y K4 six spades. West leads the club queen. Declarer I AJ9 takes the trick and draws trumps in three rounds. What should he do next'? North's three-heart rebid promised 5-7 points Dealer: South and at least a five-card suit. Over four spades, Vulnerable: Both Southbidwhat he hoPed he could make. South West N orth E a st Declarer starts with 11 top tricks: six spades, two hearts, one diamond and two clubs. If West has the heart queen, cashing declarer's king, 34 Pass 44 Pass then taking that finesse will work; South might P ass Pass P a ss e ven collect an overtrick. But if the finesse loses, 6 4 the contract has no chance. Is there something better? Openinglead:4 Q Of course there is. At trick five, South should lead his low heart and finesse dummy's jack. If East wins the trick, declarer can claim. He has four heart tricks by overtaking his king with dummy's ace. Or, if East does not take the trick, South can run one of dummy's diamonds. Then, when he wins the next trick with his club king, he overtakes his heart king with dummy's ace and tries a second diamond finesse. His odds of success are very high, but they are hard to quantify because how likely is it that East would duck his heart queen?
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