DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had slightly elevated glucose levels (104-109) for several years. I found a dietary supplement of cinnamon, vitamin D and chromium. I took the directed amount for a period of time and had a glucose test of 61. I don’t know if it was a fluke or not. A recent A1C test came in at 5.9%. I backed off that dosage and now take only half three or four times a week. My glucose has gone back up.
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis tells of a senior demon, Screwtape, instructing his nephew, Wormwood, on how to trick the innocent into evil. An outright lie, he cautions, will not work. Even a child will sense that deception. The most effective way to lead good people astray is to tell them a partial truth, trusting that they will mistake it as the whole truth.
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband and I have been going together to the same primary care physician for many years, every six months for routine checkups and sometimes in between when needed. In the past we always were examined in the same room, with each other present during the exams. At our last visit our doctor told us he has to see us separately and gave us the excuse that he finds it more efficient to do it this way. I’m not confrontational, nor is my husband, but I’m not comfortable about this and said so, but he still kept us separated. We are both in our late 70s, and I think it’s important for us to be together during our exams for many reasons. Can you help us with what we can say to our doc to change his mind? It may be in his best interests for this new policy, but I do not think it’s in our best interests. -- M.H.
Q: Is there any harm in continuing to drink caffeinated coffee now that I am 65? I drink about three cups a day, all in the morning. -- Jen G., San Francisco A: There are remarkable benefits from drinking coffee -- and perhaps the most far-reaching are the brain benefits.
Dear Readers I find I’m most productive when I salt-n-pepper my work hours with breaks. I putter at life-tasks I claim need doing and I dilly-dally, day-dream and stare out the window.
Dear Amy: My 18-yearold granddaughter is going to live with us after her high school graduation. She is coming to stay with us to work for a year and establish residency in our state, which is awash in good quality public universities.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been prediabetic for around 13 years and had been able to keep it that way though diet and exercise -- no medications for it. But the real issue now is that I have developed congstive heart failure, which probably sounds worse than it really is. However, the medications I have been given for it (Lasix, spironolactone, carvedilol) from my cardiologist and finasteride for prostate issues have totally ruined my glucose numbers. I used to see around 100 in the mornings. I almost never got to the 120s. Now after a couple months on those drugs I am seeing closer to 150 in the morning. After meals the numbers are running nearly 100 points higher than without them. My doctor tried to get me a drug, but that was so expensive as a copay that I had to tell the drugstore I couldn’t afford that, which I can’t. When I google what to do when your glucose is affected by medication, I get all kinds of sites, but none really seem to have an alternative to the regimen I am now having to take. So, to fix one issue, I fear the diabetes I have worked so hard to contain is going to become a serious problem. What do I do? -- L.H.
Q: I really want next year to be the year I become as healthy as possible. Can you help me figure out a plan and schedule? -- Casey R., Santa Rosa, California A: Bravo! You are planning ahead and making a public declaration of your intention to live a healthier -- and happier -- life! That shows how serious you are about achieving your goals.
During my eight years as president of the Kansas Senate, I had frequent dealings with journalists who covered the Statehouse. It wasn’t always easy.
Before any new action is taken on COVID restrictions, citizens deserve a straight answer from officials to this question: What data-driven analysis convinced you that the possible medical benefits of the COVID restrictions you imposed were greater than the known educational, emotional, and economic consequences of your actions?