Chula Vista Star-News from Chula Vista, California • Page 18

Thursday, January 14, 1988 Star ice Combined ails in colon pain Dr. William PADILLA SL PLAY: (by Vic Mtrtm) Road the list ol words look at lt puuta You'll find mw word diractent homonty, vortcaiy dtagontlty. backwards Draw a cm around aach Mar of word found the pouto, then stnka it off tha kit Circling it will thow a latlar hat ban uad but win it wuokj ahould it alo form part o) another word Find tha tg word tint When letter of aft luted word orded, youlhav the given number of letter left over They'll aped out the anwer HINT: Time Goes By 1 1 letters) TELECARBCSNAS A DA A POCK ANN I A.I I A AM REDO TOP 7 EMI DINT IXRUOHBSA ON YORNMOGOLDOGE A I A I YE' DM I SB A I A EL A 1 UN A A A O' AT A A Advance, Alarm, Analog; Band, Battery, Big Ben, Bracelet; C-Case, Casio, Chronograph, Cuckoo; Day, Dial," Diamond; Expansion; Face; Gold, HHalf, Hand, Hour; Kitchen, Key, LCD; Mantel, Minute, Movement; Pocket; Schoolhouse, Second, Strap; Timex, Travel; Wind QUESTION: What is spastic colon? ANSWER: Spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome is an illness that is characterized ty, a combination of abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhea, over secretion of mucous in the stool, increased gas, nausea, and varying degrees of anxiety or depression. There are several factors that may predispose one to irritable bowel syndrome. These Include a low fiber diet, psychological stress, and a tendency for overac- tivity of the intestinal muscles, resulting in spasm.

Your physician will -want to rule out other causes for your symptoms and certain x-rays, laboratory tests including "stool 'studies might be done. Usually spastic colon will respond to a. combination of treatments including a diet high "In fiber which will promote an ef-' ficient movement of stool along the colon thus decreasing the' pressure inside the colon and prevent constipation. It is usually iiring periods of. constipation1 that the abdominal discomfort is most frequent.

Regular meals and adequate rest is very important, as is exercise and recreation, to decrease stress levels. One should restrict alcohol and tobacco as much as possible as these may aggravate the symptoms. At times treatment of an QUESTION: Recently, I had a sty it my eye. What is the cause of stys and what should I doif it recurs? ANSWER: A sty is the result of blockage of one of the glands at the border of the eyelid. This usually results in swelling of that gland and occasionally the formation of a pus pocket or abscess.

In general, the first thing that you should do is to begin applying warm compresses to the eye. This-eafl be done by using clean cloths folded in several layers, dipped in warm water wringing out the excess, and. applying to the eye. Continue to warm up the compress and apply for 20 minutes, repeating this process every two to three hours. At times, the warmth of the com-' pesswill cause the sty to come to a head.

It may drain on its own. If not, it should be drained by your physician. If the infection spreads to surrounding tissues around the eye. antibiotics are usually necessary. Usually, the warm compress and drainage will result in prompt healing.

Dr. William J. Padilla is a family practitioner at Chula Vista' Medical Clinic. Should you have any questions you would like to see answered in this column, address them to "Ask the Family Physician" Chula Vista Medical Clinic, 240 Landis Chula Vista 92010. Ask the Family Doctor underlying1 depression or anxiety state 4is needed to improve the condition.

Certain medication which decrease spasticity of the colon are at times helpful. The illness is usually controllable with a few simple measures. QUESTION: Recently, I have heard a lot about the importance of increasing the fiber is one's diet. Is it really that important? ANSWER: Yes. I feel that it is extremely important for several reasons.

First of all, by increasing the fiber-in your diet you can decrease substantially your risk for colon cancer. We, as Americans, in general have low fiber diets, and becauscof that, have a fairly high incidence of colon cancer. In comparison, certain tribes in Africa that have an' extremely high fiber diet rarely have colon cancer. High fiber diet has also been shown to decrease cholesterol levels which is also. a prevalent problem in the United States.

High levels of cholesterol, over long periods of time, may lead to serious illness and death in Lucky should be examined by your veterinarian before she's spayed. He'll set the right date' usually about three months after JSSlast heat. You'll be doing Lucky a favor. Dogs who are spayed usually don't develop breast cancer or uterine problems. DEAR DR.

FOX My cat, Terrible Tab, is suffering from what I would call a stuffed-up nose. Periodically, he starts sneezing, burst after burst. When not completely clogged, he sometimes sounds like he's wheezing. I took him to the vet, but, my luck, Terrible Tab wouldn't sneeze then! It happens that the condition isn't steady. I must say I was very dismayed by my vet's story of a cat who behaved like mine and died.

The autopsy revealed a leaf up his Pet of the week Animal doctor Looking for a hpme i. form of artherosclerosis (hardening and blockage of the arteries) resulting in heart attacks and strokes. The high fiber diet will also promote regularity, preventing constipation, certain types of abdominal1 pain, help prevent hemorrhoids and anal fissures, (cracks around the anus). The easiest and least expensive way to increase the fiber in your diet is by adding a whole bran flake to your diet. This can be obtained in most health food stores and some grocery stores.

It can be mixed with liquids of all types, sauces, and can be cooked with foods such as meatloaf, spaghetti, casseroles, etc. It' should be added to the diet slow; ly. Initially, one teaspoon per meal progressively increasing by one teaspoon per week until taking three teaspoons or one tablespoon per meal. If is important to drink at least 6-10 glasses of liquid a day along with the bran so that it may work efficiently and to prevent constipation. If constipation has been a problem, it is important to clear out "hardened stool prior to beginning a higher fiber diet otherwise the bran may worsen tlie condition.

At times the increased fiber may -cause some abdominal bloating or "gassy" feeling. This usually subsides with continued use. If not, it should be discontinued and "you should see your physician. nose. S.A.

P.S. I don't want my cat to die. DEAR S.A. It is, of course, possible that a leaf or other object is in your cat's nose and causing the uncomfortable condition. But more likely, he has a chronic sinus condition.

Just like humans, cats are prone to recurrent, sinusitis. Sometimes corrective surgery and irrigation of sinus is necessary. If the condition worsens, this approach might be necessary. Unfortunately, there's no simple cure. But not to worry it is not fatal.

DEAR DR. FOX A few weeks ago, I purchased a fantail 'goldfish for my aquarium. It joined my two comet goldfish. Recently, I noticed that my fantail's abdomen- has swelled considerably My" mothersays the fish is pregnant, but I don't see before it's too late. Dear Dr.

Brothers: My wife is a terrible grump in morning. Although she gets out of bed to see me off to work, she never, wants to talk. On the other hand, she loves zipping about at night when I'm ready to settle down in front of the TV for a quiet evening. She says she's always been a night person. Is there anything I "can do to 1 change 1 beF pattern or mine? D.O.

Dear D.O.: This is a tough one. It really isn't easy to change a person's natural, tjme schedule. Morning people actually do function better and think better at that time because their bodies are tuned in to function in the early hours, while some people, like your wifercan'r seem xo get" started before noonl. Ideally, early birds find it easier to live with and get along with other early birds, and night owls are more compatible with those fond of the' evening hours. Your situation, however, isn't possible.

Like many problems in marriage, the answer rests in compromise; Sometimes people's habits don't necessarily reflect their biological time-clocks. Your wife might discover that she isn't really a night owl after all if she had some exciting job or interest' that required her to rise and function earlier. If she's a true night owl, however, she'd still be less effective in the morning hours. 1 DEAR DR. FOX When we spayed our poodle a few years ago, she became so lazy and fat! -v That memory and experience bring me to the problem of my cur? rent dog, Lucky, who just had a litter.

We gave the pups away, and we don't want any more. Now, what do we do? Should we give her birth control pills? DEAR C.L. Not all dogs become fat and sluggish after they've been spayed. That particular problem is, in fact, in your hands. Give Lucky a high-protein, low-calorie diet along ith plenty, exercise, and there's no reason why she should become overweight.

But stay away from the birth-control pills. Taken over an extended period of time, they can produce undesirable side effects. Keep sick Dear Dr. Brothers: Our 13-year-old son is seriously ill with cancer. Despite this, teachers who work at the hospital think he should be enrolled in classes there and should do his homework just as most' of the other young patients do.

This seems to me to be pointless and a needless burden on him when he's had to suffer so much already. What's your view? N.I.r Staff photo by loa Mot This cute terrier mix is looking for a home. The year-old pup can be adopted at Chula Vista Animal Shelter, 690 Otay Valley Road. For more information, call 691-5123. children in school what you how that's possible, since she's the only fantail I have! Tell me is it possible for goldfish to interbreed? A.T.

DEAR A.T.'- Your goldfish could well be pregnant, or it-could have an internal growth or other problem inside its abdomen. If it is pregnant; it may have bred with another fantail goldfish before you obtained it. Or it could have bred with one of your comet goldfish. Goldfish do all interbreed, since all varieties are interrelated "mutants." Send yourq uestions to Dr. Fox in cjre of this newspaper.

The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns. Be careful Many people said things in 1987 now regret. This is what they should have said to avoid getting into so much trouble. Nancy Reagan should have said to Raisa Gorbachev, "I'm all tied up this weekT so I'll leave -the key under the doormat. If you want to see the house just go in and have a look around." Ollie North "I will have nothing to do with a covert operation which bypasses Congress and the State Department.

I did not don a Marine uniform1 to sell arms to moderate Iranians." Admiral Poindexter "This information is too important for me to make a decision by myself. I'm going to have to show it to the President, and let him take the heat." Gary Hart "Everybody is making such a big deal of me being on the Monkey Business when it went to Bimini. What if I told you I was seasick the entire 7- Ivan Boesky "The" only reason I dealt in inside information was to help the Hopi Indians." Arizona Gov. Mecham "I have been accused of being a bigot and a racist. It's all rubbish.

When I tell a story about a Pullman car porter and a kosher butcher who tried to steal a blanket from a drunken Mexican in a Polish neighborhood, I am paying honor to all nationalities and races who have made this 'I Art BUCHWALDi -Li say me to explain the birthmark on top of my head I'm going to ask him what that stupid hearing aid is doing in his ear." Ronald Reagan 'I don't-like pardons, but what else can I do for a team player whose only crime was that he broke the law?" Ed Meese "Some people prefer to attend football games. I'd rather appear before grand juries." Mike Deaver I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, anJ nothing but the truth so help me God. And I'd like to make that retroactive." Boris Yeltsin "If I had to do glasnost all ove7 again I'd drop all references to Mr. Big." Kurt Waldheim "The only thing I did when I was an officer for the Third Reich was drive an ambulance distributing blood to 1 Yugoslav partisans and candy to Greek children? Pope John Paul II "Mr, Waldheim, I think you have the wrong Pope." John McEnroe "I believe in fining unruly, tennis flayers -because it gives the restof us a chance to play the game the way gentlemen are supposed to play it." Dr. Joyce (fw BROTHERS rl do because she won't leave him.

They have two children, ages 3 and 5. My husband says that this man probably won't turn on the children since heTs getting rid of all his rage by beating up our daughter. Is this true? L.O. Dear L.O.: No, it isn't true. Just as it isn't trueathat a wife-batterer gets rid of his anger by beating his wife.

The anger tends to build, rather than diminish. This is why it's important for women to take action immediately after the first punch or slap, for if they'doOthing, if they ac- cept an apology with the belief that it won't happen again, -they're wrong. It will happen, again and the abuse will be more violent each time. The cycle will continue until the man gets the help he needs to change. Child abuse is correlated to wife abuse 30 to 40 percent of the time.

Often, the man starts to batter and abuse the child whert the child is old enough to try to defend his mother or sympathizes with her. Even in cases where he doesn't actually abuse the child physically, the child is being emotionally damaged and abused by being a witness to violence against his mother. This is a tragic situation that could easily become deadly. Try to encourage your daughter to take action to protect herself and her children Dear N.L.: Keeping up with school work and learning as much as possible is vitally impor- tarn to sick youngsters, partly i because it reassures them that r. they're still part of the world and like other kids their age.

Sick children need to feel that they're, normal andahey need to have ft hope that they'll get better. f3ay7 60 percent'' of children with cancer can be 7 cured, according to Paul Meyers, a pediatrician. I In addition, it's essential for the child to keep his mind oc-v cupied wiifr something other than j-fhe daily round of medication, treatment, nurses and doctors. I'm sure the teachers at the hospital will take your son's con-t-dition into consideration; if he tires. I truly don't believe that I what they're suggesting will be a but rather an I opportunity.

bear -Brothers: daughter is living with a man who 1 abuses her to the point' where she's had to be hospitalized. This 2 'is a terrible shame and it pains J'tcr father and me more than I tfMiay, but there's little we can country great." Jimmy Bakker "Tammy and I intend to retire from the ministry and devote our lives to appearing on Ted Koppel's show." Jessica Hahn "When Jimmy did thesPterribIe things to me I cried my eyes out until this nice man from Playboy magazine drove me to his home and took beautiful pictures of me in the shower for which I received a generous fee." Sen. Biden "Plagiarizing is a dirty business but somebody has to do it." Judge Bork "In answer to the question, Senator, I am only required to give my name, rank and serial number." Judge Ginsburg "Freedom of speech doesn't give anyone the right to yell in a crowded movie theater." Donald Trump "I'm sick of my name and would change it to Bartpence tomorrow if it would help me sell condominiums." Fawn Hall "Ollie liked to see me shred confidential papers late at night, and that's why I never got married." Mikhail Gorbechev "The next time President Reagan wants 1.