The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 46

1 2D Thursday, Dec. 14, 1978 Philadelphia Inquirer Ah-choo! Action Line Advice for when flu and colds make seasonal visits By Dolly Katz Action Line solves problems, gets answers, cuts red tape, stands up for your rights. Call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, or write Action Line, Box 8300, Philadelphia 19101.

Include your phone number. Do not send original documents. An old family friend has three children, is on welfare and hasn't had a refrigerator in almost a year. She's single and raising her family alone and worries about her food perishing and making her family ill. If someone could help her to get a refrigerator, it would make wonderful Christmas present.

Do you know of anyone, Action Line? M.H., Philadelphia. We sure do. It just so happened that the day before you called Action Line one of our readers offered to donate a refrigerator to a family in need. We made the right connections and he was happy to see your friend get his 4-year-old side-by-side refrigeratorfreezer. We even arranged for it to be delivered to your friend's door courtesy of the Bekins Moving Storage Co.

of King of Prussia. Umtw) PrH Intamationtf Flu viruses probably are transmitted in droplets of moisture expelled in a sneeze Knif hl-ddr New Servict Gesundheit. It's that time of year again, the flu and cold season. Everybody worries that he has caught, is catching, or will catch whatever is "going around." That being the case, you might want to know something about the enemy. Here are answers as far as scientists know them to some common questions about colds and influenza.

When does the season start? The peak is around January and February. There have been no outbreaks of influenza so far this fall, although scattered cases were reported earlier this year in Houston, California and Puerto Rico. Why is winter the flu and cold season? Nobody knows. It may have something to do with the fact that people spend more time indoors. They're crowded together and more liable to infect one another.

Some doctors have suggested that heated, moistu-reless indoor air may dry out nasal passages and make them more susceptible to infection. But despite all those admonitions from mothers and spouses to "wear your boots" and "keep your feet dry" and "keep warm," there's no evidence that being cold has anything to do with catching cold. Cold, wet feet may be uncomfortable, but you can't blame your sniffles on them. How are flu and colds different? To begin with, they're caused by two totally unrelated families of viruses. Cold viruses cause milder illness, partly because they tend to stay in the upper respiratory passages, the nose and upper throat.

Flu viruses get much farther down into your throat, so they cause a more extensive illness. Is flu more catching than a cold? Yes. Colds seem to require much closer contact for transmission. Flu I have this problem that I know sounds strange, but it's getting worse and I need help fast. I think I have a phobia.

You see, I can't stand to eat in front of anyone, except my own family. Action Line, is there some way I can be helped? P.J., Philadelphia. There certainly is. Just keep the appointment we've made for you at the Temple University Medical School's behavior therapy unit. There, Dr.

Michael Ascher, a staff psychologist, said he would be happy to meet with you free of charge to advise you about your problem. The therapy unit is a division of the psychiatry department and deals with every type of neurotic behavior. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. Others seeking similar help can call the therapy unit at 438-9548. the individual more susceptible to pneumonia.

The federal Center for Disease Control estimates that in the last 10 years, epidemics of influenza A in the U.S. have caused 150,000 deaths above the number normally expected. Do flu shots work? They are from 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza. Every time influenza virus undergoes a major change, researchers rush to develop a new vaccine. This year's vaccine will protect against A-Texas, A-Russian and influenza B.

Who should get flu shots Since there's not enough vaccine to go around, it is recommended only for people over 65 and people of any age who have chronic diseases such as heart disease, tuberculosis, severe asthma, kidney disease, diabetes or cancer. What should I do if I get the flu? Nothing much. Lie down if you feel like it (you will), take aspirin for the fever and pain, drink fluids. Don't take antibiotics. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and they can cause their own side effects.

viruses probably can be transmitted by droplets of moisture that remain in the air after somebdy has coughed or sneezed; cold viruses can't. How can I tell whether I have the flu or a cold? Basically, flu will make you feel much more miserable than a cold. You'll have a fever (colds usually don't cause fevers), a very deep, hacking dry cough, a headache, and generalized aches and pains. Both colds and the flu can last for two to three days, but the flu can make you feel tired and weak for days and even weeks afterward. What do all those different influenza names mean Texas, Russian, Victoria, Hong Kong? The body identifies influenza viruses by the little protein spikes that stick out from the surface of each virus.

These spikes help the virus get into and out of human cells. Theoretically, once you have been infected by an influenza virus, it can never make you sick again, because the body is primed to recognize and destroy any future virus invaders. Unfortunately, influenza viruses are able to change the structure of their surface spikes from year to year, to make themselves unrecognizable to body defenses. That's why they can cause frequent and worldwide epidemics. There are two main kinds of influenza virus, called type A and type B.

Type which causes most human disease, changes much more frequently than the usually milder type B. Each time a virus changes, scientists give it a new name, based on the area where it was first identified. In 1977, influenza A underwent two major changes. One new strain was identified first in the USSR, so it's called A-USSR, or Russian flu. The other was identified in Texas, and is called A-Texas.

Previous incarnations have included the famous A-Asian (1957) and A-Hong Kong (1968) flus. Influenza hasn't changed much since 1972, when a new strain showed up, also in Hong Kong. Is flu dangerous? For most people, no. But it can kill the elderly and those with chronic disease, either directly or by making rm being billed by the Bell Telephone Co. for long distance calls that I never made.

I'm 85 and only keep a telephone for emergencies. In fact, I don't make five calls a month, to keep my bills to the party line minimum of $3.48 a month. Yet, the telephone company insists I owe $43 for toll calls to New Jersey. Can Action Line straighten this out? Philadelphia. Yes, with one call to Ma Bell.

It turns out that those long distance calls charged to you were made by another customer on your party line. Folks at Bell Telephone checked and removed the charges from your bill. Ma Bell apologized for the error and called you to explain. Others with a problem like yours should call customer service, 633-0050, or, in the suburbs, 466-9900. Reaction My 90-year-old friend and I thank you for putting us in touch with the organization CONTACT Philadelphia, that will have someone telephone her daily to make sure she's all right.

Everything was arranged and she and I are relieved and satisfied. Thanks again. C.J., Philadelphia. Action Line editors consider every request you send us. We publish the most interesting and helpful answers.

We regret that we cannot answer, or even acknowledge, each request. Peopletalkl? Liz Smith WAV Ai in I i rA-A zip 1 if, IV 4 1 The Scene i 1 Home, health, family finances mm Hi! ft A if I It 1 1 if mm V4 vjr it iritis If I mc 7 is.1- ts 3 -i -Sit iii Ji sr. Paul Sorvino just finished filming the CBS special "Dummy" in which he plays a deaf lawyer appointed to defend a man accused of murder (LeVar Burton) who is deaf and mute. It's a real-life story from the book by Ernest Tidyman. Frank Perry directed it.

You'll see it in January. Hunt Stromberg Jr. holds the theatrical rights to "Hedda and Louel-la," the story of Hollywood's late titans of titter and tattle. He wants to cast Kaye Ballard as Louella and Lauren Bacall as Hedda David Janssen is as happy as a clam. This is the last month he has to pay alimony to his ex-wife Ellie When it rains it pours for Frank Sinatra.

He won't like the novel by Bill Goldman, titled "Tinsel," in which a certain character resembling F. S. comes across as very negative You just may see Joe Namath as a weekly commentator for NBC football next year Mae West has herself a new psychic, Richard Ireland of Phoenix. She calls him "the greatest in the country." Director Billy Friedkin, in New York to promote "The Brink's Job," says he'll start filming "Blood and Money" in Houston this March. He has already decided to use some of the real protagonists in the 11-hour television mini-series.

Defense attorney Racehorse Haynes will play himself, as will the two detectives who broke the famous case and the judge who presided over the trial. tit ti David Janssen alimony ends Tovah is the wife of California attorney Alexander H. Levy, wholll be commuting after the show opens in New York on Jan. 30. It plays Boston's Colonial Theater first.

Willie Nelson, the hot country singer, will film "Honeysuckle Rose" for Warner's in his big movie debut Georgie Kaye is mad at David Steinberg, claiming that Steinberg borrowed extensively from his psychiatrist routine Mae West 'greatest' psychic open her blouse to prove she wasn't. In the big musical "Sarava," by Mitch Leigh and N. Richard Nash, she plays the passionate wife of a swinging gambler who gets murdered. "I'm sensual, my love for him is like a firecracker," says Tovah, who's Meet, 3 inches tall, a size seven, and soon to be 26. "My love for my second husband, a pharmacist, is like a warm glow.

I'm living with him and dreaming of my first husband. I'm religious and know that's wrong." Joe Namath football commentator? Friedkin seems to favor Candice Bergen, Jon Voight and George C. Scott for his leading roles, but nobody's set yet. Another Inquirer columnist says EARL WILSON Tovah Feldshuh quivers with joy as she says, "Nobo-dy'll think I'm a boy now." Tovah so convincingly played a Jewish boy in "Yentl" that she had to urn fc 1 Dr. Falkner Dear Dr.

Falkner: rm 19 and expecting my first baby. I've always been told that it's not good to bathe a baby early in life and I've been told the hospital will surely bathe it. Can I ask them not to bathe my baby? My friend has a baby, now six months old, and she says it's quite OK to bathe your baby every day, more often if necessary. Now rm really confused. Yes, you can certainly ask the hospital not to bathe your baby.

But before you do, let me tell you of an interesting study completed at the University of Florida by experienced nurses in a research study. They studied more than 100 newly born, healthy, full-term babies in iwo groups, une group nad tradition Keep the change (see Communications, below) Food stampst Ringing in a new rule It should be a Happy New Year for the nation's food stamp recipients. No longer will they have to dig into their pockets to come up with the cash to get the stamps. Instead, they'll be given the food stamps direct. Under the old rules, a recipient had to come up with $100 in cash in order to buy stamps worth $150 a net gain of $50 worth of buying power.

But some people had difficulty getting the $100; now, a qualified recipient be simply given $50 worth of stamps. The rule takes effect nationwide Jan. 1, although several states already have intiated the change. Those are Alaska, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas. A Communications! Calling without cash You know how frustrating it can be to run out of change in the middle of a long distance call? Well, here's good news.

Late next year, you'll be able to dial without a dime by using the new Charge-a-Call phone, a telephone that won't accept any coins at all. The phones will be made by Western Electric a division of American Telephone Telegraph. By 1982, it is estimated, 10 percent of all r'Jt11- telephones will tc the ccinlcss typo. Television! Better shows for youngsters? For parents who feel that children's TV programs are mostly junk, be on the lookout next February for a new channel, which, say its originators, will carry higher quality programs for children. The new channel, being dubbed Nickelodeon, is the brainchild of Warner Cable Co.

It will be available (for a fee) only to subscribers of cable television. Some sample proposed programs: "Video Comic Books," which will urge kids to read along with the show; "Bananaz," a live show for teens, and "Nickel Flicks," a collection some of the best kids shows from previous years as well as a public affairs program. Partiesi For a non-smashing success our holiday bash can be a hit without turning off the liquor spigot on your guests. Here's how: Tend the bar yourself. You'll be able to control the amount of liquor going into the drinks.

Serve rich and starchy foods throughout the evening. These foods slow down absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream. Keep your guests busy with dancing and games. One way to keep them standing is to be short of chairs. This is also a good way to keep the party from turning into a sewing circle.

Plantst You, too, can have a green thumb Before you rush to your nearest plant shop to load up on houseplants to start an indoor garden, you might want to invest 75 cents in a handy booklet published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The booklet tells you how to select plants to suit your temperment, which types of plants can stand periods of neglect if you're away from home a great deal and other tips on indoor gardening. To order a copy, send the 75 cents to the Consumer Information mation Center, Dept.

68G, Pueblo, Colo. 81009. Anita Myette IMPORTANT NOTICE Take notice that the undersigned has tiled with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission revisions to its Local General Governing Schedule, Toll, Exchange, WATS, Mobile, and Facilities for Other Common Carriers Tariffs, Pa. PUC Nos. 1 1 1 80A, 1 82, 1 82A, 1 858, 1 85C, 295, 296 and 300, increasing your bills for service effective February 1 0, 1979 or February 10, 1980.

The revisions will result in an annual revenue increase of $153.9 million. However, the company has divided the proposed increase over a two-year period to conform to the price standards of the Council on Wage and Price Stability (President Carter's recommended price guidelines). The changes for the first year (commencing Feb. 10, 1979) will result in a revenue increase of approximately $77.3 million, and the changes for the second year, (commencing Feb. 10, 1980), $76.6 million.

The $1 53.9 million increase is approximately 9.1 8 of the company's annual revenues. However, some customers' bills will not be increased; and the increase in other customers' bills may vary slightly or substantially from this percentage, depending on use or applicable rate schedules. The annual cost of service to the average residential user would increase from $176.05 to $186.78, or by 2.9 cents per day, commencing Feb. 10, 1980. Upon request, the company will inform you of the effect upon your bills.

You may examine at the company's offices a copy of the material filed with the Public Utility Commission explaining the proposed increase and its justification. The proposed rate increase is subject to examination by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission which may bubpenu iis biitfUiveiitjss or msuiuie a imiuai invesuycuiun uieieui, or oom, tr it oeems appropriate. Forms for the filing of a formal complaint may be obtained by you upon request to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1 71 20. The timely filing of a formal complaint entitles you to a hearing at which you may present testimony and question company witnesses, and places on the company the burden of proving that the proposed rates are reasonable. Increases and reductions proposed to become effective February 10.

1979, include: Increase in the cost of some local coin telephone calls, resulting from the introduction of a 3-minute initial period for previously untimed local 10C calls, with additional charges for overtime. There will be no increase in the current 101 charge for the initial period of local coin calls. Increase in the cost of metropolitan area coin telephone calls which are presently timed. Increase in the cost of local calls which are handled by an operator. Reduction in the cost of some customer-dialed credit card calls through the Introduction of a 1 -minute (vs.

current 3-minute) initial period. For Metropolitan Area Flat Rate Residence Service, Introduction of a call allowance on previously unlimited calls from the perimeter exchanges. Elimination of discounted residence package rates for various combinations of premium telephone sets. Elimination of secondary area charges in 36 of 173 exchanges. Secondary area charges will be reduced by approximately 25 in the remaining 137 exchanges.

Increases in PBX, Centrex, Key and WATS charges. Increases in rates for a number of other business and residence services. Including the multi-element, non-recurring charges applicable to Key telephones. Increases and reductions proposed to become effective February 1 0, 1 980, Include: Replacement of the present Message Unit Schedule with a new Measured Local Use Schedule. The rates for measured local calls are increased.

Expanded discount periods and larger discounts are established for measured local calls. Increases in most exchange service rates. Monthly exchange rates which will not increase are: Individual Message Rate residence, two- and four-party business and residence, and auxiliary lines and trunks. Increase in the monthly rate for semi-public coin service. Increase in cost of installations and rearrangements.

Introduction of a flat charge of 105 per call to recorded time service (Philadelphia Metro Area only) and recorded weather service (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Metro Areas only). Additional increases in PBX, Key and WATS charges. The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania al everday newborn care with no bathing. The other group had rapid bathing, shampooing, rinsing and drying within 45 minutes of birth. The earlybathed babies soon dropped their body temperatures lower than the non-bathers.

But after three hours, a baby who had been bathed had body heat higher than those not bathed. It seemed the bathing and stimulation got the newborn baby "going" faster. The main point is, very early bathing certainly does not harm at all and may, in fact, be helpful. An active, healthy six-month-old gets dirty and soiled. I'm on your friend's side.

If we bathe them three evenings a week, why not seven? And if they get into the shoe polish in the morning and there is jam all over the hair in the afternoon, they may need two baths that day. Or. Fnr wttcwtwt tettcrt and wfl wnwtr many ft poivib in Ms column, but regrets that Kt Is imabM oivt personal answers. Please address vour letters to Or. Frank FaHiner, The PhWdetphia Inquirer, Bex 39, Las Anaates, Calif, mom.

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