Puzzle Answers This Week

It is certainly true that supplement companies sometimes make claims that they cannot support. By law, supplement advertising can claim to support a body part or function (which is why you see claims like “supports heart health”), but these claims must be followed by: “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Often, the advertising for a supplement is at odds with that statement, and there are many instances of supplement manufacturers having to pay fines or change their advertising. A supplement that is found to be unsafe can be removed from the market by the FDA. In addition, any substance can be toxic if taken at a high enough dose. Vitamin A supplements are a good example.

The U.S. FDA does not regulate supplements the way they do prescription drugs, and supplement manufacturers do not need to prove that their products are effective. Further, there is strong evidence that some supplements sold in the U.S. do not contain as much (or any!) of the supplement they claim to provide. I always recommend getting a supplement that is verified by a third party, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia or the National Science Foundation, if possible.

There are very few supplements proven to prevent problems, so I generally recommend against supplements in people who are healthy and have no symptoms. This definitely includes vitamin supplements. Supplements may have benefit in relieving symptoms for some less-serious medical conditions, and physicians should be (or get) familiar with more common supplements, their potential benefits and their toxicities.

*** Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Maui is our rescue cat. He has brought us a lot of joy and laughter the last 4 years. He loves to lay by the patio door and watch the birds and squirrels. He also loves to play with his toys which he hides under the couch and chair.

Irresponsible Dog Owner

Dear Neighbor, You recently got a German Shepard that lives outside on a chain (I’ve got my own opinions on that but not right now.) How can you listen to your dog barking all the time at all hours of the day? Your neighbors don’t want to listen to it. On top of the barking, your dogs are frequently getting loose. They are coming onto neighboring properties and they are aggressive. When the one is chained up, it is barking and harassing us while we try to enjoy our own yard. The Chocolate Lab you keep off-leash is trying to get through and around the bad wire fence to come harass us. If you aren’t going to be good dog owners, get rid of them. Our peace and safety shouldn’t be diminished because you’re selfish, neglectful and irresponsible.

Volunteer at our food pantry

I am getting so disgusted. Myself and a couple other volunteers at our food pantry have to watch another volunteer fill his trunk week after week and bring things to his family and friends. The worst part of the whole thing is they don’t even need it. There are so many people who really need the food who come in each week and really appreciate the food we give them. These people really need the food. It is very difficult to sit here every week watching him fill his trunk. Doesn’t he have any shame?

UGH

The nice weather is finally here. We are able to open windows to let the fresh air in the house. BUT, people have to burn trash. Only way to keep the stink out is to close them back up. Can’t they smell it?

BY GENESEE VALLEY PENNY SAVER

York Central School Open Positions

Math Teacher 7-12

Special Education Teachers K-6 and 7-12

K-12 Counselor, Social Worker or Psychologist

TESOL Teacher

Cleaner (2nd Shi )

Food Service Monitor

School Bus Driver

Teaching Assistant

Continual Recruitment - Substitutes: Teachers (Certi ed and Uncerti ed) • Aides/TAs • RNs/LPNs • Cleaners

Food Service Helpers • School Bus Drivers

All interviews begin upon receipt of application. Additional information and application available: www.yorkcsd.org

The Right Way To Leave A Job

Take coworkers’ feelings into consideration. Be open and honest with coworkers, but do not gloat that you are leaving the company and they are not. And if anyone has strong feelings about your departure, accept their point of view and do not react outwardly. Take things in stride as much as possible.