HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS

2. GEOGRAPHY: What was the country of Portugal known as in Roman times?

3. MOVIES: What are the final words spoken in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”?

4. LITERATURE: Which novel series includes a fictional place called Godric’s Hollow, England?

5. SCIENCE: What is cytology?

6. TELEVISION: What is the name of the ranch in the 1960s western show “Bonanza”?

7. U.S. STATES: Which state has the longest cave system?

8. FOOD & DRINK: In which country were bagels invented?

Eligible

Income guidelines are:

Family of 2: $44,760

Family of 3: $55,296

Family of 4: $65,820

Funded by: NYS Homes and Community Renewal

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Lucie Winborne

* A man with severe OCD and a phobia about germs attempted to commit suicide with a gun to his head. Instead of killing him, the bullet eliminated his mental illness without any other damage.

9. HISTORY: What kind of beetle was revered by the ancient Egyptians?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the largest lizard on Earth?

Answers

Huckleberry Paving

Grass is the forgiveness of nature - her constant benediction. Forests decay,harvests perish,flowers vanish,but grass is immortal. -

Brian Ingalls

CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE A PART OF HOME SAFETY

Even though chimneys do not require daily upkeep, regular maintenance efforts help chimneys operate safely and prevent deaths and injuries while protecting homes from fire.

Various problems can arise when chimneys are not well maintained. Such problems include chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and early failure of the chimney and heating sources that the chimney vents. Carbon monoxide can be scary, as it is virtually invisible without a proper detector. The National Vital Statistics System says that, in 2015, 393 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. When carbon monoxide is breathed in, it builds up quickly and combines with the blood, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The Canada Safety Council says that body tissue and cells can’t function without oxygen.

Chimney fires are another potential byproduct of poor chimney maintenance. The Chimney Safety Institute of America notes that chimneys expel the byproducts of combustion, including smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog, and assorted minerals, which can condense on the inside of the chimney flue. The residue, called creosote, is highly combustible. With the right conditions, a chimney fire can occur.

VINTAGE ARCHERY RECURVE BOWS/ARROWS/ACCESSORIES for Scout Archery Merit Badge. 501C Compliant. Text 585-794-0448 or mintshape@netacc.net

TIRES. Hankook 275/55R20. Factory tires F150. 2 y/o good tread remaining about 30k on: pdc964@gmail.com

YELLOW GLADIOLUS BULBS: 585-924-2651

2’x4’ FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE. Works. Good for a shop or garage. Conesus: 585-764-8301

Large quantity of BUSINESS ENVELOPES WITH WINDOW. Return address is printed on but can be covered with a label: 585-748-3148

Blue leather POWER RECLINER. Cat scratches on left arm. Pick up North Chili: barb125kel@aol.com

TWIN X-LONG FOAM MATTRESS TOPPER: 585-259-8464

LANDSCAPING BRICKS and PAVERS. Several different styles. You pick it up. Text only: 585-519-7369

QUIET GLIDE 5-DRAWER TOOL CHEST: sdimpfl45@gmail.com

LAP QUILTING VHS TAPES (set of 10) by Georgia Bonesteel: 585-362-7914

ONETOUCH ULTRA 2 GLUCOSE METER with case and a sealed bag of Lancets. Does NOT Include Test Strips: eschroll123@gmail.com

50” SAMSUNG SMART TV. Eight years old. Good condition, just has loose cable connection. Located in Naples: 585-374-5577

BOOST PLUS NUTRITIONAL DRINK, Rich Chocolate flavor. 11-8 oz bottles. Sealed. Henrietta: 585-334-5802

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS. All white. Used. Fairport: 585-354-8339

BOOKS - Art Books, some instructional, some famous artists’ paintings, Encyclopedias, some children’s books. You pick up. Call for info: 585-728-5316

DIESEL BUS ENGINE, already taken out of bus. Pick up only: sbly5722@gmail.com

Four boxes of OLD CAR MAGAZINES, DIRT BIKE MAGAZINES and HUNTING MAGAZINES going back to at least 1981. You pick up: 585-329-5631

HP PRINTER - Laser Jet 1320 (no cartridge). May work but have no time to fool with it: 585-346-3829

BROTHER PRINTER, corporate quality with new laser cartridges - TN431, TN433, TN436. Touch screen needs adjustment. Very high-quality print and copy: aelaine636@gmail.com

SERESTO FLEA and TICK COLLAR - large dog. just in time for tick season: enaginny@gmail.com

One LAWN CHAIR FRAME, two PARTIAL MACRAME LAWN CHAIRS, one PARTIAL MACRAME LOUNGE LAWN CHAIR: 585-392-5631

HOLLISTER NEW IMAGE FLEXTEND SKIN BARRIER; 2-pc ostomy skin barrier, convex, tape. #14904 Green 1 3/4”/pre-sized 1”; 23 boxes, 5 ostomy barriers in each box: 585-226-8887

SPRING CEDAR TREES. Entire trees or just the limbs. Will load and remove! Mothersfield@aol.com

All DC and MARVEL COMIC BOOKS; any year, any issue, any condition: impani_m@yahoo.com

FULLSIZE LIGHTBAR and UTILITY TRAILER: 585-447-0201

INK PRINTER CARTRIDGES, Number 60 and 61 for HP Printer: 585-519-3325

Thank you

YARN - For a mission project. Can pick up. Thank you! Webster: 585-265-4548

One lightweight and one portable type of VACUUM CLEANER, TRANSISTOR RADIO, small FILE CABINET with key. Webster/surrounding area: 585-424-0732

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, a RECLINER, and a working 2.7L ENGINE to fit a 2008 Dodge Charger or a used vehicle in good working condition: 585-883-7387

LIFT CHAIR: Donna.lievense@gmail.com

1970s VINTAGE RANSOM MACHINE REST: 585-335-5184

70s STEREO EQUIPMENT: Receivers, Speakers, Turntables, Reel to Reels, Amplifiers, Records, Reel Tapes, Old Nintendo Games: 585-883-5334

RIDING LAWNMOWERS. Working or not: 518-888-4216

70s-80s-90s ROCK and ROLL 8 TRACK TAPES, CASSETTES, RECORDS for personal collection. Thanks: gzintel1967@gmail.com

INCONTINENCE ADULATION, men large, for elderly relative in nursing home. If you have any unused unwanted, I will take them! Bargainhunter22@ymail.com

Seeking DIRT BIKES, ATVs or GO-KARTS for father son project. Will pick up, call or text Matt: 315-576-1278

In need of a FOLDING GROCERY CART for a new refugee family: 716-430-2876

FLATSCREEN TV, any size. In good working condition: 585-867-3355

FULL-SIZE LIGHT BAR and 8’ TONNEAU COVER: 585-447-0201

RASCAL SCOOTER in good working condition: 585-415-8513

Used/New SUV in good working condition for retired couple to transport the elderly to appointments and errands: 585-398-7626

TWIN SIZE BED in good condition. Needed for elderly couple. Call or text: 585-719-7866

COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TRADING PINS and DISPLAY BOOK for granddaughter who will play in one tournament this summer: salvatore.d.timpani@gmail.com

9” or 10” straight edge, GLASS PIE DISH: salvatore.d.timpani@gmail.com

Large MOVING BOXES. Deliver in ER: stellaswirlery@yahoo.com

BB RIFLE. Must work. Fairport: 585-354-8339

BOX TRAILER: 585-323-1762 (leave message)

DIRECT VENT NATURAL GAS HEATER for a basement: 585-208-9784

Guidelines:

Submissions published as space allows. We reserve the right to decline/edit/omit info. We assume no responsibility for submissions. Submissions must include phone # or email. Noncommercial use only. 20 word limit. Please call to remove listing once item is taken/received.

Submit at www.gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us - Give & Take or call 226-8111 x 111

Rush Public Library

5977 East Henrietta Rd. Rush 585-533-1370 www.libraryweb.org/rush

Monday 1:00pm - 8:00pm

Tuesday 11:00am - 8:00pm Wednesday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday 11:00am - 8:00pm Friday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday CLOSED

Henrietta Public Library

625 Calkins Rd., Rochester, NY 14623 359-7092 • www.hpl.org

Mon.-Thurs. 9am-9pm

Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm

Henrietta Public Library currently provides curbside pickup and in-building services. Hours are subject to change. Please call (585) 359-7092 for hours before visiting.

Here’s what’s happening at your local library…

RushPublicLibrary:

Exploring AcrylicPours:Pourpainting iseasy,funandaddictive!Noexperienceneeded.EveryonewillbecreatingonesmallcanvaswithSusanMiccichéandlearnenoughtogetstarted athome.Bringanapronandsomethingtotransportyourwetcanvas home(aboxordisposablebaking tray.)A$15feeincludesallmaterials. Pleaseregisterearlyasclasssizeis limitedforthisprogramonWednesday,May24thfrom6:00-8:00PMfor adultsandkidsages9andup.Childrenunder13mustbeaccompanied byaregisteredadult.Thisprogram willtakeplaceintheWilliamUdicious Pavilion.

HenriettaPublicLibrary:

Traveling theNationalParks

Come,takeatripthroughour nation’sNationalParksonMay 23rdat10:30am.Learnwhat makesuptheNationalParkSystem, itshistory,andwhatthedifferent designationsmean.Wetalkabout whentovisit,whatyou’llsee,and funfacts.Wewillalsodiscusswhat whichonesareworthavisit,and hearaboutJudy’spersonaltopten. Registerathpl.libcal.comorcall 585-359-7092.

PenfieldPublicLibrary

Outdoor FamilyStoryTime:Mondays, May8-22|10:30AM|forthefamily| noregistrationrequired

BabyStoryTime:Tuesdays,May9-30 |11:30AM|forbabies|registration required

EatingAwayattheClimateCrisis: Saturday,May20|10:30AM|for adults|registrationrequired

EnjoyNorthernCroatiawithLove: Sunday,May21|2PM|foradults| registrationrequired

TeenCraftShrinkyDinkKeychains: Tuesday,May23|4PM|forteens| registrationrequired

K-4CraftyFunDay:Wednesday,May 31|4:15PM|forkids|registration required

AVON

SaveTheDatefortheSecond Annual AvonDrivingParkPleasureShow2023!July29&30, 2023,Avon,NY.TraditionalAntiqueCarriageShow.Food-Vendors-2DayEvent-StallsAvailable.

SundayPresentationParadeDrive.

ClassesOffered:Turnout,Timed Obstacle,Working,Reinsmanship, CrossCountry,ChooseYourRoute. FindPrizeListandRegistration Formsat:WNYCCA.ORG

Brockport

SportAviationCenterOpen House Fly-In: ExperimentalAircraftAssociationChapter44invites theaviationcommunityandthe generalpublicSaturday,June10, 10AM-4PMattheSAC,44EisenhauerDr.,ontheBrockportairport. RainDate-SundayJune11,announcedonourFacebookpage (EAAChapter44SportAviation Center)andwebsite.

Theme:“PathwayIntoAviation.” Chapter44willintroducevisitorsto thefunofbuilding,restoring,& flyingairplanesfortheir recreationalandeducationalvalue. Homebuilt,restoredandproductionaircraftwillbeonstaticdisplay. Thiseventisfamily-friendly,free andopentothepublic.Grillfood anddrinksavailableforsale.Classic carparkingavailableforthosewho cruisein.

Chili

T.O.P.S.TakeOffPoundsSensibly! Make friends,havefun,get tipsandadviceaswellassupport, onyourweightlossjourney.MeetingsareheldMondaymorningsat the#4ChiliFireHouse,off ScottsvilleRoad(offJemisonRd.), Chili.Weighinis9:15to9:45with themeetingfollowing-9:45to 10:45.Foradditionalinformation pleasecontactCarolHaukat 585-317-5437.

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~ Ruth Stout

Fairport

RocOnforFallenOfficer Anthony Mazurkiewicz -RocOn Harley-DavidsonandPowersports willbesponsoringarideinhonor ofOfficerAnthonyMazurkiewicz. EOWJuly21,2022.Allproceeds donatedtothefallenofficer’sfamily.RidebeginsatRocOnHarleyDavidson(withacontinental breakfast)andendattheVeterans ofForeignWars,300Macedon CenterRoad,Fairport.Music,food andofcoursesupportforourBLUE. Fora$10donation,afterparty wristbandsavailableforthosewho wereunabletoparticipateinthe ride.Cashbarandfoodavailable forpurchase.Pleasedonate-gift baskets,giftcertificates,etc.tobe raffledoff.Pickupavailable.Sponsorshipsavailableforadonationof $100.Emailbsardone@ roconharleydavidson.com

Henrietta

CaribbeanDinner- May 20th, 5pm-7pm.$15.00DINNER.DINEIN ORCARRYOUT.CHOICEOF:CurriedChicken,VegetableCurryor JerkChickenservedwithriceand beansandislandCookies.Tickets: ATDOORorPRE-SALE: 585-334-1110oroffice@ henriettachurch.org.ST.PETER’S EPISCOPALCHURCH,3825EAST HENRIETTAROAD,HENRIETTA.

Mendon

TheCanaltownChorale annual spring concertsentitled“River Songs”.Featuringavarietyof waterrelatedmusic.Underthe directionofBarbSeppelerwithKay Oosterlingaccompanying.Friday, June2,7:30PM,UnitedMethodist Church,3679MainStreet,WalworthandSunday,June4,4PM, UnitedChurchofMarion,3848N. MainSt.,Marion.Suggesteddonationof$5perpersonacceptedat thedoorateachconcert.This organizationissupportedinpart withpublicfundsfromtheNYS CouncilontheArtsDecentralizationProgram,administeredbyAuburnPublicTheaterinourfive countyarea.Information:CanaltownChoraleonFacebookorgeneralmanager,BarbVandelinder 315-597-9558orDottieGraudons, membershipchair315-331-5961.

Mumford

MumfordFireDept.Spring Chicken &RibBBQ! SUNDAY, MAY21,12NOON.PRICE:$12. MumfordFireDepartment,Main Street,Mumford.

Pavilion

PavilionClassof’73announcing 50th Reunion: HeldonSaturday, August5that5PMatBW’SRestaurant,PerryRd.,Pavilion.Pleasecall/ textBonnie(Olivani)Amend 585-857-3346orCathy(Morgan) Worthington716-308-7885for moreinformationorreservations. Helpusfindafewclassmatesas well-LookingforDavidMaskell, BrianLaPlante,JoanneGreene,BeatriceWilson,GeorgePowell,Faith Stoehr&LyndaBurger.RSVPdue byJuly7th.

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth?

~ Edward Giobbi

GUIDELINES FOR HOMETOWN EVENTS:

Events should occur on a specific date at a specific time. Due to the increasing number of submissions, we will no longer be able to publish the following items:

• Businesses/schools seeking registration for classes or program

• Organizations seeking crafters or vendor

• Organizations seeking donations of items

Genesee Valley Penny Saver reserves the right to approve/reject events for publication. Events are published as space allows.

Event deadline is Monday, 2 weeks prior to publication date www.gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us’ Events may also be submitted at: 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY 14414

REGISTER AND SUBMIT YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT Log in to your account or register on our website to start submitting your events today!

Rochester

NCADD-RA2023Annual

Luncheon: The NationalCouncil onAlcoholismandDrug Dependence-RochesterArea’s (NCADD-RA)AnnualLuncheonWednesday,May24,11:30-2pm, DoubleTreebyHiltoninRochester. KeynotespeakerKevinMcCauley, M.D.,wroteanddirectedtwofilms “MemotoSelf”and“Pleasure Unwoven”abouttheneuroscience ofaddictionwhichwonthe2010 MichaelQ.FordAwardforJournalismfromtheNationalAssociation ofAddictionTreatmentProviders. HeisaseniorfellowatTheMeadowsofWickenburg,Arizonaandis currentlyagraduatestudentatthe UniversityofArizonaSchoolof PublicHealth.Information/register: ElaineAlvarado(585)719-3481or ealvarado@depaul.org.https:// ncadd-ra.org/events-trainings/ ncadd-ra-annual-luncheon/toregisteronline.

GreecePerformingArtsSociety

Season FinaleConcert -The GreecePerformingArtsSociety (GPAS)willpresenttheirSeason FinaleConcertonSaturday,May 20,2023,at2PMatLutheran ChurchoftheIncarnateWord,597 EastAvenueinRochester.ThisSaturdaymatineewillfeatureperformancesbytheGreeceChoralSocietydirectedbyDr.RolloFisher,the GreeceConcertBanddirectedbyBJ Comer,andtheGreeceCommunity OrchestradirectedbyJonathan Allentoff.Donationswillbe gratefullyacceptedatthedoor, andchildrenarefree.Foradditional information,pleasevisitwww. greeceperformingarts.org.

TheBrightonSymphonyOrchestra will presenttheirSpring CelebrationConcertonWednesday,May24,2023,at7:30PMat theTempleB’rithKodeshWolk FamilyCenterAuditorium,2131 ElmwoodAvenue,Rochester.DirectedbyAssociateConductor JonathanAllentoff,thisconcertwill featureoboesoloistRiesaCassano andflutesoloistPhilipNash.Admissionisfree,anddonationswillbe gratefullyacceptedatthedoor. Thisprogramissponsoredbythe TownofBrighton’sDepartmentof Recreation,ParksandCommunity Services.

AnnualPlant&GarageSalefor

Creative GardenersofPenfieldCreativeGardenersofPenfieldis holdingtheirannualPlantandGarageSaleat107HuntingtonMeadows,RochesteronJune2ndand 3rd.Friday9amtill4pmand Saturday9amtillnoon.Always somethingunusualfromourgardensandatticsaswellasraffle items.

You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.

~ Pablo Neruda

Rush

RHSpresentstheRushHistory

Room OpenHouse -TheRush HistoricalSocietypresentstheRush HistoryRoomOpenHouseinthe RushTownHallonSunday,May21 from2to4pm.Stopinandsee someofthethousandsofartifacts intheRushHistoryCollection! TownHistoricalSusanMeeand RHSmemberswillbeonhandto chatandanswerquestions.Please enterviathebuilding’sbackdoor bythelibrary.TheHistoryOfficeis onthe3rdfloorsvisitorscan choosethestairsortheelevator.

TransportationMuseumReopens SundayMay28!TheNew YorkMuseumofTransportation,in Rush,celebratingits50thanniversaryandfeaturingtheonlyvintage trolleyrideinNewYorkState,will holditsseasonopeningonSunday, May28,11-4pm.Inthegallerya videopresentstheRochesterSubwayincolor,andagiftshopcaters totheneedsofallagesandinterests.Trolleyridesareincludedwith admission.$10adults,$9seniors 65+,and$6youthsage3-12.The museumisopenSundaysonly114pmandislocatedjust20minutes southofRochesterat6393East RiverRoad,Rush.www. nymtmuseum.orginfo@ nymtmuseum.org(585)533-1113

Scottsville

WheatlandHistoricalAssoc.Annual Geranium&AtticSale: Saturday,May20.OutdoorsUnderthe Tents,69MainStreet,Scottsville, 9am-2pm.RainDateMay21. Featuring:4”pottedGeraniums, Wheatlandlocalhistorybooks,vintageitems,homedécor,furniture, collectibles,vintageitems,gardeningitems,gardenplants,free seeds.Wehappilyacceptcashor personalchecksforallpurchases.

Shortsville

ShortsvilleRailroadStationMuseum OpenHouse: TheLehigh ValleyRailroadHistoricalSociety StationMuseumat8EastHigh StreetinShortsvillewillbeopento thepubliconSunday,May21. Hourswillbe1:00p.m.to3:00 p.m.Alargecollectionofhistorical artifactsfromtheLehighValley Railroadisondisplayatthemuseum.Thegiftshopwillbeopen. Admissionisfree;donationsare welcome.Formoreinformation, visitwww.lvrrhs.orgorcall 585-289-9149.

Spencerport

HickokFamilyFestival&Brain Dash! Saturday, June10,2023 from11am-3pmattheBlackCreek Park,WoodsideLodge,3830Union St.,NorthChili.LiveMusic!Dunk Tank!FreeFood!FunRun!Bounce House!CornholeTournament! ShoppingVendors!WinanNintendoSwitch!

Victor

33rdAnnualFarmington-Victor Kiwanis GolfTourney2023: Enjoyafundayofgolf.Allproceeds benefitlocalKiwanisprojects. 10:30amRegistration.12pmShotgunStart.Monday,June5,2023at RavenwoodCountryClub,929 LynaughRd.,Victor.Lunch,Golf& Dinner-$125//Golferor$475/4Some(through5/15).Lunch,Golf &Dinner-$135/Golferor$515/4Some(after5/15).DinnerOnly$30/Person.Registernowat:Call usat:585-433-5926.Emailusat: farmingtonvictorkiwanis@gmail. com

Webster

AttentionClassmatesofWebster H.W.SchroederHighSchool CLASSOF1973-Worktocomplete our50threuniongettogetherfor July15,2023isunderway.Additionalinformationtobeposted soon.Emailusat HWSclassof1973@gmail.comorrefertotheHWSchroderClassof’73 50ReuniononFacebookforadditionalinformation.Pleasepassthis ontofellowclassmatesyouassociatewithorknowwholiveelsewhere.

PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta

Readers Sound O on Dogs’ Front Yard “Gi s”

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I have so many thoughts a er reading the letter from the woman with the shared driveway whose neighbor leaves her dog’s poop on her side.

I’m of the opinion that life would be more enjoyable if people learned to meet others where they are. e dog owner clearly doesn’t want to pick up her dog’s poop, and I don’t think checking with an HOA or municipal ordinance will change that. Maybe she has mobility issues. e writer says she and her neighbor “get along ne,” and there’s a LOT to be said for that. If I were her, I would simply buy poop bags and clean up a er the dog. If the neighbor sees her and says something, I would say: “I’ve asked that you pick up a er your dog, but I don’t want that to become a big issue between us because we get along so well. Your friendship means more to me than my taking a few minutes to clean up the driveway.” -- Susan W.,

via email

another reader shares their advice:

I have had this issue several times in the past. I have successfully resolved this issue every time it has come up.

I used a new tool to solve it -- the power of social media. My solution was simple: When I observed an individual allowing their canine to defecate on my property, I announced loudly from my front door that if they did not clean it up, I would locate their property and defecate on theirs as well. I made the same announcement on the neighborhood’s Facebook page.

Aside from the occasional beer can thrown out of a vehicle full of teenagers, we have been at peace. -- Zack in Murieta North

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Monumental Memories

Full range of cemetery memorials & services. Many granite stones, colors, shapes & engraving options on display. Friendly, caring & here to help!

Proprietors: David & Kathy Cooper (585) 261-0012

5650 County Rd. #41, Farmington, NY 14425 Tues.-Sat. 10-5 or by appointment.

Stock Up On Healthful Food

(NAPSI) — During these challenging times, people are avoiding the supermarket and, instead, stocking up on shelf-stable and frozen foods. Unfortunately, these can often be loaded with preservatives and lack nutrition. Many families also resort to take-out foods that can be high in sodium, hydrogenated fats and refined sugars.

“The best solution is to find healthy, prepared products that can be purchased in bulk at the supermarket, online and delivered to your doorstep,” advises consumer trends expert Merilee Kern.

One of Kern’s personal favorites is Veggies Made Great, which offers easy, familyfriendly and delicious veggie-rich meals and snacks such as muffins, frittatas and veggie cakes. They can fill freezers and keep families healthy—even during stressful times.

Vegetables including carrots, zucchini and kale are the first and primary ingredients in any Veggies Made Great item, and all are free of gluten, soy, peanuts and dairy. Available in the freezer section, each is individually wrapped and can be quickly and easily heated in the oven or microwave. It’s an easy and tasty way to have veggiedriven nutrition on the menu every day.

You can find them at www.TheHealthfoodStore.com and locate retailers at www.VeggiesMadeGreat.com.

To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D.

Prescription Costs $500 for a Month’s Supply

DEAR DR. ROACH: What can you tell me about a prescription of 145 mcg of Linzess, and why a doctor would prescribe a pill over $500? What are the advantages to taking this? Surely, there must be something less expensive that will provide the same results. -- J.P.

ANSWER: Linaclotide (Linzess or Constella) is a medicine used for constipation, either in people with irritable bowel syndrome or in people with constipation for no particular reason. It works by activating a protein to allow chloride and bicarbonate (along with fluid) into the intestine. Since it is not absorbed into the body, it has few side effects. The major side effect is that it can work too well and cause diarrhea. This is enough of a concern that the medicine is not used in children under the age of 2. There are three different strengths: 72, 145 and 290 mcg.

If you are asking me to defend pharmaceutical pricing, I can’t do that. I very seldom use this medicine because there are so many other options for constipation -- starting with a different diet without using any medicine at all. But in people with occasional constipation despite having a good diet, I usually start with fiber supplements. If those don’t work, I recommend a surfactant such as docusate (Colace), which allows more water to enter the stool. Yet another option would be nonabsorbable substances like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX and others), lactulose, sorbitol and magnesium. All of these are much less expensive. However, there are still people who don’t do well with any of these less-expensive (and also tried-andtrue) alternatives. Linzess has made a real difference in the lives of several of my patients. It is usually prescribed by an expert (a gastroenterologist) at least in the case of my patients.

Finally, Linzess is roughly $20 a pill or about $500 for a month’s supply in the U.S. without insurance. Some people only need it occasionally and are very willing to pay, even if insurance doesn’t cover it.

***

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

Honey is nature’s sweet nectar. While honey certainly can add flavor to various recipes or be enjoyed straight out of the jar, it has many other surprising benefits as well. Used since ancient times as both a food and for medicinal purposes, honey can make for a versatile addition to anyone’s diet.

Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

HOMETOWN