Taking Zinc as Daily Supplement Won’t Change Hair Loss

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am having trouble finding a reliable recommendation for the daily supplement zinc. I purchased 50-mg pills, but I think this may be too much. I am 74 and female, and I would like to include zinc in my daily supplements, as my hair has begun thinning quite a bit straight down the top of my head. -- R.M.

ANSWER: Zinc is an important nutrient, and it is certainly true that zinc deficiency may lead to hair loss. However, most people with hair loss do not have a zinc deficiency, and there is no convincing data that giving extra zinc to a person with normal zinc levels will help with hair loss. Hair loss along the midline is consistent with female pattern hair loss, which is very common among women in their 70s and usually has nothing to do with zinc. Very high amounts of zinc supplementation can be dangerous (and impair your body’s ability to absorb other trace metals such as copper), but 50 mg is a safe amount. Still, the most effective therapies for female pattern hair loss include minoxidil (usually topical, but low-dose oral is increasingly used), spironolactone and finasteride. A dermatologist is the expert on hair loss and can give you a better diagnosis by exam than I can by your description. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: My youngest son has to have both of his hips replaced. He is only 37, but is in a very strenuous job of being a boilermaker in an oil refinery. This is the hardest job in a heavy industry. His doctors are telling me that his hips deteriorated due to alcohol consumption -- is this even possible? Even if he can get through this ordeal, he is still locked into this physical type of work. The doctors say he will need another hip replacement in 10 to 15 years if he stays in this line of work. Do you agree with these statements? -- B.M.

ANSWER: Let’s take them one by one.

The most common cause of hip disease requiring hip replacement is osteoarthritis of the hips, but it is quite unusual to see someone of your son’s age require a hip replacement. Alcohol is not a recognized risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hips, but it is a known underlying cause of a much less-common condition: osteonecrosis of the hips, also called avascular necrosis.

The more a person drinks, the more likely they are to get this rare condition, even though most heavy drinkers will never get this condition. Not every person with osteonecrosis of the hip will require a hip replacement. It is frequent to have both sides of the hip affected with disease.

Untreated congenital hip dysplasia may also lead to severe hip damage requiring a total hip replacement, and it is also one cause I see in a person of your son’s age.

Prognosis after a modern hip replacement is very good. More than 90% of people are doing well, pain-free and without complications 15 years after surgery takes place. Of course, some kinds of activities such as heavy lifting and high-impact movements could make the surgical prosthetics wear out faster, but regular activities such as walking, stair climbing and most sports that are not highintensity or high-impact can be done without damage to the prosthetic.

Although further alcohol use will not affect the prosthetic hips or other bones, many other body systems are very much affected by alcohol. So, if he has been a heavy drinker for some time, it is now time to stop. His doctors can help him find many available resources.

*** 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

Participants Needed

VPG Medical is seeking eligible participants to test an investigational application for Android smart devices.

To participate you must:

• Be 40 years or older

• Have a history of Paroxysmal AFib

• Use a Samsung Android smartphone daily You will be compensated for your time and participation.

For more information and to determine if you qualify, please contact Margot Lutz: (585) 622-4410 • m.lutz@vpgmedical.com

375 White Spruce Blvd., Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 622-4410 • www.VPGMedical.com

Soy Foods Pack A Powerful Punch

The Cleveland Clinic notes that soy foods provide a host of nutritional benefits. Plant protein, including soy, can provide cardiovascular benefits, including helping with people with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure to healthier levels. While many people rely on animal-based proteins to get their daily recommended intake of protein, soy foods are naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fats. That makes soy foods more heart-healthy sources of protein than animal products. The Cleveland Clinic says substituting soy foods for animal-based proteins a few times per week can reduce a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Soy foods also can be a great source of dietary fiber, though the U.S. Soybean Export Council advises consumers that not all soy products are the same. The USSEC notes that foods like soy milk and tofu contain very little fiber. People who want to utilize soy beans as a source of dietary fiber should look to foods that utilize the whole bean, such tempeh, soy flour and textured soy protein. The USSEC also notes there’s some confusion in regard to the connection between soy foods and iron, though the group admits research is ongoing. While a 1/2 cup serving of cooked soybeans contains four milligrams ofiron,thephytateandsoyprotein present in soy foods reduce iron absorption, meaning that the body won’t really benefit from the iron. However, the USSEC recommends consumers purchase fermented soy foods, including tempeh and miso, because the body might absorb more iron from these foods than it will when consuming other types soy foods.

Online POLL

According to Food Network, Bethlehem, PA-based Just Born company makes around 2 billion marshmallow Peeps. 5.5 million are produced each day on average, with 509 peeps made every 8 seconds. Around Easter, Peeps come in more than a dozen different flavors. Which of the most popular flavors do you prefer?

• Classic

• Party Cake

• Fruit Punch

• Sour Watermelon

• Sparkly Wild Berry

• Dr. Pepper

• Hot Tamales (cinnamon)

• Cotton Candy

Poll ends 04-11-2023

Poll ended 04-04-2023

We can all dream, especially with talk of a current and/or pending recession. If you received an extra $10,000 with no strings attached, what would you do with the money?

33.3% Pay off debts

10.0% Donate to my favorite charity

6.7% Invest it in my retirement account

10.0% Take my dream vacation

40.0% A combination of the above

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Easter Sunday

7:30am Sunrise Service at Westside Cemetery

(one service in church) 10:30am.

Lutheran Church of Our Saviour

2415 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14623

Easter Symbolism Complements The Holiday

Tradition plays an important role in Easter celebrations for many families. Cherished traditions and symbols of Easter may include anything from egg hunts to lilies to lambs. Understanding the importance behind these symbols can make sharing the miracle of Easter that much more special. Eggs are one of the more recognizable symbols of Easter. For Easter egg hunts, eggs are hard-boiled and decorated in bright hues. It’s believed that the origins of Easter eggs are both secular and religious. From the secular (once pagan) perspective, the egg is an ancient symbol of new life, according to The History Channel, and has been associated with pagan festivals that celebrate spring. Some Christians feel that Easter eggs represent Christ’s emergence from the tomb and his subsequent resurrection. Eggs were once a food not consumed during Lent, therefore painting and decorating them to mark the end of fasting and penance became a way to celebrate Easter.

The crucifix is one of the central symbols of Easter and Christianity. The cross is a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice. The crucifix also highlights the ability of God to give new life to people after death.

In addition to wearing and displaying the cross during Easter, some people bake “hot cross buns” as another symbol of the season.

The Easter bunny is very much a secular symbol of the holiday, but one that has become so ingrained with the season that many people ascribe to it a Christian meaning. Pagan celebrations of spring often linked rabbits or hares with the season because of their fertility and ability to bring forth new life. According to the Christian living resource Crosswalk, believers associate the rabbit coming out of its underground home as a symbol of Christ emerging from the tomb.

Lilies are often exchanged during Easter celebrations or presented as hostess gifts for those sharing the holiday meal with others. The American Bible Society says lilies grow in the spring around the time when Easter is typically celebrated. Also, because they look like trumpets, they can be a symbol that heralds Christ’s resurrection.

The lamb is another symbol associated with Easter. Lambs were originally associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover, when lambs were sacrificed and their blood was used to mark which houses contained those faithful to God. As a result of his crucifixion, Christ became the symbolic lamb for all - the ultimate sacrifice. In fact, Christ is often referred to as “The Lamb of God.”

Easter is replete with many recognized symbols. Unearthing their meanings can be a learning experience and a way to further immerse oneself in this holy holiday.

10” AIR MATTRESS - Fits adjustable twin bed. Mattress LEAKS, needs repair. 585-434-1121, leave message please. Thank you.

AMPICO PLAYER PIANO and a LOWREY CITATION HOME THEATER ORGAN

You move: 585-323-1762 (leave message)

HP 950XL high yield INKJET CARTRIDGE: mbcq@rochester.rr.com

100-150 JUNK TIRES. You pick up: 716-425-7671

ADULT DIAPERS, size XL. Still in package: 585-236-0426

Beautiful SPINET PIANO with BENCH. Double-tuned 2019. Picture upon request: Bob8lin13@yahoo.com

KIMBALL UPRIGHT PIANO, just tuned in November. It is not being used. We want to find someone who will enjoy it: 585-356-2927

MARTHA STEWART LIVING MAGAZINES 1999-2020. Very good condition. 585-599-3543

2 CAR SEATS, great for grandparents or sitter, one converts to booster. Were registered - so no recalls! terrybennett1973@yahoo.com

INDOOR RECUMBENT BIKE. Excellent for recovery from knee replacement or lesser knee surgery. Leave text or message: 585-697-4671

UPRIGHT PIANO. Great condition, moving and must find a home for it. You must pick up and move yourself: 585-362-9575

OTTOMAN, navy blue print. Excellent condition. Pittsford area. You pick up: jul217@rochester.rr.com

UPRIGHT PIANO. Needs love. Free. Located on the second floor. Text: 585-236-6995

New HP BLACK INKJET CARTRIDGE #62. New BROTHER INKJET CARTRIDGE #LC3033BK. tjpr@yahoo.com

LIFE MAGAZINES from 1989-2000. Not all years complete. Good to very good condition. Prefer non-profit organization for donation. Lima: SRWL22@aol.com

FIREWOOD. Cottonwood tree, felled and already cut in sections. Easy access, you pick up: 585-230-3011

Two large boxes of AVON BOTTLES. You pick up or can meet: 315-331-9391

LYON & HEALY BABY GRAND PIANO. You move: 585-323-1762 (lv. msg)

MEDICAL - PICC/central line dressing change kits, caps, extra Tegaderm, saline flushes, Foley insertion trays, night/leg bags, irrigation trays: P.FRIED91@GMAIL.COM

SOCKS, fair to good condition, others can be used for crafts: 585-236-0426

TREADMILL, suitable for walking, not running on. Works. You pick up: lorali58isdone@gmail.com

Older CPAP MACHINE, works well: lorali58isdone@gmail.com

SLEEPER SOFA, good condition and a SOFA, good condition but has some stains. Bloomfield: 585-747-5521

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

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

Used DOUBLE-PANED WINDOWS. Any size: 814-397-1432

TREADMILL, at least medium size, that goes at least two miles per hour please: 585-697-4489

2 used KITCHEN CUPBOARDS, 30”H x 12”W or similar: dotschlag@yahoo.com

PUSH SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER. Call or text: 585-498-6013

METAL FENCE POST. Thanks: 585-861-0181

KEYBOARD with weighted keys, PIANO MUSIC (classical preferred) and a small COMPUTER DESK: 585-346-7022

70s-80s ROCK RECORDS, CASSETTES, and 8-TRACK TAPES for personal collection. I won’t sell them like others: gzintel1967@gmail.com

SEWING MACHINE for new sewer and a WASHER & DRYER in LeRoy: 585-820-3948

SHED, I will take down and a UTILITY TRAILER. Thank you: 585-447-0201

Long length STEEL RETAIL CLOTHING RACK w/wheels: 585-490-6808

Old 7” REEL-TO-REEL AUDIO TAPE RECORDER to listen to a 60-year-old family recording I found: 607-936-3137

STORAGE BINS w/LIDS and one PICNIC BENCH: 585-748-8531

CLAY POTS (broken pieces too) Thank you. email: amdobb@rochester.rr.com

HAY BALE FORK with handle or a PITCHFORK. Thank you. amdobb@rochester.rr.com

INTERNATIONAL STAMPS (no Canada) for grandson’s inherited stamp collection: 585-334-6134

Older versions of PLASTIC CANDY MOLDS. No more than 30-mile radius from Cohocton, Wayland, Springwater or Bath area: 585-447-0087, leave message

Small, 1.5 or 2 cup, FOOD PROCESSOR. No more than 30-mile radius from Cohocton, Wayland, Springwater or Bath area: 585-447-0087, leave message

BOX SPRING for twin bed: 585-657-5451

Gently used WHITE WEDDING GOWN, size large (12?). Preferably with short or long sleeves: 585-346-9777

Old, abandoned CANOES and KAYAKS in need of repair for parts: jerrywilsen99@gmail.com

ELECTRONICS & PARTS for electronic organs: 585-323-1762 (lv. msg)

Boy Scout requests VINTAGE ARCHERY RECURVE BOWS/ARROWS/ACCESSORIES for Parts/Repairs: Text 585-794-0448 or Email mintshape@netacc.net

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