How to Avoid Calcium While Taking Thyroid Medication

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a thyroidectomy, and I take levothyroxine. Instructions for the medication state not to take it within four hours of consuming calcium. No discussion of the drug has clearly stated whether this only refers to calcium supplements or whether this also includes high-calcium foods.

I usually take levothyroxine when I wake up, between 2 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., to avoid breakfast dairy products (i.e. yogurt, cheese and soy milk) and dinner foods (broccoli, leafy greens, dairy and soy). I go to bed fairly early. I eat mainly plant-based, plus dairy.

I have asked some doctors and pharmacists, only to have them answer with the question: “Doesn’t that only apply to supplements?” I don’t know! That’s why I’m asking. I want my thyroid prescription to work as it’s supposed to. Can you shed light on this issue? -- E.G.

ANSWER: Large amounts of elemental calcium do decrease the absorption of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. If you were to take thyroxine (Synthroid and others) at the same time as you would a large calcium pill, you could expect the thyroid medicine to be about 7% to 8% less absorbed. (Iron and caffeine also decrease thyroid hormone absorption.)

A glass of cow’s milk taken at the same time will decrease thyroid hormone absorption. Soy milk has not been studied, but I would expect calcium-fortified soy milk to be similar to milk, yogurt and some high-calcium cheeses in their ability to reduce thyroxine absorption. However, I think you may be taking things too far. One hour is probably adequate enough to separate calcium from thyroxine. Furthermore, if you are consistent in taking your medication, your dose will get adjusted to the correct level. I doubt that vegetables have any effect on absorption.

Finally, in a study of people who took thyroxine sometimes with and sometimes without their calcium, the change was not enough to get them out of the desirable range, although the levels were definitely affected. The dose of thyroid hormone has a little bit of leeway in most people, although some people (such as those with a history of thyroid cancer who are now on replacement therapy after surgery) need to have a very exact dosage. So, avoiding calcium, iron and caffeine in those cases is more critical.

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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

DON’T LET SUNBURN DERAIL SUMMER FUN

Many people find it impossible to think about summer without conjuring visions of spending endless hours outdoors from morning until evening, whether beachside, on the open water or even floating in a backyard pool. Although a certain measure of sun exposure is required for some natural functions of the body, it’s well documented that too much time in the sun can be hazardous to one’s health. That’s why summer frolickers need to exercise considerable caution each time they step outside.

Taking sunburn for granted can be a big mistake. Many people wouldn’t risk burns from a hot stove or open fire, but they won’t think twice about being unprotected under the very hot rays of the sun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than one-third of adults and nearly 70 percent of children admit to suffering from sunburn within the past year. Depending on the intensity of the sun and the amount of time spent outside, sunburn can be a first- or second-degree burn. In first-degree burns, damage affects the topmost layer of skin. However, sunburn can even affect deeper layers and cause blistering in addition to redness and pain.

Sunburn also can cause some irreparable damage that goes unseen. According to WebMD, ultraviolet light from the sun can alter DNA, prematurely aging skin or even contributing to skin cancers. It can take years before symptoms become noticeable. Therefore, it is best for people of all ages to exercise caution when spending time in the sun.

Sunburnisoneofthemosteasilypreventedsummertimeailments.It’salso important to note that sunburns are not just limited to the hot weather or when it is sunny outside. Ultraviolet damage can occur at any time of the year, and also from artificial UV sources, such as tanning beds. Preventing sunburn is simple.

Magic Maze

–HOOD

4 Easy Ways To Create More Time In Your Day

Managing one’s time can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. As a result, adults with hectic schedules and multiple responsibilities may pine for an extra hour or two in the day. While it’s impossible to extend a day from 24 to 26 hours, there are ways for busy men and women to create more time in their day.

1. Embrace organization tools. Whether it’s day planners, smartphone reminders or more traditional print calendars with meetings and deadlines written on them, organization tools can greatly cut back on time spent trying to remember and/or confirm meeting times, project schedules, deadlines, and other obligations.

• Load stamping dies onto the presses

• Inspect products for quality assurance

• Use precision measuring tools, such as micrometers and calipers, to ensure products are made to speci cation

• Troubleshoot issues with equipment

• Assist operators as needed

• Maintain a clean and safe workspace

1st and 2nd shi Openings

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Pay based on experience

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MOMENTS IN TIME The History Channel

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2. Assess your productivity. Some people are most productive in the mornings, while others do not hit their strides until after lunch. Identify the time or times of day when you tend to be most productive, and make an effort to focus exclusively on work during these times. Resist any urge to schedule meetings or conference calls during those times of day when you are most productive, as it can be hard to multitask or focus when discussing projects with coworkers or clients.

3. Minimize distractions. Social media, the internet and texting can distract attention away from tasks that must be completed, ultimately affecting howquicklyandefficientlysuch projects are finished. Make a concerted effort to avoid social media and the internet while at work, and turn off smartphone alerts that entice you to go online. In addition, turn off text alerts if they are proving too great a distraction.

4. Reconsider your commute. Professionals who drive to work but find themselves sitting in traffic on their way to and from work can investigate possible alternatives to driving themselves. Public transportation might not get you to work more quickly than driving yourself, but time spent on a bus or train can be used to workonprojectsandcheckand answer work-related emails, clearing up time later in the day. Time spent behind the wheel of an automobile cannot be safely spent working.

Notice of Vacancy BUILDING TRADES TEACHER

Quali cations:

• NYS Certi cation in Electrical 7-12 or Carpentry 7-12 OR

• An Associate’s Degree in a related eld with two years of experience with the installation and repair of electrical supply and distribution systems or experience in a construction/building trades setting OR

• A high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience as described above

Location: Batavia Career and Technical Education

Salary: $50,000-$55,000

Starting date: September 2023

Visit our website at www.gvboces.org.

Reply by August 8, 2023 with reference to Vacancy 24-08, resume, cover letter, and proof of certi cation to hr@gvboces.org or mail to:

Human Resources

Genesee Valley BOCES

80 Munson Street • LeRoy, NY 14482

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the amendments to that act, it is the policy of the Genesee Valley BOCES to not discriminate in the treatment of students, employees or others in any program or activity on any illegal basis. Illegal bases include sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, race, color, religion, national origin and disability.

Quitting a job can be full of mixed emotions. Just be sure to time it correctly and leave in as positive a way as possible to maintain a strong professional network.

Dump Truck Driver

Must have valid CDL A or B license. Pay based on experience. Full or part-time. Call Kim 585-802-5109 or email resume to: bankstruckinginc@aol.com

When leaving a job, professionals should always be courteous and considerate towardtheircurrentemployers.

York Central School

OPEN POSITIONS

Math Teachers 7-12

Special Education Teachers K-6 and 7-12

K-12 Counselor, Social Worker or Psychologist

ELA Teacher 7-12

Public Relations Specialist

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

York Central School

Job Opportunity

Secretarial (Clerk Typist) Positions

Full-Time 12-month Positions; including bene ts package (Civil Service)

Job Duties: Clerical and other duties as assigned

All interviews begin upon receipt of application

Application and information available: www.yorkcsd.org

Send cover letter, resume, and application to:

York Central School

Att: Heidi Newcomb, District O ce P.O. Box 102 2578 Genesee Street Retsof, NY 14539

Efficiency At Work

Information is now seemingly always at our fingertips thanks to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. While these devices may theoretically allow workers to become more productive, research suggests otherwise. Professor, researcher and author Gloria Mark with the University of California, Irvine says that activity switching and being frequently interrupted, including self-interruptions like checking social media and email, can lead people to develop short attention spans. That inability to focus for extended periods of time can adversely affect efficiency.

COMMUNITY ACTION OF ORLEANS & GENESEE Director of Finance and Administration

Founded on the mission that our agency provides services with dignity and respect, that help people become self-su cient, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. has been working for more than 50 years ghting the war to end poverty in our community. Our agency is uniquely positioned to dramatically and positively impact those in need while providing support and tools to change the lives of those in the community that need it the most.

We are a team of 100 dedicated professionals representing a rich diversity of professional skills and lived experience. At Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, we don’t just accept di erence - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the bene t of our team and the communities we serve.

Are you a dedicated, experienced accounting/ nance professional looking to make a di erence? Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is looking for a hands-on leader/CFO for our growing non-pro t organization. e CFO is responsible for full cycle management of accounting and nance for the organization, including planning, organizing and directing all aspects of the nancial department; development/administration of accounting and nancial policies; managing all decisions related to nance, accounting, grant management and required reporting, insurance, internal controls, budget, auditing, payroll and revenue cycle management and performing appropriate due diligence.

Quali cations:

• Certi ed Public Accountant or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration, scal management or a related eld.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in accounting, preferably in a non-pro t setting.

• Ability to use complex judgment in interpreting, adapting and developing new guidelines such as agency policies, regulations, written precedents, and work directions for application to speci c cases or problems.

• Ability to use complex analysis.

• Duties require considerable planning and initiative to work independently towards general results, devising methods, modifying or adapting standard procedures to meet the requirements of the agency.

• High level of pro ciency in PC systems and MS O ce products.

• Excel and Fund Accounting so ware experience a must.

• Possesses a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Must be bondable.

Respond with resume by August 11 to: hr@caoginc.org

HR Administrator

409 E. State St., Albion, NY 14411 www.caoginc.org

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