Lifestyle

Primary biliary cholangitis of the liver brings on severe itching

March 16, 2023

Dear Dr. Roach: I am an 85-year-old female who has had primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver for many years. I have been on 300 mg of ursodiol taken three times a day for all those years, with no problems until now. I currently have severe itching all over my body. I am now taking 4 g of cholestyramine a day to relieve this terrible itching, but after two weeks, I am not feeling any relief. Will this medication work? If so, how long before it does?

• LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR March 16•

March 16, 2023

Thurs., March 16 Eisenhower Birthday Spring Break, 11 a.m. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historical Site Stop Motion Animation, 2:30 p.m., Sherman Public Library Springing into Wildlife “ Spring Break Fun for Youth” Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Job fair, 10 a.m.

March 15, 2023

Most Oklahoma roses should not be pruned before March 15 because pruning causes new growth which is often killed by late spring freezes. Some of my roses are already putting out new leaves so, if we have a late freeze, the new growth may get damaged some anyway. I would just pick a nice day that is not too windy, too cold, or too wet and go ahead and prune roses in your landscape now.

Backyard Chickens Part 2: Maintaining Healthy Birds

March 15, 2023

After researching, preparing for, and buying healthy chickens, first-time flock owners will need to know all that is involved in keeping their birds healthy. Dr.

March 15, 2023

Springing into Wildlife “ Spring Break Fun for Youth” Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Wine down Wednesday, 12- 9 p.m., downtown Denison wineries Jazzercise, 5:30 p.m., Denison Senior Citizen’s Center Thurs., March 16 Eisenhower Birthday Spring Break, 11 a.m. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historical Site Stop Motion Animation, 2:30 p.m., Sherman Public Library Springing into Wildlife “ Spring Break Fun for Youth” Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Job fair, 10 a.m.

Parents need a reminder that their words matter

March 15, 2023

Dear Abby: While shopping at the mall, I have seen too many stressed-out parents ignore or yell at their children. It certainly isn’t helpful. It isn’t how I was raised or how I raised mine. Years ago, I saw a poem in your column that addressed the ramifications of bad parenting versus good parenting. From what I’ve been seeing, you should print it again. Many parents who should read it won’t see themselves in it, but it could help the ones who do. Its message is so important. Thank you.

Rare condition of bladder inflammation requires no treatment

March 15, 2023

Dear Dr. Roach: I am looking for some clarification on cystitis glandularis. My 53-year-old son was recently diagnosed with this condition. He has been experiencing urinary frequency/urgency for more than two years. He is in excellent health and works out religiously, but he does smoke.

March 14, 2023

Daughters of the American Revolution members share a common bond of having an ancestor who aided in securing American independence. Recently many local women became approved members of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and were recognized March 9.

• CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS March 14 •

March 14, 2023

Lion President James Johnson called the Sherman Noon Lions Club meeting to order Wednesday, welcoming members and guests. Don Kelley offered the prayer. Gary Park led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Words of Wisdom from Will Rogers.

Patient with risk of breast cancer questions safety of yearly MRI

March 14, 2023

Dear Dr. Roach: Due to a slight genetic risk of breast cancer (my Tyrer-Cuzick Model score was 20.6%), my doctor wants me to get breast MRIs with contrast annually. I am concerned about long-term exposure to the gadolinium- based contrast dye. I’ve learned that this heavy metal is considered safe, but traces of it can be stored in the brain and other body tissues.