Liver Specialist Recommends Removing Cyst Growing in Size
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with several liver cysts over 15 years ago. My primary doctor and I followed the growth of the cysts by ultrasound, and one is increasing in size. We did an MRI with and without contrast to take a look at the cyst. The radiologist stated that the cyst looked “complex” and, for a lack of a better word, unusual.
A liver specialist’s consult revealed that we could remove it if I wanted to. The doctor stated that he just had a patient who had a cyst, and it was cancerous. He felt that it may be best to remove it, but it’s not urgent to do so. I would appreciate your take on this situation. -- L.S. ANSWER: Simple liver cysts are common, and even when they are large, they do not need to be removed unless they cause symptoms. However, any other cyst than a simple one needs to be carefully evaluated. There are many possible causes, including various types of cancer, especially a mucinous cystic neoplasm, which can be associated with invasive cancer. I looked at both the ultrasound and MRI reports you sent, and although it seemed to me that the radiologists thought this was likely a simple cyst with some bleeding, they could not be sure. Furthermore, the growth in the size of the cyst is concerning. In some cases, it’s reasonable to wait and redo the scans in 6-12 months when the risk of a cancerous cyst is low. However, since the liver specialist (who has much more experience than I do) is concerned enough to recommend surgery, I don’t understand why you would want to wait. I suspect the surgery will prove that it was a benign cyst, but you’ll probably sleep better at night once you know for certain. The surgery is normally done laparascopically, and although it’s usually a very safe and effective surgery, there is always a small risk for complications. You should speak with a surgeon. • • • DEAR DR. ROACH: Do you have any comments on the use of metformin for weight loss and prediabetes? I am a 57-year-old woman. — B.S. ANSWER: That’s one question I can answer based on very good data. The National Diabetes Prevention Program looked at this very issue. Subjects in the study (who averaged 51 years of age and were overweight with prediabetes) were treated with metformin, an intensive lifestyle-behavioral-change program that aimed for a low-fat diet and 150 minutes of exercise per week, or a placebo. The diet and exercise group had the best response, decreasing the rate of new diabetes by 58% compared to the placebo group. However, the metformin group also had a benefit, with a 31% decrease in the rate of new diabetes diagnoses. Personally, I recommend both. Metformin does help a bit with weight loss, but taking it along with some diet changes and exercise would likely have a much better response than metformin alone. We don’t recommend a low-fat diet anymore, instead emphasizing whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and very few processed foods. A registered dietician would be a valuable partner in helping with the diet of your regimen. You don’t need to exercise for the whole 150 minutes, but it’s a goal you can work toward. New studies show that drugs like semaglutide are even more effective at preventing diabetes, but they are very expensive and often not covered by insurance. 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 [email protected]. © 2025 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved 
Slow Cooker Plant-based Meals
When the weather outside is frightful, it is nice to have a delightful meal simmering in your slow cooker. Slow cooker meals are an easy dinner option. Using a slow cooker helps retain some of the nutrients typically lost when frying or boiling.
Plant-based slow cooker meals focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans Research has shown plant-based diets reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers (specifically colon, breast, and prostate cancer), depression, and increases mental and physical function. Here are a few tips to get started with a plant-based slow cooker meal: • Pair a whole grain with root vegetables, like potatoes and turnips, for soups and stews. • Try dry beans for soups and stews. • Layer vegetables, starches, and sauces for a casserole style meal. • Use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor. Here is a delicious plant-based recipe that is perfect for slow cooking from Spend Smart. Eat Smart., go.iastate.edu/FR22GX. Slow Cooker
Black-eyed Pea Soup Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups Serves: 5 Ingredients:
• 1/2-pound dried black-eyed peas • 2 cups vegetable broth • 1 cup water • 6 carrots, chopped • 2 ribs celery, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon seasoning (basil, dried oregano, rosemary, or sage) Directions: 1. Rinse and sort dry black-eyed peas to remove any dirt or debris. 2. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to mix. 3. Cook on low for 8 hours. Nutrition information per serving: 200 calories, 1.0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g total carbohydrate, 8g fiber, 9g sugar, 12g protein. This recipe is courtesy of ISU Extension and Outreach’s Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website. Source: Adapted from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Words on Wellness (WOW) Newsletter, PM 2099 December 2023. 
A new year means a new me, or at least that is what I tell myself each year. I try and set new goals for the upcoming year. Sometimes I’m successful and sometimes I’m not. It is always good to try to be better than we were the year before. It is good to challenge ourselves and learn something new. This year, I challenge all of you to learn something new. I challenge you to learn Hands-Only CPR.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States. About 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests will die if no action is taken. However, if CPR is performed immediately, a victim’s chance of survival can double or triple, according to the AHA. With Hands-Only CPR, rescue breaths are not required. The steps for Hands-Only CPR are getting early 911 notification and then starting chest compressions until First Responders or someone with more skills arrives to take over. Hands-Only CPR helps keep oxygen moving throughout the body to help some of the vital organs remain alive. This can be used on adults as well as teenagers. Hands-Only CPR should not be used on infants. Hands-Only CPR consists of dialing 911to activate emergency services and then placing your hands on the center of the persons’ chest and pushing hard and fast. Many 911 Dispatch Centers will also help walk you through doing CPR while they are on the phone with you. Also, if there is an AED nearby, do not hesitate to use that as well. Most AED’s will talk you through what step needs to be done next. Early defibrillation also helps increase a person’s chance of survival. Hands-Only CPR does not replace the requirements for certification that many places of employment require. The Dubuque Fire Department highly encourages you to take a CPR class that certifies you. These classes will teach you CPR for infants, children and adults as well as how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. If you have any questions or would like further information, I can be reached at 1-563-589-4195 or at [email protected]. 
Regular Eye Exams are Essential
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• To stretch your laundry budget, cut fabric softener sheets in half. They work just as well. Also, save them after they come out of the dryer. They make excellent dusters in the home.
• Love Sudoku? M.K. of Montana suggests that you might love it even more if you color code your grid. Each number 1-9 is assigned a color, and you solve the puzzle as normal, except you color in the box to denote your answer. When it's all finished, she says, "It looks like a colorful quilt." • If the vegetables you are cooking give off an unpleasant smell, grab a small saucepan and simmer a bit of plain vinegar while cooking. It will negate the smell, and leave your house smelling pleasantly like mealtime afterward. • "Cornstarch is great for itchy, rashy skin. This is true for babies' bottoms and for doggy bellies, which is what I use it for. My pup is allergic to grass but loves to romp. Sometimes his belly gets red, and I clean it with a mild soap and water, then give him a cornstarch rub. It sure helps." — T.W. in Ohio • Want to keep your cut flowers fresh longer? Add a teaspoon of chlorine bleach to the water and change it out every few days. • Spruce up indoor greenery with a little mineral oil. To get your green plants' leaves shining and healthy, wipe them down with a clean cloth dipped in mineral oil. Rub off any excess. • "Save egg cartons for children's painting palettes. It's very easy to give kids a small amount of many colors, and they don't spread them out and run them together as quickly when they are each in their own cup. Plus, they are easy to carry." — O.L. in Utah • Remove price tag residue off hard surfaces with hairspray. Or WD40 works well too. • Make your own frozen dinners by purchasing divided trays and using them to store leftovers. Slip each into a plastic bag and label. On busy nights, you can take your favorite out and microwave it. • "A beautiful but stained or worn tablecloth can find a new life at your dinner table. Cut into napkin sizes, and give any frayable ends a hemming." — A.S. in Oregon • A great winter tip that's double purpose: After your dishwasher has done its job, open the door and let the dishes air dry rather than machine dry. You'll save on energy, while you add warmth and humidity to your home's air. • Damp cloth plus baking soda should be your first weapon against stains in the kitchen and bathroom. It's eco-friendly, and a mild abrasive, which works without scratching! Send your tips to
Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. 
Making Snowflakes Sunny-Side Up
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
Put "Snowflakes Sunny-Side Up" on your breakfast menu this month, and the nutritious surprise will brighten even the darkest of wintry mornings.
Made with colorful slices of sweet red pepper in shapes that resemble snowflakes, this whimsical meal adds fun to the start of the day. The curvy rings frame an egg as it fries into deliciousness for about 5 minutes. Top with a dusting of Parmesan or feta cheese, and serve with toast or an English muffin and fruit juice. For a special weekend breakfast, let the snowflakes land on servings of hashbrowns, bacon or sausage. Let's get crackin' ... SNOWFLAKES SUNNY-SIDE UP
Makes 6 2 large, firm red bell peppers with contours
Butter 6 medium eggs Salt and pepper Grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta Slice peppers into six 1/3-inch-thick rounds, keeping the cut edges smooth and even. Remove seeds and core pieces. Melt some butter on a flat skillet. On one side, cook the pepper slices on medium heat for about 1 minute, then flip. Carefully crack an egg into the center of each ring. Immediately press down on the ring with a spatula if the egg white seeps through. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the yolks are firm. (Place a lid on the pan during the last minute, if you wish.) Serve with salt and pepper, and sprinkle cheese on top. Extra Idea: For a springtime twist, set a strip of cooked bacon upright under the pepper on the plate. Your winter snowflake instantly transforms into a blooming flower with a stem. • • •
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com. © 2025 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd. 
Diabetes is More Common
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