Constant Aleve and Ibuprofen Consumption Can Cause Damage
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband, age 70, had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his neck, for which he would take Aleve to relieve his discomfort when needed. Just before Christmas last year, his back began hurting so much that he went to his doctor, who said to get up and move more. (We have always exercised and remained active in life, but he did slow down due to his pain.)
My husband then added ibuprofen to the Aleve he was already using. His doctor said that the pain is due to osteoarthritis in his mid-back area. Apparently, there is nothing to do for it but take Extra Strength Tylenol at the recommended dose. Ibuprofen or Aleve isn’t recommended because it causes liver and kidney damage. So, we bought Tylenol, and he used this medication instead of his usual. But his pain only got worse. So, this morning, he switched back to Aleve and ibuprofen. It is what helped before and is helping again now. In addition, he is using a drug-free Aleve Direct Therapy pad that uses waveform technology. He also uses Icy Hot pain relief cream and a heating pad. These reduce his pain, but his back continues to hurt since before the holidays. Our question is, should he use Aleve and ibuprofen instead of the Tylenol that doesn’t seem to help? He has actually used Aleve for a very long time. He just had his blood tested, and the doctor said his liver and kidneys are good. Is there anything more we can do to relieve his osteoarthritic pain? It is hard to see my husband in so much discomfort when he was previously a very active, pain-free man. — S.F.A. ANSWER: Osteoarthritis in the neck is a common and painful condition, and there are not always good treatment options. In terms of medicine, anti-inflammatory medicines, like Aleve or ibuprofen (Advil and many other brands), can be very helpful for some people. However, taking both doesn’t improve pain relief. It does increase the risk of toxicity, so he should never take two anti-inflammatory medicines — choose just one. Tylenol helps some people, but in my experience, most people do better with anti-inflammatories instead of Tylenol. Tylenol does have a smaller risk of side effects. In addition to liver and kidney problems, Aleve and similar medicines can cause stomach problems, ranging from mild upset to life-threatening ulcers; though, this is uncommon with over-the-counter doses. I often recommend a trial of Tylenol to see if it is as good as the anti-inflammatories. Since it’s not for your husband, he should tell his doctor this, and it seems reasonable for him to go back to taking Aleve alone. However, I can’t tell you to disregard his physician’s advice. Some people benefit from Tylenol on top of Aleve. Beyond pain medicines, the Aleve Direct Therapy pad uses electricity to relieve pain without medicine. It’s fine to combine this therapy with medicines. Creams — whether they are anti-inflammatory, menthol and camphor, or topical anesthetics — provide some relief, but they tend to be better on the hands, wrists and knees than the neck. Though, they still may be worth trying in combination with medicines. In more severe cases, injections can be used before considering surgery. 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. © 2024 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved Estate Planning:
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Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc. Zap Popcorn in the Microwave for Healthy Snacking Anytime
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
Just about everyone loves popcorn, right? Whether you’re outdoors at a ballgame, at the zoo, or at a neighborhood park concert, it’s portable and easy to take wherever you go. When you settle into a theater seat, popcorn and a movie naturally go better together.
When I crave a snack in the midafternoon, a bowl of popcorn is a favorite. It’s low in calories and tastes great, so what’s not to like? And it’s a casual welcome treat for anyone who stops by, even the neighbor kids! They happily grab a handful after school and continue with their active play, with a “Thanks, Donna!” in between munches. When we host a last-minute barbeque at our house and I’m focused on getting food on the table, I don’t fret about appetizers. Along with simple, crowd-pleasing cheese, crackers, nuts and fruit on a board, I’ll set a giant bowl of popcorn to the side. It’s usually gone in minutes. When my three kids were young, I popped it using the traditional method — on the stove in a big pot with kernels swimming in a glob of oil. It worked, but there was always a greasy stove, pan and lid to clean up. Nowadays, I don’t have an air popper, nor do I buy the store-bought, butter-laden microwave bags with too much salt for my taste. Instead, my new strategy uses the microwave, but I pop good-quality popcorn in a bowl instead of a bag. I can have 5 cups in just about 5 minutes. Yes, this homemade, easy recipe is the best and my go-to! A dab of oil, quality kernels, no fuss. It’s easy, healthy and perfect every time. Just add personal toppings when it’s done for more popcorn pizzazz. EASY MICROWAVE POPCORN
Makes 5 cups 1/4 cup fresh popcorn kernels
1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil In a microwave-safe glass bowl that’s 6 cups or larger in size, kids can measure and stir popcorn kernels with oil.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 4-6 minutes (microwaves and popcorn vary), or until there are only 3 seconds between pops. An adult should carefully remove the bowl and top plate with oven mitts, as it will be very hot. Pour popcorn into a serving bowl, season to taste and enjoy! • • •
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com. © 2024 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd. |