DEAR DR. ROACH: I am absolutely convinced that marijuana is a serious health hazard. As the legalization of marijuana appears to be spreading, are you aware of any authoritative medical studies confirming the health hazards of marijuana and that it is a gateway drug to more-serious drug addictions? — A.D. ANSWER: This is an extremely […]
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Twist in colon is a surgical emergency
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old male with a family history of colon cancer. I have a colonoscopy every five years. The results usually show some polyps, which are removed and biopsied. After my most recent procedure, the doctor said I have a twisted, spiral intestine and that he had never encountered that before. […]
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Probiotic supplements and gut health basics
DEAR DR. ROACH: With the current focus on gut health, I have been hearing a lot about probiotic supplements. Who should take them? Does the number of bacteria matter more than the types listed on the container? Does one take them daily, for a brief time period, or for extended time periods? — K.V.S. ANSWER: […]
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After Hep C is treated, what about cirrhosis?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 59-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with hepatitis C and cirrhosis. I have never been a drinker. I was treated with Harvoni for three months. I understand the medication is intended to cure the hepatitis C. What about the cirrhosis? My doctor hasn’t explained any of my long-term effects […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Wing resigns Peru board
PERU — Selectmen on Monday evening accepted the resignation of board member Danny Wing, who cited health reasons for his decision. Selectmen will decide next week whether to hold a special election to fill the vacancy on the five-member board. Road Commissioner Joe Roach, who is also the E-911 addressing officer, requested that selectmen formally […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Peru checking with state on plow truck purchase
PERU — Board of Selectmen Chairman Lee Merrill told the board Monday night that he spoke to state officials about purchasing a plow truck equipped to the town’s specifications, which might save about $8,000. The board voted Sept. 25 to buy a truck chassis from Ripley & Fletcher Ford of Paris and plow equipment from […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Selectmen discuss awarding re-evaluation bid to Parker Appraisals
PERU — Tempers flared at Monday night’s selectmen’s meeting. The primary point of dissension concerned the award of the re-evaluation bid to Parker Appraisals. Parker won the contract to do the last re-evaluation and has done the maintenance of the town’s tax rolls for the past fifteen years. Several weeks ago, the town solicited bids […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Peru selectmen to review assessments
PERU — Selectmen agreed at Monday night’s meeting to review several property assessments after hearing a resident’s tax complaint. Norman Miley said he paid several hundred dollars more in taxes on his 52 acres than the owner of 52 acres across the road. Board secretary Angela Barkhouse said she has a list of several properties […]
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Peru selectmen discuss dog attacks
PERU — Selectmen discussed vicious dogs at their regular Monday night meeting. Residents Jim Gallagher and David Briggs reported to town officials that they had been attacked by one of two belligerent dogs belonging to Steve Fuller on Stage Coach Road. Selectman Jim Pulsifer said that Maine law requires that dogs be under their owner’s […]
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Selectmen to accept applications for board opening
PERU — Longtime Selectman Laurieann Milligan has resigned, according to a letter read by Chairman Jim Pulsifer at Monday night’s board meeting. Her term expires in 2015 and an election to replace her will be held in February. Milligan was the only member of the board to survive a recall election in 2012. The recall […]