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Hard to tell when penicillin causes an allergic reaction

DEAR DR. ROACH: About 45 years ago, I came down with a rash on my chest and stomach from taking ampicillin. I was told never to take penicillin again. I’m allergic to many antibiotics, which makes treating me (an elderly person) very challenging. Now my doctor feels that I should be able to take ampicillin. The pharmacist would not fill out the prescription because she felt that the antibiotic could trigger an allergic response, as this is what happened to her. My sister and father were allergic to penicillin, so I wonder if this tendency is inherited. Supposedly, research shows a ...

Simple mixture helps clean spider residue off a dock

Dear Heloise: I live in a waterfront home on a lake, and I have a large dock on the water. During the summer, we get hundreds of spiders on the ceiling and walls of the structure. Where there are spiders, there’s poop and black spots that are difficult to remove. But no more! I mix a 1/3 cup of ammonia and 2/3 cup of water in a spray bottle. As soon as the spray hits the poop, it dissolves. Then I just spray it again with a hose, and it’s clean as ever! Same goes for the rascals who are pooping on my boat! Thank you for all your great advice over the years. –– Susan on Lake ...

In the region

Mifflin County Library closed for Presidents Day BELLEVILLE — The Mifflin County Library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in honor of Presidents Day. Normal operating hours will resume at the Kish branch, 174 N. Penn St., Belleville on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at noon. The book drops are always open. Access restricted at Middle Creek HARRISBURG — Due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that is currently affecting many parts of the state, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is restricting public access at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. The restrictions became ...

Signs of heart disease you shouldn’t ignore

Bleeding gums may not seem like a serious issue. But if it becomes chronic, you might be surprised to hear that it can be a clear warning your heart isn’t working as it should. While pressure or tightness in the chest and a rapid, irregular heartbeat are primary signs of heart disease, there are other symptoms that can be less obvious — yet just as dangerous. And ignoring these subtle signs of heart disease can lead to serious heart trouble, like a heart attack or stroke. Identifying all signs of heart trouble and then responding to them is key to help prevent heart disease, ...

Time for Three to perform Saturday

HUNTINGDON — Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble Time for Three will offer a performance that defies convention and boundaries by showcasing excellence across different genres at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 in Rosenberger Auditorium at the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. Charles Yang (violin/vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin/vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass/vocals) are a classically-trained string trio that merges various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music. Their unique sound captivates audiences with a combination of instruments and voices ...

Today in History

Today is Monday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2025. There are 324 days left in the year. Today in history: On Feb. 10, 1962, on the Glienicke Bridge connecting West Berlin and East Germany, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States. Also on this date: In 1736, the treaty ending the Seven Years’ War was signed in Paris, with France ceding its territory in Canada to Great Britain. In 1936, Nazi Germany’s Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, ...