THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 5, 2025 Page 9 S y Senior Say a a Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about restless leg syndrome? Over the past year or so I’ve developed an uncontrollable urge to move my legs because of an annoying tingling sensation, and it’s keeping me awake at night. Always Tired Dear Tired, If an irresistible urge to move your legs has you kicking in your sleep, then chances are pretty good you have restless leg syndrome (or RLS), a condition that aff ects about 7 to 8 percent of Americans. Here’s what you should know. RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a nervous system problem that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations (often described as a creepy-crawly, tingling, itching, aching throbbing, pulling or electric feeling) and an irresistible urge to move one or both legs while you’re sitting or lying down, and the symptoms usually get worse with age. It typically happens in the evenings or nights while resting. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. While RLS is not a life-threatening condition, the main problem, other than it being uncomfortable and annoying, is that it disrupts sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, diffi culty concentrating and even depression. What exactly causes RLS is not known, but researchers suspect it could be linked to several things including iron defi ciency, an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, and genetics – about 60 percent of people with RLS have a family member with the condition. Treatments While there’s no cure for RLS, there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. The fi rst line of defense is usually to avoid certain substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and refined sugar, which can aggravate the problem. Certain drugs including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines can also make RLS worse. If you take any of these medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if something else can be taken. Iron and magnesium defi cienby Jim Miller Tips and Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome cies are also believed to be contributors to RLS, so make an appointment with your doctor and get a blood test to check for this. If you test positive for iron and/ or magnesium defi ciency, your doctor may recommend supplements. You may also benefi t from selfcare treatments such as leg/calf stretches and massage, hot baths or applying hot or cold packs to the aff ected area. Pressure can also be eff ective for some people, so you may want to try wearing compression socks. Getting moderate, regular exercise like walking, cycling, water aerobics and yoga can relieve symptoms too, but overdoing it or exercising late in the day may intensify them. Medications If the previously listed tips and self-treatments don’t reduce your RLS, there are various medications your doctor can prescribe that can help, including: Anti-seizure drugs: These medications aff ect nerve cell activity to reduce symptoms. Examples include gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica). Dopaminergic medications: These drugs, which are taken before bedtime, work by increasing dopamine, a chemical in the brain which helps reduce RLS. Examples are ropinirole (Requip), pramipexole (Mirapex), and the transdermal patch rotigotine (Neupro). But be aware that while these drugs, taken shortterm are eff ective, long-term use can make symptoms worse. The anti-seizure medicines have become a fi rst-choice drug treatment option for most doctors because they seem to be as eff ective as the dopaminergic medications, with fewer side eff ects. Sometimes, other medications like benzodiazepines – alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) – may be prescribed for more restful sleep, but they don’t eliminate the leg sensations, and they can be addictive so it’s best to avoid them if possible. For more information, visit the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation at RLS.org. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Seni nior n r ior CARDELLO | FROM PAGE 5 District with common sense, knowledge and pride. I have worked diligently in the past during contract negotiations with various bargaining units to ensure a fair and equitable agreement for the district as well as the union members. I am a staunch proponent of Career and Technical Education (CTE). I have researched and visited the districts that are very successful with their programs serving students with academic courses and vocational training and I will work tirelessly to bring this to our District. I will work to ensure that we do everything we can so our students feel safe and happy while receiving the education and skills that they will need for a successful future, our students are our future. We are all aware of the overcrowding in our schools. There have been many discussions and ideas, but nothing has been solidifi ed yet. Overcrowded schools aff ect both the students and staff . My experience and expertise allow me the ability to work successfully with both the School Administration and the City Government. There are no sides, there may be diff erences in perspective and opinions, but there is one city. We must work together as a team and do what is right for the community. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 4th - fi fth name on the School Committee At Large ballot. Voted citywide. I will be your strong voice with common sense. If you have any questions, suggestions or you would like to support me in my campaign — make phone calls, send dear friend cards, request a yard sign, have a neighborhood coffee hour, request a vote by mail application, reserve a ride to the polls or help in any other way. You can call or text me at 781-354-4869, text Dave at 781-354-4879 or email me at: mjc111350@gmail.com Working in your best interest, Millie J. Cardello A rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers to own an affordable condo in Malden! o own an affordable Affordable Homes for Sale in Malden! omes alden!!n!ldeenalden omes alden! ome Scan QR to apply APPLY ONLINE OR IN PERSON How to apply www.tndinc.org 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, Chelsea, MA 02150 Applications also available by mail or email. 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