DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out if Maggie Rodriguez will come back to the “Early Show” on Channel 13? Harry Smith is the host. We miss Maggie, and we love the newly married weatherman, Dave. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: As you probably already know by now, Maggie returned a week ago. But get ready for the departure of Julie Chen. According to www.mediabistro.com, Chen will be leaving the program as she begins to focus on her upcoming daytime talk show “The Talk.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me what happened to Bill Fox on Frank 107.5 FM? I miss him. Did he go to another radio station? If so, do you know which one? — Concerned Fan, Strong

ANSWER: According to a blog on his website, billfoxrocks.com, Bill Fox is looking for a job. He said in the first post in August that:

“It’s hard to believe that after six successful years hosting mornings at Classic Hits 107-5 FRANK-FM/Portland, Maine, that I no longer get to wake up at 3 a.m. and go talk to Frank Nation about my life, their life, pop culture, and current events, play silly games, and laugh until tears run down my face.

“But to quote the No. 1 overused phrase I’ve heard in the past 72 hours … ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ So I’ve made that my new mantra, and I’m moving forward with a positive attitude.”

He has a bio on his website that says he grew up in Parkserburg, W.Va. After short stints at Ohio University and in the U.S. Air Force, he’s worked at radio stations from California to Pennsylvania. You can read more about Fox and his family on the site.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do you deal with sciatica? It is very painful. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks. — Aline Girardin, agirardin@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots suggests that you make an appointment with your doctor, as she is not a medical professional. She did look up the condition online. At www.spineuniverse.com, it said there are three treatment options.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or (in acute cases) codeine to manage pain.

2. The injection of a cortisone-like drug into the epidural space surrounding the spinal column. According to the website, this procedure is similar to the epidural used during childbirth and may offer temporary relief, but it does not address the root of the problem.

3. Surgery is the last option. In cases of herniated discs, a surgical procedure called a laminectomy may be performed, or in cases of spinal stenosis, the portion of bone that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve system can be removed. The site says:

“Surgery is not for everyone. However, for those who have shown no sign of improvement in four to six weeks and who have had CT scans (computed tomography) or MRI that show a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may offer significant relief.”

The website also quoted a Dutch study that showed no difference in the results for patients who kept to their beds as opposed to those who maintained their regular levels of activity. Sun Spots hopes your activity will soon include a trip to your doctor!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A special thank-you goes to Donella, JoAnn and Thelma for planning the Tambrands’ workers reunion held on Aug. 28. It was well-attended and included a couple from Florida. A great time was had by all. — Jackie McMorran

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Aug. 11 the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 24 held at blood drive at Post 24 in Rumford. It was a great success with 105 pints of blood collected.

I would like to thank everyone who worked on this blood drive. Without you, it would not have been a success. Also, the workers from the Red Cross did a great job. — Ann Kezal, coordinator

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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