Potential Z-Pak concern

Azithromycin, which is often sold in a five-day dose known as a Z-Pak, is an antibiotic commonly used to kill bacteria that cause middle-ear infections, strep throat, sinusitis and pneumonia. It is therefore newsworthy that a recent study linked azithromycin with an increased risk of irregular heart rhythms in some patients. Azithromycin is part of the macrolide class of antibiotics, which includes erythromycin and other antibiotics that pose similar risks for those with heart disease risk factors. At the same time, the study found no similar risks associated with other antibiotics that treat many conditions as well as azithromycin, most notably, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. It may make sense to discuss these alternatives to azithromycin if you have a heart condition.

Apply for unclaimed controlled hunt tags by Aug. 15

For a wide variety of reasons, some of the lucky hunters who drew tags in the deer, elk, antelope and bear controlled-hunt drawing did not buy their tags.

OTC medications at wholesale prices

Diabetes is an awful disease.

At what cost?

Constantly changing online prices stump shoppers

NEW YORK - Online shopping has become as volatile as stock market trading. Wild, minute-by-minute price swings on everything from clothes to TVs have made it difficult for holiday shoppers to "buy low."

Consumers spend and earn more

Latest government data suggest an improving picture of the economy

WASHINGTON - Americans earned more and spent more last month, and the number of people applying for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in more than two years. At the same time, demand for long-lasting manufactured goods and new homes fell off.

Marty and Max: Real Estate Recipes

Today we will discuss two ways to buy an actively marketed home at a bargain, where you actually want to live.

The time is right to buy or sell

This week's news of rising interest rates should get the attention of those contemplating a change in their housing status. These last three weeks we have seen a modest rise in interest rates among the nation's lenders. Fannie Mae reports that last week's typical 30-year loan rate was 4.46 percent, up from 4.17 percent last month. Although this rate increase is modest, less than half a percent, the cost of housing has risen accordingly.

Playing the health insurance shell game

Last Wednesday, we were treated to another nonsensical "My Turn" by Chuck Malloy, where he started off by thanking goodness for insurance. He went on to say that he needed to purchase an insulin pen and the cost of a five pack over the counter without insurance was $500, but thanks to the wonderful insurance world, he only paid $35.

Two robberies in Cd'A

Suspect in both incidents showed gun to clerks

A small victory: Used-car prices slip from dizzy heights

The whole crazy price cycle began with the eruption of the pandemic, when many states issued stay-at-home orders

Sifting Black Friday's deals

Filling holiday gift lists on a budget takes organized, careful planning. Sales are tempting: If I wait, will I really pay more?

Hitting the slopes won't break the bank

Industry leaders: Skiing cheaper than you think

The cart before the horse?

Movie studios' view-everywhere system has soft launch

Price matters for 2011 holiday season

Negotiating in a strong market

Regular readers know that we consider ourselves in a strong market. Of course, as with all things real estate the market is very specific to your location and although North Idaho real estate is moving at a comfortable pace, not every nook and cranny of our market is booming.

Sharp holiday price drops seen for flat-panel TVs

SEATTLE - If you're in the market for a new flat-panel TV, it's a good time to buy.

Purchase controlled hunt tags by Saturday

Big game hunters who were successful in drawing controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear have until 11 p.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 1 to buy their tags.

Wedding trends

The troubled economy we have experienced over the last few years has created a trend in wedding planning and more specifically in wine consumption at the "big event." The general trend that has emerged is couples planning their rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and receptions at private venues like backyards, lakefront homes and the like, which results in couples looking for wine as opposed to that which would normally be provided by the venue. When couples do hold them at a rented location most times they are hiring their own caterers and buying their own wine for the events. In both situations the reasons are the same - trying to make the day special as it should be but with an eye to budgetary concerns.

Gas price may drop as oil joins commodities plunge

NEW YORK - Investors finally hit the brakes on oil, gold, silver and food prices. This week's sharp sell-off doesn't mean commodity prices' stunning rise over the last several months is over, but it is good news for anyone planning a road trip this summer.

Fall brings potential ‘sweet spot’ for homebuyers

Neighborhood of the Week: Oct. 3