Q. I’ve spent years working on power lines in the woods of North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia. I learned about powdered sulfur on my first day out. The old rascal who was with me purposely didn’t tell me about it to teach me a lesson, and I got eaten up by ticks and chiggers.

You can find powdered sulfur in country drug stores or order it online. You can also order Sulfur8 Salve and Sulfur8 Shampoo. I use the salve in my ears, belly button and behind my neck. I use the shampoo as a final body wash after I return from the woods.

I spray permethrin on my woods clothes and just air them out. I spray DEET on my skin before I get dressed. I also use gaiters over my pants legs and top of my boots to keep ticks out. You could also use electrical tape to seal your pants legs over your boots. When I get home and take my clothes off, I immediately toss them into a hot wash, so my wife won’t get bit!

I also spray my truck with DEET before I get in and after I get out. The buggers like to ride!

A. Working on power lines is a high-risk job for lots of reasons, including exposure to ticks and the diseases they can transmit. We hope others will benefit from your practical advice based on experience. Thorough tick checks after every outing are also crucial.

Q. I read with interest the letter from a reader suggesting their chronic constipation may be due to blood pressure medication. I, too, was diagnosed with a sluggish colon that was not alleviated with daily fiber supplementation, massive consumption of fruits and vegetables, 3 quarts of water daily, and exercise six days a week.

My GP sent me to an allergist who discovered that I was having an allergic response to various food dyes and, at last count, 25 different foods. These include cinnamon, soy, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, eggplant and many others.

Because of my reactions to food dyes and additives, I had a difficult time with blood pressure medications until my cardiologist worked with a pharmacist to identify a medication that has no food dyes. Several of the problems I’ve suffered in the past, such as insomnia, itching without hives, indigestion, constipation, angioedema and joint pain have improved with close monitoring of my food intake.

A. You certainly were following all the usual recommendations for dealing with constipation. Much of the research linking food allergies to chronic constipation has focused on young children (Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, March 2025).

Thanks for pointing out one possible reason that some people have trouble with certain medications. It can be tricky to find pills without colors.

Other people dealing with regularity challenges may find our “eGuide to Controlling Constipation” with its 10 tips useful. This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. One summer, I managed to sprain the same ankle twice. The first time, I followed RICE and wore a wrap on the joint for several days before it felt better.

After I sprained my ankle the second time, I immediately immersed it in water as warm as I could tolerate for about 15 minutes. I then elevated the joint and began moving it gently. I also had my husband apply light traction to the joint. The next day, it was as though the sprain had never occurred.

A. RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) used to be recommended for injuries. It has now lost favor. Your second approach appears to work better.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”