Summer health: stop frequent heartburn

Summer is here, which means it's time to pack your bags for vacation, dust off your beach umbrella and fire up the grill. Unfortunately many people will not only feel the summer heat outside with friends, but also inside their chest. Summer is prime time for heartburn.

Barbecue season is the time of the year when people experience frequent heartburn symptoms the most, according to a recent survey by Wakefield Research for P&G, which brings you Prilosec OTC(R). The survey revealed that many frequent heartburn sufferers - those who experience heartburn two or more days per week - are not treating symptoms as effectively as possible, and there is a general lack of understanding about heartburn and available treatments.

One of the top misconceptions is that all over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatments are the same. Although frequent heartburn symptoms can be reduced with antacids or H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors are indicated specifically for frequent heartburn.



There are important differences among the available therapies:

* Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treat frequent heartburn by shutting down many of the acid pumps in the stomach and stopping symptoms before they start. Effects can last 24 hours.

* Histamine2 (H2) blockers partially block production of acid in the stomach. The effect of H2 blockers generally lasts six to 12 hours.

* Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and provide relatively rapid but short-term relief of heartburn symptoms lasting one to three hours.

Two myths many believe are that drinking milk can help relieve symptoms and that weight gain has no impact on frequent heartburn. In actuality, a glass of milk increases one's acid production (like any food) and maintaining a healthy weight is one key to treating heartburn.

Dr. Su Sachar, gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, says that sufferers do not have to accept frequent heartburn as "normal."

"One way to treat frequent heartburn is to take a medication that can help block the acid that causes heartburn, so you don't get it in the first place," Dr. Sachar observed. "It's possible that, while taking just one pill a day as directed, a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC can control, and in many cases, eliminate frequent heartburn symptoms.



Prilosec OTC may take one to four days for full effect and should not be taken for more than 14 days or more often than every four months unless directed by a doctor. It is not intended for immediate relief."

People can take measures to avoid heartburn symptoms this summer. Dr. Sachar offers the following tips for those suffering from frequent heartburn:

* Get educated. One of the best defenses is to arm yourself with information. With all the over-the-counter medications available, my patients are often overwhelmed and don't know what is right for them. Additionally, people often fall prey to the common myth that experiencing symptoms daily is normal, without realizing there are treatments available. The more you know about frequent heartburn, the better you will be able to treat it.

* Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you. Dr. Sachar recommends over-the-counter PPIs, like Prilosec OTC because it's possible with just one pill a day to block the acid and stop heartburn before it starts for a full 24 hours of zero heartburn. It's possible while taking Prilosec OTC. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every four months unless directed by a doctor. Not for immediate relief.

* Quit smoking. Smoking relaxes the valve at the top of your stomach, allowing excess stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus.

For more information on how to best manage your frequent heartburn or to see if you qualify for a free sample, visit www.prilosecotc.com.

Friends, fun and philanthropy - five ways to make this your summer of doing

With so many summer activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do with your carefree days. From planning weekend getaways to finding ways to give back to your community, there are endless possibilities for your sunshine-filled summer.



Friends play not only a huge part in summer fun, but they also help you decide which activities to partake in. According to a recent Bing survey, more than 90 percent of people seek the opinions or advice of friends and family as part of their decision-making process for trips, purchases, events and more. In fact, 44 percent said they get the most useful recommendations on things such as travel and restaurants from their connections on Facebook and Twitter. Luckily, there are easy ways to involve friends and family in all of your planning this summer, no matter what kind of adventure or activity you're looking for.

* Plan a getaway. There's nothing like a weekend away to refresh the body and mind. Whether you prefer the city, the mountains or the beach, with the weather warm and bags packed, you can be on your way in no time. Looking to family and friends is a great way to get recommendations you can trust. At www.bing.com you can see which of your Facebook friends have visited your favorite locale, get recommendations and more, right as you search.

*Get outdoors. Grab a friend and get outside. Now is the time for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, surfing and biking. Tap friends and family for recommendations on best trails and equipment and you may even find a new running buddy as you research and plan.

*Plan a summer night out. Even if you can't get out of town this summer, there is plenty to do in your own neighborhood. Use www.bing.com to find hot restaurants and events, such as concerts in the park or sporting events - you can even book a table, purchase tickets and suggest your friends join you right within your search. Some of the hottest musical acts will tour the nation this summer; don't miss out on the fun.

* Get involved in the community: Giving back to the community through volunteerism is a great way to enjoy the sun and the perfect way to get kids involved in a good cause. During the summer, many organizations host community volunteer events, such as beach cleanups, park beautification and other activities that get you outside and doing good. This summer, Bing and DoSomething.org are teaming up to inspire people to get out and do good in the community. Visit www.bing.com/doing for more information and to find out how you can get involved in projects in your community.

*Celebrate: Take time to celebrate summer birthdays, holidays or just being together with friends and family. Plan a summer barbecue, keeping your friends involved and getting their input along the way as you research recipes, games and entertainment. Once the party rolls around, you know everyone will have a blast.

Taking time to plan ahead and keeping friends and family involved can ensure you have a great fun-filled summer.

Anthony Bourdain talks last meal on earth, advice for restaurateurs; old-school cocktails

(BPT) - TV's best-fed hedonist, Anthony Bourdain, is keeping busy these days with his hit travel series "Parts Unknown," his publishing career and an upcoming appearance at this year's National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Love him or hate him, Bourdain is the biggest, baddest food dude on the planet. The self-proclaimed "chef slacker" shares his advice for restaurateurs and new chefs, and talks about his desired last meal on Earth and love of old-school cocktails.



Q. You have 24 hours left on Earth: Where would you go, and what would you eat?



A. "Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. I would sit down in front of the greatest sushi master that I've ever met and eat whatever he puts down in front of me. That would probably take about 22 minutes, if past experiences are my guide. I've had it before, and it's one of the greatest meals of my life. If I'm going to be shot in the back of the head after a meal, that would be a good way to go."



Q. You've made it well-known that you started in the restaurant industry by washing dishes. What's one piece of advice that you wish you could tell your former self about the restaurant industry?



A. "I was a very happy dishwasher! I just wanted to be part of it. I didn't want to necessarily rule the world. I made a lot of decisions along the way where I chose to have fun rather than to excel. I chose to be a chef rather than the student of a really talented first-rate chef. I made a conscious decision not be the best that I can be. I was pretty set in my ways about the kinds of kitchens that I felt comfortable in and wanted to work in, and that was not conducive to me ever becoming a Michelin-starred chef. I think that the greatest lesson I ever learned in the restaurant business (and I learned it early) was: Show up on time. Whatever work, whatever commitment, you have, always show up on time to show the people who you work with the respect that you can at least do that."



Q. Which chefs are most exciting to you now that you could see establishing future partnerships within your publishing career?



A. "For the chefs that I've published and hope to publish, it's not just about the food. It's people who are doing interesting things and who have an interesting story and point of view. The recent chef books I would have loved to publish would be Gabrielle Hamilton's memoir (Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef) of The Joe Beef Guys. There are real voices there of people who are saying something new and interesting to create a whole world and mindset that explains the food. Generally speaking, I look for someone who has a powerful voice and can explain why they cook the way that they cook in a personal and dynamic way. Roy Choi's book is coming out soon, and I think that he will be a good example of that."



Q. What's the best advice that you have for restaurateurs facing the challenges of today?



A. "Today's restaurants need to have a concise vision of what they are good at and what they have to offer that is different from the guy across the street. Restaurateurs need to speak in a strong confident voice, saying, 'I might not be good at some things, but I'm good at this, and this is what I'm going to do.' I think the days of trying to be everything to everybody are over now. We have an empowered chef class now and a much more curious, daring and younger dining public. I think the future is going to be chefs who speak with a coherent, concise voice with a real identity. Own that this is what I do. More of like in Asia where you have the roast duck guy and the chicken and rice guy."



Q. What do you look for in your favorite cocktail?-



A. "I am a big fan of cocktails, but if takes you more than 10 minutes to make it, there's a problem. I'm an old-school guy: Give me a good Manhattan, old fashioned, or the perfect Negroni with the finest gin, vermouth and campari with maybe a slightly toasted almond zest, and I'm a happy guy. I think the standard for me is, is the drink that I'm about to make with bourbon better than bourbon?"

Beautifully remodeled home by Fisher Homes of Texas in Houston now for sale!

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Mold woes? Manage moisture through better ventilation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that mold can cause reactions that range from mild (stuffy nose, itchy eyes or skin irritation) to severe (fever, shortness of breath and chronic lung ailments). In extreme cases, the mold can even infect a person's lungs. Studies have also suggested a link between mold exposure and the development of asthma in young children, the CDC notes.



Mold and moisture



So what causes mold to take root in your home? In a word: moisture.



Mold spores are everywhere, and when they land on a wet or damp surface they can begin to grow. That means mold tends to grow in areas of your home that are more humid, such as in the bathroom, a below-grade room, the kitchen or garage. Mold can also grow in hidden places, such as between walls where a water leak has occurred and gone undetected for some time.



"The key to mold control is moisture control," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says on its website. The EPA says you should clean up mold right away and eliminate the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow.



Managing moisture



Managing excess moisture in your home can help prevent the growth of mold. In addition to monitoring your home regularly to catch plumbing or roof leaks quickly, improving ventilation can help control moisture and improve overall indoor air quality.



"Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold," the EPA notes. "If there's some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum."



For more effective, economical passive ventilation, a fresh-air skylight can help reduce humidity and stale air. When open, Energy Star-qualified, no leak solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, can allow excess moisture and unhealthy fumes to escape your home. When closed, the bright sunlight that skylights admit into your home can help dry out damp areas. Skylights are a great option in damp rooms, such as bathrooms, where privacy concerns mean an open window is impractical, or in rooms where adding a window or venting fan may not be plausible, such as a garage. Add remote controlled solar powered blinds to solar powered fresh air skylights to your home and the products, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more about no leak skylights and how they can help improve indoor air quality, visit www.veluxusa.com.



Removing mold



If you discover mold in your home, it's important to remove it quickly - even if it just seems like a harmless amount growing in a corner of the shower. Mold can spread quickly. You can probably handle a minor problem yourself, using commercially available cleansers to remove the mold from affected surfaces. More severe infestations that affect drywall, wood or other parts of the home's structure, will likely need to be handled by a professional.



If mold has damaged parts of your home, remove and replace those parts. Monitor humidity levels in your home and make sure all rooms - especially those where a problem has occurred - have adequate ventilation. The CDC recommends homeowners take steps to prevent future mold growth, such as using an air conditioner and dehumidifier during humid months, and adding mold inhibitors to paint before repainting rooms.



Mold will never be anyone's idea of a welcome house guest, but with preventive steps such as improving ventilation to control moisture, you can ensure you never again have to fear those three little words: "you have mold."

Low-maintenance exterior upgrades that add value and style to your home

Consider these top exterior projects that will increase your home's value and curb appeal. And, because they're low-maintenance, you'll get more time to enjoy the beauty of the season.



Fence, railing or deck upgrades: no painting or staining required



If you're updating or replacing your fencing, patio or deck railing or an entire deck, you'll want to select the right wood for the job. If you like pressure-treated lumber, but don't want to have to paint or stain the wood, then ProWood Dura Color is for you. Each piece is color-infused through and through, and has the natural color characteristics and appearance of cedar or redwood, but won't fade to silver or gray over time, like untreated lumber.



"People like the natural look of redwood and cedar, but they don't want the drawbacks that come with them, such as the high price and the fact that they fade to gray," says Chris Fox, product manager at Universal Forest Products. "ProWood Dura Color products not only look like natural cedar or redwood, their color lasts much longer and they're backed with a lifetime limited warranty against termites and rot." What's more, all ProWood Dura Color lumber boasts a two-year color assurance warranty.



How is ProWood Dura Color different? Colorant is infused deep into the wood's fibers during the treating process, eliminating the need to paint or stain. You'll get natural-looking lumber with color that's guaranteed to last. Visit www.ProWoodLumber.com for more information.



Use ProWood Dura Color for your deck addition. A wood deck addition has great return on investment - 77.3 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Plus, you're sure to enjoy the expanded outdoor living space.



Exterior door updates are functional and fashionable



If you look at your home from the street, do you like its curb appeal? If not, maybe it's the doors. The doors that mostly affect the style and function of your home's exterior are the entryway and garage doors. If yours are dated, drafty and always need painting, it's time for new, modern options, and they may cost less than you think.



The average cost to replace a steel entry door is $1,137, according to the Cost vs. Value Report, and the cost recouped when you sell the house is 85.6 percent. Your new door will look great and help keep your home energy efficient too.



Garage door replacements come with a similar price tag, averaging $1,496, according to the report, but you'll recoup 75.7 percent when it's time to sell. A garage door upgrade is functional as well as beautiful - because it takes up so much visual space on your home's exterior, a new garage door can set the tone for your home's personality. Plus, most of today's options are low-maintenance and don't require annual painting.



Cut energy bills and seasonal drafts with new windows



If you ignore or delay window maintenance, you're not alone, but doing so could be costing you more money than you think. Windows - particularly old ones - can be a lot of work. Wood windows need annual maintenance to avoid deterioration and rot, single pane windows need to be insulated and sealed during cold seasons, and screens need repair when warm weather approaches.



Take a look at your windows and determine which can be repaired and which need to be replaced. New windows have so many technological advancements that they're virtually maintenance-free and often come with a lifetime warranty.



New windows with multiple panes, low-emissivity coatings, gas treatments between the panes and other advancements make new windows a worry-free addition. New vinyl windows have a return on investment of 71.2 percent, according to the Cost vs. Value report.



Whether your next home improvement project is big or small, researching low-maintenance options today will help ensure your home looks good for many years to come. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the long sunny days with a refreshing drink in hand rather than a hammer and drill.

Easy tips for a manicured lawn

(BPT) - The days are getting longer, the grass is growing and yard work season has begun. Many homeowners strive to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, but the task ahead can often feel daunting and time-consuming.



Although yard work can be overwhelming at times, the steps to a great-looking lawn are easier than you think. To get started, here are a few tips for giving your yard that finished look:



* Keep grass approximately 2 inches in length and only take off 1/3 inch of new growth.



* Alternate the direction you mow each session. If you mow in the same direction every time, the wheels will create a rut in the grass.



* Plant flowers around the yard for a pop of color. Using mulch in flower beds will also add detail to your landscape.



* Use string trimmers around trees, rocks, fences and other obstacles to give your lawn a polished look.



* Use a broom to clean grass clippings and soil from pavement and walkways.



Yard work can feel easier and even enjoyable when using the right lawn care tools for the job. According to Troy-Bilt, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, one of the quickest ways to give your lawn a manicured look is using a string trimmer. It can handle everything from cutting down weeds to trimming around trees to cleaning up grass under decks. String trimmers are the most versatile tool every homeowner should have in their shed.



"Lawn mowers can maneuver around obstacles and larger plants, but it's usually hard to get into tight spaces," says Heidi Ketvertis, director of marketing communications for Troy-Bilt. "A string trimmer can get into places a lawn mower can't reach and really give your lawn that polished look."



Troy-Bilt's TB675 EC 4-cycle gas string trimmer can help make life in the yard that much easier. There's no need to mix oil and gas, and it can quickly convert into multiple tools with Troy-Bilt's TrimmerPlus attachments.



Making your lawn stand out as the beauty of the block will take some work, but the end result will be worth the effort. Visit www.troybilt.com to learn more about lawn care products to help make time in the yard more enjoyable.