| Over-the counter heartburn drug could save consumers thousands
The over-the-counter drug omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) is just as effective in easing heartburn and acid reflux as costlier prescription medicines--and could save consumers up to $2,000 a year, according to an updated report from Consumer Reports' Best Buy Drugs initiative.
Prilosec OTC and prescription versions of similar drugs, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) and esomeprazole (Nexium), belong to a class of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). They are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the country, and manufacturers have put a great deal of marketing muscle into steering consumers to their brands. Nexium, for example, was the second-most advertised drug in 2005, with a $205 million direct-to-consumer ad campaign.
But according to the Consumer Reports' Best Buy Drugs report, none of the PPIs are significantly more effective than the others, with the only real difference being price.
Eating 'round the clock
Is your bowl of Cheerios or double espresso the best way to start your day? Is your evening snack of chips and salsa disrupting your chance at a good night's sleep? Broken down by specific times, here's a guide on how to eat to keep your mind alert, mood positive and body fit as you make your way through the day. 7 a.m. Many health professionals believe that breakfast is the most important meal -- it establishes our eating pattern for the rest of the day. On average, people who skip breakfast are more prone to mood swings, score lower on cognitive and alertness tests, and report feeling hungry throughout the day. While you sleep, the body uses glucose so your organs and cells can maintain their normal function. By the time you get up in the morning, your glucose needs restocking.
Even Young Women Have Heart Attacks
Robin Colley is only 37 years old. The mom of 18-year old Perry, 6 year old Emily and two year old Joey. Much too young and much too busy to have a heart attack....until she did. “My littlest one will come up and say let me see your boo boo, mom has a boo boo on her heart. That's what he tells everyone." Robin is at home right now recovering from a triple heart bypass performed at Lourdes less than two weeks ago. “I had 90 percent, 99 percent, and 88 percent blockage." Robin admits she's had high cholesterol since her oldest son was a baby, and she smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day, but she never thought she was at risk for a heart attack. Even when she had chest pains. “Every time I got stressed I'd start having pains, when I calmed down, they went away.
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