| If heartburn takes you you by throat, sip liquids
According to the British medical journal The Lancet, heartburn is a common ailment. In fact, 25 percent of Americans report experiencing heartburn at least once a month, 12 percent at least once a week and 5 percent daily. What is heartburn? And what about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Here's a guide to provide a bit more understanding of that burning sensation in your chest. • Why is it called heartburn? ''Heartburn is often sensed as a burning feeling behind the middle of the lower to middle of the chest, giving the sense that it may be coming from the heart,'' said Dr. Philip Jaffe, an associate professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. • What is happening, biologically speaking? According to Dr. David Peura, a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia Health System: ``Acid that's normally produced by the stomach is washing back up into the esophagus [the swallowing tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach] and irritating [burning] its lining.
Puckett survives race against time
After being given just 18 months to live, Ernie Puckett of Naples won his battle against lung cancer. Now, he's ready to take on the NDN Half Marathon. By Dana Oppedisano (Contact) Thursday, January 18, 2007 The doctor told Ernie Puckett he was in great shape. .
Safe cinnamon found in health-food stores
Q: I have high cholesterol and diabetes (controlled through diet). I've been using cinnamon to help keep my blood sugar and cholesterol down. I'd like to continue, but I read that it might be dangerous. Is there a specific brand or type that does not have the damaging ingredient in it? I hate to buy another expensive supplement when cinnamon is readily available at the grocery store. A: Cinnamon may be helpful in controlling blood sugar, but German regulatory authorities have warned that the kitchen spice may sometimes contain high levels of coumarin. This compound could be damaging to the liver or kidneys, especially if a person were taking fairly high levels on a daily basis. The water-based extract called Cinnulin PF does not contain coumarin. This nutritional supplement is available in health-food stores.
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