| Prilosec as Effective as Expensive Prescriptions, Study Finds
A widely available nonprescription drug -- Prilosec OTC -- is as effective a treatment for heartburn and acid reflux disease as prescription drugs costing almost 10 times more, according to an analysis from Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, a public education project of Consumers Union. "Many people with heartburn and acid reflux could save $1,000 to $2,000 a year by taking an over-the-counter drug that's just as effective as high-priced prescription drugs," said Gail Shearer, director of the project. "These are dramatic savings, and illustrate why consumers should talk to their doctors about identifying effective, lower-cost medicines," Shearer added. The over-the-counter drug Prilosec costs $19 to $26 a month on average nationwide, and can be even cheaper at large discount stores.
State of the city: Engen lauds city's progress
Engen gave the annual state of the city address Tuesday to nearly 400 people at the Doubletree Hotel. He talked about being the mayor of his hometown, told of progress the city made in 2006 and set out a course for 2007. First, Engen talked about being mayor. He is finding the job more complicated, challenging and rewarding than he ever imagined - "and I have a fairly active imagination." He is even relishing the challenges, so much so that Engen told the crowd he plans to run for a second term. Engen said he spends much of his time talking with people. Scheduled and impromptu meetings packed his calendar last year, he said. He counted some 1,200 meetings since January 2006, which taught him that folks take his open-door policy seriously.
Split peas a staple in hearty soups
Fresh green peas are relative Johnny-come-latelys on the food scene of the Western world, having been popularized only within the past 400 years. During the previous 500 to 1,000 years, dried peas boiled into porridge or pudding were a staple of the middle and lower classes throughout the Western hemisphere. Archeological evidence from the Middle and Far East suggest that dried peas were used as food as far back as 9,000 years ago. Todays split peas are yellow or green field peas that have been cultivated specifically to be dried and processed in a way that removes their tough skin, allowing them to split naturally into halves. Packed within each split pea is an abundance of dietary fiber and plenty of fat-free protein, as well as vitamins and other essential nutrients. Available in virtually every supermarket and natural food store across the country, split peas are an inexpensive staple that holds its quality for a year or more when kept in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
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