You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2477 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Tips For Medication Management (NAPSA)—When it comes to staying healthy, eating well and exercising may not be enough. Millions of Americans take prescription drugs to manage longterm health problems, but studies show that only about half stay on their medications as prescribed. CVS pharmacist Carrie Sacky answers your questions about proper medication use: Q. I am not sure of how and when to take a new medication. What should I do? A. It is important that you ask your doctor or pharmacist for clear directions on how to take any new medications. Why is this medication being prescribed for you? What side effects, if any, might you expect? Always ask your pharmacist about food, drinks or other drugs you should avoid while you’re taking this medication. Q. If I start to feel better but haven’t finished a full prescription, can I stop taking it? A. You should always finish taking your prescription as recommended by your doctor. Your medication cannot work properly if you skip doses, take more or less than the prescribed amount, or stop taking it because you feel better. If you are bothered by side effects, don’t stop taking your medication. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away about other drug options available or a dosage change that may lower side effects. Q. If I have multiple prescriptions to be filled but can’t afford the cost, what options do I have? A. If money is a concern, remember that the price you pay for stopping your treatment may be much higher than the price of the medicine itself. If you stop For A Heart-Y Boost, Grab A Handful Of Almonds Protecting Children Carrie Sacky, RPh your medication and your symptoms return or get worse, you may spend more money on added doctor visits or hospital care. In order to save money, you should make sure you understand your health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any generic options available that may cost less than brand-name medications. Q. If forgetting to take medications is an issue for seniors, what are some ways to help them remember? A. There are a number of ways to make taking your medications a part of your daily routine so that it’s easier to remember to take them as directed. Try taking your medicines at the same time each day or sorting your medications into a daily pill organizer. Q. Where can I get more information about managing medications? A. Your local pharmacy is a great resource. Go to www.cvs.com to find a CVS/pharmacy nearby or call a CVS pharmacist at (888) 607-4287. (NAPSA)—A more effective system for tracking and linking data about child abuse may help protect children in the future. More than 1,300 children die every year as a result of abuse or neglect. Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Experts believe that understanding the root causes of childhood abuse and other violence involving children and adolescents may help prevent many needless deaths. A low-cost program is yielding high-caliber results when it comes to finding the root causes of child abuse. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide a more complete picture of the circumstances surrounding violent deaths so that effective prevention policies may be developed. NVDRS links data from existing records so policy experts can see relevant trends and changes. For more information, visit www.preventviolence.net. (NAPSA)—According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults will suffer from cardiovascular disease in his or her lifetime. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and reducing saturated fat intake, can help maintain a healthy heart. One example of a simple change is to grab a daily 1-ounce handful of almonds. Nine clinical studies indicate that almonds support healthy cholesterol levels as part of a diet low in saturated fat. Moreover, in 2003 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognized almonds with a heart health claim, stating, “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” In addition to being heart smart, almonds offer a variety of nutrients. A recommended serving of almonds (about a handful, or 23 almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium and a good source of fiber, riboflavin and phosphorous. Plus, almonds add protein (6g), flavor and a satisfying crunch to any meal or snack. Following is a simply delicious recipe—Almond Dukkah. This Moroccan spice mix adheres nicely to pita bread dipped in olive oil. Or use it to coat baked chicken or fish. ALMOND DUKKAH Ingredients: 1 ⁄4 cup coriander seeds 1 ⁄4 cup sesame seeds 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon fennel seeds HEART-Y BOOST—Scientific evidence suggests that 1.5 ounces a day of nuts, such as almonds, may reduce the risk of heart disease. ⁄2 cup prepared dry-roasted almonds 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt Pita bread or hearty, crusty dipping bread Olive oil 1 Directions: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Stirring frequently, toast coriander seeds, sesame seeds, peppercorns and fennel seeds until slightly brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Cool and transfer to food processor. Add almonds, cumin, thyme and salt. Grind until crumbly; do not allow mixture to become a paste. Serve Dukkah in a bowl or plate, along with a bowl or plate of olive oil and bread. Dip bread first in olive oil and then in Almond Dukkah so it adheres to the olive oil; serve as an appetizer or as a hearty and nutritious snack. For more recipes and nutrition information, visit www.AlmondsAre In.com.