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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 #2595 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Cool Weather; Healthy Air Hundreds Of New Ways To Fight Infection (NAPSA)—Scientists have made huge strides against infectious diseases, which until the 1920s were the leading cause of death in the United States. Still, more than 9.5 million people worldwide die each year from infectious diseases. Of particular concern today are virulent forms of “superbugs” that have mutated and grown resistant to available antibiotics. Responding to this need, America’s biopharmaceutical research companies have nearly 400 new medicines and vaccines in the pipeline to fight infectious diseases. This is especially encouraging as infectious diseases have become more aggressive. For example, only 2 percent of staph infections in the U.S. were drug resistant in 1974. The percentage jumped to 63 percent by 2004. Staph infections now kill more people in the U.S. than AIDS, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When staph bacteria spread to the bloodstream, a life-threatening illness known as sepsis can occur. Sepsis, which has increased by 91.3 percent over the last 10 years, is expected to kill 215,000 people in the U.S. this year. But there are 18 new medicines and vaccines to treat or prevent staph infections and sepsis that are currently in development, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) report. Scientists are also developing treatments for infectious diseases as varied as herpes, rabies, meningitis and SARS. A total of 145 vaccines are in development to prevent a variety of infections, including a number of forms of “Superbugs” and bioterrorism agents are among the targets of new medicines now being tested. influenza. Additionally, 88 antibiotics and 96 anti-virals are in development. Further, scientists are also working to thwart the potential devastation of biological warfare agents. Ten separate treatments for anthrax and three for smallpox are in development. Although medical progress eradicated naturally occurring smallpox in humans worldwide by 1980, concerns remain that the virus could be used as a bioterrorism weapon. PhRMA represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Learn more at www.PhRMA.org. For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit www.innovation.org. For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit www.pparx.org. (NAPSA)—Cooler weather can mean more days spent indoors and signal the need to spruce up your home for seasonal get-togethers. When getting ready for the cozy days ahead, don’t forget to clean your home’s air duct system. Air ducts and ventilation systems can become clogged with dust, pet hair and other contaminants, making them a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. When firing up the furnace this winter, you may notice a burning smell coming from your air ducts. This is an indication of dust buildup in your home’s ventilation system. When getting your home ready for seasonal gatherings, don’t forget to clean out your HVAC vents. They collect dust. An easy way to tell if your system should be cleaned is to remove the vent with a screwdriver. If you see a collection of dust or mold, consider calling a professional heating and cooling system cleaning contractor. Check that the company is a certified member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), an organization that tests the knowledge of contractors for safe and effective heating and cooling cleaning. For more information and to find a certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist near you, visit www.nadca.com. Comfort Food That’s Easy To Create (NAPSA)—Here’s a comforting thought: You don’t have to spend a lot of time, money or effort to turn out delicious dishes that invoke all the comforts of home. These two fruitful ideas can help: Apple Crisp 1 (21-oz.) can Comstock or Wilderness More Fruit Apple Pie Filling or Topping 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3 ⁄4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3 ⁄4 cup flour 3 ⁄4 cup oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. In 8-inch-square baking dish, place apple pie filling. Top with lemon juice. 2. In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon. Add butter; mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apple mixture. 3. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is browned and apple mixture is bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream or heavy cream as desired. Makes 6 servings. Baked Apple Macaroni and Cheese 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained 1 (21-ounce) can Comstock or Wilderness More Fruit Apple Pie Filling or Topping 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 11⁄4 cups whole milk 21⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1. Preheat oven to 350F. In large bowl, combine macaroni and pie filling; set aside. Lightly coat 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Slowly add flour, stir constantly until smooth. Gradually stir in milk; cook until mixture boils and thickens. Remove sauce from heat. Add 2 cups cheese; stir gently until cheese is melted. 3. Add sauce to macaroni mixture; blend well. Spread in baking dish. Top with remaining cheese; dot with remaining butter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is lightly browned. Remove from oven; let stand for 5 minutes. Serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.