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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 #2519 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Dessert Favorites Heel Pain: What Everyone Should Know (NAPS)—According to a recent survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), heel pain is the foot ailment that affects Americans most—16 percent of the population regularly experiences it. Fortunately, if detected early, heel pain can be successfully treated with noninvasive treatment options. What Causes Heel Pain? When you pound your feet on hard surfaces while playing sports or wear shoes that irritate sensitive tissues, you can develop heel pain. Many people try to ignore the early signs of heel pain and keep performing the activities that are causing the problem. But when you continue to use a sore heel, it will frequently get worse and could become a chronic condition, leading to more problems. The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. With this condition, too much running or jumping can lead to inflammation of the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain is generally centered under the heel; it may be mild at first, but tends to flare up when you take your first steps after resting overnight. Plantar fasciitis is often successfully treated with custom orthotics, injections, prescription medications, physical therapy and immobilization. However, the longer you have untreated pain, the more difficult it is to find relief. Other possible causes of heel pain include: • Achilles Tendinitis. This condition is often caused by tight calf muscles, bone spurs, age, injury and primary tendinitis. If left untreated, this can also develop into a more chronic problem called tendinosis, which involves muscle tearing, adhesions and scar tissue. The Perks Of “Home-Brewed” Coffee (NAPS)—Brewing your coffee at home is better for the environment and your wallet. According to a new survey, 67 percent of Americans who frequent coffee shops discard their used paper cups into a trash can. That’s 28 billion cups every year that end up in landfills. And cutting just one of those typical lattes each day and replacing it with a premium coffee you brew yourself can save upwards of $1,200 a year. Left untreated, heel pain can become a chronic condition, leading to more complications. • Fat Pad Atrophy. Age, obesity and walking on hard surfaces can all cause fat pad atrophy, which occurs primarily in women. Treatments for the condition may include soft insoles and soft-soled shoes prescribed by a podiatrist. “Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it,” explains Dr. Ronald D. Jensen, APMA president. “If pain and other symptoms of inflammation—redness, swelling, heat—persist, you should limit normal daily activities and contact a podiatric physician immediately.” Avoiding Heel Pain To avoid heel pain, the APMA recommends wearing shoes that fit well, wearing the proper shoes for each activity, not wearing shoes with excessive or uneven worn heels or soles and stretching the heel before exercising. To learn more, visit the APMA’s Web site at www.apma.org/heel pain. For a taste sensation, cobble together this ice cream dessert classic. Brewing your own coffee will help keep paper cups out of landfills and save you money. Try these simple tips from the folks at Good Earth Coffee for brewing delicious coffee at home and reap the rewards: Buy USDA-certified organic coffee; it’s less taxing on the environment and offers a pure, richtasting cup. Try a French press: It makes great-tasting coffee, uses very little energy and doesn’t require a filter. For coffee on-the-go, take a reusable mug filled with delicious home brew—it will save time, money and the environment. Make a personal commitment to brew more and toss less. Visit www.goodearthcoffee.com and take the “Brew at Home” Pledge. (NAPS)—Whether it’s ice cream, frozen custard, gelato or novelties, America loves frozen desserts. In fact, 98 percent of all U.S. households purchase ice cream. The five most popular flavors are vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, strawberry and Neapolitan. If you have wondered what some of the terminology in the ice cream aisles means, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says: • “Ice cream” is a mixture of dairy products, containing at least 10 percent milk fat. • “Reduced fat” ice cream contains at least 25 percent less total fat than ice cream. • “Light” ice cream contains at least 50 percent less total fat or 33 percent fewer calories than ice cream. • “Low fat” ice cream contains a maximum of 3 grams of total fat per serving (1⁄2 cup). • “Nonfat” ice cream contains less than 0.5 grams of total fat per serving. The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) sponsors the annual Summer Favorites promotion in June and July, when you’ll find special deals on ice cream and novelties. You can also play the Summer Favorites Online Instant Win Game. Visit NFRA’s Web site, www.EasyHomeMeals.com, for game details, tips and recipes such as this classic dessert: Blueberry Cobbler la Mode ⁄2 1 4 2 1 ⁄3 3 ⁄4 6 1 1 cup sugar tablespoon cornstarch cups frozen blueberries tablespoons water cup sugar cup flour tablespoons butter quart vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt Mix 1⁄2 cup sugar and cornstarch in saucepan; stir in blueberries and water; heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into greased 11⁄2-qt. casserole dish. Mix 1⁄3 cup sugar and flour; cut in butter with knife or fork. Sprinkle over blueberry mixture. Bake at 400˚ F until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve warm topped with ice cream. Serves 6.