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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 NORTH AMERICAN PRECIS SYNDICATE, INC. 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10118-0110 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID North American Address Service Requested NE W Precis Syndicate, Inc. ! #2387 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 I Bought A New Computer —Now What? Strike It Rich In Your Attic (NAPSA)—A lot of homeowners are striking it rich in their attics by trading insulation for oil. The word is spreading that there are a few simple, energy-efficient home improvements—like adding insulation—that can help homeowners save money and the energy equivalent of 103 million barrels annually, to be precise. You: Underinsulated? But here’s a surprising fact: “Approximately 60 million homes in the U.S. are estimated to be underinsulated,” said Gale Tedhams, director of sustainability for Owens Corning. “By heading straight to the attic and adding insulation, homeowners can make their homes greener, save money and conserve the energy equivalent of 103 million barrels of oil annually—enough to fill 51 supertankers.” In addition to helping homeowners save oil and reduce their cooling and heating costs, insulation plays another key role in saving the planet. According to a recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute, insulation is the single most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Owens Corning recommends that an attic have between 16 and 22 inches of insulation, with a minimum total R-value of 49. To learn more about R-value and reducing home energy consumption, go to the Owens Corning energy efficiency Web site at www.owenscorn ing.com/foryourhome/index.asp. Site visitors can also learn about Owens Corning’s suite of fiberglass insulation products, which contain the highest level of certified recycled content in North America and are GREENGUARD Certified to meet the strictest standards for indoor air quality. Energy efficiency is truly the first fuel, and many homeowners are striking it rich in their attic by adding an extra layer of oil-saving insulation. Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel “Energy efficiency is truly the ‘first fuel,’ ” said Tedhams. “A barrel saved is two barrels earned, which means that efficient energy is the cheapest energy anyone can buy.” Homeowners who want to reduce their home’s energy footprint should consider other energy-efficient upgrades such as: Installing a Programmable Thermostat—Why cool the house when nobody’s home? By regulating the temperature, homeowners can save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. Closing the Shades—Keep windows covered with shades and blinds during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from heating the interior of the home. In particular, cover windows facing the south and west where the sun shines the strongest and brightest. Taking a Home Energy Audit—Understanding how much energy a home uses helps homeowners determine what changes will save them the most energy and money. For more tips, visit www.owens corning.com. (NAPSA)—Buying a new computer and not activating the security software is like buying a car and not using seatbelts. Properly activating and updating your security software is essential for keeping your new PC healthy. Once your computer is up and running, your most private information— like Social Security numbers, credit card information and passwords—may be stored or transmitted over the Internet. Without updated security software, you can’t be sure that your data is safe from cybercriminals looking to make big money at your expense. A computer is an investment, meaning proper setup, installation and security software is necessary to make sure you’re protected. If the computer is a present for back-to-school or the holidays, it is especially important to make sure the recipient is getting the most out of his or her gift. “Activating pre-installed programs like Norton Internet Security protects computers from cyberthreats, data loss and identity theft,” says Marian Merritt, Internet Safety Advocate from Symantec. “And, consumers need to remember to renew software subscriptions after the introductory subscription period, typically 30-90 days, ends.” Protect your new computer investment and the contents stored on the machine by activating and regularly updating your PC’s security software. Walking Away From Blisters—Even In Heels (NAPSA)—It’s a good idea for people from all walks of life to take steps to prevent blisters. That’s because you don’t have to be a weekend warrior on the basketball court or a high-heeled diva dashing to catch a cab to suffer from the painful foot affliction. In fact, wearing new shoes—and a number of new-shoe styles—often results in blisters, making them among the most common foot problems. The good news is you don’t have to shy away from fashionable footwear to keep feet feeling good. Here’s a look at preventing and treating blisters: Know The Enemy Blisters generally form when the skin rubs against another surface, causing friction. They start with a small tear within the upper layer of the skin that then forms a space between skin layers, while leaving the surface intact. Fluid seeps into the space and a blister forms. Keeping Blisters At Bay The key to stopping blisters is to prevent friction—and that starts with choosing shoes that fit properly. Shoes should always feel comfortable on your feet and there should be about a thumb’s width of space between your little toe and the tip of the shoe. Remember, shoes that are too narrow almost always result in blisters. Of course, most people wear their favorite shoes, regardless of how well they do (or don’t) fit. That’s where blister prevention products come in. For instance, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. 2007 Best Foot Forward—There are ways to prevent blisters before they start. BAND-AID Brand ACTIV-FLEX™ BLISTER BLOCK Stick helps prevent blisters before they start. It glides on discreetly and prevents rubbing from shoes—a leading cause of blisters. Plus it’s invisible once applied, meaning it won’t ruin the look of open-toe shoes or other fashionable footwear. Treating Blisters If you do develop a blister, keep it clean, dry and bandaged. Also, watch for signs of infection, and if the blister doesn’t heal after a few days or becomes worse, call your doctor. For more information, visit www.band-aid.com.