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 #2437 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Roofs Can Be The First Defense Against Fires (NAPSA)—The recent devastating wildfires in California that caused billions of dollars in damage reinforced how vital it is for homeowners to take a second look at what their roofs are made of. Experts say that different types of roofs—depending on whether they’re constructed of wood, tile or asphalt—can often mean the difference between safety and disaster. They add that while some materials offer valuable protection, others can actually encourage fires. Here’s a rundown: Wood Roofs Several decades ago, wood roofs were considered upgrades to the material then commonly used by builders. And, aesthetically, the wood shakes blended in nicely with the wooded landscape of many neighborhoods. Today, however, many local building departments don’t allow wood roofs because of their inherent fire danger. Tile Roofs Builders have turned to the use of tile roofs, but be ready for sticker shock. Due to the roofs’ excessive weight, special framing may be necessary, which can be a major expense. Tile also requires special installation that is laborintensive. All this can add up to 50 percent more than the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. Plus, tiles don’t always protect against water damage. Asphalt Shingles There’s a reason asphalt shingles have exploded in popularity since 2000. Industry experts say they provide the look and feel of OF NUTRITION Tame Your Family’s Hunger Certain roofing materials can resist—or encourage—fire. wood shake and tile roofs with much better protection, less cost and longer life. “Most fiberglass asphalt shingles are rated Class A by Underwriters Laboratories, which is the highest fire protection rating available for roofing shingles,” says Dave Harrison from GAF Materials Corporation, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. “And the shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles that emulate the look of natural materials such as wood, stone or slate.” Harrison says the new patterns and color palettes offered by GAF can provide a prestigious look that could increase the value of a home for as little as half the cost of other materials. Plus, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to maintain and repair. For more information on roofing problems and solutions, or to watch a free video on avoiding roofing disasters, visit www.gaf.com or call (888) LEAK-SOS. (NAPSA)—We may not be living in the wilderness, but for today’s busy moms, the world can seem like a jungle. Between school, sports and other activities, families need a balanced breakfast to get a good start on their busy schedules and keep up with the rest of the pack. Now there’s a way to tame your family’s hunger with great-tasting whole grains and fiber so they can survive in the “wild”—and learn about animals and the environment, too. Families can now enjoy a nutritious breakfast while learning about wildlife and the environment. Through its partnership with Animal Planet, Kellogg’s Wild Animal Crunch—available in four different collector’s packages with real animal photographs—provides kids with fun word jumbles, trading cards, crossword puzzles and more to help kids learn about the unique animals in the world and how they survive in the wild. As one of the first new cereals to meet the Kellogg Global Nutrient Criteria, it’s also a nutritious choice for families. Each package also includes tips for families on how they can get involved and act as a voice for animals everywhere—such as Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. (Reach Out, Act and Respond) program. To learn more, go to wildanimalcrunch.com. Support Groups Can Be Invaluable Resources To Caregivers Of People With Alzheimer’s Disease (NAPSA)—Just ask any caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer ’s disease and he or she will tell you: Caregiving is rewarding but often a very challenging task. People with the disease rely on caregivers to provide support emotionally, financially and with activities of daily living. But who is caring for the caregivers? Help Is Out There That’s where support groups come in. They play an invaluable role, giving caregivers a venue for sharing experiences, exchanging information and providing encouragement. In fact, a recent survey of caregivers of people with Alzheimer ’s disease found that the majority of respondents wanted more emotional support from family and friends. Support groups may help fill this void. “There’s no doubt that support groups can be incredibly beneficial to caregivers,” said Lesley Blake, M.D., psychiatrist and Alzheimer ’s disease expert, Eastern State Hospital, Medical Lake, Wash. “They are a good forum for sharing feelings, connecting with a community, and learning facts about the disease and ways to treat it.” In particular, support groups can introduce caregivers to important treatment options that they may have overlooked. For example, the same survey showed that most caregivers were unaware of combination therapy, a treatment option that combines two FDAapproved classes of medications for Alzheimer’s disease. Treating people who are in the moderate to severe stages of the disease with combination therapy has shown to yield activities of daily living benefits, as well as behavioral and cognitive improvements. Finding Support Groups There are several ways to approach finding support groups in your area. You can ask your physician, hospital or church for referrals; you could search the Internet for online support groups; or you can reach out to national Alzheimer ’s disease organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org). About Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, resulting in memory loss, thinking and language skills impairment and behavioral changes. An estimated one in eight persons over age 65 has the condition, often requiring spouses, children and even grandchildren to act as caregivers for their loved ones. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, please visit www.alzheimersonline.com.
