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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. ! #2390 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Talking Blood Clots With Your Doc (NAPSA)—Blood clots can be a serious concern for those who have had a harmful clot in the past. If you have a history of certain types of blood clots, you have a higher chance of getting another blood clot. Understanding your risk of recurrence is important. Talking with your doctor can better help you get on the right path to preventing harmful clots. Clots normally form to help stop bleeding after you’ve been injured. Clots that form for other reasons, like those outlined below, can be dangerous. Many potentially serious clots originate in a vein in your leg or pelvis. They can cause serious swelling in the legs or block blood flow in the lungs. About half the people who develop abnormal blood clots have an inherited tendency to do so. Other factors that may cause harmful clots to form include, but are not limited to: • Surgery: operations are one of the leading causes of blood clots. Especially operations to replace major joints such as the hip and knee. • Long periods of inactivity: inactivity caused by prolonged bed rest or long trips increases your chances of developing a blood clot. Patients immobilized after surgery are more likely to develop clots than those who are able to get up and walk around. • Certain medical conditions: for example, people who have had cancer, a heart attack or stroke are more likely to develop clots in their veins. • Vein injury: this may occur during certain types of surgery, especially hip or knee replacement If you have had a blood clot in the past, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter drug such as aspirin. surgery. It may also be a result of direct injuries to the legs. • Increased levels of clotting factors in the blood: some types of cancer cause increased levels of blood clotting substances. Also, the female hormone estrogen, which is found in birth control pills and hormone therapy, increases clotting factors in the blood. If any of these factors apply to you, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend prevention and treatment options based on your medical history and current risk factors. She may prescribe an over-the-counter drug such as low-dose aspirin. Aspirin interferes with the blood’s ability to clot. Stronger medicines, known as blood thinners or anticoagulants, may also be prescribed. There are also benefits of staying active. Talking blood clots with your doctor should be an open dialogue—one in which all of your concerns are addressed. Take charge of your health today! The development of this article was funded by GlaxoSmithKline. Sources: Mayo Clinic; Circulation (Journal of the American Heart Association); The Lancet Entertaining 101 The Home Doctor Will See You Now (NAPSA)—It may be easy to create a memorable dinner party that’s long on enjoyment and short on stress if you plan your menus with a combination of prepared and homemade items. What’s more, if you’re striving to watch your calories, try to balance the meal. One place to trim the fat is dessert. Here’s a tiramisu recipe using the new chocolate pudding made with 1% milk that makes an elegant dessert and lightens it up for your guests: Fiber cement siding can help homeowners reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase comfort, while helping the environment. Here’s a terrific tiramisu you can serve without guilt. “Guiltless Tiramisu” Ingredients 4 oz. Kozy Shack chocolate pudding made with 1% milk 1 ⁄4 cup whipped topping 4 pieces ladyfinger 3 ⁄4 cups coffee or espresso (brewed) Make mousse by folding whipped topping into Kozy Shack chocolate pudding made with 1% milk and hold. Break the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Brew regular coffee or espresso for dipping of ladyfingers. Dip the ladyfingers in coffee to moisten. Arrange ladyfingers (round side up) around perimeter of bowl. Spoon mousse into center. Garnish to taste. (NAPSA)—The Home Doctor answers questions about environmentally-friendly remodeling. Q: I’m planning on remodeling my home soon, and I would like to replace my old wood siding. Do you know of any siding on the market that is environmentally friendly and offers the style choices available with wood siding? A: In an increasingly eco-conscious world, savvy homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes as “green” as possible. Not only does going green have a positive effect on the environment, it can also be beneficial to the homeowner by making the living area healthy and free of toxins. Remodeling an existing home can be one of the most environmentally friendly, resource-efficient actions that a homeowner can take. For homeowners looking to replace the wood siding on their homes, fiber cement siding is an environmentally sound material that also offers style without the maintenance hassles of wood. Fiber cement siding has increased in popularity with builders over the years because of its competitive price, woodgrain look and easy upkeep. Unlike wood siding, which requires constant maintenance and eventual replacement, fiber cement is a combination of Portland cement and wood fibers that has a wood-like appearance without the maintenance associated with wood. CertainTeed fiber cement siding—both the WeatherBoards™ and ColorMax ™ lines—has recently been enhanced to create an environmentally friendly, authenticlooking product that is available in a variety of styles and colors. The new formulation replaces sand with recycled fly ash and calcium carbonate, creating a product that is lighter in weight, reducing the energy required to produce and transport the siding. So, as you prepare to replace your siding, remember green renovation offers the opportunity to reduce home energy demands, home maintenance costs and increase comfort, while doing something good for the environment. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com.
