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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 #2448 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Preventing Joint Discomfort Bringing Rising Energy Costs Back To Earth (NAPSA)—Energy prices are on the rise, reflecting an increase in gasoline prices and a jump in the cost of home heating oil. The impact on home cooling expenses has homeowners searching for ways to conserve energy and reduce utility bills. Geothermal heating and cooling systems can bring rising energy costs back to Earth, literally and figuratively. Geothermal systems capitalize on the solar energy stored year-round just beneath the Earth’s surface. This free geothermal energy is an unlimited, renewable source that is captured from the Earth by using a series of pipes (an Earth loop) buried in the ground. An environmentally friendly mixture of alcohol and water solution transfers the heat energy from the ground to the fluid and then to the home, providing both heating and cooling comfort to the structure. As a bonus, a geothermal unit can provide some or all of your hot water for more energy savings. According to the experts at WaterFurnace, a geothermal system, like the Envision series by WaterFurnace, operates more efficiently than ordinary heating and air-conditioning systems, delivering an astounding four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates to a 500 percent efficiency rating and savings of up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs. Geothermal systems can be built into new homes or added to existing ones. For new homebuyers, the cost of the system can usually be tied into monthly mort- by Jason Theodosakis, M.D. (NAPSA)—Following a few simple steps can keep joints healthy, prevent pain and help you stay active—whether you’re 30 years old, 70 years old or anywhere in between. Try these tips: • Consult a physician if you have persistent joint problems. • Devise an exercise plan that provides at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. GET INTO HOT WATER: A geothermal system can help homeowners save energy and money. gage payments. Monthly savings from the system will generally cover the additional amount added to the mortgage payment, resulting in an immediate positive cash flow. In an existing home, tax advantages and rebates can offset the initial investment. With lowinterest financing, a homeowner can quickly see positive cash flow in a replacement application. While the geothermal system is reducing the cost of home heating and cooling, it’s also improving the environment. The system emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases that are considered major contributors to environmental air pollution. In addition, the lower peak demands for geothermal systems help postpone the need to build more expensive electric-generating plants and reduce the need for natural resources such as coal or gas to generate electricity. To learn more about the benefits of geothermal systems like the WaterFurnace Envision series, visit www.waterfurnace.com or call (800) GEO-SAVE. A few tips can help keep joints healthy—whatever your age. • Prevent sports injury through strengthening, balance and agility drills. Also, switch from high-risk sports and activities to those with less risk; biking instead of running, for instance. • Consider using a glucosa mine/chondroitin supplement such as Osteo Bi-flex. Taken in combination, glucosamine and chondroitin can promote flexibility, renew cartilage and lubricate joints. For more information, visit www.osteobiflex.com. Dr. Theodosakis is author of the No. 1 New York Times best seller “The Arthritis Cure, revised edition.” Note to Editors: May is National Arthritis Month. Power Up With Pumpkin (NAPSA)—Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse that can be savored all year long. Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber: One 1⁄2-cup serving of pumpkin provides 20 percent of your daily fiber requirement. In addition, fiber promotes regularity and heart health while helping you feel full and satisfied. Just a 1⁄2-cup serving provides more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. Pumpkin is not only rich in nutrients; it is low in calories and fat, too. Available year-round, canned pumpkin can be added to yogurt, hot oatmeal or even tomato sauce—for a delicious, nutritious boost. Unleash the power of pumpkin all year long with these helpful tips: • “Plus up” your dishes with pumpkin: Stirring pumpkin into your sauces, soups or chili can help to reduce the sodium, fat and calories in a serving of your favorite dish. • Bake smarter: Reduce the fat in baked goods such as cookies, breads and cakes by substituting pumpkin for some or all the oil. This method of baking results in less-fattening, healthier and moister baked goods. • Perfect your snacks: Pumpkin is perfectly safe to eat straight out of the can; just stir LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin into peanut butter, applesauce, hot cocoa or other favorite snacks for an easy way to add a good source of nutrients to your diet. • Savor the taste of pumpkin year-round: Embrace the rich taste of pumpkin daily. Stir a little pumpkin into your life by adding it to mashed potatoes, peanut butter and corn muffin mix, or try a delicious pumpkin recipe such as an Everyday Pumpkin Parfait. EVERYDAY PUMPKIN PARFAIT (Makes 2 servings) Ingredients: 1 cup fat-free or low-fat vanilla yogurt 1 ⁄4 cup LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 ⁄4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 ⁄2 to 2⁄3 cup low-fat or fat-free granola Directions: COMBINE yogurt, pumpkin and pie spice in small bowl. PLACE 1⁄2 yogurt mixture into two 1-cup parfait glasses. Top yogurt mixtures with 1⁄2 of granola. Top each with remaining yogurt mixture and granola. Nutrition Facts per Serving: 260 cal, 2 g total fat (.5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 170 mg sodium, 53 g carbo, 4 g fiber, 10 g pro, 100% Daily Value vitamin A, 4% Daily Value vitamin C, 10% Daily Value iron, 25% Daily Value calcium. For more easy pumpkin snack and recipe ideas, visit VeryBest Baking.com/Libbys.
