Heritage Manor News: Dealing with heartburn/GERD

GERD is the term used for gastro-esophogeal reflux disease. Acids and enzymes in the stomach flow backwards into the esophagus. GERD produces a variety of symptoms and can be occasional or reptitive. It affects at least 25 percent of the US population. About one out of 10 people experience GERD each day. Reflux disease can occur at any age and is not limited to the elderly. It is, however, more common in elderly men. The stomach has a protective lining but the esphagus does not. If GERD occurs frequently, it can do much damage. Repeated reflux can result in inflammation, causing open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining. It can, in turn, develop into cancer. Risk factors include smoking, anxiety, obesity, hiatal hernia or tumors. Some treatments that seem to ease the discomfort are losing weight, avoiding lying down after meals, quitting smoking, elevating the head of the bed on six-inch blocks or wedging the mattress. Seek medical help and follow a good balanced diet.
Activities this week include Come Lord Jesus group, manicures, bible study, exercise, in-room visits, social reading, casino trip, bingo sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, trip to Village de Memoire for a ceramics class, service by the Armada Prayer Group, jingo, mass, ball toss and rosary.
Congratulations to the raffle winners and the many sponsors for donating items to the annual raffle. First place prize, won by Mandi Young, was a two-burner stove on legs donated by Industrial Service and Supply. Second place prize, won by Cathy Jason, was an ice cooler filled with summer goodies donated by Therapy Center. Third place prize, won by Michelle Renee Henry, was a $30 gift card to Blake’s Pharmacy donated by Blake Vidrine.