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90 percent of homes have hard water: What are the effects?

2018-06-07T17:26:00

(BPT) – Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can be found in nearly 90 percent of American homes. These minerals cause scaling, a buildup that clogs waterlines and plumbing forcing appliances to work harder and operate less efficiently. The scale may also harbor bacteria. The only way to truly remove the hard and soft scale from household water systems is with salt-based water softeners.

The benefits of salt-based water softening are significant. Hard water scaling can cause your showerhead to lose up to 75 percent of its flow rate in 18 months. Hard water also interacts negatively with soap, reducing its cleaning power. Soft water is up to 12 times more effective at cleaning dishes than increasing the amount of detergent used.

According to the Water Quality Research Foundation for washing machines, the most important factor in removing stains from clothing was water softness. Reduction of water hardness was up to 100 times more effective at stain removal than increasing the detergent dose or washing with hotter water. In fact, soft water can reduce soap use by as much as half. Hard water can also reduce the efficiency of water heaters and increase electricity costs by as much as 48 percent, according to the Battelle Memorial Institute.

Hard water scaling can also affect your health. The piping used in home plumbing, whether copper or PVC, has very smooth interior surfaces that don’t permit bacteria to settle and grow. However, hard water results in scale formation on the interior surfaces of those pipes, providing a perfect home for bacteria.

Researchers at the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University found bacteria may grow in pipes filled with hard scale and soft scale at the same rate. This is important because some forms of water conditioning produce this soft scale. The solution is to remove hard and soft scale in the pipes with a salt-based water softener.

Hard water you use to wash your fresh fruits and vegetables may contain more bacteria, and the problem isn’t only in the kitchen. When you take a hot shower, the steam you are inhaling can also contain the same microbial contamination that is in the rest of your plumbing, exposing you to bacteria such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaire’s disease.

A salt-based water softener is the most functional and cost-effective means of removing hardness minerals. It is a tool to improve health and lower maintenance costs for home appliances like dishwashers and washing machine. It also reduces the need for detergents and high-water temperatures, leading to a smaller household carbon footprint.


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Be prepared for the 2018 storm season

2018-06-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of Americans, the devastation of the 2017 storm season is still fresh in their minds. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the cumulative cost of the weather events in the U.S. was $306.2 billion. Whether you were directly affected by one of those storm systems, or saw images of flooded neighborhoods, there’s probably one question that you’re now asking yourself.

What can I do to prepare for the next storm season?

It’s an important question to ask. And considering the hurricane season officially begins each year on June 1st, now is the time to start planning.

Be prepared

Whether you live in a coastal area that might be affected by a hurricane or anywhere else in the country, there are common-sense steps you can take to prepare you and your family. A basic emergency kit should include a supply of flashlights and lanterns, medication, food, water, cash and so forth. Being prepared in this way is important because even if you’re not directly in the path of a storm, you may still be affected by a power outage. Losing power means more than losing light. It means losing hundreds of dollars of food and medications in the refrigerator, losing connection to the outside world, watching basements flood as sump pumps fail, facing uncertainty and dealing with the stress that comes with this.

A steady source of power is something many of us take for granted. You really don’t know how dependent you are on electricity until it’s gone.

Power up

There is a cost-effective measure every family can take to avoid the cost — and the stress — of a power outage. The solution is to invest in an automatic standby generator. Some people think power generators are pieces of equipment for either people with cabins or survivalists. But, this has changed. Generator manufacturers today produce a variety of standby generators — as well as portable and industrial options — to meet a diverse array of needs.

Similar to a central air conditioning unit, an automatic standby generator is permanently installed outside of a home. It connects to a home’s electrical system and runs on either natural gas or propane from the home. In the case of an outage, some models, such as the ones produced by Kohler, automatically turn on within 10 seconds of losing power. Depending on the size of the generator, they can power everything in the home, from lights, HVAC, refrigerators, sump pumps, computers, TVs, home security systems and more, while smaller units can power a few key circuits.

Not all units are the same. To ensure you invest in an automatic standby generator that is truly ready for the storm season, look to the models from Kohler. These feature an automatic start, so whether you’re at home or away, it will automatically turn on; a durable enclosure that can withstand storm-force winds; a commercial-grade engine that can handle heavy loads; remote monitoring from a smartphone or laptop; quiet, neighborhood-friendly operation and a five-year warranty.

Additionally, standby generators from Kohler deliver high-quality power that won’t harm your electronics and run on your home’s natural or LP gas, keeping your crucial systems powered at all times — even when you’re not present.

No matter where you live, the potential for experiencing a power outage is real. Having an automatic standby generator can help you get through some of the worst weather nature will throw at us this season.


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Mitos y realidades sobre la disfunción eréctil

2018-06-07T07:01:01

(BPT) – Aunque la disfunción eréctil, o DE, puede ser un tema difícil de tratar, más del 50 por ciento de los hombres mayores de 40 años padecen algún grado de DE.[1] Si bien el hecho de no poder lograr o mantener una erección puede ser frustrante, embarazoso y confuso, existen numerosos mitos sobre este trastorno común que deben desmentirse.

Mito: DE es solo parte normal del envejecimiento

Realidad: Es cierto que la DE es más común en la medida que el hombre envejece, pero no tiene que ser algo que se acepte como parte rutinaria de entrar en años. La DE es un trastorno de salud que debe tratarse, independientemente de que ocurra a los 41 o a los 89.

Mito: Padecer de DE equivale a perder el apetito sexual

Realidad: Algunos hombres que padecen DE podrían evitar el coito porque temen no poder lograr o mantener una erección. Sin embargo, la DE no es una indicación de apetito sexual, y darle tratamiento podría contribuir a la recuperación de una vida sexual sana.

Mito: No debemos preocuparnos por la DE

Realidad: Aunque no siempre ocurre así, la DE podría ser la señal de un trastorno subyacente como la diabetes o una enfermedad cardiaca.[2] Por ejemplo, en casi el 70 por ciento de los casos, la DE se manifiesta antes de una enfermedad cardiaca coronaria.[3] Y, particularmente en los hombres menores de 45 años, la DE puede ser un síntoma precoz de una diabetes no diagnosticada.[4] Es importante consultar con un médico si se padecen síntomas de DE para determinar la existencia de posibles trastornos más graves.

Mito: La DE se puede tratar sencillamente con píldoras

Realidad: Si bien los medicamentos por vía oral son el primer paso para el tratamiento de la DE, debemos tener en cuenta que no funcionan para todo el mundo. Generalmente cerca del 50 por ciento de los hombres que padecen DE dejaron de tomar píldoras, o las mismas dejaron de hacer su función[5] y, además, los pacientes bajo tratamiento de enfermedades cardiacas no pueden consumir medicamentos para la DE.[6] La buena noticia es que existen otras opciones de tratamiento disponibles como un implante de pene, que ofrece una solución permanente y le proporciona al hombre el control total de sus erecciones. Los medicamentos para la DE se han aplicado para dar tratamiento al trastorno durante veinte años,[7] mientras que los implantes se han estado colocando durante más de cuarenta.[8]

Si usted o un ser querido padece síntomas de DE, es importante hablar con un especialista. Visite el sitio web https://www.edcure.org/es/ para:

  • Realizar una sencilla evaluación para recibir una puntuación personalizada de síntomas de ED y determinar con qué gravedad está impactando en su vida o la de su ser querido
  • Buscar un especialista en su localidad de residencia
  • Inscribirse en seminarios informativos gratuitos para conocer más detalles sobre opciones de tratamiento
  • Enterarse de cómo personas como usted han encontrado tratamiento para la ED y obtener respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre la DE, los implantes de pene, y la cobertura de seguro médico.

EDCURE.ORG es un sitio web patrocinado por Boston Scientific Corporation

REFERENCIAS

[1] Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[2] Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[3] Gandaglia G, Briganti A, Jackson G, et al. A systematic review of the association between disfunción eréctil and cardiovascular disease. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):968-78.

[4] Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/sup/. Accessed May 2015. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[5] Matthew AG, Goldman A, Trachtenberg J, et al. Sexual dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: prevalence, treatments, restricted use of treatments and distress. J Urol. 2005 Dec;174(6):2105-10. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[6] Jackson G, Rosen RC, Kloner RA, et al. The second Princeton consensus on sexual dysfunction and cardiac risk: new guidelines for sexual medicine. J Sex Med. 2006 Jan;3(1):28–36. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)

[7] Viagra: The Little Blue Pill That Could. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2013/03/27/health/viagra-anniversary-timeline/index.html. Accessed March 2018.

[8] Scott FB, Bradley WE, Timm GW. Management of erectile impotence: use of implantable inflatable prosthesis. Urology. 1973 Jul:2(1):80-2. ON FILE AT BSC (From Website)


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Simple, local nutrition: 5 reasons to feel good about the dairy in your diet

2018-06-07T07:03:00

(BPT) – When you sip a wholesome smoothie or savor a slice of cheesy pizza, do you ever wonder who’s behind your favorite dairy foods?

More than 97 percent of dairy farms in the United States are family-owned and operated – and these families are as passionate about crafting simple, nutritious dairy products as you are about enjoying them. From dairy farmers to chefs, and everyone in between, the hardworking people who put delicious dairy foods on your table all share one undeniable characteristic: devotion.

Other than the great taste and rich farming tradition behind dairy products, here are five more reasons to make dairy a regular part of your diet:

*Dairy is a local business. When you buy cheese, yogurt or milk, you’re supporting hard-working dairy farm families near you, which helps create jobs. The dairy products you’re feeding your family probably came from another hard-working family near you. And dairy farms are the ultimate local businesses: Most milk is made less than a two-hour drive from where it’s sold.

*It’s natural: Real milk, cheese and butter taste the most natural because, well, they are the most natural. So, when you add a splash of milk to your morning coffee or top a baked potato with butter and sour cream, you’re keeping it real – and fresh.

*Dairy is simple and affordable. At a time when eating healthy seems to get more and more complicated – and expensive – dairy remains simple and affordable. Why? A glass of milk is the No. 1 source of nine essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and B vitamins.

*It’s good at any age. Dairy is beneficial for all ages, because it is a top food source for calcium, potassium and vitamin D – nutrients that many Americans, including children, are most lacking in their diets. And dairy products are safe to consume. “The bottom line is milk and other dairy foods are safe and nutritious foods you can recommend to others and enjoy with confidence,” confirms Dr. Gregory Miller, PhD, FACN, chief science officer at National Dairy Council.

*Dairy packs a protein punch. Dairy is an important and widely available source of protein, which helps rebuild and repair muscle. If you took it out of your diet, you’d need to eat up to 30 percent more plant proteins to match the quality of the protein that’s in dairy.

Learn more about the people behind your favorite dairy foods and the benefits of eating dairy at UndeniablyDairy.org/devoted.


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How homeowners can prepare for summer storm season

2018-06-05T11:35:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again when unwanted weather patterns like severe thunderstorms, rainstorms and tornadoes can wreak havoc on homes and businesses.

While certain areas of the country are more apt to face tornadoes, virtually everyone is at risk for heavy rain, winds and hail, which can cause flooding, power outages and structural damage. Whether you’re in the Midwest, the Southwest, the Great Plains or any other part of the country, it’s important to be prepared for the upcoming storm season.

These expert tips will help you prepare for and recover from a storm:

1. Have a plan. Assign everyone in your house a defined role. Let someone be responsible for gathering your pets; someone else, medication and important, irreplaceable documents. Identify areas of your home that are most secure so you can take cover. And while having a plan is a great first step, practicing it is even more important.

2. Make electronic copies of all important documents. Take pictures of your home and its contents to use with insurance providers after damage has occurred.

3. Update your contact list. Make sure it includes critical phone numbers such as insurance providers, emergency response agencies and professional restoration companies that can immediately assist with damage. Also, be sure to have multiple ways to contact your friends and family to tell them where you are and what you need. Have back-up chargers available in the event you lose power.

4. Know how to turn off your utilities. In some cases, you need to be prepared to turn off water, gas and electric service if asked to evacuate or if flooding is imminent.

5. Take steps to keep your home protected. If water enters your home, you can help limit water damage to your contents by lifting drapes off the carpet, looping them through a coat hanger and placing the hanger on the drapery rod. Outside your home, keep mulch away from the foundation to minimize the risk of water collecting near the building and possibly leaking into the basement.

After the storm has passed, wait for authorities to declare it’s safe to go home. When it is, keep these steps in mind:

1. Safety first. Floodwater may be electrically charged by downed power lines. If you see any fallen power lines, call your utility company immediately. Do not assume someone else has already contacted them. Once authorities give you the greenlight to reenter your neighborhood and home, make sure you have the proper gear to do so. Use waterproof boots and gloves to protect your skin from unpleasant or dangerous pollutants in the water.

2. Check the structure. If your home’s structure or foundation appears unstable, do not attempt to go inside. Immediately call for professional help and get a thorough assessment of the damage. Water damage after heavy rains can cause walls, ceilings and floors to swell, decay or collapse.

3. Take inventory and contact your insurance agent. Photograph and document all damages to your home and belongings to support any future insurance claims. As soon as possible after a storm, contact your insurance company or representative to check your coverage and start the claims process.

4. Limit damage. Rainwater and floodwater can damage your home’s contents and structure, and create ideal conditions for mold growth within a matter of hours. However, because floodwater is often contaminated, extra care should be used when entering the property and removing damaged items. Work with a qualified professional to prevent additional damage.

5. Partner with a professional restoration company. A few things to look for in a professional company include:

a. Make sure they have industry experience and expertise.

b. Make sure they offer 24-hour emergency assistance.

c. Make sure your insurance company works with them or they are on an approved list. Don’t take Joe off the street.

d. Make sure they have the proper permits and licenses to do the needed work.

e. Make sure they are insured.

ServiceMaster Restore brings more than 60 years of experience helping homeowners and commercial properties recover from all types of disasters, from wind and rain damage to catastrophic tornadoes and hurricanes, and more.

Understanding what to do after severe weather has passed can help you get back on your feet much quicker. If you don’t know where to start, call the experts at ServiceMaster Restore to guide you through the restoration process.


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5 pet-friendly preparations for your summer travels

2018-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – On your most challenging days you can always count on your pet to greet you at the door when you come home or cuddle up in your lap in the evening. They are a vital part of your home life all year long, but when your life takes you away from home — as it often does during summer travel — are you thinking of them before you head out the door?

With so much to pack and prepare for your trip, it’s easy to forget about those you’ll leave behind, like your pets. That’s why if you’re planning to leave for a day or longer, you should make sure to employ these five tips to make sure your pet is happy and safe while you’re away.

* Find a quality pet sitter. Dogs need to be walked and let out during the day, so when you’re gone, you’ll need a pet sitter to fill these duties. Finding a quality, reliable pet sitter can be the difference between a happy pet and damage to your home when you return. Try to trade sits with a fellow pet owner, and if that’s not possible, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a nonprofit organization with resources to help you find the best pet sitter for you.

* Be mindful of the temperature. Knowing the temperature patterns in your destination city plays a big role in how you pack, but have you looked at what the weather has in store for your home while you’re gone? Allowing your home to get overly hot while you’re away isn’t good for your pet. You can control the temperature in your home — even while you’re away — with the Coleman Echelon Hx Touch-screen Thermostat. This WiFi-enabled smart thermostat provides more than just comfort, it monitors the temperature in your home, allowing you to always be aware of your home’s temperature. And best of all, it’s completely controllable from your smartphone, so even if you forget to make adjustments before you go, resetting the temperature in your home is just a click away.

* A little cleaning goes a long way. Your pet really isn’t that different from you; they appreciate a nice clean area to live in as well. Give it to them before you go by making sure the litter box or the yard is clean and that you’ve picked up as much clutter as possible. Wash the blankets that adorn their favorite sleeping places and make sure the space is ready for their use.

* A little TV time. If commotion is the name of the game in your home, a house that is suddenly too quiet could have a negative impact on your pet. To alleviate this concern, leave the television on in one of the rooms so your pet can enjoy a little noise in the background. Just make sure you choose a room that is different from where your pet often sleeps so they can comfortably avoid the sound if they want to.

* Leave a little bit of yourself. Is it possible to be in two places at once? In some ways yes. Leaving items out that smell like you — laundry or blankets, for example — can be a wonderful source of comfort in instances when your pet is feeling stressed. Just remember that if your pet likes to chew, these items could be their first target, so only leave things you’re comfortable losing.

Having a pet doesn’t mean you need to put your summer plans on hold, it just adds another layer to your planning process. Apply the tips above, and you and your pet will be happy and comfortable until the trip is over and you’re reunited.


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The Five Steps to Help You with Your Doctor’s Visit When Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2018-06-05T14:01:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires regular medical appointments with your rheumatologist or healthcare provider (HCP), which can be valuable time to ask questions about RA symptoms and learn about available resources or treatments. Listed below are five key steps to help you with your interaction with your HCP.

Schedule Conversations, Not Appointments

Think of your time with your HCP as a conversation: two people, on equal ground, working together to help you manage your RA.

Prepare in Advance and Prioritize Questions

Time with your HCP is never as long as either of you would prefer. To maximize your time, always have updates and questions ready before the conversation, and try to prioritize your questions.

You Know Yourself the Best

You know your body better than anyone. You know when you’re meeting your goals or not. Trust your instincts and be honest when speaking with your HCP about how you’re really doing.

Be Specific and Honest

When your HCP asks you: “How are you doing?” try to use more descriptive words about your RA symptoms than simply stating “fine,” “good” or “OK.” Ask yourself: “Am I really ‘fine’ or am I just trying to appear strong?”

Set Goals

Setting goals that can be measured during each conversation with your HCP is one of the most important things you can do. Discuss progress toward goals at each visit to track the management of your RA.

Visit www.Pfizer.com/RANarRAtive to download the Power Your Inner RA Voice Conversation Guide which includes these key tips along with a worksheet to help guide your next appointment!


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Products to improve your home in 2 hours or less

2018-06-05T14:01:00

(BPT) – The words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, taking hours and hours to complete the project. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements you can do that can be accomplished in under two hours.

First, have you ever wished your home had more daylight? Maybe you want to bring in daylight to a small place like a closet or laundry room. Or maybe you have a room with a window but still not enough light. One solution is a daylighting system from Solatube. This product can be installed in under two hours and floods the interior with natural light. For more information, visit www.solatube.com/residential.

Concerned about security? Installing a Ring doorbell takes just a few minutes and you can monitor visitors at your front door on your smartphone through an app. This is a way to add some security to your home. You can be anywhere with your phone but answer your front door and see who’s there. They have no idea where you are, home or otherwise. For information, visit https://ring.com/.

Indoor air quality can be poor. The upstairs can often be hotter than the downstairs. Air can be humid and wet. House odors from cooking, pets, etc., can hang around. A Whole House Fan is quiet (with a light white noise) and can be installed without reframing. When you open the windows with the whole house fan on, it strips out the heat from the home as well as the unwelcome smells. In summer months it keeps the house cooler and eliminates stale air in the winter. For information, visit http://www.solatube.com/whole-house-fans.

Another product that installs quickly is an upgraded bathroom fan. It comes with a variety of options such as heaters and lights. An upgraded bathroom fan can dramatically reduce bathroom humidity and odors and run more quietly. For information, visit https://na.panasonic.com/us/home-living-solutions/ventilation-indoor-air-quality.

An easy home improvement project is to swap out light bulbs for LEDs. Even CFL bulbs can’t hold a candle to LED bulbs, which, while more expensive, last up to 20 years or more. One source for LED bulbs is 1000 Bulbs, www.1000bulbs.com.

This gives you an idea of some ways to spruce up your home in under two hours. But the changes will be long-lasting!


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Tips for keeping heartburn at bay this season

2018-06-05T09:03:00

(BPT) – While summer is synonymous with beach days, vacations and barbecues, there’s something else bringing the heat this season: heartburn.

Summer is the most common season for heartburn, according to a survey commissioned by store brand Omeprazole Delayed Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets 20 mg. (Omeprazole ODT is a 14-day treatment program that is not to be repeated for four months. It should not be used all season unless directed by your doctor.) Beyond the physical discomfort and pain, heartburn can also get in the way of enjoying all that summer has to offer. In fact, nearly one in four frequent heartburn sufferers skip attending summer barbecues, dinner with friends and traveling when heartburn strikes.

From the food or beverages consumed to the way we eat and when, there are many factors that play a role in the onset of heartburn. To help keep it at bay this season, internal medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center Dr. Keri Peterson recommends the following tips:

1) Be mindful of food choices

Many quintessential summer foods and beverages can contribute to heartburn. Ice cream, hot dogs, wine and lemonade are some of the top culprits. Limiting, or even avoiding when possible, the consumption of fatty, fried or spicy foods can help diminish the chance of heartburn rearing its ugly head. While these foods are often known to lead to heartburn, every person is different. If you start to see a pattern of certain foods triggering your heartburn, it is best to cut your intake of them.

2) Be prepared

Despite sufferers’ best efforts, sometimes heartburn is inevitable and current treatment options are not conducive to their busy summer lifestyles. Cue new store brand Omeprazole ODT, the first and only orally dissolving form of omeprazole, the No. 1 selling PPI ingredient in heartburn treatment, available for people suffering from frequent heartburn, defined as heartburn that occurs two or more days per week. Find it at retailers nationwide under each store’s brand label. This product is not intended for immediate relief; it may take 1-4 days for full effect.

3) Opt for smaller meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals as opposed to three big meals each day can help reduce the chance of heartburn. When there’s a larger quantity of food in the stomach, the stomach stays enlarged for a longer period, increasing the chance that food or acids will find their way back up into the esophagus. With smaller, lighter meals, you decrease your risk of this happening.

4) Consider losing weight

If you are overweight, consider an exercise and diet regimen to improve your health. Carrying excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, driving more acid up into the esophagus.

5) Check the time

Eating within two to three hours of lying down can lead to heartburn, as the meal just consumed can slide up into the esophagus. Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating. When you do lay down, use extra pillows to raise your head a bit off the mattress. Sleeping at an elevated angle can help stop the acid backup.

6) Channel your stress

From the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling brought on by anxiety to hunger pangs caused by seeing tasty food, the emotions a person feels have strong, direct links to their stomach. Stress has been found to induce heartburn in some people because when a person is stressed, the body will often slow down digestion, causing food to stay in the stomach longer and providing more time for stomach acid to make its way up to the esophagus. Try to reduce your stress by doing some light exercise, meditating, getting a good night’s sleep or watching a funny movie to relieve stress through laughter.

For more information, visit dissolveyourheartburn.com.