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How to properly store summer clothes to avoid a pest infestation

2018-09-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – As colder weather approaches, you may decide to store some of your summer clothes. However, when warmer temperatures roll around again, you might not find those shorts and tank tops exactly as you left them. Certain insects that feed on fabrics and textiles can leave your carefully stored clothing damaged and full of holes. But don’t despair! Your shirts aren’t necessarily doomed. With some tips from Terminix, you can learn what kinds of bugs damage fabric and how you can best protect your outfits in storage.

Which insects eat clothes?

When you picture the kind of bug that finds its way into a closet and ruins your clothing, you probably think of a moth. The larvae of clothes moths feed on everything from synthetic fabrics to upholstery to stray pet or human hair. While adult moths don’t actually eat fabric, the hungry larvae can ruin your summer clothing if they hatch where you’ve stored your things.

In addition to moths, carpet beetles can also target textiles and fabrics. The adults look like small ladybugs, but the larvae are the true danger to your clothes. They can feed on wool, feathers, fur, linen, cotton and soiled synthetic fibers. While adults only live up to 60 days, they can lay as many as 100 eggs. Once hatched, those larvae can be present for up to a year. That’s not ideal for keeping your boxed-up clothes safe.

How can you stop an infestation before it starts?

Keep a close eye on the places where fabric-eating bugs like to hide. This can include carpets, rugs, wall hangings and upholstered furniture. Vacuuming these areas can remove any larvae and help you prevent an infestation before it gets out of hand. Additionally, be sure to repair torn screens and block any cracks under your doors to prevent clothes moths from entering.

How do you store your clothes safely?

Another key to keeping your stored clothes bug-free is to clean them before packing them away. Stains can attract hungry pests, so be sure to remove any obvious ones such as food or oil before boxing things up. Make sure to keep the area where you’re storing your clothing as clean as possible as well. Whether you’re keeping things in a box, a closet or your attic, vacuum the area and wipe down any shelves and walls.

How do you handle an infestation?

If you find yourself with damaged clothes and an infestation too big to tackle alone, it’s time to contact a specialist. Trained pest control professionals, such as Terminix’s technicians, can help remove destructive pests so you can store your undamaged summer clothes safely in the future.


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3 questions to ask when looking for your new HVAC unit

2018-09-12T07:01:01

(BPT) – If you subscribe to the belief that your home is your castle, then you naturally expect to be comfortable in that castle, right? Whether it’s the middle of winter or the dog days of summer, your home’s HVAC system plays a vital role in supporting this comfort, so if you’re in the market for a new system, here are three questions you should ask before purchasing your new system.

Is the unit the right size for your home?

In the world of HVAC units, size matters and bigger isn’t always better. A unit that is too big will needlessly waste energy in your home while a unit that is too small will burn out trying to keep up. An HVAC system’s power is measured in tons — not a unit of weight in this case but power.

To determine the proper tonnage for your home, your HVAC technician will need to review most, if not all, of the rooms in your home — especially the attic and/or basement. A common rule of thumb for HVAC systems is that one ton is necessary for every 400 square feet in the home. However, your needs may vary based on your home’s location, its insulation and other factors, so don’t be afraid to ask questions as your technician reviews your home.

What is the proper SEER rating for your home?

When it comes to HVAC systems, the SEER rating may be the most important measurement you’re not aware of.

Ken Ely, director of residential product management, Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls agrees. “Many homeowners have never heard of a SEER rating associated with their HVAC unit,” he says. “However, a unit’s SEER rating demonstrates its energy efficiency and how easily the system can control the temperature in your home. A higher SEER rating is good for the environment and your overall energy budget.”

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and the rating is a good indicator of your unit’s energy efficiency. For example, the 19 SEER efficiency of the new two-stage Luxaire Acclimate HVAC unit can reduce your system’s energy usage by up to 47 percent when compared to older 10 SEER units, meaning you’ll start saving energy and utility costs immediately after installation.

All units with SEER ratings of 14 or higher earn an energy efficiency classification, so look for the SEER rating when shopping for a new HVAC unit and remember the higher the rating, the more you’ll save in the long run.

What maintenance will be involved with my unit?

Like all other aspects of your home, adding a new HVAC unit means you’ll be responsible for some maintenance to support its use. The maintenance required for your new unit should be outlined in the owner’s manual, but you can also ask your HVAC contractor if you have any questions not answered in the guide. Confirm the warranty details of your new HVAC system and be sure to register the warranty with the manufacturer if necessary. This will ensure your new system is supported for years to come.

Following a regular maintenance schedule, such as keeping the area around your unit clean, is a good rule to follow. The extra effort will keep your system running optimally, and neglecting routine maintenance can void your system’s warranty. Keep a record of all maintenance performed to reference in case any repairs are needed.

Finding your next HVAC system

Whether you want to enjoy the last days of this season or prepare for the next, finding the right HVAC system for your home is one decision you shouldn’t delay. Start your search by finding answers to the questions above and you’ll be on your way to the perfect HVAC solution for your property.


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3 Hot Topics For Men With Prostate Cancer

2018-09-11T13:33:00

(BPT) – We’ve all heard of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men after skin cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. About 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. If you or a loved one is diagnosed, there are a few important things to know.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include: increasing age, African ancestry, family history of the disease, certain inherited genetic conditions, as well as other factors with less clear effects (ie, diet, chemical exposure, smoking).

Starting at age 50, the American Cancer Society recommends men begin screening after a risk and benefit discussion with their doctor. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a simple and important blood test, and is a critical tool used to screen and monitor patients. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your risks of prostate cancer and both the risk and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer and should have informed discussions about prostate cancer screening with your healthcare provider starting at age 45.

Here are 3 things to know about this prevalent disease:

  1. Delaying the spread of prostate cancer is critical. When prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland, it is called localized prostate cancer. Treatment options depend on your individual condition and other factors, and include active surveillance, watchful waiting, surgery, and radiation therapy. Many men respond to treatment at this stage and do not need further treatment. In fact, the 5-year relative survival rate approaches 100% for patients whose prostate cancer is diagnosed at a local or regional stage, compared to 30% for prostate cancer diagnosed at a distant stage.
  2. It is important to monitor the progression of your prostate cancer. For some, treatment of early stages of the disease is not enough, and the cancer may progress. These men may receive hormone treatment called androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT. This type of treatment is given to reduce or block the production and action of male hormones (androgens) in the body, such as testosterone, which can help fuel prostate cancer cells. ADT is often an effective treatment; however, after time, some prostate cancer can continue to adapt and progress, as indicated by rising PSA levels. Prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone is called non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or nmCRPC. Men with nmCRPC are at risk of developing metastasis, which happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. The most common sites where prostate cancer can spread are to the bones, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain.
  3. There are options for treatment for nmCRPC. Until recently, men with nmCRPC had limited treatment options. Today, however, there are new treatments available that may help delay the spread of cancer in certain men with nmCRPC.

ERLEADA® (apalutamide) is the first approved treatment for prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.

A clinical trial showed ERLEADA® and ADT helped delay the spread of cancer to other parts of the body or delay death by 24.3 months for certain patients compared to placebo plus ADT. For the group who received ERLEADA® plus ADT, the median number of months living without metastasis was 40.5 months compared to 16.2 months in the group who received placebo plus ADT. ERLEADA® and ADT work together to lower androgens that help fuel the prostate cancer. If prescribed ERLEADA®, you should know about some of the serious side effects associated with the therapy and talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Serious side effects can include falls, fractures, and seizures. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were: fatigue, high blood pressure (hypertension), hypothyroidism, rash, diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, joint pain (arthralgia), falls, hot flush, decreased appetite, fractures, and swelling in the limbs (peripheral edema). Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

It is critical to get informed and act, especially if you are at a greater risk or are experiencing new symptoms, so you can fully understand your options. Now you may have an option to help you keep fighting.

“I tell all my patients that it’s important for them to learn about their disease and know if it’s progressing. Don’t just research — ask, learn, and get more involved. I want patients becoming knowledgeable and part of the decision team regarding their disease with their practitioner. Additionally, it is critical for them to have a sense of urgency if the disease progresses,” says Dr. Kenneth Kernen, urologist and Director of Research at the Michigan Institute of Urology.

This content is provided by Janssen Biotech, Inc. Visit www.ERLEADA.com for more information.

# # #

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take ERLEADA® (apalutamide) if you:

  • are pregnant or may become pregnant. ERLEADA® may harm your unborn baby.
  • are female. ERLEADA® is not for use in women.

Before taking ERLEADA®, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a history of seizures, brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
  • have a partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant. Men who are sexually active with a pregnant woman must use a condom during and for 3 months after treatment with ERLEADA®. If your sexual partner may become pregnant, effective birth control (contraception) must be used during and for 3 months after treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about birth control.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ERLEADA® can interact with many other medicines.

You should not start or stop any medicine before you talk with the healthcare provider that prescribed ERLEADA®.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take ERLEADA®?

  • Take ERLEADA® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
  • Take your prescribed dose of ERLEADA® 1 time a day, at the same time each day.
  • Take ERLEADA® with or without food.
  • Swallow ERLEADA® tablets whole.
  • Your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed.
  • Do not stop taking your prescribed dose of ERLEADA® without talking with your healthcare provider first.
  • If you miss a dose of ERLEADA®, take your normal dose as soon as possible on the same day. Return to your normal schedule on the following day. You should not take extra tablets to make up the missed dose.
  • You should start or continue a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy during your treatment with ERLEADA® unless you had a surgery to lower the amount of testosterone in your body (surgical castration).
  • If you take too much ERLEADA®, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check for side effects

What are the possible side effects of ERLEADA®?

ERLEADA® may cause serious side effects including:

  • Falls and fractures. ERLEADA® treatment can cause bones and muscles to weaken and may increase your risk for falls and fractures. Falls and fractures have happened in people during treatment with ERLEADA®. Falls were not caused by loss of consciousness (fainting) or seizures. Your healthcare provider will monitor your risks for falls and fractures during treatment with ERLEADA®.
  • Seizure. If you take ERLEADA®, you may be at risk of having a seizure. You should avoid activities where a sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to yourself or others. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a loss of consciousness or seizure. Your healthcare provider will stop ERLEADA® if you have a seizure during treatment.

The most common side effects of ERLEADA® include:

  • feeling very tired
  • high blood pressure
  • rash
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • joint pain
  • fall
  • hot flash
  • bone injury (fracture)
  • swollen hands, ankles, or feet

ERLEADA® may cause fertility problems in males, which may affect the ability to father children. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility. Do not donate sperm during treatment with ERLEADA® and for 3 months after the last dose of ERLEADA®.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of ERLEADA®.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for ERLEADA®.

INDICATION

What is ERLEADA®?

ERLEADA® (apalutamide) is a prescription medicine used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.

It is not known if ERLEADA® is safe or effective in children.


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Give pets the ultimate mealtime experience

2018-09-11T16:55:00

(BPT) – Dogs and their owners have many things in common. For example, they both love to eat! When preparing a meal for your four-legged family members, make sure it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and you are creating a dining experience they enjoy and look forward to. Help give your pets the ultimate mealtime experience with these tips:

1. Create a mealtime routine

Animals love routine. It’s important for dogs to establish a mealtime routine whether they get fed first thing in the morning, after their walk or as small meals throughout the day. Your pooch will quickly catch on when it’s mealtime.

2. Purchase a puzzle bowl or toy

Does your dog eat too fast? Do you want them to make a game out of their meal? Puzzle bowls and food dispensing toys are a fantastic way to stimulate your dog’s mind during mealtime. They allow them to slow down to truly enjoy their food, making mealtime fun! Head to your local retailer to choose the correct bowl or toy for your dog.

3. Provide your dog with a meal that gives them variety

Dogs and humans alike enjoy food with variety! Varieties like Bacon & Steak Flavored dry dog food and Beef & Chicken Flavored dry dog food from Kibbles ‘n Bits offer its signature combination of crunchy kibble and tender bits.

4. Turn mealtime into a dance party

Have you ever danced due to excitement? Well, now your dog will, too. Play a song before each mealtime to signal when it’s time for your dog to eat. This new bonding ritual will create more fun for all family members and will have your dog busting moves in anticipation in no time!

5. Make it a training opportunity

Use mealtime as an opportunity to train and reinforce wanted behaviors. Using commands like “sit” and “wait” before allowing your dog to eat helps them practice impulse control and good manners.

To learn more, visit www.kibblesnbits.com.


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5 back-to-school savings tips for parents

2018-09-10T10:53:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is in full swing and parents are busy completing their shopping lists. Between new books, school supplies and the latest gadgets, sticking to a back-to-school budget is no small feat. Financial columnist, broadcaster and author Peter Dunn, known nationally as “Pete the Planner,” has some great, deal-savvy shopping tips to help you find the best values and save money during this back-to-school shopping season.

“As a father to two children, I understand how expensive back-to-school shopping is and how important it is to uncover the best values,” says Dunn. “Saving money during this shopping season requires a thoughtful plan to avoid overspending. Being budget-efficient is not always easy, but it’s worth it and will make a big difference in your life.”

Here are five tips from Dunn for parents looking to uncover the best back-to-school deals:

1. Host a back-to-school swap: Gather other parents for a back-to-school swap. Encourage them to bring school-related items they no longer need, including clothes, sports equipment, backpacks, books and supplies. Not only is it a great opportunity to help save a little cash, you can get rid of any unused items you have as well.

2. Save on the necessary tools: According to a recent survey conducted by Straight Talk Wireless, nearly 90 percent of students and parents say mobile devices are essential for educational success during the school year. With Straight Talk’s Ultimate Unlimited Plan for just $55 per month, students can take advantage of unlimited talk, text and data to stream video at DVD quality, download educational resources and stay connected with nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable networks — all for up to 30 percent less. Best of all, there are no contracts, no credit checks and no mystery fees.

3. Shop local: It’s easy to default to buying school supplies online out of convenience, but traditional brick-and-mortar stores have become increasingly competitive for your dollars. In fact, many stores will match online prices if you show them the same item is available online for less.

4. Set a budget: Like holiday shopping, it’s best to approach back-to-school shopping with an established budget for each child. Pre-determine what you’re going to spend on the essentials such as backpacks, supplies, clothes, shoes and technology so you’re less likely to overspend when purchasing. This could also be a powerful lesson for older children, so consider including them in some decision-making and buying processes if you feel they’re ready for it.

5. Plan ahead: If you know your child will have school-related expenses later in the year (e.g., athletic equipment or a class trip), begin saving for them now. The more you’re able to save ahead of time, the less stress you will feel when the time comes to pay for the expense.

As you continue back-to-school shopping, remember these easy tips to find the best value and maximize savings. With the $55 Ultimate Unlimited Plan and deals on the latest smartphones, Straight Talk Wireless makes it easy to stay connected and save up to 30 percent on your monthly phone bill — helping you save this back-to-school season and beyond. For more information, visit StraightTalk.com.

At 60GB, Straight Talk reserves the right to review accounts for usage in violation of its Terms and Conditions. Please refer to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at StraightTalk.com. A month equals 30 days.

“Save up to 30%” is based on a comparison of the monthly cost of the $55 Straight Talk Ultimate Unlimited Plan and the monthly cost of a comparable no-contract, single line plan with unlimited talk, text and data on the top two carriers. Excludes taxes, fees, autopay discounts and limited time pricing. Source: Competitor websites, June 2018.

This survey was commissioned by Straight Talk Wireless conducted by Survata, an independent research firm in San Francisco. Survata interviewed 1,206 online respondents between July 09, 2018 and July 12, 2018. For further information, visit www.survata.com.


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Finding the support teachers need during the school year

2018-09-10T08:31:00

(BPT) – The school year has begun, and while the back-to-school expenses of many parents are done for the summer, students will still have ongoing needs throughout the year. But parents are not the only ones who spend their own hard-earned cash to make the school year a success, and they are not the only ones that can expect the costs to continue throughout the year.

According to Bankrate, the average teacher spends roughly $530 of their own money to pay for supplies, snacks and other items for use by their students during the school year. These supplies often include things like paper, rulers, scissors, notebooks, pencils, glue and poster boards, and while they must be purchased at the beginning of the year, they often must be replaced throughout the year as well. While these expenses can quickly add up, teachers are rarely compensated for these costs, and yet still cover these in order to create the best educational experience for their students all year long.

Saving money on your expenses

For teachers, the example above is probably all too familiar. Additional expenses small or big can take a toll, so minimizing costs here and there is crucial. It all begins with shopping at the right places with the right prices.

Staples, the back-to-school specialty store, always offers a diverse collection of name-brand and exclusive supplies, services and resources to meet the demands of any classroom. In addition, Staples offers a 110 percent price match guarantee within 14 days.

Perhaps most importantly, Staples offers in-store specialists that are always available to help you with your needs, ensuring you get the best support you possibly can and have all of your questions answered. Staples also carries supplies all year long, at competitive prices whether it is the second week of school or the second semester. It is the one-stop destination for this school year and beyond.

Visit Staples.com or your nearest Staples store to find solutions for your classroom today.


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Get there intact: 5 tips toward a safe DIY moving day

2018-09-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Changing residences can call for the coordination of a lot of details, and that’s especially true if you’re a do-it-yourselfer who’s renting a truck rather than hiring a moving company.

Though the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the average American changes homes 11.4 times in his lifetime, many of us never take time to think about the potential safety hazards involved. Usually we’re way more focused on the challenges of figuring out all the logistics, packing up our possessions in logical fashion and starting the psychological adjustment of having a new place of residence.

Still, it’s important to take a moment to think about best practices for the safety of you and your family as you plan your move. Consider taking the following steps toward a safe and organized moving process.

1. Assign roles. Organize your packing and loading crew so everyone knows his role. Your work will be much more efficient — and you won’t get in each other’s way — if your friends and family members are each assigned a task according to their physical capabilities. As a side note, you may wish to keep small children completely off-site so the adults can focus on the often-physical work at hand.

2. Choose a reputable rental company. Secure your moving truck from a reputable dealer, then follow its specific instructions for safely packing and driving the vehicle. Trusted longtime vendor Penske Truck Rental offers a clean, reliable, well-maintained vehicle every time, with a range of available packing and moving tools and the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour roadside assistance.

3. Optimize tools. Use dollies, hand trucks, harnesses and/or multiple people to lift boxes that weigh more than 50 pounds. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer you may take pride in being able to handle any chore yourself, but you need to remember you’ll be self-sufficient no longer if you sustain an injury from trying to be superhuman.

4. Lift correctly. When picking up anything even moderately heavy, avoid back injuries by keeping your back vertical and your chest forward. Draw the item as close to your body as possible while bending at the knees and lifting with your legs, avoiding bending horizontally as you straighten.

5. Be aware of obstacles. When moving items out of your house and into your vehicle, watch for items that could trip you or get in your way, such as low-hanging obstacles, ground protrusions or surfaces that are wet, slick or uneven. Wear close-fitting clothing that can’t be snagged and choose durable footwear that offers both support and traction.

The DIY moving process need not be difficult or risky as long as you plan ahead and take a few precautions. Ask Penske Truck Rental for other tips on making your next DIY move smooth, organized and worry-free.


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Regular eye checkups key to cognitive health

2018-09-10T07:01:01

(BPT) – Regular eye exams have always been an important part of maintaining healthy vision, but it turns out they can help keep your brain healthy, too. New research is revealing just how connected eye health and brain health are, and how receiving regular eye treatment might mean the difference between a healthy brain and cognitive decline.

That’s according to the authors of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology this summer. Researchers examined 2,520 adults age 65 and older over the course a decade and found a link between failing vision and mental decline. The exact nature of the relationship still needs to be better understood, but one thing is clear: Research shows that taking care of your vision is extremely important for maintaining good cognitive function.

The reasons behind the connection might be that declining vision discourages people from activities like reading and crossword puzzles that challenge the brain and keep it active. But whatever the root cause, the key takeaway stands out: older adults should get regular eye checkups and undergo treatment right away for any issues.

The good news is that maintaining eye health is well within most people’s grasp.

Two of the most common age-related vision problems — cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — have common treatments available that can help keep vision crisp, and potentially help reduce the risk of associated mental decline. Even the relatively simple act of keeping eyeglass prescriptions current can help, the research suggests.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that people 55 to 64 see their eye doctor every one to three years, and those 65 and older go once every year to two years. People who wear glasses or contacts, or have either a family history of eye disease or a chronic disease that puts them at greater risk, meanwhile, should schedule more frequent exams.

For some older and visually impaired people, however, it can be hard to get to appointments for exams or treatment. Transportation can be a major hurdle. A recent study by the Angiogenesis Foundation, for example, found that for 41 percent of people living with wet AMD, getting to and from appointments is their biggest challenge with making regular eye doctor appointments.

Thankfully, there is help for those who no longer drive: Rides in Sight, a senior transportation information and referral service operated by ITNAmerica and sponsored by Regeneron, has the nation’s largest database of every possible kind of senior transportation option available. Accessible via a toll-free telephone hotline (1-855-607-4337) or their website (ridesinsight.org), Rides in Sight helps seniors and visually impaired adults get the rides they need to ensure healthy eyes every day. Rides in Sight customer service representatives are ready to take your call at 1-855-607-4337 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Don’t put off treatment for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or other eye conditions. Your vision — and your brain health — matter.


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Professional Football City “Home Team Heartburn Ranking” [Infographic]

2018-09-07T07:01:23

(BPT) – Believe it or not, tailgate food isn’t the only factor that can contribute to a sports fan’s heartburn. For football fans, the heartache and agitation brought on by their favorite team can have them reaching for relief faster than you can say touchdown! With that in mind, Perrigo Company plc, makers of store brand Omeprazole Delayed Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets 20 mg (Omeprazole ODT), in conjunction with STATS Insights, looked at football statistics from the last 20 years, coupled with top tailgating foods, and commissioned the Home Team Heartburn Ranking, an index of where each of the 30 professional football cities stands when it comes to inducing heartburn, anxiety and aggravation for its fans.