Survey Reveals Heartburn Sufferers Experience More Heartburn During th...( National Heartburn Alliance Sponsors...),Health

National Heartburn Alliance Sponsors First Ever Heartburn Awareness Month,

November 2007

CHICAGO, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartburn remains a burning problem for more than 60 million Americans each month(1), and this November, the National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA) is recognizing the need for heartburn education by sponsoring the first ever Heartburn Awareness Month.

Recent survey* results show that 66% of people experience heartburn symptoms during the holiday season. Additionally, and overwhelming 94% of people said they would enjoy the holidays more if they didn't have to worry about heartburn.

"November is a perfect time for heartburn sufferers and healthcare professionals to address heartburn, because more people tend to over-indulge in holiday meals," says Pat Baird, Registered Dietitian and NHBA Board member. "By incorporating lifestyle changes into their diets, heartburn sufferers can learn to alleviate symptoms so they can enjoy the holidays."

Pat Baird offers these for a "heartburn-friendly" holiday season:

-- Don't overindulge. Allow yourself to eat your favorite holiday foods,

but try smaller portions. Keep in mind that too much of a good thing

can lead to heartburn.

-- Avoid heartburn triggers. Red wine, foods with high fat content, and

spices are just a few common heartburn triggers.

-- Control late night munchies. Try not to eat late at night or right

before going to bed to decrease your chances of suffering from

nighttime heartburn.

-- Keep your cool. Stress levels tend to increase during the holidays.

Relax by taking a few moments for yourself each day. Consider taking a

10-minute walk after a holiday dinner for some stress-free quite time.

-- Moderation is the key. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, holiday

celebrations and alcoholic beverages are plentiful. If you are going