Sleep Experts Christine Cook’s Rest Assured Program Honored with the SafeHaven 2009 Legacy of Wome
May 1, 2010 by AMA
Filed under Healthy Living
Christine Cook, president of Sleep Experts, a mattress retailing outlet based in Dallas/Fort Worth received the 2009 Legacy of Women Award from SafeHaven of Tarrant County. Ms. Cook was the recipient of the award in the Business category, which is shared among four other leaders in the fields of Education, Art, Health and Human Services, and Volunteerism. The annual function is held by SafeHaven, a non-profit organization that campaigns against domestic violence through various intervention programs.
Ms. Cook’s novel Rest Assured program provides refurbished mattresses to two emergency shelters in Arlington and Fort Worth run by SafeHaven. The shelter provides respite to several women and children that are victims of family violence. Mary Lee Hafley, Executive Director of SafeHaven is appreciative of Ms. Cook’s Rest Assured progam that has been successfully run over the years.
Sleep Experts also won the 2009 Greater Dallas Business Ethics Award, as an acknowledgment of the company’s strong commitment to corporate responsibility. Ms. Cook was also a recipient of the 2009 “Woman to Watch” award from the Dallas Business Journal. Resource Center Dallas also presented Ms. Cook with the “Five Factor” award for philanthropy.
About SafeHaven
Based in Tarrant County, SafeHaven is a nonprofit organization that provides support to families that are victims of domestic violence. The organization provides shelters in Arlington and Fort Worth, which can accommodate up to 174 women and children, making them the largest shelters in Texas. SafeHaven is involved in a number of programs aimed at bringing about a social change through safety, support, and prevention of domestic violence. The organization also runs Berry Good Buys, a resale store. For more information on ways to help SafeHaven, log on to www.safehaventc.org or call 817-535-6462. For emergency assistance on issues related to domestic violence call the 24 hour toll free crisis hotline at 1-877-701- SAFE (7233).
Is there a cure for Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.
However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.
A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.
Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Your acid reflux will improve if you wear loose clothes.
Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect proper discharge of food from the esophagus.
If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.
GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
