Report Finds Over-the-Counter Drug for Heartburn, Acid Reflux As Effective As Prescription Drugs Costing 10 Times More 
To: HEALTH EDITORS Contact: Susan Herold of Consumers Union, +1-202-462-6262 WASHINGTON, Jan.
Source: www.redorbit.com

Acid reflux medications pose short- and long-term risks 
Q. Hello, Dr. C. My name is Miriam. I am 63 and live in Savannah. I have been reading your columns for several years and have enjoyed them thoroughly. I have a worrisome concern regarding my medications, and my family doctor, while concerned, was unable to answer my specific questions. I fell and broke my hip about a year ago. It has taken me this long to return to my usual functioning state. I …
Source: savannahnow.com

Esophageal Cancer Rates Climb With Obesity; Esophagectomy Found Safe In Obese Patients 
The rapidly climbing obesity rates in the United States have created a higher risk of esophageal cancer linked to reflux disease. According to a new study at the University of Michigan Health System, obese patients who underwent a procedure called transhiatal esophagectomy primarily for esophageal cancer had outcomes similar to their lean counterparts.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com

ORLive Presents: A Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Obesity Minimally Invasive weight loss Surgery 
A laparoscopic adjustable gastricbanding procedure for obesity will be performed live over the Internetfrom Tampa General Hospital on March 6, 2007 at 4 PM EST on www.OR-Live.com. The LAP-BAND System procedureinvolves placing an adjustable band around the connection between the foodpipe and stomach to restrict the amount of food an individual can consumeat one time. Since it is adjustable, the …
Source: www.sys-con.com

Major Link In Brain-obesity Puzzle Found 
A single protein in brain cells may act as a linchpin in the body’s weight-regulating system, playing a key role in the flurry of signals that govern fat storage, sugar use, energy balance and weight, researchers report. And although it’s far too early to say how this protein could be useful in fighting obesity, the finding gives scientists an important system to target in future research and the …
Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Clues To The Cause Of Difficulty With Swallowing In Children 
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is disease that was first described in children only 20 years ago, but has shown a rising incidence in both children and adults. An inflammatory condition of the esophagus, its symptoms including vomiting, heartburn and difficulty in swallowing. [click link for full article]
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com