Do you have heartburn?

*Are you over 50?

*Are you taking one of the popular heartburn drugs such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Tagamet or Pepcid?

*Have you been taking it for more than a year?

*If you have, you’re at an increased risk for a broken hip

Why is there a risk with these drugs?

Researchers think that these drugs reduce the acid in the stomach and make it more difficult for your body to absorb bone-building calcium. That can weaken your bones and lead to fractures. If you’re older, this can be life-threatening.

What should you do to protect yourself?

*never take the drug for longer than a year

*talk to your health care provider and ask for a safer alternative

*use safer self-care measures, e.g.,

   **3 times a day, drink ¼ glass of aloe vera juice (from the health food store only; if you try to make your own, you could develop diarrhea)

   **sip peppermint tea, a known stomach calmative that doesn’t disrupt calcium absorption

   **keep a record of what you’ve recently eaten, done or thought when your heartburn starts; take action to stop doing those things

   **eat small meals and take your time; swallowed air and overeating can result in indigestion, gas and bloating

   **sip warm water as you eat; it dilutes the heartburn effects of many foods

   **never eat a large meal at night and don't eat after 7 p.m. (this will also help you lose weight!)

   **look for supplements at the health food store that contain digestive enzymes; as you age, your body makes fewer of these

     **add friendly bacteria that can help you digest your food better; get an acidophyllis supplement at your health food store

     **sip chamomile tea after meals (unless you're allergic to ragweed)

     **avoid coffee, chocolate, and alcohol; they all puff up your throat and increase acid reflux (heartburn)

     **eat fresh papaya or pineapple with protein or an hour after you eat carbohydrates; both fruits contain digestive enzymes