Millions of Americans suffer from a disease called gastroesophageal reflux. Connie Crawley, a Nutrition Specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says this reflux disease occurs when acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, which can irritate or damage the tissue. She adds this condition can cause the mother of all heartburns, and other symptoms. "Some people even think it almost feels like chest pain like what you would have with heart attack, and it can even be where you'll have pain with swallowing, so it can be very very serious." Connie Crawley with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. There is no cure for gastroesophageal reflux, but it can be treated with medications. The patient can also help by keeping meals and snacks small, avoid eating for at least two hours before going to bed, and eating a low fat diet. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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As people shop till they drop during the holidays, they find themselves pulling out their credit cards more and more to pay for those gifts, some which are quite expensive. But a Consumer Economic Specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says this sets the stage for a new year that will be anything but happy. He adds there may be even more credit card debt this holiday season, because many people have lost their jobs, and don' t have a regular income. "Well and there's a whole new group of people who might be having trouble and that's people who have recently been laid off whether or not they use their credit cards for Christmas shopping they might be in a situation where they're needing to pay down that debt." Michael Rupered with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. If you face credit card debt in the coming weeks, contact the bank or company associated with the credit card, and explain the situation. If you have a good credit rating in the past, and have kept up the payments, they will work with you and help you drain off that red ink. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Last year a cold December got the winter chill hour season off to a good start for the 2001 peach crop. But Mother Nature has flipped the weather switch, and provided above normal temperatures a year later. Frank Funderburk, a county extension agent in Peach County, Georgia says the warm weather has caused the upcoming peach crop to get behind on the required chill hours they will need. Despite the warm start, the agent says growers are not ready to push the panic button. "They're not really worried about it right now, the consensus of opinion is we've still got plenty of time." Frank Funderburk with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Scientists. The peach crop three years ago went through a similar situation, with a mild December, but recovered when cold air moved in during January. This year growers are hoping Santa brings more cold air with him during the holidays. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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When a farmer finishes using pesticides, the chemicals and the containers are discarded and left in a pile. Over the years the number of containers increases, along with the chemicals, some which are toxic and a potential health hazzard. But in 1999 county extension agents in Burke, Jefferson, and Richmond Counties in Georgia planned a "Clean Day". When the day arrived, a collection site was set up where farmers and residents could bring their old pesticides and containers for disposal. Syd Mullis, a county extension agent in Richmond County says the "Clean Day" also helped several industries save a lot of money. "Several garden centers and golf courses and old feed and seed type stores that just had these pesticides sitting around for years that were not good anymore, and it cost a whole lot of money to get rid of those things through private companies, so with this partnership we've created it allowed them to get rid of all the pesticides for free." Syd Mullis with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds nearly 55,000 pounds of outdated chemicals were collected. Other "Clean Days" will be held in other parts of the state in the coming years to provide more farmers and businesses a safe way to get rid of old pesticides at no cost. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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During the Christmas and New Year holidays, most of us have busy schedules, attending parties and banquets. Most of these activities feature tables full of mouth watering cookies, brownies, pecan pie, and egg nog. But when the new year arrives we get a harsh reminder about those pounds we gained when we step on the scales, or try to fit into some of our clothes. Kelly Cordray, a Nutrition Specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says think balance and moderation when eating during the holidays. "And I think the basic principles to keep in mind are balance and moderation. You don't want to restrict yourself from eating your favorite holiday treats, rather you want to use moderation with your choices." Kelly Cordray with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. If you have a party or banquets scheduled in the coming days, don't skip meals assuming you can save up your calories for the rich, sweet foods. Also, don't let a busy holiday schedule keep you from exercising. Daily physical activity is a great way to burn off some of those extra calories you consumed, and help reduce the chances of adding extra pounds during the holidays. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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