The imaging technology is comprised of dual cameras. The cameras allow physicians to examine the electrochemical and metabolic properties of a heart while under changing conditions. The advantages of viewing these physiological variables at the same time will likely have a huge impact in the area of cardiac diagnosis and treatment.

Cardiac patients with a diagnosis of acute coronary disorder now have the option of being monitored at home if they are at risk for re-hospitalization through a program called Connected Cardiac Care. Patients who participate in this program monitor their vital signs daily with telemonitoring device that also transmits the data to a physician. A telemonitoring nurse reviews the data and provides intervention if necessary remotely.

A similar concept is being tested by a group of Australian scientists to encourage cardiac patients to complete their rehabilitation programs following surgery. The trial is using a cellular phone to collect and transmit data to a central computer. Nurses are then able to review the data remotely. This technology, if successful, could be used by patients who find it difficult to make frequent trips to the hospital for the six-week rehabilitation program that’s recommended after heart surgery.

Stem cell therapy is an exciting innovation in the area of heart health. The first human received cardiac stem cells at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in June 2009. The clinical trial is using patients’ own heart tissue to grow stem cells. The stem cells are then injected into the patients’ hearts in an effort to heal damaged cardiac muscle. Twenty four patients participating in this break-through study will be monitored for six months with results scheduled for release in the latter part of 2010. This technology may enable patients to heal their own injured hearts that have resulted from heart attacks.

DecodeMe, a division of Decode Genetics, this year launched a test that detects genetic variations linked to a multitude of heart-related conditions. The test, costing $195, assesses an individual’s genetic risk for conditions such as heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, strokes, and clots in blood vessels. This information could possibly allow individuals at high risk for heart disease to receive early intervention before the problem actually manifests.

There’s a vast amount of exciting innovations on the horizon of heart health technology. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. among women and men. Hopefully, these breaking diagnostic tools and treatment options will at some point change this disturbing statistic.

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Who knew when I was a little boy; dreaming of owning a Barbie doll, that one day in the distant future there would be a doll invented just for me?

Billy.

Billy was created by artist John McKitterick and marketed in the United States by London-based Totem International as “the first out and proud gay doll” although that distinction actually belongs to Gay Bob, introduced in 1977. McKitterick created the doll based on sketches he drew while living in London. After a successful limited-edition run of 1,200 dolls created to benefit an AIDS charity, McKitterick decided to mass market his creation….

It was introduced in a number of versions based on stereotypical gay characters, including Sailor Billy, Cowboy Billy, Master Billy and San Francisco Billy.

Other dolls in the Billy line include Carlos, Billy’s Puerto Rican boyfriend, and Tyson, their African American friend.

Billy and Carlos donned drag in 1999, with Billy dressed in a gingham checkered pantsuit as “Dolly” and Carlos as “Carmen” in a polka dot outfit reminiscent of those worn by Carmen Miranda.

In 2001, a Billy doll wearing a brown uniform with a patch reading “BPS” (for Billy’s Parcel Service) was introduced.

I seriously think they should have named him….Woody.

The public may vote for their favorite contestant videos from November 10, 2009 through December 1, 2009 noon PST. 1-800-DENTIST® will choose five potential finalists based on several criteria, including the clinical feasibility and complexity of each case. 1-800-DENTIST® will announce the winner on December 15, 2009 noon PST. The winner’s cosmetic dentistry journey will be captured on film.

“We want to show the world how dentistry can dramatically change a person’s life,” said Fred Joyal, CEO and Co-Founder of 1-800-DENTIST®. “No matter who wins, it will be a truly inspirational experience to see a person’s smile and life transformed before America’s eyes.”

Contestants should consider the following:

• Video entries should be 2 minutes or less
• Video should clearly show the contestant’s smile, including teeth
• Contestants should describe problem areas
• Contestants should explain how their smile makes them feel and how it affects their lives
• Contestants should show their personality and compel the public to vote for them

Sample videos may be viewed at www.1800dentist.com/sample-videos.

This exclusive dentistry contest gives hope to consumers who can’t afford the cost of regular dental care, much less cosmetic dentistry. Only legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. Other restrictions may apply.  For complete contest rules, visit www.1800dentist.com/contest-rules

About 1-800-DENTIST®

Founded in Los Angeles in 1986, 1-800-DENTIST® is the nation’s leading free resource for consumers in search of a dentist. Offering both online and on-the-phone services 24 hours a day, 1-800-DENTIST® has matched over 6 million Americans with independent dentists. For more information, visit 1800dentist.com.

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I agree, its best to cook for your pet. I saw a segment on Martha Stewart recently about overweight pets and they said the cause is that most dry dog food contains mostly corn products and little nutrition. Then you add the recent scares with commercial pet food, you must do what is best for your pet! I was so glad when I found Dog Food Secrets on the web.

“Dog Food Secrets” is a must read for anyone who truely loves their dog. Dog Food Secrets teaches you the real dangers of commercial dog food. Thousands of dogs in the United States get sick or die every day because of the dog food they are eating. Many of these dogs die painful deaths and much earlier than expected. Despite many companies marketing, there are very few commercial dog foods which are actually healthy. Labels on dog food packages which say either “preservative-free”, “chemical-free”, or “all-natural ingredients” are not always telling the truth. Dog Food Secrets exposes much of this mis-information. Most dog food companies use preservatives in their dog food products is because they increase the shelf life of the dog food and maximizes the dog food companies profits. Many dog foods contain at least six deadly chemicals that have been banned from human foods. These chemicals have been known to cause the following health problems in humans: skin cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, spleen cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, liver dysfunction, birth defects, immune system collapse, leukemia, severe allergic reactions, blindness, hair loss, chronic diarrhea, major organ failure, and behavioral problems.

The food you choose to feed your dog directly affects his energy level and overall health. I would strongly suggest that anyone who loves their dog should stop feeding them commercial dog food unless they are 100% sure that the dog food they are buying is healthy for their dog. Dog Food Secrets not only teaches you how terrible commercial dog food can be, but they also teach you of healthy alternatives. They also give you a huge collection of healthy, well-balanced dog food recipes. Dog Food Secrets also gives you a list of healthy commercial dog foods. Basically the Dog Food Secrets course is a step-by-step survival guide which helps your dog to live a longer and healthier life.

The Dog Food Secrets package can be purchased online for as little $27.00. Also Dog Food Secrets offers an 8 week full money back guarantee, with no questions asked. The Dog Food Secrets course is great because not only does it show you all negative things that could harm your dog, but it also shows you all the positive things you can do to make your dog even healthier.

Here is a recipe for Chicken Liver Cookies for your dog:

* 2 cups Flour

* 3 tbs. Vegetable oil

* 1 cup wheat germ or cornmeal if wheat allergies are a problem

* 1 egg, lightly beaten

* 1/2 cup chicken broth

* 2 tsp. parsley

* 1 cup cooked chicken liver, chopped

Combine flour and wheat germ. In separate bowl, beat egg with oil, then add broth & parsley, mix well. Add the dry ingredients to bowl a little at a time, stirring well. Fold in chicken livers and mix well. Dough will be firm. Turn dough out on lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Roll out 1/2″ thick and cut into shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet 1″ apart. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes or until firm. Store in refrigerator.

Here’s a link for anyone who really loves their dog and would like to purchase the Dog Food Secrets program:

http://kindkidz.dogsecrets.hop.clickbank.net/

I don’t know whether it’s because Dianne is originally from Brooklyn, New York and that I happen to love the frankness and directness of New Yorkers, or that I am in awe of her amazing gift for writing both real-life and fictional stories. But I love her. If I were to describe Dianne’s blog, I would have to say it’s a life blog. She shares everything from her strong opinions on politics, to hysterical pictorial stories of her cats Siren and Mia, Wordzzles, and most recently, the birth of her grandchild, Hope.

The thing I most admire about Dianne is that she’s diplomatic in sharing her opinions. She allows her readers to also share their own, without ever getting defensive or ugly. She has a razor-sharp mind and a hysterical sense of humor to go with it. She also has one of the most giving and compassionate hearts.

So, without further ado let’s meet the lady behind the blog, Fork Off The Moment.

Welcome Dianne…..

Why did you start blogging?

I was part of a forum devoted to discussing all things Craig Ferguson and my entries started to get, even in my own opinion, long winded and off topic. I enjoyed the reaction to what I had to say so I decided to start a blog where it was all mine.

This was also at the same time that my interest in writing and photography was renewed. I was feeling depressed and lost and wanted to feel more creative. The blog’s name came from something the shrink said about my needing to stay in the moment and my laughing about all the forks my mind takes – Hence ‘Forks Off The Moment’

Has your feelings about blogging changed over the years? And if so, in what way?

I’ve only been blogging for 2 years. 2 years this month so I’m still relatively new. I think the biggest change has been my adopting the ‘Blogging Without Obligation’ concept. I used to feel I had to respond to every comment, post every day, visit everyone. It’s not possible unless it’s all you do.

I have also become very anti awards and memes. More obligations. I participate in some photo and pet projects but I don’t accept being tagged for anything and I stopped passing on awards. I’d rather try and visit everyone who has posted a photo on Ruby Tuesday. Or try to visit and encourage a new blogger.

Do you write for you or your readers?

I always hope to make my readers laugh or feel or see something in a new way. When I read a comment that tells me I made their morning by making them laugh I feel great. So I guess the way I write has my readers in mind. Your reaction to my Pet Pride posts is a perfect example. It is a joy that you enjoy them so much.

My subjects are all me. My opinions are what they are. My cussing is what it is.

I have an eclectic readership so I do sometimes pause for a moment and think of who doesn’t like cursing or who feels strongly about something I’m about to mock but in the end I say what I feel and think.

I feel we all need to do that.

What are your feelings on organized religion?

It causes way too much trouble. It divides. It encourages judgments based on one and only one way of thinking. It was designed to control people. The Bible is a lovely piece of literature abused by people for their own agendas.

Right now the political ramifications of religion scare the hell out of me. To think that the Mormon church and the Knights of Columbus could cause Prop 8 in CA disgusts me.

Our founders guaranteed freedom from persecution based on religion and that is where any connection between church and state should end. I don’t think prayer belongs at a government function, I don’t think the President or judges or any official should be sworn in on a Bible.

They should be sworn in on the Constitution. And maybe a book about how to behave in public.

Do you think we’ll ever see a female president in the White House?

If it’s going to be Sarah Palin or anyone like her then I hope NOT!!!

Good Lord that woman set female politicians back. And the fact that women supported her simply because she was a woman is pathetic. She and her ilk are so anti-woman.

I do hope a woman becomes President one day. And an atheist. And a gay person. And anyone qualified to lead and inspire based on brains and heart and soul.

At this moment I fear we’re headed back toward a time of miserable old white men with shit for brains and even less in their hearts and souls.

If you were elected President of the United States, what is the first thing you would like to change?

I’d like to stop how hard it is to get simple things done.

President Clinton and President Carter have both stated many times that they have made a more positive impact on people in the private sector than they ever did as President! And that’s absurd.

Right now we have the resources to feed everyone in the world. To stop malaria with a freaking $10 net. To stop AIDS. To build houses. And on and on.

Right now we have a President with a good heart and an open soul and an even more open mind. And he has to spend his days justifying and explaining common sense to assholes with TV shows. I would say screw it! I might be a one term President and I might piss off my own party but damn if I wouldn’t get stuff done.

What is the biggest misconception people have of you?

If you had asked that question a few years ago I would have said people thought I was stronger than I am. Today I have so many misconceptions of my own about me that I’m not sure. I do think I come off as tougher than I am but even that façade seems to be fading.

Tell us one thing you enjoy and do not enjoy about aging.

The absolute joy of getting older is that you don’t sweat small stuff. Things that might have seemed a drama at 30 are laughable at 50. And you care less about what other people think of you.

I think physical limitations are the worst of aging. That and the fact that our society doesn’t seem to respect experience the way it should.

Many people feel that having a child interracially places a life-long hardship on them. Please tell us how you feel about that.

I think anyone who is “different” has some hardship to carry. We need to see people in broader strokes. My son suffered terrible insults as a child. People would ask why his Mom was white. He was called names. He also became an exceptionally tolerant and open hearted person, much as Obama did. And that’s one way to turn a hardship around. We can’t and shouldn’t help who we love and who we have a family with. I think a lot of those who see being multi racial or gay or autistic or deaf or whatever as a “hardship” are really just voicing their own inability to accept people as they are.

How has Hope enriched your life?

There is a wonderful sense of circle of life! LOL

I hear my son say something to Hope that I used to say to him and the joy is huge. I hear my Nana coming through as well.

It’s our way of being immortal isn’t it? Having some of our heart and soul continue on …