Re-Launch of Compelling Young Poet and Author's Work Compels Others To Make Changes In Their Lives and In The Lives of Others

Re-Launch of Compelling Young Poet and Author's Work Compels Others To Make Changes In Their Lives and In The Lives of Others

"The Healing Conscious" is a stirring collection of poems depicting the last words of a dying man, commencing with his imminent death and spiritual rebirth in America, transgressing to this birth and conception in Ethiopia. The narrator recounts memorable moments during his life and those of his immediate family during this period in a brief moment of conscious reflection. A colorful portrait is painted of a young Ethiopian boy who traveled across the world, raised a family and became a successful man.

McLean VA (PRWEB) June 8, 2009

Kifle Bantayehu, a first-generation Ethiopian immigrant and Graduate Student, is breaking new ground with the re-launch of his work of literature - The Healing Conscious - combining the English language with Ethiopian culture. Moved by the AIDS epidemic, the author has, to date, donated twenty percent of the net proceeds to various organizations working to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and help those affected in Africa's developing nations, particularly children orphaned by this devastating epidemic. The Healing Conscious tells the story of an Ethiopian immigrant boy on his fascinating journey to America and adulthood.

The author - Kifle Bantayehu - recounts this poignant tale in poetic format. His inspirational collection of poems reflects the final words and thoughts of a dying man who traveled across the world, raised a family and became successful - finally fulfilling the American dream. These poems, written in a uniquely modern style, reflect a journey of sacrifice, courage and strength. There have been very few works of poetry written and published by Ethiopian authors.

"I wanted to tell a compelling story - which is based on the lives of my parents - of an immigrant who through much pain and sacrifice was able to leave his homeland of Ethiopia, with an equally-strong and motivated woman, and raise four children in the best possible environment for education, opportunity and happiness," says Bantayehu. He goes on to explain his motivation, "There are many wonderfully unique stories and novels depicting the lives of immigrants in America; but little said or depicted of the contributions and stories of the Ethiopian immigrant community residing in the United States. Not only do we, as Ethiopians, possess over 2,000 years of a rich, cultural heritage, but we are loving, caring and hard working people from whom the values of family, sacrifice, respect and camaraderie can be learned."

Born in the United States in 1980, Bantayehu grew up in Mexico, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and the United States. In 2002 he received his B. A. degree from the University of Virginia, and currently resides in Virginia. His poems are featured in several anthologies/collections.

Book Information:
Title: The Healing Conscious
Publisher: Lulu Press, Inc.
Edition: Softcover
Price: $15.80 (retail)
ISBN: 1411600770
Website: http://www. thehealingconscious. com (http://www. thehealingconscious. com)

###

Institute of HeartMath®’s Military Service Appreciation Fund Gives Soldiers Peace of Mind

Institute of HeartMath®’s Military Service Appreciation Fund Gives Soldiers Peace of Mind

Over the last three years the Institute of HeartMath (IHM) has maintained the Military Service Appreciation Fund, which offers support to military personnel by providing scholarships for HeartMath training programs and their emWave® technology. IHM is working hard to assist military personnel with practical tools to help shorten the reintegration process - benefitting not only service members, but their families as well. HeartMath programs and services are being applied in a variety of contexts, including for PTSD and pain management, family communication and other challenges they face during reintegration.

Boulder Creek, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2010

While U. S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan fight with the best weapons and training available, they are ill-equipped for combating the serious and deadly effects of daily stress and psychological trauma. The Department of Defense has made some headway to help soldiers before they deploy and when they return home, and various civilian organizations are providing assistance. The Institute of HeartMath® (IHM) is among them. For nearly 20 years, the nonprofit research and education organization has been recognized worldwide for its research on stress, emotions, optimal performance and resilience. IHM has developed programs and technologies that incorporate this research to improve people’s lives. Over the last three years IHM has maintained the Military Service Appreciation Fund (http://www. heartmath. org/about-us/heartmath-military-service-appreciation-fund. html), which offers support to military personnel by providing scholarships for HeartMath training programs and it emWave® technology.

One of the great tragedies of warfare is the mental and emotional toll that continues far beyond the battlefield. IHM’s unique approach includes teaching soldiers self-regulation techniques and providing them with HeartMath’s emWave® heart-rhythm coherence feedback technology, which helps them sustain these self-regulation skills.

Nearly one in five troops are returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Most military personnel return without serious psychological injury,” IHM Director of Research Dr. Rollin McCraty noted. “However, nearly all of them are challenged with reintegration issues. This often manifests as insomnia or other sleep disorders. They may be over reactive, and many lack the ability to relate to family members and friends about issues that can seem trivial to them, but are important to others. Whether the soldiers have been through extreme levels of psychological stress or struggle with the reintegration process, it ultimately impinges on the quality of life for them and their families.”

HeartMath officials say it can be especially challenging for National Guard members who return to their home communities to pick up their lives where they left off before deployment. In contrast, members of the Army and other branches of the service return to military bases, where they receive support and are among soldiers who had similar experiences.

IHM is working hard to assist military personnel with practical, easy-to-use tools that can help shorten the reintegration process. This benefits not only service members, but their families as well, and it means they can transition back into their local communities and society with greater success – and often more quickly. HeartMath programs and services are being applied in a variety of contexts, including for PTSD and pain management, family communication and other challenges they face during reintegration.

“The need is great,” McCraty added. “It is rewarding to know that IHM’s scholarship program is providing soldiers who need, but cannot afford these interventions.”

McCraty emphasized that IHM’s mission is about serving humanity by providing practical and scientifically based tools and interventions proven to prevent and reverse the negative effects of stress, regardless whether it is a soldier, at-risk student or police officer who has a need.

“The HeartMath System is designed to help preserve and increase the quality of life for all individuals,” he said.

The techniques and technologies IHM has developed over nearly two decades provide service members with science-based methods for reducing stress and building resilience. One example is IHM’s emWave (http://www. myemwave. org/) heart-rhythm coherence feedback technology, which uses visual and audio feedback of the user’s heart rhythms. For military personnel, these techniques and technologies can be applied to achieve balance and calm.

HeartMath’s researchers discovered that monitoring heart-rhythm patterns and practicing easy-to-learn self-regulation tools such as its Quick Coherence® Technique are highly beneficial, especially for reducing stress, fatigue and sleeplessness, increasing cognitive function and building resilience.

Coherence is an important physiological state, HeartMath researchers explain, that is achieved when the heart, brain and nervous system come into alignment and work together efficiently and harmoniously. Studies show that when your heart beats in a coherent pattern, your emotional and mental state is balanced, and your body, including the immune and hormonal systems, are positively influenced.
Jolene, the wife of Daniel, a Marine serving in Afghanistan – their last names are withheld because of privacy concerns – told IHM that her husband began using the hand-held emWave® Personal Stress Reliever and learned HeartMath techniques to help him manage stress before deployment. She said her husband now carries the emWave with him in the field.

“I told him, ‘I don’t care if you have to hide that,” she said. “You take that with you.’ Because of how much it worked for him. I felt like it was just as important as having his gun.”

Members of the Armed Forces routinely are deployed without the psychological preparation and tools that Daniel was fortunate enough to receive through the Military Service Appreciation Fund, which offers grants for the emWave technology to returning active-duty troops and their families. Statistics show a high percentage of these troops will struggle mentally and emotionally as they try to resume normal lives back home.

In a study to be published in a scientific journal this summer, Dorn VA Medical Center in South Carolina recorded marked improvements in the attention and memory of soldiers with PTSD who practiced HeartMath techniques. A number of independent studies utilizing HeartMath techniques and the emWave technology have been done or are ongoing.

IHM officials say HeartMath resilience training can be tailored to suit tactical training windows and includes programs for military leaders and Special Forces and the reintegration of service members returning home.

The troop reintegration and transition program is designed to speed readjustment, strengthen resiliency, reduce stress symptoms, help manage PTSD and depression and address redeployment readiness.

IHM’s Military Service Appreciation Fund is maintained through contributions from the institute’s members and supporters. For more information, visit the Military Service Appreciation Fund (http://www. heartmath. org/about-us/heartmath-military-service-appreciation-fund. html) and the institute’s Web site, www. heartmath. org/military (http://www. heartmath. org/military), or call (800) 711-6221.

About the Institute of HeartMath:
The Institute of HeartMath, www. heartmath. org, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to teaching the principles of heart-based living around the world and promoting personal and global coherence. IHM, founded in 1991 by Doc Childre, is a world leader in stress reduction, resilience building, and optimal performance research. Through its research and education divisions, the institute has developed practical tools, educational programs and services – collectively known as the HeartMath System – for the mental, emotional and physical benefit of children through seniors without regard to their social, economic or cultural status. IHM research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals such as American Journal of Cardiology, Stress Medicine, Preventive Cardiology, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science and Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine

###

Nourish Interactive Web Site Tackles Childhood Obesity and Wins Parents' Choice Award

Nourish Interactive Web Site Tackles Childhood Obesity and Wins Parents' Choice Award

NourishInteractive. com, a free, bilingual nutrition education website for kids and parents, has just won the 2009 Parents' Choice Award. The website was started by a nurse last year to combat childhood obesity through fun, positive nutrition education interactive games and tools.

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) September 17, 2009

Nutrition Education website for kids and parents (http://www. NourishInteractive. com) has just won the 2009 Parents' Choice Award.

Nourish Interactive Inc., an interactive, bilingual, free nutrition education website won the Approved Award from Parents' Choice, the nation's oldest, nonprofit consumer guide to quality children's media, founded in 1978.

NourishInteractive. com was started with the mission to help families promote healthy eating and daily activity to children through fun, positive messaging. The website is completely free featuring nutrition education games for children and online nutritional tools for parents (http://www. nourishinteractive. com/parents_area/overview). The parents' site interfaces with the child's games and resources to show parents the key nutritional messages their child is learning, and how their activities and games are providing valuable information about nutrition, energy, and exercise in an engaging way. Last year, an educators' section (http://www. nourishinteractive. com/hco/overview) was created complete with nutrition lesson plans, printable worksheets, fun activities and send-home tips for parents. The classroom segment was designed to support elementary school's nutrition education programs. It is now the fastest growing visitor segment of the website.

There are many nutrition games for children (http://www. nourishinteractive. com/kids/gameroom. html) to learn and play. The main food pyramid game, a multi-leveled online game, Chef Solus and the Food Pyramid Adventure, allows players to explore secret passageways and mystical surroundings while being guided through challenges, storylines, clues, obstacles and puzzles. The nutrition game allows children to make their own food choices, ultimately aiming to create three balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The game, based on the USDA Food Pyramid guidelines, offers parents and health educators an easy and free solution to introducing nutrition to young children who are just beginning to form their eating and exercise habits.

"It is an honor to receive a Parents Choice Award for our nutrition website. We are a team of dedicated health professionals just trying to make a difference in helping families eat healthier," stated Maggie LaBarbera RN MBA, founder and president.

A Parents' Choice Approved seal indicates a wholesome product that helps children enjoy developing physical, emotional, social or academic skills. The Parents Choice Organization stated that fewer than 20% of the products submitted to the Parents' Choice Awards program receive any level of commendation. Maggie LaBarbera added, "We believe that early education is the key to helping children establish healthy habits and fight childhood obesity through early prevention and positive reinforcement. Being recognized for our contribution is a very proud and rewarding moment!"

About Parents' Choice Foundation (http://www. parents-choice. org/product. cfm? product_id=26639&StepNum=1&award=aw):
Designed to help parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children, the Parents' Choice Awards is the nation's oldest nonprofit program created to recognize quality children's media. The Parents' Choice Awards program honors the best material for children: books, toys, music and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television and websites. The Parents' Choice Approved Seals are given on the basis of the production, entertainment and human values they exemplify.

Parents' Choice Foundation's panels of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents and, yes, kids themselves, identify the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels.

About Nourish Interactive Inc (http://www. nourishinteractive. com/):
Nourish Interactive, Inc. is committed to educating both children and their parents about the importance of nutrition and exercise, with the belief that prevention is the best treatment. Nourish Interactive has developed a learning platform that comes to life with its interactive online game that offers fun, innovative ways to empower children to make healthy choices. In creating an educational product that involves both children and their parents, Nourish Interactive acknowledges the key roles both parents play to make an effective learning experience.

###

Film Caputures Computer Programming

Film Caputures Computer Programming

The subject of computer programming doesn’t immediately appear to be the most interesting topic. However, a new documentary film, ‘Aardvark’d: 12 Weeks With Geeks’ takes on the design, development, and debugging of a new software product, and has fun along the way.

(PRWEB) December 12, 2005

The subject of computer programming doesn’t immediately appear to be the most interesting topic. However, a new documentary film, ‘Aardvark’d: 12 Weeks With Geeks’ takes on the design, development, and debugging of a new software product, and has fun along the way.

The film documents a software development internship like no other. Fog Creek Software brought 4 interns from across the country to their New York City Office to create a software product from scratch in 12 weeks. The resulting product – Fog Creek Copilot, allows computer aficionados to remotely aid friends and family members anywhere from the comfort of their home computer.

The resulting documentary film has not only captured the development of the Copilot product, but the journey of these young developers, as well as that of their sponsoring young upstart company. “I wanted to produce film that would not only be interesting to developers, but general audiences as well”, stated Lerone Wilson, the 23 year old director of the film. For this reason, the film forays into the humorous antics of the interns, as well as fellow Fog Creek Developers. Along the way, the film also checks in with software notables Paul Graham and Dan Bricklin.

“This film is highly educational in that it introduces the viewer to a culture and activity not often seen, however at the same time doesn’t take itself seriously at all” Wilson added. Perhaps this is evident by the scenes and discussions focused on such outlandish topics as robotic roaches, the physics of jumping from rooftop to rooftop, and dorm room interrogations, which make the film the fun ride it is. "What we really wanted is that the movie not turn out to be totally geeky, with a bunch of stand up conversations about lambda calculus," said Fog Creek CEO Joel Spolsky. "Lerone came in as an outsider to software development and was able to focus on the human beings, not just the software."

“Aardvark’d: 12 Weeks With Geeks” is now available for purchase on DVD at www. aardvarkdmovie. com. It is already an official selection of the 2006 New York Independent Film Festival, which will take place in Los Angeles in March, and New York City in May. A blog of the intern’s experience is available at projectaardvark. com.

[Online media kit available at: http://press. boondogglefilms. net (http://press. boondogglefilms. net)]

###

We Are The World, We Are The Water

We Are The World, We Are The Water

H2Om Water with Intention participates alongside Music Legends, Rock Stars and Celebrities as the chosen water for the 25th Anniversary remake of “We are the World”.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 3, 2010

H2Om Water with Intention released further details today about their contribution to the 25th anniversary remake of the global hit “We are the World” recording sessions benefiting disaster relief for Haiti.

Twenty-five years after the international hit "We Are the World" raised millions of dollars to aid famine relief in Africa, celebrities including Jennifer Hudson, Tony Bennet, Carrie Underwood, Gladys Knight, Jeff Bridges, Jamie Foxx, Celine Dion, Bono, Kanye West, Rob Thomas, Miley Cyrus, Wyclef Jean, Fergie, Carlos Santana, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, John Legend, India Arie, The Jonas Brothers, Smokey Robinson and a plethora of other music and film stars joined together to re-record the legendary song which will this time benefit relief and recovery efforts for the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. Organizer Quincy Jones held the recording session at the Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, the same studio where the original was produced, the historic former A&M Music Studios.

The original "We Are the World" anthem was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and released in March 1985 and included performances by Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Cyndi Lauper. The record raised more than $30 million dollars for USA for Africa, a nonprofit organization founded by the singers to fund hunger relief in African nations.

As part of the February 1st sessions, H2Om Water with Intention was selected to be the water served to the multitude of inspired performers. "It is an honor to be a part of this historic event. H2Om water is about inspiring people to create positive energy, but it’s also about creating awareness, education, and giving back to the planet. These are the fundamental ideologies that “We Are The World” represents, and H2Om Water is the perfect fit to hydrate the stars for the biggest event in music history in over 25 years," said H2Om co-founder Sandy Fox.

Since its launch February 14, 2006, H2Om, the world’s first natural spring water designed to promote the power of positive thinking, has become a favorite of celebrities, rock stars, the eco conscious and press worldwide. H2Om’s revolutionary Vibration Hydration has changed the way people drink. Their interactive motto, “Think it while you Drink it!” inspires individuals to focus on the positive intentions of love, perfect health, prosperity, gratitude, will power, joy and peace while they drink.

“Participating in “We Are The World” 2010 is in perfect alignment with our vision to work alongside non-profit organizations that inspire social and environmental change. A portion of H2Om Water’s proceeds in 2010 will benefit organizations providing relief work in Haiti, as well as The Samburu Project, which provides water wells to African communities without access to clean drinking water. H2Om also supports The Emoto Peace Project and The Love Planet Foundation, an environmental education organization dedicated to the protection of the planet for future generations,” said co-founder Lex Lang.” H2Om founders Sandy Fox and Lex Lang have been members of the Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs for over seven years, dedicating their creative and business efforts to bettering the planet.

H2Om natural spring water is an eco-conscious, carbon-free company that bottles its award winning natural spring water in safe, 100% recyclable, re-usable, BPA-free, RPET plastic, made from post consumer recycled materials, eliminating their dependence on virgin resources.

“Water is one of the most important life giving substances on the planet, and we must do everything we can to protect it while we provide the right to clean water for all people,” said founder Sandy Fox.

For more information please visit www. H2Omwater. com

For Further Information Contact:
H2Om Water ~ Sandy Fox / Lex Lang 818-761-5288
POSITIVE PR. 818-602-4539 
Www. H2OmWater. com

###

Kindergartens Soon To Enjoy 'Polly The Collie' - Helen Doron Educational Group's Newest English Course For Children Aged 3 - 7 In Larger Groups

Kindergartens Soon To Enjoy 'Polly The Collie' - Helen Doron Educational Group's Newest English Course For Children Aged 3 - 7 In Larger Groups

Even kindergartners know it's never too early to learn English for a better start in life through the new Polly the Collie English course; developed by the globally franchised Helen Doron Early English learning system.

LONDON, UK (PRWEB) June 5, 2008

Now available worldwide! Polly the Collie is an active, joyful English course that helps young children who are non-native English learners understand, speak and sing English through fun activities, music and song. (www. englishpolly. com)

Polly the Collie course materials are based on developmentally appropriate practices and a pedagogically sound curriculum designed to encourage all children in English language acquisition naturally, through music, fun activities and nurturing. 'Polly' also helps build social skills and self-esteem, which has been shown to provide children with a big boost to later learning.

The internationally franchised Helen Doron Educational Group developed the Polly the Collie program specifically to meet the needs for English learning in kindergartens and preschools around the world. CEO, and head of product development Helen Doron, discusses the importance of a course like Polly the Collie. "Children up to the age of 7, have the innate ability to pick up a second language easily and effectively through the specially developed methodology and learning materials in the Polly the Collie program. Our learning materials provide children with an ideal method of reinforcing English vocabulary by using newly acquired words within an everyday setting that is familiar to them. "

Polly the Collie teaches about 360 English words relevant to kindergarten age children, introduces 14 lively original songs and dance movements, and instills a love of English and a joy in learning that helps build self-confidence. Helen also explains that, "Polly songs and activities are enhanced with oral, kinesthetic and visual experiences, which ensure a whole-brain approach for better all-around learning. Children easily identify with the delightful characters that speak and sing to them on the CD including 'Polly the Collie', the little boy and girl 'Roy' and 'Pearl', and others."

The specially trained 'Polly' teachers engage children in exciting classroom games and carefully planned activities in English. In addition, children can also download free 'Polly' extras, for more creative and fun English learning at home. Helen continues "The most important thing is that children really have a good time with Polly the Collie songs, stories and activities; and that's a big part of what makes teaching English with 'Polly', such a success."

Anne Gordon, VP of Business Development at The Helen Doron Educational Group, explains why 'Polly' is needed. "It's a global phenomenon - parents, kindergarten teachers, and municipal education authorities alike are all aware of the importance of getting children conversant in English as early as possible for a better future." Anne is confident about the future of this unique product."Polly the Collie is an excellent opportunity for Kindergartens around the world. Course materials are both challenging and interesting for kindergarten children, yet with learning goals that are realistic for that age range. 'Polly' is also flexible enough to respond to individual differences within large groups of children." www. englishpolly. com/introducing_language. php (http://www. englishpolly. com/introducing_language. php)

The Helen Doron Educational Group has served over half a million babies, children and teens around the world for 23 years and is franchised in over 24 countries and growing. To see further quality Helen Doron Early English and Maths learning programs visit: www. helendoron. com, or www. mathriders. com. Learn about our international franchising opportunities at: www. helendoron. com/business-opportunities. php (http://www. helendoron. com/business-opportunities. php).

For more information about the Polly the Collie course for kindergartens and pre-schools in your country, please visit our website at: www. englishpolly. com/about_us. php (http://www. englishpolly. com/about_us. php), or contact: info@englishpolly. com

For marketing communications at the Helen Doron Group contact:
Marie Orian at TEL: 972-4-902-7900 / FAX: 972-4-999-0543

###

Veterinarians at MyPetCareTV. com Offer Tips to Keep Your Pets Trim and Healthy for 2009

Veterinarians at MyPetCareTV. com Offer Tips to Keep Your Pets Trim and Healthy for 2009

Humans aren't the only ones who need to make healthy New Year resolutions

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 14, 2009

Los Angeles, CA - January 14, 2009 -- It's that time of year when we dust off the treadmill and vow to eat better, lose weight and be healthier. But what about your pet? Pets too deserve a healthy and happy New Year. According to a 2007 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 43 percent of dogs - approximately 32 million - are overweight or obese and potentially face serious health problems. Approximately 50% of all adult cats over 7 years of age are obese.

Many pet-owners are unaware that their pet is unhealthy or, according to a recent survey, may be too embarrassed to address the problem with their veterinarian or fellow pet-owners. Vets may even hesitate to broach the sensitive subjects of weight and obesity. Nationally recognized veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, one of the resident veterinarian advisors on MyPetCareTV. com, has put together a list of questions pet owners need to ask:
What is obesity? How does this happen to my pet? What are the medical concerns? What can I do as a pet-owner? Is medical intervention available?

Pet obesity is defined as being 20 percent over ideal body weight. Improved medical care, indoor living and nutritious food have contributed to pets living longer, healthier lives. But a plethora of dining choices and treats, along with pet owners who desire to lavish edible love on their furry family members, have contributed to the expanding problem of dog and cat obesity. Other causes can range from genetics and breed, to over-feeding, lack of exercise, boredom, and old age. Obesity can decrease your pet's lifespan by 15 percent and decreases the quality of life your pet can live.

How can you determine if you have pudgy pet: with a simple Body Condition Scoring test. With your dog or cat standing, look down on them. You should see an indentation after the ribs. If it looks like a sausage, it's fat. Place your hand gently on your pet's ribcage. With slight pressure you should be able to feel its ribs. If you are pinching an inch, it's fat.

So, what can you do to get your pet back on track? Dr. Cruz has put together some simple steps that can help you develop a "New Year New Pet" regime:

"Dogs are really the easiest to get to slim down. They are much more willing to go for a walk and thankfully most don't know how to open cans or cupboards," says Cruz.

Step one - keep the animals out of the kitchen when you are cooking and away from the table when people are eating. It is the rare person who can resist slipping a tidbit to that poor, poor pitiful creature staring at you. It is also a good idea to separate multiple pets at meal times. It is not uncommon for the pet on the diet to finish its controlled portion only to push the other pet away from their food.

Step two - If a dog just has to have a treat because it was the good boy or girl and went potty or some equally talented act…give it a green bean, a baby carrot or piece of apple. If the pet says 'no way, where is the good stuff' well you are exonerated because you offered but the pet said no. You can also give a piece of its regular dry food as a treat.

"Cats can be more trying. You can't put a cat on a very strict diet or just try to tough it out for a day or two by offering food your cat doesn't like and expect it to change its mind. They can develop a fatal liver condition. Slow is always best for a cat."

Step one - Cats don't have to have food available 24/7. Controlled feedings of measured amounts is best. If you must leave food out for your cat, hide it in various spots in the house in small quantities, and then the cat has to search for it.

Step two - Cats can exercise. They just prefer not to. Find what floats your cat's boat. It may be chasing a laser light or doing acrobatics while playing with a string. Try to set up some regular "play dates" with your cat.

Learn how to improve feeding practices, exercise habits, and to indentify overweight indications particular to cats and dogs, and enjoy even healthier companionship in this new year with the support of MyPetCareTV. com and your veterinarian. Pet owners can go to www. MyPetCareTV. com and post more questions and suggestions. Dr. Cruz, along with hundreds of member veterinarians, is available to answer questions and talk with pet owners on the site. Membership is free. MyPetCareTV. com brings pet-owners and veterinarians together in an all-in-one free online resource. With features from social networking to health advice from peers and professionals, MyPetCareTV. com is the Facebook for pets, inviting owners to be a friend to their pet and find community for themselves.

For more information or to schedule an interview with the (human) founders of MyPetCareTV. com or Dr. Cruz please contact Trina Kaye at 915-310-0970 or by email at TrinaKaye (at) tkopr. com.

About Dr. Bernadine Cruz
Bernadine D. Cruz, D. V.M., is an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, Laguna Hills, Calif. She specializes in companion animal medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. Dr. Cruz received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

She is a nationally active speaker on general pet care, emergency preparedness and her passion…pets in pain. Dr. Cruz is a veterinary consultant for several national television programs, and has extensive experience across all media. She has hosted a one-hour live pet show on Southern California television for five years. Dr. Cruz has appeared on "Cats" on the A&E Network, "Petcetera" on the Discovery Channel, "Smart Solutions" and "Help at Home" on the Home and Garden Channel. She has addressed pet health concerns on local as well as national television news broadcasts. Dr. Cruz was the source of pet care education to listeners on KKGO in Los Angeles for over two years. She also graced the airwaves on the CBS radio affiliate in Los Angeles, "KNX 10.70 News Radio" with pet health tips. She presently can be seen in thousands of veterinary offices coast to coast on the educational DVD series "PetCare TV," and provides answers to internet using pet owners on "MyPetCareTV. Com."

Dr. Cruz assisted in the development of the "First Aid for Pets -- Dogs & Cats" course endorsed by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States. She is the author of "the Secret Sex Life of Dogs and Cats"; a text for pet owners that entertains and at the same time educates them on the reproductive behaviors of their pets. Among other distinguished roles, she is chair of the American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Communications and a member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council.

Dr. Bernadine is a veterinarian who takes it to the people. She has served as a volunteer veterinarian for the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, "The Last Great Race" in Alaska. You can find her in late winter along the North Shore of Lake Superior, serving the needs of the canine athletes in the John Beargrease Sled Dog race. Her two cats, Bogie and Divot aren't impressed with her credentials…they just call her 'Meow-om'.

###