PULSE HEALTHY HEART ADVICE FOR BLACK WOMEN.

Every African-American woman should think about her heart health. Nearly 40 percent of African-American women die of cardiovascular disease, according to the Association of Black Cardiologists. They also have a much higher death rate - 69 percent - from heart disease than do Caucasian women. To raise awareness, the association offers a free educational video and accompanying guidebook called ``Heart Health for the Generations.'' The 30-minute video features acclaimed poet Maya Angelou. Tips include monitoring blood pressure, controlling cholesterol levels, tracking blood sugar, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and eating healthy foods. For more information, visit www.abcardio.org or call [phone].

- Mariko Thompson

WEE ENLIGHTENMENT: Kids, inspired by watching Mom and Dad do yoga, can have their very own yoga kit. Wai Lana, host of ``Wai Lana Yoga'' on PBS, offers a Little Yogis kit for children ages 3 to 8. The kit includes a kid-size mat, a mat bag with pockets for water and snacks, a one-hour video and a cartoon poster with 21 exercises. With playful names like ``making cake,'' ``roly poly bear'' and ``rocking beetle,'' little yogis can have fun while improving flexibility, balance and coordination. The kit is available for $29.95 at wailana.com or at [phone].

- M.T.

SUPPORTING A CANCER VICTIM: What should you say or do when a family member or friend has breast cancer? A new video called ``Beyond Flowers'' provides ideas and advice to people who are helping a loved one battle the disease. The film offers assistance on what to say to someone who has just been diagnosed, the emotional stages that patients go through, and the type of assistance that patients need from friends and family while undergoing treatment. The 49-minute video was made by the nonprofit Affinityfilms and received funding from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Breast Cancer Focus Inc. of Alaska. Copies are available for $19.95 at www.beyondflowers.org or [phone].

- M.T.

THOSE CRAZY EXES: For most couples who divorce, the biggest obstacle they will face is raising the children. Most couples will endeavor to share custody, but sometimes they need help. ``Custody Chaos, Personal Peace: Sharing Custody With an Ex Who Drives You Crazy'' (Perigee; $13.95) by Jeffrey P. Wittmann, Ph.D, offers strategies, skills and tools for dealing with a difficult ex, his or her family and learning how to heal the anger. Areas touched on include: working with yourself; deciding whose problem it is; and nudging your ex to change.

- Nancy Hewitt

BRUSHING ON THE RUN: Dentists recommend brushing those pearly whites twice a day. For busy kids and harried adults, this sometimes requires brushing on the go. To avoid toothpaste tube mishaps, try toting an all-in-one toothbrush in your backpack or briefcase. The Fresh & Go toothbrush (available for $3 at most drug stores) puts the toothpaste inside the handle. Twist the knob and toothpaste rises through the bristles. The disposable brush comes with a protective cap and is good for about 30 uses.

- M.T.

LEARNING ORGANICALLY: Learn how to grow everything you need for an organic salad in seven days at a Soka University of America workshop in Calabasas at 10 a.m. Sept. 27. The workshop will be led by Kellye Wilson, a raw-food chef. She will teach participants how to select organic seeds and sprout them in a jar. The workshop costs $5. Reservations are required. Call [phone] to reserve a space.

- M.T.

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(1) no caption (book: ``Heart Health for the Generations'')

(2 -- 4) no caption (Little Yogis kit)

(5) no caption (video: ``Beyond Flowers'')

(6) no caption (book: ``Custody Chaos, Personal Peace'')

(7) no caption (Fresh & Go toothbrush)