PULSE.

Byline: -- Simone Schramm Trimm

HELP FOR DRY EYES: Dry contact lenses, low humidity, marathon computer use and allergies all can contribute to scratchy, red, irritated eyes. Temecula-based Eye Eco wants to help with new Thermoeyes Microwavable gel pads that fit in the company's Tranquileyes goggles. The goggles are designed to form a moist, humid environment around the eyes and prevent the evaporation of natural tears. The new microwavable gel pad inserts, purchased separately, claim to boost the intensity of the 10-minute Tranquileyes treatment. Users place the gel pads in a cup of water, heat them in the microwave and then slip them into the goggles. The added warmth helps open the meibomian glands, which secrete the oily lipid layer of the tear film, slowing the evaporation of natural tears, the company says. The Tranquileyes goggles set is $39, and the new $29 microwavable kit includes four Thermoeyes gel packs and four thin foam pads. To purchase, visit www.eyeeco.com, or call [phone].

COMFORT FOR KIDS: It's no secret that kids need special care and attention when someone in their family is diagnosed with cancer. In situations like this, children are left feeling confused, angry and afraid because they have little understanding as to what is going on with a suffering loved one. CancerCare offers a kid's pack filled with items designed to comfort children. There's a teddy bear and a special easy-to-read book that addresses the many fears and emotions a child feels when dealing with cancer. Buy the unique $35 kit at www.changingthepresent.org. Proceeds will benefit a choice of nonprofit organizations in areas such as the fight against cancer, homelessness, even animal welfare. For more information on CancerCare, call [phone], or visit www.cancercare.org.

CHOLESTEROL CHECK: Do you know your cholesterol level? Even if you feel great and exercise regularly, you might have elevated levels of cholesterol. Your doctor can test your cholesterol to see if you're at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. But if you don't mind pricking your finger, you can get at-home test results on total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and ketone levels with an FDA-approved handheld device called CardioChek. The monitor and test strips produce results in less than 2 minutes, wherever you are. Unfortunately, it takes separate jabs to test your total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, etc. The starter kit is $193.88 through J. Hewitt Inc. of Irvine or at select Wal-Mart stores in Southern California. To order online, visit www.jhewitt.com.

ESTROGEN-FREE DIET: Normally associated with women and PMS, too much estrogen may also contribute to prostate cancer in men and can play a part in obesity, a new book claims. According to nutrition guru Ori Hofmekler, author of "The Warrior Diet," estrogen levels have increased in our systems due to chemicals in the environment and food supply. His book "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet" (North Atlantic; $16.95) attempts to address stubborn fat deposits and estrogen-related disorders such as PMS, endometriosis and fibrocystic disease. The book promotes the inclusion of anti-estrogenic foods such as citrus fruits and fatty fish in your diet and the moderation of such estrogenic foods as soy milk, licorice and hops. The book is available at Borders Books and Barnes & Noble.

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(1) no caption (Tranquileyes goggles set)

(2) no caption (CancerCare pack)

(3) no caption (CardioChek)

(4) no caption (book: "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet")