I'm Expecting...

NO, I'm not with child.

This Saturday I will be delivered two kittens, a brother/sister pair, from one of my gentle piano students. The little girl kitten is a striped calico with intense color and a mostly-tan face. The little boy kitten was the runt of the litter and is solid dark gray (almost black) with the brightest blue eyes.

I've been trying to think of names but so far nothing is coming to mind. I may just give it some time and let their personalities speak to me.

It has been almost 20 years since I've cared for kittens, much less trained them in proper kitty behavior. This is going to be an exciting new journey.

If you have any suggestions on names, please leave a comment below.

"Here Comes the Pitch!!"

Regular visitors to my little ol' blog here may have noticed a series of posts in which were listed a wide variety of health-related blogs. Before you think I've gone mad and conducted endless research into collecting all these sources, think again.

The Bulldog Reporter, according to SourceWatch, "is a publication that helps 'PR professionals increase media coverage through smarter pitching.' It is published by the Infocom Group, which pays journalists to make presentations before PR professionals, providing inside advise on how to better pitch and place stories and to cultivate relationships between PR professionals and journalists."

The Bulldog Reporter's Inside Health Media acknowledges that social media (aka blogs) has risen as an influential media source to consumers of health services and products. "Inside Health Media’s huge new blog directory gives PR pros an inside guide to influential bloggers covering health, medicine and fitness."

Of course when I first learned about this massive list, I was curious to see who was on it. Imagine how tickled I was to find that Brass and Ivory and the Carnival of MS Bloggers were listed. Which led me to think - other health bloggers might be interested to know if they too were on 'the list.

Keep in mind that Inside Health Media is hoping to provide a resource useful for PR pitches. But this isn't going to help much if the PR folks don't actually spend a little time getting to know on what subjects each blogger writes.

Yesterday, I received a pleasant-enough PR pitch to write about HPV testing.

Hi Lisa--

It's National Women's Health Week and I've been trying to spread the word about HPV and its link to cervical cancer. I wanted to give you a heads up about the HPV Test in case you'd be interested in writing a post about it.

The pap alone is not foolproof in detecting HPV-- it can miss up to half of the time! But when combined with the pap, the HPV Test is virtually 100% accurate in identifying women at risk for cervical cancer.

There are some good patient testimonial videos at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DigeneHPVtest

And more information about the test at http://www.thehpvtest.com/

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Now I believe that this person come to me by googling "women's health." And seeing as I've never written specifically about "women's health" it is evident that the only reason I came up on her search was due to the category of "women's health" on the IHM Blog list. But that didn't stop her from pitching the idea to me.

I'm not completely opposed to such things - it's just that there are other bloggers who might be more equipped to speak on this matter. A couple come to might immediately including Diane of A Stellarlife.

So here I am posting the message about including the links. But I'm also going to post some relevant articles related to this. Here goes:

From April 2008:

• QIAGEN Focuses New HPV Test Ad Campaign on Real-Life Story of Woman’s Escape from Cervical Cancer
• The Digene® HPV Test
• Watchful Waiting Best After HPV Test?
• Pap plus HPV tests can bring confusing results
  Women with positive findings need repeat tests to assess risk, experts say
• Third Wave seeks pre-market approval for HPV testing technology

From October 2007:

• Study: HPV more accurate than Pap smear
• Is HPV Testing Better Than the Pap Smear?
  As a screen for cervical neoplasia, HPV testing showed advantages over the Pap smear.
• New Test for HPV

From 2003:

• FDA Approves Expanded Use of HPV Test

From 1999:

• HPV Testing in the Evaluation of the Minimally Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear

From CDC:

• Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet
• HPV and Men - CDC Fact Sheet

IHM - Health Blogs, Part 8

From Bulldog Reporter: "Inside Health Media’s huge new blog directory gives PR pros an inside guide to influential bloggers covering health, medicine and fitness."

If you are one of the following bloggers who might be checking out your incoming links, please consider adding Brass and Ivory to your blogroll. Thanks.

Alternative/Holistic Health

Body, Mind & Solar - "Body, Mind and Solar is a page about total body well-being and to me that includes the mind as well."

Forget The Cures, Find The Cause - Holistic health podcast.

The Gormley Files - "My take (and your thoughts) on global health freedom, social and ecological justice, mainstream medicine and the politics of healing."

Health Matters - "Articles, products and sound medical information for self help and well being."

Healthy Herbal Alternatives - Fake Fads Or Real Science - "Herbal Alternative Research Information, News and Reviews That You Can Use and the role Nutritional Supplementation plays in better health and wellness."

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body - "This blog explores the concept of mind body medicine. It discusses the relationship between the body, the mind and health. The Blog will show how spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, exercises, proper nutrition and self care, can help us keep our body and mind in harmony to make us healthy." Written by an ob-gyn.

Holistic Health - "On this blog, you will learn how to create greater health, happiness and peace of mind in your life. We have a great group of holistic practitioners lined up to help you navigate and flourish in this often challenging world." Sponsored by the Albany Times-Union, but not produced by staff writers.

Mercola.com Blog - Holistic health info from osteopathic practitioner Joseph Mercola. "My motivation, whether you are my patient or a member of the Mercola.com community, is to make you as healthy as you can possibly be. This motivation involves: 1) Providing the health and medical knowledge and resources that will most benefit you, regardless of what category it falls under; 2) Exposing the corporate, government and mass media hype that diverts people away from what is truly best for their health and often straight into an early grave."

Seeds for Change Wellness - From the founders of Seeds for Change. "Our mission is to provide educational information, programs, and holistic health services. We are committed to helping bring about balance and harmony within the personal, local and global community, by assisting those working toward a healthier lifestyle."

Wellness Bites - "This blog touches on the many health, wellness and natural beauty topics that impact our lives daily." From ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Wellness Coordination - "It is my role at Center for Chiropractic & Wellness (CCW) to increase awareness of health related services and options that the office has to offer. In addition I cultivate outside health related learning and awareness through seminar series, movie nights, shopping trips and more. I am your "go-to girl" for any and all health related questions."

Wellness Works! - "Dr. Shamira is the founder of Art of Wellness [a Toronto holistic health clinic]. With a special interest in women’s health, she inspires both men & women to achieve optimum health - body, mind and spirit - through integrated, natural healthcare and by combining the disciplines of chiropractic, traditional acupuncture and clinical nutrition."

Diet/Nutrition/Fitness

Cholesterol Basics - Info about cholesterol. Published in England.

Cranky Fitness - "Your Guide to Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Personal Development, and Whining."

Curtis' Blog - "The professional and personal life of trainer Curtis L."

The Daily Table - Blog from Sustainable Table, "a consumer program founded to celebrate the sustainable food movement, educate individuals on food-related issues, and builds community through sustainable food."

Diet Blog - "Diet Blog is all about filtering the best of diet news and advice - and combining it with real-world application and opinion. The whole spectrum is covered - everything from body image to fast food."

The Diet Dish - Diet and nutrition tips.

Diet Talk from the Doc - Diet and nutrition info.

Diet, Cooking, and Exercise - "A former chef chronicles his journey to lose weight and reduce blood pressure with exercise, recipe modification and dieting."

Disease Proof - "This website serves as a forum to promote discussion on health information to help people understand how to take control of their health through nutritional excellence."

The Doctor Weighs In - "TDWI doctors weigh in with thoughts on fat, fitness, health, and longevity from a medical point of view."

Donate Your Weight - "Donate Your Weight is no-diet weight loss philosophy. This blog will provide you with tools and techniques to tune in to your own body and become naturally slim."

Dr Fitness and the Fat Guy - Blog for Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy radio show.

DrJohnLaPuma Healthy News - Health and nutrition info from an internal medicine doctor and author.

Eating Fabulous - Info about healthy eating.

eDiets.com Blog - Diet and fitness blog from eDiets.com.

Fit Sugar - Health and fitness info.

Fitness & Health with Dr. Gabe Mirkin - "News and tips for your healthful lifestyle from sports medicine doctor, fitness guru and long-time radio host Gabe Mirkin, M.D., and his wife, nutritionist Diana Mirkin."

Fitness Blog at Families.com - Fitness blog from Families.com.

The Fitness Fixer - Exercise and fitness tips.

Food411 blog - General food and cooking info.

GetFitPod - Diet and fitness podcasts.

Gluten Free Blog - "Blog includes Celiac Disease science/medical news plus gluten free recipe, food, product, service, and event info."

Health and Nutrition by Michael R. Eades, M.D. - "Dr. Michael R. Eades is the best selling author of Protein Power, and health care expert in nutritional science, low carb diets, and other health issues."

Health Nut Wannabe Mom - "I started this blog so that I can pass along all the great things that I learn everyday on damage control for our wonderful bodies. It is tough to keep up sometimes with all the things going on in our daily lives so hopefully some of the helpful hints that I provide can make your life easier and healthier."

The Healthy Food Review - Includes "healthy food reviews, my thoughts on healthy eating and lifestyle issues, plus tips and resources for healthy eating and living." From the author of Author of "Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!"

Holford Watch - "We are not nutritionists, we are very naughty boys and girls. We use basic science and research skills to perform a critical assessment of the work of Patrick Holford and nutritionism."

iVillage: Diet and Fitness - "Healthy ideas and inspirations from fitness coaches, food experts [and] diet gurus."

Jimmy Moore's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb - Weight-loss tips from a diet author.

Junkfood Science - "Critical examinations of studies and news on food, weight, health and healthcare that mainstream media misses. Debunks popular myths, explains science and exposes fraud that affects your health. Plus some fun food for thought."

Kansans and Friends in Weight Loss - Weight loss and wellness for people in Kansas.

The Life Ledger - Covers general health and fitness topics. Edited by Cris Harshman, who lost 65 pounds under doctors' orders.

Lift Magazine - "The good life guide for the modern fitness enthusiast."

Maria's Last Diet - Diet blog from the creators of Maria's Last Diet.

Mayo Clinic: Nutrition-wise - Nutrition info from Mayo Clinic dietitians.

Middle Age Shred - Weight-loss info.

My Equilibrium Coach Blog - Fitness blog from Aerobodies Fitness, a D.C.-based company that offers fitness and wellness programs.

The ND Blog - Nutrition and health info from author and nutritionist Monica Reinagel.

Prevention: Food for Thought - News and insights from Prevention nutrition director Cynthia Sass.

Self Magazine blogs - Health and fitness blogs from Self magazine.

Sports Geezer - "Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for men and women over 40 who still like to play hard."

Take it off with Julia! - Nutrition and fitness info from diet author Julia Havey.

U.S. News & World Report: On Fitness - "Senior Editor Katherine Hobson writes about keeping your body fit and your diet healthy—and what those phrases actually mean, according to science. A longtime endurance athlete, she enjoys both training and Nutella in moderation."

Veg Blog - "I started this blog with the intention of providing the point of view of a new vegetarian in an attempt to help other new vegetarians, or just people trying to cut some meat out of their diets."

Weight of the Evidence - Fitness and nutrition blog from " an active proponent of controlled-carb nutrition. I hope what I write helps individuals and families eat well and optimize their health!"

Women's Health: Countdown to 30 - "I'm Jill, a senior editor at WH. I turn 30 in one short year, and already I feel myself growing older, weaker, and more boring by the second. Since I can’t reclaim my youth, I’m going to squeeze every last moment of fun out of my 365 remaining days as a twenty-something. Help me decide how I should make every day count."

Women's Health: Personal Trainer - Fitness blog from a Women's Health contributing editor and L.A.-based celebrity trainer. "Let's talk about what's new in--and out--of the gym. If I have anything to do with your progress, no one's going to be able to shut up about your results."

Women's Health: Ultimate Fitness Plan - "Hi, I'm Meghan, and I'll be taking on this year's Ultimate Fitness Plan. Why? I don't hate my body, but I know I could love it a lot more. The next six months are going to be about making my health a priority -- and I'll be talking about it all right here." The blogger is a freelance travel writer in New York City.

(h/t Attack of the Flacks)