Heart Rate Monitor for Total Body Workout

Polar is helping consumers better understand their bodies and achieve their fitness goals with a new total body workout model, the Polar F55 heart rate monitor. Incorporating both strength training and cardio exercise, the Polar F55 is perfect for exercisers looking for a complete full-body workout. The Polar F55 gives the modern fitness enthusiast a complete exercise session by adding new features like Polar Body Workout, a muscular strength training guide. Body Workout, which can be adjusted according to the exerciser’s progress, provides basic guidance for strength training with effective workout movements, count of sets, repetitions and weight recommendations.

The F55 also helps exercisers “listen” to their bodies with the new OwnRelax feature, which checks the body’s state of relaxation, an essential component of fitness. OwnRelax is a five-minute test that helps to monitor and track the user’s overall well-being.

The F55, retailing at approximately $219.95, is available in two styles: The F55 Bronze Rock, designed for men and the smaller F55 Red Velvet, developed specially for women. The new F-series models will be available by April. For more information click to www.polarusa.com.

Educational Resources Added to CEA Website

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has added a new section on MP3 players to its consumer website, MyCEknowhow.com. The section features interactive buying guides and educational resources designed to help consumers navigate the world of digital music players. MyCEknowhow.com was launched a few months ago with a digital imaging guide designed to help consumers find the digital camera and camcorder products best suited for their needs.

In addition to a brief introduction to portable digital music devices, the new MP3 program also offers tips for choosing an MP3 player, managing digital music and taking music on the go. Users can find answers to a wide variety of questions regarding MP3 players, such as why memory determines price, how many songs a player can store, file size and sound quality trade-offs, easy ways to take music on the road, why your jukebox matters and how to rip CDs and join podcasts. Consumers visiting MyCEknowhow.com can print out PDF summaries that serve as a checklist they can take into the store.

In Pursuit of a Better Search

With a traditional search engine, simple keywords prompt masses of results. With the new Dumbfind.com search engine, a keyword plus a related tag produces search results that can’t be found anywhere else. The engine’s two-box search method empowers searches in a new way by combining traditional keywords with tags or categories. The Dumbfind engine sorts its findings into related tag clusters more intelligently ranked to match the searcher’s real intent.

Dumbfind has been designed for those looking for a better and alternative search method to what the traditional mass engines like Google or Yahoo are offering. Whether you’re a power searcher or just frustrated with the limitations of unilateral keyword searches, Dumbfind offers you an efficient, intuitive search experience.

Genetic Testing for Infertility Via the Net

DNA Direct is offering testing to determine underlying genetic causes of infertility and recurrent miscarriages via the Internet. Genetics is thought to be a contributing factor in 5-10 percent of couples that experience infertility, according to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control.

Couples who are experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss can order a test online and receive the results privately through the DNA Direct website (www.dnadirect.com). DNA Direct offers phone support by board-certified genetic experts and presents an individual’s lab result with a comprehensive, personalized report featuring information, illustrations and resources that can be shared with the patient’s physician. DNA Direct offers complete confidentiality and anonymity with all testing.

To get started, consumers log on to www.dnadirect.com to learn about genetics and the potential impact on infertility. They take an interactive questionnaire to identify which tests are appropriate. Throughout the process, genetic counselors are available by phone to answer questions and discuss any issues.

Once selected, the testing kit is mailed with clear instructions on obtaining DNA samples. After returning the test sample, the consumer will receive lab results within three to four weeks, depending on the test. The price for the complete service ranges from $500 to $1,300.