Maryland leads the nation in 2008 AP pass rate

It's hard to talk to any high school students these days who aren't taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses or who have friends who are. Some of then enroll in several of these heavy-duty classes at the same time, in search of college credit before setting foot on campus.

Maryland's class of 2008 led the pack as far as the highest pass rate in the country:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1465098/maryland_students_lead_nation_in_ap.html?cat=4

How to keep your daughter from growing up too fast

She's transfixed by the thongs in Macy's and already has a favorite shade of lipstick. She wants her hair styled like Hannah Montana's, and she's only six years old. Here are some helpful tips to keep your young daughter from growing up too fast:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1444687/how_to_keep_your_firstgrade_daughter.html?cat=25

Rescued Florida Pony Defies Astronomical Odds to Survive

She's adorable, a deep bay or a roan color. She's 10 years old and has already undergone more medical woes than most horses could endure.

Meet 10-year-old Classy, a pony at Floriday's Beauty's Haven Farm & Equine Rescue:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1386959/florida_pony_survives_deformities_thanks.html?cat=7

Top 10 Causes of Pet Poisoning for 2008

The ASPCA has just released its list of the top 10 offenders for 2008 as far as pet poisoning. The results might surprise you:

http://www.helium.com/items/1284452-top-causes-of-pet-poisoning

How to do a financial fast

The holiday bills have started arriving if you didn't pay cash. You might be receiving a raise with the New Year, but is it enough to keep you from spending more than you earn?

Thousands of Americans are fed up with economic woes and are taking advantage of the newest money tool: a financial fast.

Here's what you need to know to try it:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1340947/how_to_go_on_a_financial_fast.html?cat=7

The truth about mistletoe

That little kissing sprig isn't necessarily so benign as folklore and the cinema would have us believe. Read all about it here:

http://www.helium.com/items/754468-christmas-and-the-origins-of-mistletoe

Doctors often overlook childhood heart attacks

Though they're rare, their symptoms are remarkably similar to those experienced by adults having heart attacks.

Heart attacks in children are rare, and physicians often overlook them. These attacks can be fatal:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1313368/rare_childhood_heart_attacks_often.html?cat=70

How to Grand-proof Your Home for Wee Holiday Visitors

They manage to get into places we'd never even consider. They're mobile and they're fast. If you have young grandchildren coming for the holidays, here are some tips on how to make sure your home is safe for them:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1297519/how_to_grandproof_your_home_for_the.html?cat=74

'Tis the Season: Cold Sores vs. Canker Sores

Do you know the difference? One is contagious. One is not. Read how to tell which type you have:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1255315/canker_sores_vs_cold_sores_whats_the.html?cat=70

How to get veterans' benefits for assisted living or home care

While most vets are acquainted with the basic benefits to which they're entitled after leaving the military, a few obscure programs might turn out to be really important.

For info on how to obtain veterans' benefits for care in an assisted living facility or even at home, read this:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1234785/how_to_get_veterans_benefits_for_assisted.html?cat=5

Six-month-old filly rescued just in time

We hope this story will have a happy ending. Our friends at Beauty's Haven in Florida have rescued a gorgeous six-month-old thoroughbred filly who had been horrendously injured.

Read about Silver Belle's story here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1189384/sixmonthold_thoroughbred_filly_gets.html?cat=14

Keeping our furry companions save on Halloween

Sometimes the temptation to dress up an adorable cat or dog for Halloween is almost irresistible.

However, after reading the piece in this link, you'll want to think twice about how to celebrate Halloween with your pets:

http://www.helium.com/items/1217824-safe-halloween-for-pets

Owner of Injured Racehorse Does the Right Thing

It's a sadly familiar story. Owner purchases racehorse. Horse does well at the track. While still young, the horse breaks down at the track.

When a horse suffers a catastrophic injury, the owner is usually faced with some terrible choices. Here's the story of one who definitely took the high road:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1117571/owner_tries_all_options_to_help_injured.html?cat=14

Childhood Urinary Tract Infections Might Signal More Serious Condition

If you've had your pre-schooler to the doctor several times in the last year with urinary tract infections (UTIs), you're probably both concerned and tired from coping with a cranky child.

Repeat UTIs can be warning signals for a much more serious urinary tract condition that's common in young children. Read about it here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1120207/when_your_childs_urinary_tract_infection.html?cat=70

Sinusitis: What causes it?

Whether you have just a couple of horribly painful episodes a year or seem to always have a clogged head, you've probably wondered what is causing your sinusitis. There are actually two types of this condition, and each has different causes.

Here's the low-down on what's making you miserable:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1108428/causes_of_acute_and_chronic_sinusitis.html?page=2&cat=70