which accelerates hardening and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

With gum disease, bacteria living in a thin, built-up film of food particles on the teeth called plaque infect the gum tissues, which in turn trigger inflammation. A struggle ensures between the infection and inflammation, causing the gum tissues to weaken and detach from the teeth. Coupled with erosion of the supporting bone, the risk of tooth loss dramatically increases.

Recent research now seems to indicate the inflammatory responses from these two diseases may not occur in isolation. There is evidence that gum inflammation could aggravate inflammation in the cardiovascular system, and vice-versa. The research, though, points to some possible good news: treating inflammation in either disease could have a positive effect on the other.

Making heart-friendly lifestyle changesIt’s Official: Eddie Murphy To Host the Oscars

Academy assigns "Beverly Hills Cop" to the Kodak in Hollywood

By DANIEL MACHT •Published September 5, 2011•Updated on September 6, 2011 at 3:44 pm

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From James Franco and Anne Hathaway to – officer Axel Foley? Believe it. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially confirmed the rumors that Eddie Murphy will be hosting the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

Murphy, the 50-year-old star of the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise and “Saturday Night Live” alum, was rumored to be the top choice of Oscar telecast producer Brett Ratner. Not coincidentally, Murphy stars in Ratner's newest film, "Tower Heist." This will be his first time hosting the show.

"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," said