Thursday, July 19, 2007 —

Stress and Your Heart

The research and record are very clear on the main causes of heart failure: smoking, obesity, genetic predisposition -- but what about mental stress? Yes, that emotional state that everyone experiences through jobs, personal relationships or difficult circumstances can potentially lead to heart trouble, according to researchers who say they are very close to making that link. The researchers say their new tests could help doctors diagnose heart trouble in early stages, which could lead to saving lives. Correspondent Juju Chang introduces us to what this research team is finding.

God's Toys

Starting next month, more than 400 Wal-Mart stores will start stocking their shelves with faith-based toys. The toys, made by the company One2believe, will feature figures from Biblical stories such as Samson, Goliath and Daniel. There's also a 12-inch-tall talking Jesus. The idea behind it is to give children a faith alternative to action figures that have been so popular for many years. Religious products have become a multi-billion dollar industry since 9/11, and the makers of the toys are hoping their products will become the next successful part of that thriving market. Correspondent Miguel Marquez has our story.

Champs Elysees

If you're traveling overseas this summer, you'll find the American dollar doesn't get you as much as it used to. But that doesn't seem to be stopping Americans from getting on p***s and jetting to their favorite destinations -- one of those being Paris, one of the most visited cities anywhere. And our Nick Watt has been there recently to look into what the French see as a troubling trend on their avenue of avenues, the Champs Elysees. Call it the attack of the mega fashion stores. Many international stores now dot the tree-lined street and more want in. "Non" is the answer to some new requests for permits, because the French say it is changing the character of the place. It's a battle royal between the boutiques and the mega stores.

We hope you join us tonight.

Gerry Holmes and the "Nightline" staff
Washington, D.C.

For a large-print version of this e-mail, click here and choose the largest font size in the top right corner.