After 20 years with Avon Products, Gail Blanke successfully launched her own company, Gail Blanke's Lifedesigns, and was living out her dreams. She was physically fit, ate healthily and was an all-around optimistic person. So when she was suddenly diagnosed with two clogged arteries after falling short of breath on her way to work five years ago, it surprised everyone: she didn't fit the typical profile for a person with heart disease at all.

Gail's double-bypass surgery was a success, and she has since made it her mission to help other women prevent heart disease as a motivational speaker and author (her most recent book, "Throw Out Fifty Things" was published in 2010). "Sometimes it takes a crisis... for you to know who you are," says Gail, now 62 years old. Join us in this episode of Living Forward as we hear her inspiring story.

Living Forward is a new video series brought to you by Live Better America. Join us as we highlight 24 hours in the lives of people who have used the wisdom of their experiences to bring meaning to their lives and value to those around them.

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• Harvest Vegetable Chowder

  Enjoy this country-style creamy stew packed with varied veggies -- a delicious slow-cooked dinner! Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 9 Hr 10 min Servings: 6 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/harvest-vegetable-chowder/7178d0a8-a26f-4524-ae50-587b0c10cd79?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink"> Get the Harvest Vegetable Chowder recipe</a>

• Roast Salmon Provençal

  Fat-free Italian dressing adds the zing in this easy and colorful salmon and vegetable creation. Prep Time: 20 min Total Time: 40 min Servings: 4 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/roast-salmon-provencal/5d338465-f186-432e-9508-76434a5e731c?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Roast Salmon Provençal recipe</a>

• Baked Salmon With Mango Salsa

  Fresh tropical and southwestern flavors mingle in a sensational three-ingredient mango salsa. Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 30 min Servings: 8 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/baked-salmon-with-mango-salsa/f3add1ff-8720-4f59-b0e5-f119c945a2b5?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Baked Salmon With Mango Salsa recipe</a>

• Cereal Chill-Out Parfaits

  Turn Cheerios cereal, yummy bananas and yogurt into a tasty breakfast parfait or easy nutritious snack. Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 10 min Servings: 2 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/cheerios-chill-out-parfaits-cooking-for-2/17035c18-ad9a-46a8-9240-dabd0a5530c3?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Cereal Chill-Out Parfaits recipe</a>

• Herb Barley And Asparagus

  Combine grains and vegetables into one super side dish! To boost the flavor when cooking with grains, a trick of the trade is to cook them in broth (chicken, beef or vegetable), apple juice or vegetable juice. Prep Time: 20 min Total Time: 1 Hr Servings: 8 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/herb-barley-and-asparagus/e19e1ef0-5e17-4ec5-b7c6-929cf495968b?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Herb Barley And Asparagus recipe</a>

• Warm Tuscan Bean Salad

  Dinner ready in 30 minutes! Try this hearty bean salad that has a fresh herb flavor -- perfect if you love Italian cuisine. Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 30 min Servings: 4 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/warm-tuscan-bean-salad/ad782c98-fbfb-40f0-ad6d-4ab0bf73c7e9?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Warm Tuscan Bean Salad recipe</a>

• Quinoa With Black Beans

  Quinoa is high in protein, low in fat and cooks quickly, making it a terrific dinner choice. As is, this recipe works well as a grain side dish; to make it a main dish, double the serving size. Prep Time: 30 min Total Time: 30 min Servings: 8 <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/quinoa-with-black-beans/f6d80b45-307d-4d87-8565-f617db6fee7b?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549" target="_hplink">Get the Quinoa With Black Beans recipe</a>