For most people, choosing the right vet for their pets is much harder
than choosing the right physician for themselves. When choosing a vet, you're
not just looking for someone with exceptional medical skills, but also for
someone with excellent people skills who understands you and your pet. And
since most veterinarians work with a team of professional support staff, you'll
want to evaluate them, too, as you look for the best fit for you and your furry
family members.
The worst time to find a vet is when your pet has a medical emergency, so
plan ahead and do your research before you need one. The following suggestions
can help you in your search.
Yellow
Pages/internet search
While this is a good start, I think this should only be a first step.
Proximity to your home will certainly be a factor in your decision, but it
shouldn't be the only one. A good vet is well worth driving a few extra miles.
If you're using the internet to look for a vet, use common sense if you're
visiting review sites such as Yelp. The opinions posted there are only that -
opinions. Do your own research and make up your own mind after visiting
potential vets.
Word of mouth/referral
from friends, neighbors or family members
With most service businesses, word of mouth is usually the best way to find
a provider. But a word of caution: make sure that the person referring you
shares your philosophy when it comes to how to care for a pet. Not all pet
owners consider pets members of the family, and even among the ones who do,
there are varying degrees. Don't necessarily trust a referral from someone you
just met. When I got Feebee, who was my first cat, I was not only clueless when
it came to how to select a vet, I was also new to the area, so I did what most
people would do - I asked a neighbor who had a dog and a cat and didn't pursue
any other recommendations, nor did I research the clinic myself. I later found
out that the vet I took Feebee to had a reputation for cutting corners during
anesthetic procedures, especially in the area of pain control. Sadly, I didn't
find this out until after Feebee had already been neutered and had had a dental
cleaning.
Membership in the
American Animal Hospital Association
Member hospitals voluntarily pursue and meet AAHA's standards in areas of
quality medical care, facility and equipment.
For cats - look for a feline vet
If at all possible, look for a vet specializing in cats. Cats are not
small dogs, and feline vets can address your cat's special needs better. Your
cat's vet visit may also be less stressful in a feline-only hospital. (Read Is
Your Vet Cat-Friendly for more on this topic). For a listing of feline
veterinarians, use the Find a Feline Practitioner search on the American
Association of Feline Practioners' website.
Facility
Does the hospital have separate cat and dog waiting areas? Is the hospital
clean and odor-free? Is the staff dressed in clean uniforms and lab coats?
Don't rule out an older looking hospital - a fancy new facility doesn't always
guarantee that your pet will also get top-of-the line medical care.
Make an appointment without your pet
I think this is the best way to evaluate a veterinary practice. Make an
appointment and ask for a tour of the facility. By going to see potential vets
without your pet, you will be more relaxed and it will give you a chance to
evaluate not only facility, but also the practice philosophy of the clinic. If
you want to speak to a veterinarian during this trial visit, offer to pay for an
office visit. Most vets will not charge you for an introductory visit, but it
sets the right tone for a future relationship of mutual respect. Come prepared
with a list of questions that are important to you. For example, if you're
holistically oriented, make sure that your vet is, too, or at the very least, is
open to holistic modalities even if he or she doesn't practice
them.
Other questions to
ask:
How many veterinarians are at the practice?
Will my pet always see the same veterinarian?
Are appointments required?
What happens if I have an emergency after clinic hours?
Are dogs and cats housed in separate areas?
Are diagnostic services such as x-rays, blood work, ultrasound, EKG,
endoscopy done in-house, or will they be referred to a specialist?
Cost
While the cost of veterinary care is most certainly a factor in the
decision pocess, I don't believe that it should be the determining one. When
we bring pets into our lives, we know that they will need veterinary care -
that's part of being a responsible pet parent. Even if we're fortunate and they
never get sick, they'll still need preventive care. Depending on what part of
the country you're in, routine veterinary care can run anywhere from $500-1500 a
year. These numbers can include annual wellness exams, parasite control,
labwork, dental care, and more.
If you do use price as a determining factor in your search for a vet, be
aware that simply asking for prices for certain services does not necessarily
tell the whole story. For example, prices for spay/neuter surgeries can vary
widely between practices - sometimes, the disaparities are due the difference in
the level of care your pet will receive.
Finding the right vet for your pet is one of the most important decisions
you'll make - there is nothing more reassuring than having a vet you know you
can trust and rely on throughout your pet's life.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
Make a Conscious Choice to be
Healthy
By Ingrid
King
As we're moving into fall, flu and cold season are not that far away, and
everyone is looking for ways to boost our immune system and stay healthy. Nobody
wants to catch the dreaded flu. Even a cold can lay us flat for a few days, or
at the very least, make us miserable. So what can we do to stay
healthy?
On a physical level, there are many different ways to boost the immune
system. Here are some of my favorites:
Don't let the cold weather stop you from getting your exercise. Just 30
minutes a day of light aerobic exercise can help keep your immune system
healthy.
Wash your hands frequently. Studies have shown that nothing prevents a
cold better than thorough and frequent handwashing. If you can't get to a
faucet, use anti-bacterial gel or wipes.
Limit your intake of sugar and highly processed foods - both have been
shown to depress the immune system.
Take a good daily multi-vitamin. Do your research and make sure the brand
you take has good bio-availability. Most over the counter brands don't.
Take extra vitamin C. I take 1000 mg a day, and if I'm around anyone who's
sick, I double that dose.
New research shows that probiotic supplements contribute to a healthy
immune system. As with all supplements, be sure you research the brand you use
to make sure it really contains quality ingredients.
Make sure you get enough vitamin D. While the best way to get your vitamin
D is through 15-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure each day, those of us
living in the northern hemisphere may find it challenging to get that much
during the winter months. If you are taking vitamin D supplements, you may want
to get your vitamin D blood levels tested periodically.
Look into holistic or natural products you can take to prevent colds, or at
the early stages of a cold to lessen the duration and the severity. Products
containing zinc can be very effective. There are also a number of homeopathic
products that work well.
Eat chocolate! Dark chocolate contains lots of anti-oxidants and is
actually good for us (in moderation!).
Reiki and other energy therapies can help boost your immune system by
alleviating the damaging effects of stress. Stress is the major culprit when it
comes to weakening our immune system.
Beyond these physical immune boosters, there's another way to boost your
immune system and stay healthy this fall and winter, and it's available to all
of us at no charge. Your mindset plays a major role in your overall health.
Cutting edge research by scientists such as cell biologist Bruce Lipton, Ph.D.
has shown that our thoughts can actually alter the cells in our bodies, down to
the level of changing our genes. So why not use this powerful tool to our
advantage rather than disadvantage? Instead of worrying about getting sci, why
not focus on being healthy and having lots of energy? Make a conscious choice
to be healthy!
8 State Hurricane Kate, an old Australian Cattle Dog, was rescued in
Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. I met her at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in
Gonzales, LA, where rescued animals were taken for care and shelter, almost
three weeks after Hurricane Katrina. Her paperwork said that she was rescued
from a rooftop nine days after Katrina, with no known ID or address. She was
lost, down for the count, and quickly running out of options, so I decided to
foster her. When we had to evacuate for Hurricane Rita, I drove 1,200 miles home
to Minnesota with Kate in the back seat. We traveled through eight states, which
is how she got her name. I listed her on Petfinder and went to great lengths to
find out where she came from. I even posted this "Do You Know This Dog?"
video on YouTube. Yet now, almost 5 years after Hurricane Katrina, I still
don't know what her life was like before August 29th, 2005. Somebody must still
wonder what became of her.
All that I learned from my journey with Kate
inspired me to write the Not Without My Dog Resource
& Record Book, to keep all of my dogs' information in one place, for
daily use, travel, and emergencies. This book includes important information
from Noah's Wish, a group dedicated to taking care of animals in disasters. The
following tips can help keep you and your pets safer and
happier.
8 Things I Learned from
8 State Kate
1. Microchip your pet. We learned
after Katrina how easily lost pets can lose their collars and ID tags. A
microchip implanted under the pet's skin is the only sure way to have permanent
ID and to verify ownership. A microchip is a small electronic chip with a unique
ID number, in a capsule about the size of a grain of rice. Once implanted, the
chip is read by a hand-held scanner and the microchip company is notified of the
ID number. You need to register your contact information with the microchip
company so they can use the ID number to reach you. A microchip will only
reunite you with your pet if the company knows how to reach you. You may also
register the microchip and your information at http://www.petlink.net,
a 24-7 registry and recovery service. Even if your pet never leaves the house, I
recommend a microchip. A flood, tornado, hurricane, or even a surprise bolt out
the door can separate you. A cat that carries no other ID is especially
vulnerable without a microchip. Some communities now offer single-fee lifetime
licensing for pets that are microchipped.
2. Keep good pet records, including a current photo of you with your pet
(to verify ownership) and photos of your pet's unique identifying
characteristics (markings, scars, etc.). Store your pet's vet, food and
medication records in one place (like the Not Without My Dog
book). Include information like the pet's daily routine, words the pet knows,
and other tips that would be useful to someone taking care of your pet in an
emergency situation. Make sure a designated family member, friend or neighbor
knows where your pet's information is stored, in case something happens to you.
3. Make a disaster plan for your family
and pets. Be aware of the most likely disasters in your area: floods,
fires, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, chemical spills, etc. Be prepared to
survive without outside assistance if you must stay in your home during a
natural disaster. Prepare a disaster kit to meet the basic needs of your family
and pets for three days or more. Store it in waterproof containers that are
easily accessible. Know the local evacuation routes and where you will take your
pets if you must leave your home. Do not leave your pets behind. Know how you
will transport them and where you will go. Have plan A, B, and C destinations
(emergency shelters for people most often do not allow pets). http://www.petswelcome.com, and http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net may provide helpful
information, but remember that hotels may fill quickly in a disaster situation.
Does your family, including pets, fit in one vehicle? If not, how will you
transport everyone to safety? Do you have carriers, leashes, and harnesses for
all of your pets?
4. Have a family
communication plan in case a disaster occurs while you're separated at
work and school. Know where your family will meet if you can't reach each other
by phone. If all family members are away from home during the day, identify a
neighbor or petsitter who will get to your pets quickly if they need help. It's
better to ask for help now than to be without a plan.
5. Make sure your pets are properly vaccinated and
treated for fleas and ticks, and on heartworm preventative. Healthy pets
are better prepared to survive anything, including possible displacement, and
housing with other animals. Accepted vaccination protocols are changing and some
over-the-counter flea and tick treatments are not approved by veterinarians. Do
your own research and decide what is best for your pet.
6. Train and socialize your pets. A positively
trained pet will be more comfortable and less likely to get lost. Socialize dogs
and cats so they'll be confident (not fearful) in different situations. Make
sure your pets are comfortable riding in their carriers in the car and know how
to walk on a leash/harness. Teach your pets to wait before jumping out of the
car (after a pause, give them a treat). You may think that you can't train a
cat. But I used to have a cat that came when I called "Come get a fishy treat!"
because I always produced a "fishy treat" when she arrived (ok, maybe she was
training me!). This trick can help you find a pet that's hiding under a
foundation or lost in the neighborhood.
7. Tune in to your pets. They're tuned in to
you. Give them opportunities to do what they were bred to do. Help them relax
and be confident. Appreciate them for who they are. The more connected you are
to your pets, the better you will weather anything together.
8. Be resilient. An old girl who has lost
everything can recover with dignity and grace, and be happy. Kate taught me this
too.
If you're like most people, you've
realized that it's not possible to eat healthfully all the time. In fact, there is no such thing as a perfect diet. What
you body needs is dependent on many factors including the kind of work you do
the type and amount of physical activity you engage in, lifestyle, all health
conditions you're experiencing, environment, including the weather; your mental
and emotional state, age and more.
Have
you found that you life takes you in many directions--parties, weddings, social
eating? Even with the best of intentions you end up consuming too much sugar,
alcohol or high fat food. Or perhaps you just plain overeat. You may feel
sluggish, bloated, puffy, irritable, depleted, exhausted, and heavy--physically,
mentally and emotionally.
Don't
despair! There are many quick remedies for
over-indulging.
Too
much refined sugar?
I
believe it's important to understand your body and the impact of your choices.
Doing so will motivate you to make better ones. Here's what happens when you
indulge in a lot of sugar and other simple sweeteners. Sugar is weakening and
passes quickly into the bloodstream shocking the stomach and pancreas. This
causes an acid condition which quickly consumes the body's minerals. Food
cannot be digested or assimilated efficiently because sugar weakens the
digestive system. This leads to blood sugar imbalances and many diseases.
Mental and emotional disharmonies result as well, including loss of memory and
concentration, nervousness, irritability and other imbalances.
Don't
despair. There are solutions that counteract the negative effects of all these
unhealthy choices. Some of them may seem odd or unfamiliar to you. Think about
all the odd things you already eat. If you want to create better health, a
clear, focused mind, and emotional harmony, it's essential to make new
choices.
Here
are a few things can you do to revitalize your energy, focus your mind, balance
your emotions, lose the excess pounds, and reverse the negative effects of
overdoing sweets:
* A cup of ginger tea with 1/4 tsp. good quality soy sauce; grate or chop 1/2
tsp. fresh ginger. Simmer in a cup of water 4-6 minutes. Add soy sauce and
drink.
* Eat a few salty, cured olives;
* Umeboshi plum - a pickled plum with a salty, tart flavor. These are highly
alkalizing and very high in minerals that are easy to assimilate. Often used to
treat digestive upset. Use small amounts only-- 1/2 to 1 plum chopped and mixed
with food or simmered in tea. Click here to
order.
* Umesho - a concentrate of the Umeboshi plum. This is a little easier to use
than the plum. Stir 1/4 tsp. into a cup of heated water and drink. Add ginger
if you have digestive upset. Click here to order
Umesho.
* Ume/Kuzu Drink (kuzu is high in minerals and alkalizing) Put one cup of cold
water in a saucepan with a heaping tsp. of kuzu. Stir to dissolve the kuzu.
Add 1/2 chopped Umeboshi plum or 1/4 tsp. Umesho. Turn on heat, bring to a boil
and simmer 3-4 minutes stirring constantly. Turn off heat and stir in 1/4 tsp.
good quality soy sauce.
* Eat some naturally cured pickles like natural sauerkraut or takaun daikon
pickle (available at health food stores);
* Simple miso soup with root vegetables and wakame. Takes less than 10 minutes
to prepare. Preparing it with miso paste will be more effective than the
dehydrated miso soup, but, in a pinch, use the dehydrated soups. Click here for
recipe.
How
to remedy the effects of fatty, greasy, oily foods
Too
much oil and fat generates heavy, slow, sluggish feelings--physically, mentally
and emotionally. Fats cause cravings for excess sweets, coffee or alcohol,
promote mental fogginess, contribute to problems involving pain, spasms and
cramps, candida yeast overgrowth, and dampness which causes bloating, edema and
puffiness. There are many others health problems caused by over consumption of
fats which will be the topic of another issue.
If
you've had too many high-fat meals, lighten up and do a few days of vegetables
and broths only and include one or more of the following remedies to get back to
balance and reverse the detrimental effects, including weight gain:
* Eat red radishes and/or celery. Even more effective is daikon, a white
radish. Grate and eat it raw, or slice and steam 1-2 minutes keeping it on the
crunchy side.
* Eat a tart green apple;
* Drink 3 cups peppermint tea or chamomile tea daily;
* Eat watercress and other hard dark leafy greens like kale or mustard greens,
or turnip greens, lightly steamed;
* Eat 1/2 to 1 sheet of Nori seaweed. This is the seaweed used to make sushi.
It does not need to be cooked. It aids in the digestion of fats and fried
foods.
* Stir 3-4 TB. Vitamineral Greens into a glass of water and drink, click here for ordering
information.
* Astra Diet Tea (resolves stomach phlegm and regulates stomach - pleasant
tasting) or take Astra Diet Herbs (clears mucus and phlegm, facilitates
digestion) - click here for information
and ordering.
* Drink a cup warm water with juice of ½ lemon;
* Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice (can dilute with water).
Solutions
for reducing alcohol's effects
Alcohol
causes many of the same physical, mental and emotional imbalances as sugar.
Anger, depression, pain and inflammatory problems as well as depletion of
minerals, dampness, puffiness, bloating, poor digestion and assimilation, and
cravings for meat and salty food are a few of the consequences of overdoing
alcohol.
If
you occasionally overdo alcohol, here are a few remedies to counteract the ill
effects:
* Eat a few anchovies or sardines;
* Umeboshi plum or Umesho, or Ume/Kuzu Drink;
* Drink a cup of heated water with ½ to 1 tsp. good quality soy
sauce;
* Eat a few salty, cured olives;
* Eat naturally cured pickles like takaun daikon pickle or natural
sauerkraut;
* Eat a bowl of simple miso soup with root vegetables and wakame.
* Eat a grapefruit.
* Have a few TB. raw honey in warm water.
If
you've overeaten in general
* Take digestive enzymes. I like Quiet Digestion and Chzyme because they
undergo stringent quality control testing, are high quality and contain no
dairy, corn, or other allergens. Take Enteromend enzymes for food allergies.
Click here for information
on these effective supplements.
* Take a walk.
* Drink warm water with juice of ½ lemon, or room temperature water with
unsweetened cranberry juice.
* Drink peppermint tea, ginger tea, or Astra Diet Tea.
* Fast on broth, teas, and simple vegetables for a day or two.
* Make a kuzu drink as directed under sugar remedies.
The
above antidotes are intended for those who occasionally overindulge and want
healthy ways to reduce the harmful effects. Some of them may be unusual for
you, but if you want to change your condition, then it's a good idea to make
some new choices.
If
your diet consists of too much fat, sugar and alcohol on a regular basis, these
antidotes may help, but in the long term it's not the best way to try to achieve
balance. You won't be without health consequences at some point if you continue
to consume excessive amounts of extreme food regularly. Please consider working
a plan to include health supportive foods on a daily basis.
Deborah Barr is the owner of Whole Health Resources.
She is one of the best known holistic health speakers and counselors in Western
Pennsylvania and beyond. Since 1980, she has helped clients achieve renewed
health, vital energy, weight loss, lifestyle changes, and inner peace with her
unique "whole person" approach to health, weight, and lifestyle issues. Her work
focuses on healing the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual dimensions of
life. Her holistic approach extends to all aspect of one's life, including
success, leadership, relationships, health, and prosperity. You can learn more
about Deborah and Whole Health Resources on her website.
Performing a
Brief Monthly At-Home Exam on Your Pet
By Julio Lopez, DVM
Just as physicians recommend monthly self-examinations for men and women
(whether we do perform them or not is another story), I recommend a brief at-home monthly check-up of your pets.
This of course does not replace the more
thorough 6-12 month check-ups recommended by your veterinarian (more
frequently if your pet has a health problem). The purpose of these brief at home
exams is to identify changes in your pet that may require you to see your
veterinarian sooner than the previously scheduled check-up.
A great time
to do this is before you apply the monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventative
medication and it should only take a few minutes. The more routinely you perform
this, the easier it will be for you to note when changes do occur.
Just
as I start my exams in the office, step back for a moment and just watch your pet. Do they seem to breathing comfortably? Do they appear too thin or overweight? Do they have trouble laying down and getting up? This is a
good time to go over and answer the important questions your veterinarian will
ask (see previous blog post "10 important questions your
veterinarian will ask that you should be prepared to answer").
I then
recommend starting at the face and working your
way to the tail. Observe for any discharge or redness of the nose, eyes or ears.
If discharge is seen, note which side is affected and the amount and color of
the discharge.
Next, if your pet allows, gently lift the lip on each side
and note any tartar on the teeth, broken or
discolored teeth or changes to the gum color. Healthy gums should be a
nice pink color. Bright red gums along the border of tartar covered teeth may
signify gingivitis. Some pets have pigmented gums and these changes may be
difficult to assess. If you notice pale, blue/purple or yellow gums it is best
to call your veterinarian and have your pet assessed further as they may have a
serious medical condition.
Next, move your hands along the neck to the
shoulders, down each front leg and back up and down the rest of the chest and
abdomen finally reaching the back legs. As you do this you should be feeling for any lumps, bumps or painful
areas. Three areas to check as you move from head to tail are at the end
of the jaw just below the ears, in front of the shoulders, and behind the knees.
Major lymph nodes are located in these areas and any changes to their size may
indicate inflammation, infection or cancer. You can ask your veterinarian to
demonstrate where you should be feeling during your next visit.
If lumps are encountered they are most likely
lipomas or "fatty growths" that don't cause a problem unless they get too large
and infiltrate adjacent areas BUT lumps that look and feel like "fatty growths"
can also be dangerous cancerous lumps. The only
way to tell the difference is to have your veterinarian sample them. This
is easily done as we poke the lumps with a needle and apply the cells on a slide
(fine needle aspirate). Your veterinarian may look at it under the microscope in
their office or send it to the lab so a pathologist can analyze the cells.
Obtaining this aspirate is not 100% as only very few cells are sampled, but is a
good start in helping decide if this lump should be removed immediately or if it
is ok to monitor it for changes in size and appearance. Your veterinarian will
note the size and location of the lump in the record to keep track of it during
future visits. Sometimes depending on the location, feel and look of the lump it
may be recommended to remove a piece of the lump and send it to the pathologist
instead of performing an aspirate or after an aspirate.
Once you reach
the tail, again if your pet allows it, lift the
tail and examine for any discharge, nodules or uneven, bumpy areas around
the anus. Tumors involving the anal glands can occur and go unnoticed until it
is so large that your pet has trouble defecating and by that time it has most
likely spread. In female dogs you can monitor for any discharge from the
vulva.
Finally, if your pet is good about laying on its side or back,
examine the hairless areas of the belly for any
rashes, redness, fleas or mammary growths. Run your hands along their
bellies and note any lumps and bumps. In male dogs this is a good time to notice
any discharge from the penis.
This simple
and quick exam will help you identify any possible changes to your pet's health
earlier, instead of waiting months for the next scheduled exam.
Recognizing these changes early may save your pets life, allow for a possible
cure or at least be able to start important medications before the disease
becomes too advanced. It also helps your pets get used to a part of the more
thorough examination that your veterinarian will perform. As always, if you have
any concerns about your pet, please call your veterinarian first for further
advice before ignoring a problem, misdiagnosing a problem or self-medicating
your pet as you may be causing more harm than good!
Dr. Julio Lopez practices at the world
renowned California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los
Angeles. He is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell
University.Please visit his blog, ExpertVet, for more
information.
Aging
Gracefully
By Woody McMahon
We Are All
Getting Older
Each and every day you get a
little older and for some people that is a terrifying thought indeed. But aging
is not really the problem; it is how you age that is the real issue. By age 65,
many people look, act and sound much older than they really are. The health
problems are mounting, the waist is getting larger and the litany of moans and
groans far surpasses the positive talk about vacations and plans for the future.
Aging gracefully is the result of a well constructed lifestyle program that will
support good health, independence and help you live the life you want. Is this
possible? You bet! When should you start? Right NOW! How do you do it? read
on!
Rethinking
Your Genes
Once upon a time, science
thought that genetics played a much stronger role in determining your future.
What we now know is that genetic expression, not genes, is the key to ageing
gracefully. Genetic expression is different than genetics because what science
has also found out is identical twins(they have the same exact genetics) don't
express their genes in the same way. What does this all mean? You can have the
exact same genes as your parents and not experience any of their health
problems. Modifying your lifestyle changes the expression of your genes
improving health and quality of life.
Where Do I
Start?
So
now that you know you can change your genetic expression for the better, where
do you start? Here are the three best strategies to begin changing your life for
the better.
Stop With the
Excuses Already
You have heard them; you
probably have used them. Now it is time to get rid of them forever. There is no
place for negativity or a lack of self confidence and excuses if you want your
genes to work properly. Your mental attitude has a direct affect on the genes
through your epigenetic structures. Give your mental attitude a positive shift
and your body will respond favorably. So toss out the "I am too old; my mother
had it so I will; I don't have enough time; I will never get well" and usher in
a new, healthier system of thought. Your body will thank you for it.
Eat Well But
Don't Get Obsessive
Your body has the capacity to
adapt to many different environmental situations. It is not necessary to
scrutinize every single food, vitamin or liquid that goes in your mouth. Yes,
food needs to provide a certain level of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Yes,
eating balanced, healthy meals is a plus. Yes, food is meant to be enjoyed in
reasonable quantities. But "saintly eating" is a waste of
time. A saintly eater is someone who extols the virtues of all the organic food
they eat; the fact that they never touch "junk food" or food out of cans; they
never eat "bad" only "good" foods. This is all very unnecessary. Listen to your
body and it will tell you what it does and doesn't like. You will be a lot
better by walking the middle of the road.
Make Your
Body Move
Your body was made to move; not
all the time but certainly some of the time. Getting oxygen to your tissues is
the key here. The lack of oxygen in your tissues and cells makes it hard for
your body to grow and repair. All the major illnesses are associated with an
impairment of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Regular exercise is the best way
to get oxygen to all parts of your body. Walking, lifting weights and
participating in other fun activities ensure that your body can live and grow
effectively. It is a great goal to shoot for three hours a week of physical
activity.
Remember, you can feel better at any age, any
conditioning level or health status. All you need to do is
give your body and mind a little help and watch them do what they do best;
keep you feeling good and enjoying life.
Would you like to improve your health but don't know
where to start? How about an exercise program that alleviates pain and
strengthens your bones? Do you have weight problems but are tired of dieting? We
provide an easy to follow program without the gimmicks or fads. You'll also get
the education,motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health
while helping you feel and look your best. Please call Woody McMahon for a no
cost consultation, at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Grocery and pet store shelves abound with a dizzying array of cat food. For
decades, dry kibble has been the preferred choice for most cat owners. After
all, the bags say it's "complete and balanced," it's easy to feed, and most cats
seem to like it. Unfortunately, dry pet
foods, even the high-priced premium and veterinary brands, are the equivalent of junk food for pets.
Feeding dry food to cats is no different than feeding sugared cereals to
kids.
Cats are obligate
carnivores. This means they need meat to survive. They cannot get
enough nutritional support from plant-based proteins such as grains and
vegetables, because, unlike humans and dogs, they lack the specific enzyme that
processes plant-based proteins metabolically. They need little or no
carbohydrates in their diet. Feeding foods high
in carbohydrates leads to any number of degenerative diseases, including
diabetes, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Many pet
owners feed dry food because it can be left out during the day without spoiling
while the cat is left at home alone. This method of free choice feeding is one of the leading contributors
to obesity in cats. Cats, by nature, are hunters, and it does not make
sense that they should need access to food 24 hours a day. Meal feeding twice a
day mimicks their natural hunting behavior much closer, and by feeding
controlled portion sizes twice a day rather than leaving food out all day long,
calorie intake, and weight, can be controlled without the cat going
hungry.
Dry food is the leading cause
behind most urinary tract problems in cats. While cats who eat only dry
food will generally drink more water, they still don't get enough moisture to
support all their bodily functions and essentially live in a constant state of
low level dehydration, which can lead to bladder and kindey problems.
Due
to the high carbohydrate content, dry food dumps
unnaturally high levels of sugar into the cat's bloodstream, which can
lead to an imbalance of its natural metabolic process. In extreme cases, this
can, and often does, lead to diabetes.
Dry food does not clean pet's teeth. Most cats
don't chew their kibble long enough for any of the scraping action that is the
theory behind this myth to kick in. What little they do chew shatters into
small pieces. Some pet food manufacturers offer a "dental diet" that is made up
of larger than normal sized kibble to encourage chewing, but in my years at
veterinary practices, I've seen many cats swallow even those larger size pieces
whole. Additionally, dry food leaves a carbohydrate residue in the cat's mouth
that actually encourages growth of tartar and plaque.
The one best thing you can do for your cat is
eliminate all dry food from his diet and feed a meat based, grain-free
canned or raw diet which is consistent with the needs of a carnivore.
You may find that some cats are very
difficult to switch from their dry food, further supporting the junk food
analogy. They're literally addicted to the carbs and additives used in these
diets - not much different from a sugar or carb addiction in humans. During the
manufacturing process, substances called "digests" (fermented by-products of
meat processing with no nutritional value) are sprayed on the outside of the
kibble to make it more palatable to the cat. Most cats wouldn't touch dry food
if it wasn't for these flavor enhancers. For
these hard-core addicts, you will need to transition them to a healthier diet
somewhat slowly. Never let a cat go without food for more than 24
hours.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
We Share Because
We Care - Dining with Your Dog or Cat
By Kymythy
Schultze
Queen Victoria did it. Mark
Twain did it. Even Edgar Allen Poe did it. And if you live with a dog or cat as
a member of your family, you may do it too! It dates back to the time when early
human first invited their primitive pet into the sanctity of their home and,
much to the animal's delight, their kitchen. Sharing food with our animal
friends is a time-honored tradition that has helped bond our species together.
Plus, it's fun! It brings out the nurturer, the companion, and the guardian in
us. It feels good to share a special treat with a furry friend, and millions of
animal-lovers do it on a regular basis. But, before you slip that snack under the table, you should
determine if it will help or harm your pet.
The old adage that you shouldn't
feed table scraps to your pet is certainly valid if the food from your table
does not promote good health. Many of today's
processed foods are not good for any body; human, canine or feline as
they contain rancid fats, sugar, and questionable chemicals. They offer little
nutritional value when compared to fresh natural foods. And cooked leftovers
such as meat fat and others may smell good to your pet, but can lead to health
problems. Also many dogs and cats, like many humans, have negative reactions to
ingredients they may be sensitive to such as dairy, wheat, yeast, and
more.
Home-made treats are a healthy and delicious option to
processed products. And a wonderful side effect of making sure the food
you share with your pet is healthy is that your health can benefit too!
Nutritious treats and snacks can easily be made at home and you'll have the
satisfaction of knowing exactly what you're giving your animal companion, and
the other members of your family. If you have children in the house, then you
know they are a magnet for hovering hounds and mooching mousers. By choosing
treats wisely, you can rest assured that both the kids and pets are sharing food
that is good for them. And children learn from the example set by adults, so
preparing and enjoying healthy and delicious food is an invaluable habit to
instill in them.
Here is a recipe that is super-easy to make and so
delicious that everyone in your house will want some. And that's okay; they're
good for everyone...you and your
pets!
Almond Fudge
Logs
1 cup
raw almond butter 1/2 cup raw shelled almonds,
chopped 1/4 cup
raw carob powder 1/4 cup raw
honey
Combine almond butter, carob,
and honey until well blended. Form into "log" shapes (if they're too sticky, add
more carob) or roll into 1" balls. Roll in chopped nuts, chill until firm, and
slice logs into pieces. Keep refrigerated. Makes about 1 1/2 cups, or three 7"
logs.
The nutritional scoop: Cocoa and chocolate
contain theobromine, an alkaloid that can be lethal for some animals, including
dogs and cats. Hooray for carob, the chocolate alternative! Not only is it safe
and delicious, but it's nutritious as well, and contains 60 percent fewer
calories than chocolate. Carob is a great source of calcium, with approximately
358 milligrams per cup. It also contains appreciable amounts of iron, potassium,
magnesium, copper, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. With 4.8 grams of
protein per cup, it also contains many essential amino acids. Carob's high
pectin content makes it useful for digestive disorders, especially diarrhea, and
it's easy to digest. Carob is mentioned often in historical texts (including the
Bible) as a food and medicine for both humans and nonhumans alike. In ancient
times, almonds were also used as both food and medicine. Raw almonds are a good
source of enzymes, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Food-source vitamin E is
an antioxidant that may provide important health benefits including the ability
to inhibit lipid (fat) oxidation. Purchase nuts from a store that restocks
regularly, as you'll want the freshest ones possible. Store shelled almonds and
almond butter in the refrigerator.
To get the most flavor and nutrients from your food,
you'll want to purchase organically grown food whenever possible.
Organically grown food is the fastest-growing sector of agriculture today, and
for good reason: It has higher levels of nutrients, including cancer-fighting
compounds, than most conventionally grown food. Nutritionally, you get more for
your money with organic food; plus, the Environmental Protection Agency warns
that 60 percent of the herbicides, 90 percent of the fungicides, and 30 percent
of the insecticides that may be used on non-organic crops are carcinogenic
(cancer-causing). Plus, organically grown food usually tastes much better than
conventionally grown food! If you cannot get organically grown food, don't let
it deter you from enjoying the great taste and nutrition of fresh whole foods.
Buy the best quality that you can and be sure to wash all produce before
using.
This
recipe is a great alternative to unhealthy chocolate sweets. In fact, everyone
in your family may love them so much that you'll need to remind yourself that
rich treats like these are best given in
moderation. They should not replace regular meals of species-appropriate
food. This simple recipe will allow you to share a treat with your pet and also
treat yourself to peace of mind, knowing that it is actually good for both of
you! Sharing healthy food is not "spoiling" a
pet any more than it would be a child; in fact, when you choose recipes
to prepare that are delicious and nutritious, you truly prove how much you value
those you care about. And you're in very good company: Famous physician,
humanitarian, and philosopher Dr. Albert Schweitzer shared food and care with
his animal friends and was moved to say "We must realize that all life is
valuable and that we are united to all life. By ethical conduct toward all
creatures, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the universe." Bon
appétite!
Kymythy R. Schultze is a clinical nutritionist and has been a trailblazer in the field of nutrition for almost two decades. The recipe above is from her new book The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book: Delicious Food for You...and Your Pets! She is also author of the best-selling book Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet. Both books are published by Hay House, Inc. For more information go to www.kymythy.com News for You and Your
Pet - July 15, 2010
Heatstroke causes a severe rise in your pet's
body temperature and occurs due to elevated temperatures in the
environment or from performance of strenuous activity. Unfortunately the summer
time allows for a combination of the two and an increase in the cases of
heatstroke. It can happen as quickly as 30
minutes and is worse in places with increases in humidity, especially if
there is no access to shade or breaks to rest and cool down.
Dogs cool
off mostly by panting as air contacts the mucous membranes of the upper airways
and allow evaporative cooling to occur. With high humidity, the evaporative
cooling mechanism is not as effective. Short nosed breeds such as Bull Dogs that
suffer from brachiocephalic syndrome (partially opened nares or long soft
palates among other things) or dogs suffering from other upper airway problems
(such as collapsing tracheas or laryngeal paralysis) are at greater risk for
developing heat stroke as their main cooling mechanism is not in top
shape.
Signs of heat stroke can
include excessive panting, collapse, seizures, excessive salivation, vomiting,
and diarrhea and occur after exercising on a hot day or being left in a car even
if the windows are cracked. Permanent and
life-threatening damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver, intestines and
brain can occur if not treated immediately.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat
stroke move them into a shaded area, wet them down with COOL water and
call your veterinarian immediately to let
them know you are on your way. Using COLD water will only make things worse as
the outer blood vessels which are helping to cool your pet down will close off.
Fans or air conditioning will also help with cooling.
Your veterinarian
may need to obtain baseline blood work to evaluate for organ damage, place an IV
catheter and administer fluids and other medications as well as hospitalize and
monitor your pet. OVERCOOLING can be more harmful than helpful and this is why
it is recommended to start the cooling process and go to your veterinarian
immediately for careful monitoring and adjustment to treatments as necessary.
Studies reveal that pets that present to their
veterinarian soon after are more likely to survive than animals seen
later. Pets that survive the first 24-48 hours of hospitalization generally do
well.
I have seen cases of heatstroke in dogs left in a car WITH THE
WINDOWS OPEN for only a couple of minutes, dogs going about their usual outside
play on a hotter than normal day and dogs taken on long runs and
hikes.
Be safe this summer and remember that if you are enjoying a nice
day out with your pets to allow rest breaks, access to shaded areas, plenty of
water and know when to stop! If you have any concerns at all see your
veterinarian, it's always better (and cheaper) to be on the safe side!
Dr. Julio Lopez practices at the world renowned
California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los Angeles. He is
a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. You can
find more expert veterinary advice from Dr. Lopez on his blog, ExpertVet, and follow
him on Twitter at @expertvet.
The Dirty
Dozen: 12 Fruits and Vegetables You Should Buy
Organic
By
Ingrid King
Are organic fruits and vegetable
really worth the cost? They are, if you care about your health. Pesticides
are toxins - they are designed to kill bugs and pests. Washing and rinsing,
even with expensive vegetable rinses sold at some grocery stores, does not get
rid of pesticide load, as the chemicals get absorbed by the produce. However,
there are degrees of toxicity, and at the very least, you should be aware of the
fruits and vegetables dubbed the "Dirty
Dozen" - these fruits and veggies contain as many as 47 to 67 different
pesticides per serving!
The following are the most contaminated, and should always be
purchased as organic versions:
It is always the case that we vets deal with the same problems at home that
we counsel our clients about. And not always terribly well. I'm certainly no
exception. Years ago, I had a long-haired cat who threw up hairballs
frequently, but unlike most hairball-barfing cats, she did not just hack up the
offending wad and then go about her business as though nothing had happened.
Nope, she would obviously feel ill for minutes to hours afterward. And probably
beforehand, too, had I had the vision to see it.
I tried all the
time-honored remedies that I prescribed every day for my patients. I dosed her
with various brands of flavored petroleum jelly. I fed her diets purporting to
help with hairballs by the inclusion of extra fiber. I brushed her constantly,
which fortunately she loved. None of these things helped. Eventually I shaved
her, leaving the adorable puffs on her legs and tail that made her look like a
fat little old lady in tight leotard and legwarmers. As long as I did this
three or four times a year, there were no more hairballs. Oddly enough,
however, she continued to have vomiting episodes, albeit less frequently, and
minus the hair. Diagnostics revealed inflammatory bowel disease, and eventually
my poor sweet girl succumbed to intestinal lymphoma.
While rooming with
a brilliant feline practitioner at a medical conference shortly after, still
grieving, I confessed my frustration with the seemingly insignificant problem of
hairballs. Her answer blew me away. There is
no such thing as "just a hairball," she says to me. Think about it.
Cats developed stringent grooming behaviors in the course of evolution because
grooming is a positive survival factor, probably through controlling
parasitism and other diseases. So they are going to ingest a lot of hair.
Does vomiting as a daily method for expelling this hair seem evolutionarily
sound? Stomach acid hurts the esophagus and teeth, and frequent vomiting upsets
the electrolyte balance. While vomiting as an emergency mechanism to rid
oneself of the occasional nastiness seems reasonable, it seems unlikely that the daily vomiting of hairballs
is the "normal" thing that the medical community has assumed it to
be.
I'm hooked. Go on, I say. She continues.
Why would we think that "lubrication" of the gut with
petroleum products would help? A cat is not a car. And in no way could
a cat have naturally evolved to require the dosing with "lubricants" to survive
or to thrive. Likewise, cats in the wild would
never eat a "high-fiber" diet, and so would seem unlikely to benefit from
one. On the contrary, it would appear logical that a cat would thrive better on
what a cat has been evolved to eat - namely a mouse or a reasonable facsimile
thereof - and that feeding a cat something wildly different from the diet it has
evolved on is more likely to result in harm than in good.
No, she says, I
think it likely that a "hairball," far from
normal, is probably a common early symptom of Inflammatory Bowel
Disease. Impaired motility of the gut would account for the balling up
of hair that should pass right through, if stomach-emptying time is the 0.2 - 2
hours it is reported to be in a normal cat. A cat shouldn't be able to swallow
enough hair fast enough to outrace normal stomach emptying time.
This is
making sense to me. Particularly as I just lost my own cat to this. And as I
think back, I realize that "hairballs" have been in the histories of a
disproportionate number of the patients I've treated with IBD and
lymphoma.
She tells me that she's been changing her patients over to
low-fiber diets (grain-free and low
carbohydrate) for a while now, and she's seeing a precipitous drop in the whole "hairball"
thing. I can see the long-term implications of this line of reasoning:
if cat food containing an unnaturally high level of fiber and carbohydrates is
associated with an increased incidence of impaired GI motility and vomiting,
and if cats fed this way are at higher risk to develop IBD and lymphoma, then a
drop in hairball vomiting might mean that a cat has a lower risk of these two
nasty diseases. Sounds as though a grain-free diet might be a better way to
go.
This all made sense to me. No science to it back then, but neither
was there any to support the idea that hairballs are normal. No one had at that
time asked if a carbohydrate-based diet could possibly have long-term negative
consequences for cats.
Well, they have now. Every day, there's more scientific evidence that these
"mere" hairballs we see so often may respond, not to grease and not to fiber,
not to brushing and not to shaving, but to feeding a diet that looks like what a
cat was evolved to eat.
In the intervening years, I've changed my
own cats over to grain-free, low-carb canned foods, and I've seen nary a
hairball from anyone for a very long time. In my esteemed colleague's
footsteps, I've been changing my patients over to these same diets. I hear
about fewer hairballs, and my patients are slimmer, fitter, and healthier in
many ways. Is this a panacea? Of course not. There's no one cure for
everything. But I now have serious trouble believing that a feline diet in
which the calories are derived primarily from carbohydrates, which are much
cheaper than proteins, is beneficial to anything other than the manufacturer's
bottom line.
So next time someone tells
you that malt-flavored grease, fiber additives, brushing or shaving are the only
ways to help with those annoying hairballs, think again. Hairballs may
be more than just a stinky mess for you to clean up. They might well be a sign
that your cat has a real health problem, and should see the veterinarian. And
your cat might be telling you that her gut would be happier with "mouse" than
with breakfast cereal.
Dr. Crist has been practicing veterinary medicine
since 1982, and has been working exclusively with cats since 1993. She is an
active member and has served on the board of the American Association of Feline
Practitioners. Dr. Crist is married with five children, two of which are not
fuzzy.
Food Label
Sticker Shock
By
Woody McMahon
By law, all foods must be
labeled to show the
ingredients and nutritional content. Food labels, also called Nutritional
Information, are found on the side or back of all foods. They are a valuable
source of information when you are trying to start a healthier eating plan. So
whether you want to lose or gain weight, increase your protein and calcium
intake, reduce excess sugar and salt or monitor fat, learning how
to use the food label will be helpful in making
healthier food choices. Let's explore some of the valuable information available
right on the food label itself. Serving
Size
Portions are the clear villain
if you are having trouble losing or gaining weight. Fortunately, the food label
has what is called serving size which gives you important information about food
portions right on the package. The serving size, generally measured in cups,
ounces or piece, is the amount of
food that is considered to be one serving. So, as an example, a serving
size of nuts will be listed as 8 pieces, crackers as 9 crackers and mixed
vegetables as ½ a cup. Most people who are overeating will generally eat two or
three times the recommended portion size and not really know it. Sticking to the
serving size helps you easily balance your eating plan. Calorie
Density
You
know that choosing healthier foods and controlling portions is
the best way to
reach and maintain a healthy weight. The food label can also indirectly tell you
about calorie density, a measure of the number of calories per
portion. This
number is not directly listed but you can calculate it by looking at the portion
and comparing it to the calorie content. So as an example, let's look at the
calorie density of an apple and a piece of cake. Given the same serving size,
the apple is less calorie dense than the piece of cake. This means that you can
eat a much larger portion of apple for the same number of calories as the cake.
This is actually true for most fruits and vegetables because of their water and
fiber content. Eating more fruits and vegetables is not only good for your body
but the higher volume of food makes it easier to feel full at the end of your
meal. Sodium
Content
Sodium content is another good
food label value to monitor. Too much sodium has been shown to
increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke as well as
promoting overeating and loss of water from your body. Sodium along with
chloride combines to form salt, a food additive that is considered to be a
flavor enhancer. Typically, processed and pre-prepared foods have higher sodium
levels to make the food taste better. Of course, if the food tastes
too good there is a chance you'll eat more than is really needed. It is better
to limit the
amount of foods you
eat that have higher than 500mg per serving sodium content. Total
Fat
Eating
the right kind of fat is important to good health. With the "low fat" craziness
of the 1980's and 90's, fat was seen as a villain. But in fact, fat is very
important for numerous body functions including rate of metabolism,
satiety and healthy skin. The trouble is the fats that have many helpful
functions in your body from maintaining a healthy cell wall,acting as precursors
to most of the hormones, healing and weight loss are also easily destroyed by
light and heat. Today, research supports a balanced
approach to fats in
your diet. Keeping fats at 30 to 35% of your total daily intake is easy if you
eat lots of fruits and vegetables at every meal. Try using food labels as a
simple guide to making better food choices and helping to make healthier eating
easier.
High stress living can cause excess weight gain!
Follow the Fresh Start Healthy
Weight system and you'll reduce your weight and improve your health at the
same time. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health
while helping you feel and look your best. For a no cost consultation, please
call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals®) today reminded pet parents and animal lovers how to keep
pets safe and healthy during summer's dog (and cat) days.
"Summertime is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together and
enjoy themselves, often with a beloved pet," says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice
President of ASPCA Animal Health Services. "However, even the healthiest pets
can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if they're overexposed to
the heat."
Here are just some of the ways animal lovers can help ensure their pets have
a safe summer:
Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or
early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all
necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm
every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the
bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a
monthly preventive medication year-round.
Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so
give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet
has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high,
don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your dog's
body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. "Never leave your
animals alone in a parked vehicle," adds Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine
at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. "On a hot day, even with the
windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and
heatstroke can develop, which is potentially fatal."
Know the Symptoms. According to Dr. Murray, "the symptoms
of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing,
increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an
elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." "Animals with flat faces, like
pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot
pant as effectively," she says. "These pets, along with the elderly, the
overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in
air-conditioned rooms as much as possible."
Just Say No. Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard
barbeque or party, but please remember that the food and drink you serve your
guests may be poisonous to pets. "Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as
they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death," says Dr. Hansen.
"Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a
treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or
cat severe digestive ailments." Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and
products with the sweetener xylitol.
Pest-Free Pets. Commonly-used flea and tick products,
rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), insecticides, and herbicide lawn products
can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. While
there are flea products that can be used safely on dogs, these same products can
be deadly to cats, because of the presence of the chemical permethrin. Be sure
to read directions on these products carefully. When walking your dog, steer
clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or herbicide
lawn products. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of
pets' reach as well.
Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets
unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your
pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on
boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his
fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine
and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
Beware of "High Rise Syndrome." "During warmer months, we
see an increase in injured animals as a result of 'High-Rise Syndrome,' which
occurs when pets fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally
injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely
preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or
doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
No Fireworks for Fido. Please leave pets at home when you
head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets.
Dr. Hansen explains, "While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in
severe burns or trauma to curious pets, even unused fireworks are hazardous.
Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium
nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals."
If your dog or cat accidentally ingests a potentially toxic substance this
summer, it is important to contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for immediate assistance. For more
information on having a fun, safe summer with your pet, please visit www.aspca.org.
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization
established in the Americas and serves as the nation's leading voice for animal
welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide
effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United
States. As a 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national
leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health
services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide
range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane
law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile
animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.
Three Easy Ways
to Reduce Stress
By
Woody McMahon
High Stress
Lifestyles
You live in a fast paced world;
one your body was never designed to successfully handle. The
relentless fast pace that just about everyone is keeping contributes to the ever
increasing number of stress related illnesses. When asked, the
number one attribute most people would like to change about their lives is the
pace. So the next time you catch yourself running from here to there and
everywhere in between, consider the effects you are having on your
health.
The Damaging
Effects of Too Much Cortisol
Prolonged "rat racing" causes
cortisol, a stress hormone, to build-up in the blood preventing your immune,
cardiovascular and digestive systems from working properly. High cortisol levels
can also keep you from losing or maintaining a healthy weight, give you low
energy and make you feel tired, raise your blood pressure, make it difficult to
sleep and contribute to depression. Over time, stress destroys your body's
ability to function properly and if left unchecked, can actually shorten your
life.
So
what do you do if you feel rushed and anxious all the time? What is the best way
to reduce stress and get more enjoyment out of your life? How do you stay active
but not too active? Try these three practical steps that can greatly reduce
your stress levels and help you live a longer and healthier
life.
Step 1:
Lifestyle Simplification
If you find yourself running
around in a tizzy and realizing you have over scheduled your life, consider
simplification. Approaching life like there is no tomorrow leaves little time
for enjoyment. If you want to live life to the fullest, you must also enjoy life
to the fullest. Being constantly scheduled means just going through the motions
and turning stressful events into stressful days.
Simplification begins by writing
down your schedule and seeing if it looks reasonable. Is there time for a
healthy breakfast? What about a lunch where you actually sit down and eat,not in
front of your desk or doing something else at the same time? Have you left time
for some fun physical activity, such as a
nice walk with a friend or maybe a stop at your favorite health club? Have
someone else look at your schedule and if they say, "Wow, that looks kind of
busy" then you need to go back and remove something from that day to slow it
down. Remember, the emphasis is on enjoyment and not on getting things
done.
Step 2:
Daily Meditation
If your mind is running at "100
miles a minute" then your body, even when you are sitting still, will try to
keep up. Constantly bombarding your body with the "100 miles a minute" messages
sends it into full cortisol overdrive. True physical relaxation comes when the
mind slows down and lets your body relax. Daily meditation is a great way to
quiet your mind, relax your body and reduce cortisol levels to improve how you
look and feel. In just 5 minutes a day, you can start a good meditation habit.
Here's how:
Find a quiet spot with a
comfortable chair and sit with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes
and allow your mind to get calm and slow down. If just closing your eyes
doesn't work, you can concentrate on a candle flame or on your breath
as a way to center your attention. A great little book to help you is Meditation, A Beginner's
Guide by Charlotte
Parnell.
Step 3:
Daily Fun Physical Activity
When it comes to activity, the
old saying "different strokes for different folks" comes to mind. Don't be
tricked by the myth that there is only one right activity. Forget the "more reps
for toning" or "the fat burning zone" misinformation as well. The key to
reducing stress is to find enjoyable activities and then stick with them. You
can dance, ride a bike, chase your dog or kid, lift some weights at the health
club or swim a few laps.
The bottom line: find something
that is fun, something you like to do, something you will keep doing. It's not
important if you're any good at it. In other words, don't let perfectionism or
what other people might think stand in the way of having some fun with your
friends. Adopt and practice these three stress reduction tools and your life
will be less stressful and a whole lot more
fun.
High stress living can cause excess weight gain!
Follow the Fresh Start Healthy
Weight system and you'll reduce your weight and improve your health at the
same time. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health
while helping you feel and look your best. For a no cost consultation, please
call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Would you know what to do if your pet had a medical emergency? Administering
first aid until you can get your pet to a veterinarian can save your pet's
life. Most of us have some basic knowledge of first aid for humans - but would
you know what to do for your pet?
The following situations will generally
all require the attention of a veterinarian, and are only designed to help you
stabilize your pet until you can reach your veterinary hospital.
Bleeding
Arterial Bleeding is an
immediate, life-threatening emergency. Arterial blood will be bright red, bleed
in spurts, and will be difficult to stop. For any type of bleeding, place a
clean cloth or sterile gauze over the injured area and apply direct pressure for
at least 5-7 minutes. Don't apply a tourniquet unless absolutely
necessary.
Loss of
Consciousness
In case of drowning, clear the lungs of fluid by
lifting the animal's hindquarters higher than his head and squeezing the chest
firmly until fluid stops draining. In case of electrical shock, DO NOT touch
the pet until it is no longer in contact with the electrical source, or you'll
get shocked yourself. In case of airway obstruction, check for a foreign object
and attempt to gently remove it (see Choking). If the animal is not breathing
or has no pulse, begin CPR.
Vomiting
Pets vomit for many reasons,
not all of them are medical emergencies. In order to determine whether you're
dealing with an emergency, examine vomit for blood or other clues as to cause.
If you suspect poisoning, bring a sample of the suspected poison, preferably in
its original packaging, to the veterinarian. Gently press the pet's stomach to
check for any abdominal pain. Abdominal pain, enlarged stomach, and
unproductive vomiting are serious signs - call your veterinarian
immediately.
Choking
Gently
pull your pet's tongue forward and inspect mouth and throat. If you can see a
foreign object, hold the mouth open and try to remove it by hand,with tweezers,
or a small pair of pliers. Take care not to push the object further down the
animal's throat. If the animal is not breathing, start CPR.
Heat Stroke
This is a life-threatening
emergency. If you can't get your pet to a veterinarian immediately, place the
pet in a cool or shady area. Bathe the animal with tepid water, and monitor
rectal temperature. When temperature drops below 103°, dry the pet off.
Continue monitoring temperature while transporting your pet to the
clinic.
Bee or Wasp
Sting
Bee stings are acid, use baking soda to neutralize the
venom. Wasp stings are alkaline, use vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the
venom. Apply a cold pack to the sting. Watch for allergic reactions - in case
of severe swelling or difficulty breathing, transport your pet to a clinic
immediately.
CPR
Lay the
animal on his side and remove any airway obstructions. If the airway is clear,
extend the animal's neck, hold the tongue out of his mouth, and close the
animal's jaw over his tongue. Holding the jaws closed, breathe into both
nostrils for 5 to 6 breaths. If there is no response, continue artificial
respiration.
If there is also no pulse, begin cardiac compressions.
Depress the widest part of the chest wall 1.5 to 3 inches with one or two
hands: Dogs over 60 lbs: 60 times per minute Animals 11-60 lbs: 80-100
times per minute Animals 5-11 lbs: 120-140 times per minute For very
small animals (1-5 lbs), place hands around the pet's ribcage and begin cardiac
massage.
Continue artificial respiration: Dogs over 60 lbs: 12
breaths per minute Animals 11-60 lbs: 16-20 breaths per minute Animals
less than 10 lbs: 30+ breaths per minute
Normal Vital Signs
Normal temperature
for dogs and cats: 100.5° - 102.5° Normal heart rate for cats: 160-240
beats per minutes Normal heart rates for dogs: 70-160 beats per
minute Normal respiratory rate for cats: 20-30 breaths per minute Normal
respiratory rate for dogs: 10-30 breaths per minute
Human beings have been
benefiting from the sun for thousands of years. It is only recently that the sun
has become something to avoid. The current message of cover-up or run the risk
of skin cancer has put people in a terrible predicament. You need the sun's
rays to maintain good health especially when it comes to producing adequate
amounts of vitamin D. The trick is to get enough sun to improve your health but
not too much to damage your skin.
Some Ultraviolet Radiation is Good
For
our discussion, there are basically two types of ultraviolet light, ultraviolet
A and B. Ultraviolet A (UVA) contributes to tanning but also carries with it the
potential for premature aging and wrinkles. Ultraviolet B (UVB), known as the
"tanning" ray, is best known for producing vitamin D but it can also cause
sunburns. If you get too much, both types of UV light can severely damage your
skin and lead to skin cancer. UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher
altitudes, and closer to the equator. At latitudes above 34 degrees, UV light is
almost non-existent in the winter months, due to the angle of the
sun.
Sun Therapy
When UVB
light from the sun strikes your skin it begins a cascade of chemical
reactions leading to vitamin D production. We are now learning that every single
cell in your body needs vitamin D for good health. Just like everything else,
some sun exposure is good; a lot can detrimental. Research has found that 10 to
15 minutes of full body sun exposure every other day is adequate to produce
enough vitamin D for good health. Experts are now learning that a lack of sun
exposure may be more dangerous than too much. Can you get too much sun?
Absolutely yes! After 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, your skin begins to get
damaged. That is when covering-up or getting out of the sun is your best option
for skin protection.
Multiple Health
Benefits
There is a well-documented relationship between low
vitamin D levels and poor bone health. Now links to low vitamin D levels have
been made to almost every major cancer. Getting some sun may also shake off
the wintertime blues. Research suggests that light hitting your skin, not
just your eyes, helps reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Moreover, being
outside golfing, gardening, and engaging in other types of physical activity is
good for your health. In addition, UVB irradiance and vitamin D also provide
important health benefits in preventing or ameliorating such conditions or
diseases as osteoporosis, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis,type 1 and type 2
diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.
Get Your Sun On
Your body was clearly
designed to produce vitamin D from sun exposure. How do we know? There are no
significant amounts of vitamin D naturally occurring in the foods you eat. If
there were, adequate levels of vitamin D could then be obtained from your diet.
This is just impossible to do. Supplements can be used to improve vitamin D
levels but because of the substantial amounts required, a blood test is
necessary to prevent overdosing. When sun exposure is used to increase vitamin D
levels, your skin has a natural protection mechanism that stops production thus
preventing an overdose. Just remember that the sun is your friend. As long as
you use it wisely your body and health will thank you for it.
High stress living can cause excess weight gain!
Follow the Fresh Start Healthy
Weight system and you'll reduce your weight and improve your health at the
same time. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health
while helping you feel and look your best. For a no cost consultation, please
call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
I've written a lot about nutrition lately, and about what foods I recommend.
The progression from most desirable to least desirable, and this goes for cats
as well as dogs, is raw food, grain-free canned food, any canned food, and
grain-free dry food. I do not recommend dry food containing grains (read The Truth About Dry Cat
Food for more on why this is not a good choice). But even within these
parameters, the available options can be overwhelming. Pet food labels should be a useful tool to help
pet owners decide which foods to select. Unfortunately, unless you know how to interpret the often confusing
information on the labels, they may only add to the confusion.
For starters, keep in mind that pet food
packaging is all about marketing. Our pets couldn't care less what
container their food comes in, or whether it has pretty pictures of kittens and
puppies on it. They don't care about pretty label and brand colors, but you can
bet that pet food companies spend major marketing dollars on determining which
colors appeal to pet owners. Don't let pet foods labelled as "natural" mislead
you - just because the label has the word "natural" and pictures of wholesome
vegetables and grains on it does not necessarily make it so. The only way you can be sure to understand what's in a
food is by reading the label. Here are some things to look
for:
Ingredients
Pet food
manufacturers are required to list ingredients in descending order, in other
words, the most predominant ingredient has to be listed first. Look for meat based proteins as the main
ingredient. Avoid anything that lists corn or soy and their by-products
- these two ingredients are some of the prime culprits for causing allergies in
pets. Don't be fooled into thinking that a food is good for your pet because it
lists ingredients such as peas, carrots, cranberries, blueberries and the
like. Pets don't really need these ingredients to thrive, but they make for
good marketing to the pet's human. They can be a source of antioxidants and
vitamins, but the amounts are probably not significant enough to make a
difference.
Guaranteed
Analysis
Manufacturers are required to list basic nutrient
percentages on the label. Typically, this portion of the label will list crude
protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, and ash content. Note that there is
no listing for carbohydrates on food labels, which is a very important
consideration when it comes to feeding cats, who are obligate carnivores.
However, it is not difficult to calculate approximate carbohydrate contents.
Simply add all of the listed nutrients and subtract the total from 100% - this
will give you a fairly accurate number. For a comprehensive listing of widely
available canned cat foods with carbohydrate contents, click here. One
caveat: it appears that the information on the chart has not been updated since
2008, and ingredients for some brands may have changed.
AAFCO Statement
This is probably the
most misunderstood item on pet food labels. AAFCO, the American Association of
Feed Control Officials, is the organization which is charged with establishing
and enforcing animal feed requirements across all fifty state governments. It's
primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of feed for human food producing
livestock. The AAFCO statement on most pet food
labels indicates that the food has been tested and approved as "complete and
balanced for the life of a pet." This is sadly misleading. The tests
are conducted on very small groups of animals and for very short periods of
time. The only real long-term test of pet food happen when pet owners feed
these diets to their own pets!
Just like selecting food for yourself and
your human family members, choosing healthy food for your pets comes down to
educating yourself, reading labels, and not falling for marketing hype. Your
pets will thank you for it.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
Meditating with
Your Cat
By Stacia D. Kelly, PhD,
MHt
My husband thinks it makes for a
funny picture whenever I sit down to meditate. In our house, I usually have a
cat or two as I sit cross-legged on the couch in my lap or somewhere nearby
purring happily and meditating right along with
me. Of course, said husband also freely admitted a week or so back that
our girl Bella laid right down on his chest while he was listening to a Nancy
Georges hypnosis session - shame on him for not listening to one of mine!
Bastien,
our youngest rescue, is learning to be a great hypnosis assistant. He'll either
curl up in my lap or next to my clients during a hypnotherapy session to settle
right down for the 40 minutes or so, purring the entire time. And while he
irritates his sister felines, Bella and Bijoux, since he's so young, he is such
a momma's boy that he tries to do whatever I'm doing. If that means meditating,
he's right there with me. And, thankfully, my clients love
him.
I wish
I knew what's going through their minds when they curl up with me, but I know
the soft purr and warm body only help to enhance
my focus. Somehow, they just know the right spot and the right level to
help you achieve that perfect moment of Zen.
Mine never interrupt; none of
them ever have.
I'm not sure what the trigger
is...the breathing, the music, the sudden calmness? Sagesse, an angel kitty now,
was the only one who helped me through those late nights as a first time mom.
She'd learned how to calm and meditate with me when she was a kitten, so, when I
needed it most, she was right there next to me vibrating that same purr, in the
same spot. She helped me make it through those first weeks. Gabe, our hunter,
hit the same note when it was time for me to let him cross over. I wasn't ready,
but he was, and he let me know with that soft purr on just the right
note.
So,
how do you meditate with your cat? (I
haven't tried this with dogs, but please do and let us know the results!) Some
are naturals...some require some guidance. Thankfully, mine have all gravitated
right to it, but that may be because we make it such an intrinsic part of our
household or it's such a part of my nature, I only attract those who are
inclined to be good about it too.
First, create a space for yourself that you are going to use
consistently to meditate. This is a must, whether you're trying to get
your 4-legged to cooperate or not. It helps to set your subconscious up for
success when you're ready to sit down to focus. I use my couch and a
cross-legged position. My body naturally falls into a receptive mode and starts
to relax. My husband will meditate in bed and the cats are fine with it. (They
refuse to participate if I'm in bed and meditating...instead I get the meows and
the growls.) Wherever it is, make it consistent.
Next, start to introduce soft music when you're out of the
house, and they are more naturally at rest. Use harps, strings, nature
sounds. Note: DO NOT USE music with BIRDS! They start stalking the CD player or
the TV. I've watched it happen!
Next, use that same music they've been listening to during
day for your relaxation/meditation sessions. You will see they start to
quietly unwind and come to curl up next to you as your breathing evens out. Most
will want to touch you in some way, so they may lie in your lap or next to you.
Do NOT give in to to the need to acknowledge their presence. NO petting. If you
must, lay a hand on them and keep it still. Remain focused on your
meditation.
And, just breathe.
Open your eyes whenever you're
ready.
Stacia D.
Kelly, PhD, MHt takes a whole mind-body-spirit approach to health and well-being
and teaches her clients to do the same. She is the Mind-Body-Fusion Specialist.
Breathe. Focus. Achieve. She is a Master Certified clinical hypnotherapist, a
1st degree black belt, and spends way too much time with her nose in a book. She
writes paranormal romances with a very hypnotic style and tries to inject humor
in all her non-fiction writing. She plays doorman (woman) to three cats while
the young one is off to school and the husband is all over the state for either
the day job or a band. Stacia is also the founder of CatKlaw, Inc., a Creative
Solutions Company, and Mind-Body-Spirit Works, a Holistic Health Practice. For
more information about Dr. Kelly, please visit Mind-Body-Spirit
Works.
Stacia is offering one of her
guided relaxations titled Relax Into Being as a free
download.
Feline
Vaccinations - Walking Through the
Minefield
By
Fern Crist, DVM
Vaccination against debilitating and fatal diseases has vastly improved the
well-being of humanity. It's difficult now for us to imagine a world with
widespread polio, kids dying daily of whooping cough, or smallpox decimating
whole cities. Without our indispensable vaccination programs, such diseases
would re-emerge quickly. It does not follow, however, that an individual will
achieve better health through more frequent vaccination, nor will the population
as a whole. Neither does it follow that the best vaccine plan for a child in,
say, South Africa would be the same as for a child in Canada.
Likewise,
there is no single vaccine protocol that is
right for all cats. Every cat has different risk factors. And while
many mistakenly believe that vaccinations are entirely safe, and entirely
effective, neither is true. There is always a risk of adverse events associated
with vaccination, which must be balanced against the benefit, if any, from a
vaccine for your cat. Yet the serious and often fatal diseases we fight with
vaccines are still out there.
The Diseases
Most Cats Should Be Protected Against
Panleukopenia ("Feline distemper")
used to be a common veterinary hospital visitor, highly contagious and commonly
fatal. The virus is a resilient organism which can sneak into your house on your
clothes or shoes. Indoor cats must therefore be protected.
The
"distemper" combination vaccine includes antigens for Feline Viral
Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus. While rarely fatal, both diseases cause much
easily preventable suffering.
Indoor cats must also be protected against
Rabies. It is contagious to humans, and
is nearly 100% fatal if not treated immediately. Cats are very susceptible to
it. Vaccination laws are strong, as they should be, to protect the citizenry.
Fortunately, there is a feline vaccine available that utilizes a unique
technology which delivers excellent protection with minimal inflammation. If
other, unnecessary vaccines are eliminated, the repeated administration of such
a relatively innocuous one can be better tolerated.
Only these two
vaccines, the Rabies and the Panleukopenia /Calicivirus / Viral Rhinotracheitis
combination, are recommended by the American Association of
Feline Practitioners for all cats, including those living completely
indoors.
Other Available
Vaccines
Feline Leukemia (FeLV): The FeLV
vaccine is worthwhile, but only for cats who spend time outside or have other
lifestyle factors that put them at risk, such as living with another cat who has
the Feline Leukemia virus. Even then, the level of protection against a strong
challenge in a vaccinated cat is far from perfect.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): FIV is
not a significant risk for most cats, because contagion nearly always requires a
bite wound. It should be used only for cats at demonstrable risk, such as
outdoor cats who fight. This vaccination induces antibodies that can't be
differentiated from those produced by actual infection, so a vaccinated cat will
always test positive, complicating identification of cats who actually have the
disease. This is not a vaccine to be used lightly.
Chlamydophila felis: A nearly useless vaccine
which is included as a fourth ingredient in many of the commercially available
"distemper" vaccines. The addition distracts the cat's immune system from the
other three, much more important antigens, while engendering nearly no effective
protection itself. Unless there is a specific, test-confirmed need for it, this
should not be used.
Feline Infectious
Peritonitis (FIP): There is no measurable benefit from this vaccine for
almost any pet cat, but it still poses all the risks of the "good vaccines".
Avoid this one entirely.
Serious Risks Associated
With Vaccination
Vaccine-Associated Fibrosarcomas:
These are rare but very malignant cancers which arise at the site of an
injection. The incidence is estimated at between 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000
vaccinations. These tumors must be treated extremely radically. For this
reason, some vets now administer feline vaccines as far down the legs as
possible, and sometimes even in the tail. Should tumors occur, amputation of a
limb can save the cat's life.
Inflammatory Insults: Much worse and probably
more common is the danger deriving from repeated inflammatory insults. Many
leading scientists now believe that vaccinations induce systemic inflammatory
responses, which can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis,
pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as hyperthyroidism and
numerous others. The actual risk for a given cat is likely to be closely
proportional to how many vaccines he receives over his life.
Anaphylactic Reactions: True anaphylaxis is
quite rare, but does happen. Even with immediate treatment, death may
ensue.
Vaccination can cause many lesser problems such as itching, hives,
lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and local hair loss, to name a few. Most of these
are transitory, and are not serious health risks.
Protection With Minimal
Vaccination
Where possible, I recommend replacing annual
or triannual vaccination with annual blood tests ("titering") which
measure antibody levels. If the titer is insufficient, and if there are no
contraindications, I may recommend revaccination. There are admittedly flaws in
the concept of titering. Most importantly, we don't accurately know what level
of antibody is protective. Our evidence comes more from experience than from
studies. But that is changing, and hopefully there will be more reliable
evidence to work with in the future.
Panleukopenia vaccinations induce an
enduring immunity in most cats. Many will carry a protective level of antibody
for most of their adult life after only kitten shots and one adult injection.
Repeated vaccinations are usually not needed. Some Panleukopenia vaccines are
approved for 3-year intervals, but even that is more than is needed for most
cats. Titering is an excellent alternative for this disease.
There are
titer tests available for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus also;
single-ingredient vaccines can be given should your cat pass one titer and fail
another. Some of these can also be given as drops into the eyes and/or nose.
The lack of a "shot" reduces the risk of an injection site
sarcoma.
The Best Of Both Worlds
Indisputably, every vaccination is an inflammatory event, and all
inflammatory events have a systemic component, ripples from the stone thrown in
the pond. These insults may be small, but they add up, and so vaccinations
should be kept as few as possible. But don't throw the baby out with the
bathwater; a choice to avoid vaccines entirely leaves your cat at risk for some
pretty horrible awful diseases. Vaccines are not all good or all bad. They
are tools to be used with good judgment for the right purposes. The best vaccine plan for your cat will balance on the
tightrope between disease risk and vaccine risk. A good feline vet will
take the time to learn about your cat's lifestyle and history, and then help you
learn about the risks and benefits of the vaccination choices to be made for
your cat.
Natural Allergy
Relief
By
Ingrid King
Allergy season has arrived, and
this year, it seems to be particularly bad in the Washington DC area -
unfortunately, for many, this is the downside of the wonderful spring weather
we've been enjoying. For many allergy sufferers, relief comes in the form of
prescription or over-the-counter drugs, but there are a number of natural
remedies that provide equal, if not better, and safer relief. Here are some
natural remedies that may help:
Saline
Nasal Rinse
This is the single most effective thing you can do to
help prevent seasonal allergies. Using a Neti Pot regularly to rinse out nasal
passages helps get rid of irritants and prevents them from settling long enough
to cause a reaction. For more information on how using a saline rinse can help
you during allergy season, click here. Strengthen Your Immune
System
Allergies are a disorder of the immune system - they occur
when the immune system responds inappropriately, excessively, or not at all.
People with healthy immune systems tend to not suffer from allergies.
Herbs
"Using nature-based products can
be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and a useful adjunct for more
significant allergies, and there are many types of treatments you can safely
try," says Mary Hardy, MD, director of integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai
Medical Center in Los Angeles. Among those generating the loudest buzz right
now is the European herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus), which, says Hardy, "has
had some very impressive clinical trial results." *
Supplements
Many naturopathic doctors
also believe that certain nutrients can help soothe seasonal allergies. In
particular, grape seed extract and a flavanoid compound called quercetin, can be
helpful in reducing allergy symptoms, especially when combined with vitamin C.
All of these occur naturally in certain foods, but supplementation may be more
effective.
Hot, spicy
foods
Hot, spicy foods help thin mucous secretions, which can help
clear nasal passages. The most frequently recommended spices for this purpose
include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, and fenugreek, as well as the traditional
onion and garlic.
Diet
Food
allergies and food intolerances may be more closely linked to seasonal allergies
than we realize. Food sensitivities that lead to upset stomach or allergic
reactions present a load on the immune system, reducing its ability to cope with
the challenges seasonal allergies present. If you suffer from food allergies,
be especially conscious this time of year of what you eat and avoid your trigger
foods.
Environment
If
you're sensitive to pollen, keep the windows closed on days when the pollen
count is high. Wash clothes you've worn outside before hanging back in your
closet. Take a shower to wash pollen out of your hair before going to bed. If
you are highly susceptible, you may want to consider wearing a facial mask while
you're outdoors.
Be aware that even natural remedies can be toxic if not
used properly, and especially when used in conjunction with conventional allergy
medications. If you have moderate to severe allergies, you may want to seek the
advice of a physician before self-treating.
By
Dawn Kairns Author of MAGGIE the Dog Who Changed My Life - A Story of
Love
When Maggie, our black Labrador retriever, was diagnosed with a cancerous
mast cell tumor at age 8, I was in shock. Maggie's vet warned me that mast cell
cancer recurrence was very common. I was determined to find answers, improve
her health, her quality of life, and do whatever I could to avoid another mast
cell cancer. This led me into research about
canine nutrition and the commercial pet food industry. I'd like to share
with you some of my discoveries from Chapter 9 in my book, and what prompted me
to change from dog food to a raw food diet.
Abbreviated
Excerpt from "What's Really Best for Our
Pets?"
With our world rocked, I begin exploring new directions...
I discover some eye-opening facts about diet. We have the difficult
realization that we didn't provide Maggie with the healthiest diet during these
eight years. We were taught ... that dog food was nutritionally balanced, and
table food was not good for animals. We fed her
a popular brand, recommended by most veterinarians. I learn it contains
chemical preservatives, and much of its protein comes from grain rather than
meat sources ... The dog food industry representatives educate veterinarians
about their foods in much the same way that pharmaceutical representatives
educate physicians, ... and nurse practitioners about new drugs...
What I discover about the dog food industry
and its practices is nothing short of appalling.
...many pet foods contain inadequate
quantities and qualities of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Most
labels only list the amount of crude protein...Many manufacturers use
inexpensive sources such as poultry feathers, fecal waste, and horse and cattle
hair that provide pets with significantly less usable protein. Vitamins,
minerals, and amino acids added to pet food are often destroyed by heat
processing and during shelf storage.
Another shock was learning that the pet food
industry is built on remnants rejected by the human food industry. This
can mean slaughterhouse wastes such as spoiled meats and even tissues riddled
with cancer. These discards also include moldy grains and rancid fats.
...I research further into problems associated with just one of the above
discards-moldy grains. I learn they can
produce mycotoxins, the poisonous
residues of mold deterioration. These are very potent compounds that cause a
variety of human and animal health problems at very low dosages. Aflatoxin, one
of several mycotoxins, is a potent carcinogen and immunosuppressant...Grains
often affected include corn, peanuts, wheat, and rice, all of which are used in
various dog foods...
There is no question that we are going to change Maggie's diet...
Dr. Rupp spends a good hour with me during that first visit discussing the
ingredients and proper proportions of a raw food diet...
The diet change is worth the trouble.
It adds energy and exuberance to Maggie's already abundant supply. Her coat
develops a shine and luster that becomes the topic of many conversations with
people she stops in their tracks. After eight years of constant shedding, it
just suddenly stops...I'm sad to admit that during her eight years of eating a
well-known and highly recommended brand of dog food, Maggie's coat was dull and
she shed continually.
Recover Maggie does. Her quality of life surpasses her pre-surgery level. She
maintains her new energy level. We are all about to enter the best times of our
lives together. Oh, and Maggie never has a mast cell tumor
recurrence.
_____________________________________
The myths, facts, and benefits Ingrid mentioned in her recent article on feeding a raw diet to
cats are essentially the same for dogs. In addition, I believe long-term
health benefits for cats and dogs include fewer degenerative diseases like
diabetes & arthritis.
Since that first raw food diet for Maggie, I have learned and adapted the
diet for my dogs following her. I increased the meat and decreased the
carbohydrate content. Unlike cats, dogs are
omnivores, but they're primarily carnivores. Above all, dogs need
protein. Dry dog foods are high in carbohydrate and low in protein--the complete
opposite! The first ingredient in many veterinarian-recommended and grocery
store brands of dry dog food is corn, a grain that may be difficult to digest
for dogs. Some holistic vets feel that the wheat gluten in many canned pet foods
may cause diseases in dogs and cats similar to gluten-related problems that some
humans experience. The natural diet of dogs, like cats, contains little
carbohydrate.
Get ready for this statement from the veterinary textbook, Canine and Feline
Nutrition:
"The fact that dogs and cats do not require carbohydrate is immaterial
because the nutrient content of most commercial foods include carbohydrates."
(From the article "Do Dogs and Cats Need
Grains")
A grain-based diet promotes insulin
production along with other inflammatory chemicals. In addition to weight
gain, this can lead to diabetes and other health problems. In retrospect, it is
no mystery that Maggie struggled with weight gain despite not eating a lot. On
her raw food diet, she lost 7 pounds and maintained her new weight.
All dog food is processed, even healthier brands, which means fewer nutrients
than whole foods offer. If you're unable to feed a raw diet to your dog, there
are higher quality dog food choices available through natural pet food stores.
Read the labels! Pick a brand high in
meat (a specific meat like chicken, salmon, or turkey as the first
ingredient, or a specific meat meal like chicken-not "meat" meal) and low in
carbohydrates (or grain-free); and without meat
by-products, which are parts derived from slaughtered mammals other than
meat. By-products can include but are not limited to organs, blood, bone,
stomach, intestines, and fatty tissue. Although some by-products would be
consumed by a dog in the wild, they'd also get all the meat from an animal they
ate. Meat by-products as a steady canine diet are a poor source of protein.
Time to Clean
House Spring
is a great time to "clean house" and take a few moments to review your health and fitness program. Ask
yourself if your fitness program is still fun or has it gotten a little stale?
Are you getting a restful sleep and feeling more energetic or do you feel
stressed and tired all of the time? Are you eating 7 servings of fruits and
vegetables per day or has too much junk or fast food crept into your eating
plan? Do you feel fulfilled and happy with your life or are you like a hamster
on a wheel? So did you answer yes to the
first half of all of these questions or do you need a little spring tune-up?
Let's talk about a few simple ways to revamp
your springtime health and fitness and help you look and feel your
best.
Back to
Fitness Basics
Subtle changes in your fitness
program can make big changes in your results. Instead of the
traditional 30 minutes of weight training followed by 30 minutes of machine
based cardio, try shortening your workouts and
consider a whole body circuit workout. In a whole body circuit workout
you are shooting for 40 minutes of weights and cardio training simultaneously.
Choose whole body exercises that will keep your
heart rate in the training zone the entire training time. Try this for a
challenging sequence; push-ups, squats and curls combo, lunges and shoulder
press combo, star jumps, standing row, prone bridge/plank, hip lifts on the
fitness ball, wall sits and jump rope. Repeat once or twice. Don't rush it and
no rest time either except for water.
Sleep is a
Time to Heal
Your sleep time is when the body heals and repairs itself. A good
sleep helps reduce the negative health effects of a stressful day. Getting a
restful sleep requires feeling equally physically and mentally tired. It is
difficult to get a restful sleep if you are more mentally than physically tired
at the end of the day. Regular physical activity like walking, whole body
circuit workouts or playing a sport will balance your mental and physical
fatigue. Learning to consciously turn off your
day also improves sleep quality. Before going to sleep, try reading a
book with a strong positive message, listen to quieting music or take a few
moments to meditate. These excellent "before sleep" habits help quiet your mind
and induce a deeper more restful sleep.
Eating High
Quality Fuel
Food is basically fuel. The old
saying "garbage in, garbage out" applies
in this example. The higher the quality of foods you eat, the easier it is for
your body to digest and extract the important nutrients. The myriad of eating
patterns and diet recommendations has made healthy eating much too complicated.
Simply follow a nutritional program that
contains 50% fruits and vegetables and adequate lean protein. Depending upon
your metabolism, minimize starch based carbohydrates like bread and pasta. These
tend to be addictive for some people and should be minimized. Fruits and veggies
provide plenty of plant based carbohydrates as well as greater amounts of water
and minerals. Correct portion size will
also keep your body weight in a healthy range thus eliminating
the need for calorie counting, points or other silly food
games.
Creating a
Purposeful Life
Last but not least, make sure your life has purpose. More than just
making money or tending the kids, humans need a purpose driven life to thrive.
The longest lived and healthiest people in the world all have a single, common
trait. Their lives are filled with purpose. They have a drive to get up in the
morning and fulfill that need. If you don't have an obvious purpose, spend some
time at the library or bookstore browsing the many wonderful books on
self-improvement. It will be time well spent.
Follow our
Fresh Start Healthy Weight! system and you'll reduce your weight and improve
your health at the same time. We provide the education, motivation and
accountability necessary to improve your health while helping you feel and look
your best. For a no cost consultation, please call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171
or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Feeding Raw Food
to Your Cat - Separating Myth from
Fact
By
Ingrid King
We know from human nutrition that the less processed our foods are, the
healthier they are for us. This is no different when it comes to feline
nutrition. Cats are obligate carnivores
and as such need animal-based proteins to thrive. They cannot get enough
nutritional support from plant-based proteins such as grains and vegetables,
because, unlike humans and dogs, they lack the specific enzyme that processes
plant-based proteins metabolically.
Commercial pet foods are highly processed
and most are too high in
carbohydrates for cats, leading to all kinds of health problems. Dry
food in particular can be the source of many of the degenerative diseases we see
in cats, ranging from allergies to intestinal problems to diabetes and urinary
tract issues. While a quality grain-free canned diet may be a better choice,
the meat in those diets has to be cooked. Cooking degrades the nutrients,
leading to loss of enzymes, vitamins and minerals. To make up for this, pet
food manufacturers must add in supplements to make up for these losses.
Supplementation is not always exact, and depending on the manufacturer, may be
done with synthetic rather than natural supplements.
There are numerous benefits from feeding a
raw diet to your cat, including improved digestion, reduced stool odor
and volume, increased energy, ability to maintain ideal weight, better dental
health, and better urinary tract health. With the numerous pet food recalls
over the past several years, raw feeding has gained wider attention. Embraced
for decades by holistically oriented pet parents and holistic veterinarians, it
is becoming more mainstream as pet parents look for alternatives to feeding
commercial pet foods. But many pet owners are still leery of the idea of
feeding raw meat to their pets, and myths about raw feeding abound. This
article will help sort through the myths and facts surrounding raw feeding.
Myth: Cats need dry food to keep their teeth clean.
Fact: Dry kibble does not clean your cat's teeth. Most
cats don't chew their kibble long enough for any of the scraping action that is
the theory behind this myth to kick in. Some pet food manufacturers offer a
"dental diet" that is made up of larger than normal sized kibble to encourage
chewing, but in my years at veterinary practices, I've seen many cats swallow
even those larger size pieces whole. Additionally, dry food leaves a
carbohydrate residue in the cat's mouth that actually encourages growth of
tartar and plaque.
Myth: It's dangerous to feed raw meat because it contains
bacteria.
Fact: Cats have highly acidic digestive tracts, which makes
them pathogen resistant. Their digestive tracts are also much shorter than
humans - food passes through their digestive system in about 12 hours, compared
to two or three times as much for humans. This doesn't give bacteria enough
time to proliferate in their system. As long as you use safe handling
procedures with raw meat, the risk to your cat is minimal. In fact, the
emphasis on safe handling that you'll hear from most proponents of raw feeding
is for the humans in the household, not for the cat.
One caution: this applies to healthy cats. Bacterial resistance in cats
with an already compromised immune system may be diminished.
Myth: Raw feeding is complicated and requires grinding of meat,
bones and a lot of preparation time.
Fact: Raw feeding doesn't have to be complicated. While
some cat owners want to make their own raw foods, there are many companies that
offer frozen raw food that is already nutritionally balanced. It really comes
down to thaw and feed - no more effort than opening a can!
Myth: It's dangerous to feed raw meat because it may contain
parasites.
Fact: Do your research and find out
where the company you're buying from sources their ingredients. Reputable
manufacturers will be happy to answer your questions. Of course,
there is no way to be 100% sure, but then, neither is there a 100% guarantee
that commercially prepared foods are going to be free of toxins, pathogens or
other contamination, as the 2007 pet food recall showed us in such tragic
proportions.
Myth: Raw diets are not complete and balanced.
Fact: That depends on the diet you choose to feed. Some
raw diets are balanced and include proper levels of supplements, others will
require adding a good vitamin and mineral supplement. The reality is that no
one food can be nutritionally complete. True nutrition comes from a varied,
whole foods diet. This is why it's a good idea to mix and rotate different
meats and maybe even different manufacturers.
The idea of raw feeding has initially been a big leap for me. For starters,
I'm semi-vegetarian and don't eat red meat or poultry, so I wasn't crazy about
having to handle raw meat, even if it was best for my cats. The twelve years I
spent in the veterinary profession taught me a lot about animal health, but
initially, not a lot about nutrition. Traditionally, veterinarians don't
receive a lot of training in nutrition, and what training they do receive in
veterinary schools is funded by major pet food manufacturers. I was fortunate
that I eventually worked with several holistically oriented vets, and I began
studying feline nutrition on my own as well. There is no doubt in my mind that
a grain-free, high protein diet is the optimal way to feed our cats.
The following two websites are wonderful resources for feeding raw food to
cats:
Feline Nutrition Education Society - a site
dedicated to educating cat owners about the benefits of feeding raw, showcasing
some of the leading voices advocating change in how we think about feline
nutrition.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
The
Transformative Power of Taking Risks
By
Ingrid King
I recently wrote about why
making big decisions can be such a challenge for so many of us (Making Decisions and
Thinking Big), and about the power of choice when it comes to making
decisions that are for our highest good. One element that the article didn't
address, but that can often play a big role in making decisions, is our individual tolerance for or aversion to
risk.
I've had to make a few really big decisions recently that
were taking me out of my comfort zone, so I've been spending quite a bit of time
pondering this topic. In the past, I avoided risk as much as I could, always
playing it safe, always weighing all the pros and cons before making any
decision. Once I made the conscious choice to live a big life, I realized that
I had to change the way I made decisions and especially change how I viewed
risk. As is so often the case when we embrace
conscious change in our lives, when the student is ready, the teacher
appears. In this case, it happened to be a sales call for an event hosted by
Ali Brown, one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of her generation.
The information presented on the topic of knowing when to take risks really
resonated with me.
There are five steps
that can help you decide when to take risks, and be comfortable with your
decision.
1. Is this something you want
with your heart? I believe that following your heart is the key
ingredient for living a joyful and fulfilling life. Everything else will fall
into place if you make following your heart a priority. Another way to look at
this is how making a decision feels. If it feels good, it's usually the right
decision for you.
2. Is this something
you want with your head? While following your heart is most important,
your decision still needs to make sense for you. Can you justify this decision
to yourself? Be careful here that you don't give too much airtime to input from
others, or at the very least, choose carefully who you consult with. When you
make the decision to live a big life, there will inevitably be people in your
life who will try to convince you that it's too risky, that you can't possibly
be successful, that this is not for you. Don't listen to them. Only listen to
your own inner guidance.
3. Is this
part of my journey? This question requires that you've done your
homework and spent some time getting clear on what your path is. Making
decisions becomes much easier once you've identified your life's
purpose.
4. Does this excite you, even
if it's a little scary? We don't really progress on our path unless we
stretch beyond our, often self-imposed, limits. If it feels exciting and
joyful, it's right for you. That's not to say that you may not feel some
apprehension. Anytime you're stepping outside of your comfort zone, you will
feel a combination of enthusiasm and doubt. Joyful anticipation should outweigh
trepidation on this one.
5. Are you
making this decision from faith and not fear? I think that's the most
important of the five steps. Your decision should come from inspiration, not
desperation. I always remind myself that truth and fear cannot coexist. If my
decision is fear-based, it will not be for my highest good. There's a reason
for the catch phrase "leap of faith."
Once you allow yourself to
approach taking risks from the perspective of making a conscious choice to step
into your power, you will come to embrace its transformative power. You will
find that your big decision will yield big rewards from the
universe.
As you get ready to celebrate
Easter with family and friends, keep the following precautions in mind to ensure
that your furry family members stay safe and healthy.
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic for pets,
especially dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can be extremely dangerous.
The toxic component in chocolate, theobromine, can cause vomiting, diarrhea,
hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. Different types
of chocolate contain varying levels of theobromine. Dark chocolate contains the
highest amounts and is therefore the most toxic to dogs. Early symptoms of
chocolate toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea and trembling.
Easter Lilies: Easter Lilies are deadly for
cats, so make sure you keep them completely out of cats' reach. Other
potentially poisonous flowers may include tulips, calla lilies, daisies,
crysathemums and baby's breath.
Easter
Grass: Easter grass can be life-threatening for cats if ingested. The
material can wrap itself around your cat's intestines and cut off circulation,
requiring immediate medical intervention. Look for safer alternatives to Easter
grass, such as tissue paper.
Sugar
Substitutes: Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute used in anything from
sugarless gum to toothpaste is highly toxic to pets. It causes a rapid drop in
blood sugar and can lead to seizures and liver failure.
All it takes is a
little common sense, and your entire family can enjoy a safe and happy Easter
celebration.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
Making Decisions
and Thinking Big
By
Ingrid King
Have you ever had to make a
really big decision and found yourself paralyzed by fear? Maybe you were trying
to decide whether to leave your job. Maybe a relationship had gone sour and you
were thinking about leaving. Maybe you were trying to decide about moving to a
new city. But you found yourself unable to make a decision. Why do we get stuck when it comes to making big
decisions, and how can we overcome this?
One of the main reasons why we
often find it hard to make decisions is that we think of the outcome being right
or wrong. Contrary to the funny picture at the top of this post, there really are no wrong decisions (although
the kitten in the photo might disagree!), there are only different choices. Once you truly believe
that, it becomes easier to make decisions. Additionally, very few decisions
are irreversible. We always have the power to make a different
choice.
Another reason why making a
decision can be difficult is fear. Fear of the outcome, fear of how a "wrong"
decision may impact our lives and the lives of those around us, fear of taking
some risks. A fear-based decision is never a
good decision. Fear limits. If we live in fear, we will never be able
to realize our full potential. Fear is never truth. If you feel fear, remember
to connect with your spiritual core and remind yourself that there is no room
for fear when you are connected to your true self.
So how do we go about making
decisions without getting caught up in worry, fear and limitations? One of the
best pieces of advice I got from one of my mentors was to make decisions from the place you want to be, not from
the place you're at. This means that if you're thinking and dreaming
big, you need to be ready to make decisions that support that kind of thinking.
You can't decide from a place of fear and scarcity if you want to live a big
life that fully reflects who you really are.
Decisions are ultimately only
about two things: does it feel good? Or does it feel bad? Make the decision
that feels good, and it will always serve you.
I previously wrote about how to choose healthy foods
for your pet. In the article, I said that I was not a proponent of a raw
food diet, because I felt that the risks outweighed the benefits. However, I
have since come to the conclusion that feeding raw food is truly the healthiest
way to feed our pets. We know from human nutrition that the less processed our foods are, the better
for us, and the same holds true for our pets. Additionally, cats are
carnivores, and as such, they are designed to eat raw meat. That being said,
some pets, especially cats, can be difficult to transition to raw food . For
those pets, the next best thing for achieving the same results you get from raw
feeding may be supplementing your pet's diet
with digestive enzymes.
The reason raw food is so good
for our pets is because it still contains all the digestive enzymes. When food
is processed and cooked, enzymes are destroyed. Enzymes aid in food absorption by breaking food
down into simple, soluble substances that the body can absorb. Enzymes are
important building blocks for a multitude of metabolic functions and can help the body fight the degnerative processes that
come with aging, aid in better absoprtion of vitamins and minerals, and
help build a healthy immune system. Enzyme deficiency can show itself in poor
haircoat, allergies, intestinal problems, and voluminous stools, often with the
fat still clearly visible.
If you're not able to feed raw,
you may want to consider supplementing your
pet's diet with digestive enzymes. There are numerous products on the
market. One I like is Dr. Goodpet's Feline and
Canine Digestive Enzymes. In addition to enzymes, it also contains
probiotics. It also has absolutely no scent or flavor, which can be an issue
with cats.
The research, and testimonials,
for the benefits of digestive enzymes, are convincing. Like pets on raw diets,
enzyme supplementation can help your pets look and feel great. Pets on a raw
diet tend to have glossy coats, clear ears and eyes, and better teeth. They
maintain their ideal weight. They don't have allergies or intestinal
problems. If you're not able to feed raw, enzyme supplementation can help you
achieve the same results.
Please note:
if your pet is diabetic or immuno-suppressed, digestive enzymes may be
contra-indicated. Check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet
or adding supplements.
(c) Ingrid King
2010
The Power of
Vision Boards
By
Ingrid King
In the early days of the
human potential movement, you would often hear the catchy acronym CBA used to
summarize the process of conscious creation. CBA - Conceive, Believe, Achieve - reflects the steps
involved in reaching goals and making dreams come true. Visualization has always been an important part
of the process. In recent years, especially since the immense popularity of
the movie The Secret, visualization as a
tool to achieving one's desires has been brought to the attention of a wider
audience, particularly through the use of vision boards.
In the "old
days," vision boards used to be called
collages. They can be as simple as a single sheet of paper, or as elaborate as
a giant posterboard. The process is simple, all you need is scissors, glue,
some free time, and a stack of magazines. Start cutting out pictures that
appeal to you and that represent what you want to manifest in your life. This
goes beyond just things, you can also use pictures to represent less tangible
desires such as love, peace, fun, fulfillment, abundance, and
happiness.
I constructed my first vision board more than fifteen years
ago (and yes, it was called a collage back then) when my life was going through
several major upheavals. My marriage ended and my mother passed away, all
within a four month period. It's the kind of confluence of events that makes
you take a really good look at your life. My vision board at the time focused
on meaningful work, peace, and inner strength.
About a year ago, I
attended a vision board workshop hosted
by one of my mentors, Cheryl Harris of Conscious Creations. In
the days before the workshop, I remembered the fifteen-year-old board, long
forgotten and shoved in the back of a closet. When I pulled it out, I was
stunned that almost everything I had represented on the board had manifested in
my life: I had changed careers twice since the creation of the board, coming
ever closer to living my passion. I had found inner peace. I had become a
strong and independent woman.
The workshop made what would have been a
fun experience all on its own a very powerful exercise in really reaching beyond
just surface wants and desires to what we really wanted to manifest in our lives. The shared energy of
the group enhanced the process. I created a vision board that is hanging on my
refrigerator to this day.
I "see" the vision board every day, several
times a day. While I may not always consciously look at it, it's always there,
reminding me of my goals and desires.
It's keeping them in my energy field.
And the other day, it hit me that
one of the really big things that I represented on the vision board is about to
come true. I had placed the photo above, of the Reston Barnes and Noble store, next to a photo
of the cover of Buckley's Story,
symbolizing that I wanted to see my book in that store, and that I wanted to be
invited to a book signing at the store. It's my hometown bookstore, I've been
going to the store since it opened its doors, and the thought of my book being
sold in the store some day was always part of the dream.
The store has
carried my book since before Christmas. On March 4, the store will be hosting
me for a discussion and
signing.
There is no doubt in my mind that vision boards are powerful
tools to consciously create what you want in your life.
And if you're in
the Washington, DC area, please come and join me
for the discussion and signing on March 4, and help me celebrate making
another part of the dream that is Buckley's Story come
true!
Pet Food
Recall Verdict: Probation and Fine for Tainted Food
Importers
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby,
DVM
After almost three years, the owners of Chemnutra, Inc., the company
responsible for importing and distributing a tainted ingredient used in pet food
and responsible for thousands of pet deaths, were sentenced in federal
court. On Friday, February 5, 2010, the Office Of The United States Attorney
Western District Of Missouri issued this press release:
Sally Qing Miller, 43, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S.
Miller, 57, both of Las Vegas, Nev., were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge
John T. Maughmer this morning to three years of probation. The court also
ordered their company, Chemnutra, Inc., to pay a $25,000 fine. Sally Miller and
Stephen Miller were each ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The court ruled that no further restitution would be imposed in light of
a $24 million settlement in the related civil suit reached in the U.S. District
Court for the District of New Jersey.
I vividly remember reading the paper on a sunny Saturday in March of 2007 -
St. Patrick's Day, learning about the beginnings of the 2007 pet food recall.
At least the beginning of what was published. Case reports of animals becoming
ill or dying from pet foods actually began quietly in late 2006. The pet food
recall timeline spanned many months.
At first, the cause of kidney problems and death in dogs and cats were a
mystery. Officials suspected aminopterin as a toxic component to the foods. That
was later ruled out and determined to be melamine, an agent high in nitrogen
that was used to falsely boost protein levels in the wheat gluten used in pet
foods.
Probation and a (relatively small) fine. Is that all?
According
to the press release, "consumer reports received by the FDA
suggest that approximately 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs died after eating pet food
contaminated with melamine." Those numbers are best guestimates, since not
all cases were reported, not all cases were diagnosed as being related to toxic
food ingestion, and... sad to say, not all cases made it to the vet before
dying. Conservatively speaking, according to the FDA, this translates to 4,150
pets who were unintentionally killed by the foods they ate. Foods that their
caretakers spent good money on, fed in food faith to keep their beloved pets
healthy.
Now, after almost 3 years, the ones who started this massive recall receive a
3 year probation from importing pet food ingredients and fined a total of
$35,000? The Millers have pleaded guilty to importing a melamine-tainted
ingredient. They have pleaded guilty to false labeling.
Something is missing here
I wish it was the melamine. This does not feel like much of a sentence for
causing the biggest pet food recall in history. Because of a previous $24 million settlement
reached in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey with pet food
manufacturers, distributors and retailers, no further fines or punishment would
be imposed on Chemnutra Inc.
While the 2007 recall was the
most massive recall of tainted pet food, it has not been the only one. There
have been numerous recalls by various pet food manufacturers for issues ranging
from salmonella to harmful ingredients to mold since the 2007 recall. The FDA
maintains a web page of Recalls, Market Withdrawals
and Safety Alerts which includes pet foods. I update my Twitter followers on any
pet food recalls as I become aware of
them.
The Psychology of
Gratitude
By Ingrid
King
Gratitude is a wonderful way to raise your vibration and shift your
energy to a better feeling place. The vibration of gratitude is a powerful
force. It can shift your mood and your thoughts from a place of scarcity to a
place of abundance. Research by Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of
California at Davis into the psychology of gratitude has shown that people who
practice gratitude are 25% happier. They are more optimistic about the future
and feel better about their lives.
Practicing gratitude is also a great way to start and end each day.
Think about five things you're grateful for before you get out of bed each
morning, and again before you go to sleep each night. This practice will shift
your vibration. Do this for a few days and you will notice how the shift in
your energy will transform your life.
My five for today are:
1. Amber's gentle, loving and peaceful presence in my life.
2. Doing work I love, getting paid for it, and being in charge of my
time.
Preventive
Dental Care for Pets - A Cat's Purrspective
By Ingrid and Amber
King
I've previously written about how important good dental is for our pets.
Oral disease, which begins with a build up of plaque and tartar, and which can
lead to periodontal disease without preventive care, can eventually lead to
damage of the heart, liver, and kidneys. You can read the full article on the
importance of good dental health for pets here.
One of the cornerstones of a good preventive dental care program for pets are
regular dental cleanings by your pet's veterinarian. February is dental health month, so
many veterinary practices will offer special programs. A proper dental cleaning
is done under anesthesia, which is something many pet owners worry about. While
no anesthetic procedure is without risk, the risk of not taking care of your
pet's teeth may be far greater than the risk of anesthesia. Talk to you
veterinarian about tailoring anesthetic protocols to your pet's special needs.
For more information on safe anesthesia for pets, click here.
Amber recently had her teeth cleaned, and she blogged about it on The
Conscious Cat. This is what the experience was like from her purrspective:
A couple of weeks ago, I had to undergo the dreaded bi-annual exam (you can
read all about that ordeal here), and Fern, my vet, decided that I needed to
have my teeth cleaned. That finally happened last week. Let me tell you, it
was not a fun day.
I politely waited for Mom to get up like I do every
other morning, and I led the way to the kitchen. At first I thought Mom was
just really tired that morning, because instead of feeding me, she just gave me
fresh water. Then she made her coffee. Hello! My food always comes before her
coffee! She kept saying "I'm sorry, Amber, I can't feed you this morning."
Well, sorry didn't quite cut it, we were talking about breakfast here, and I
made my displeasure known in no uncertain terms. When that didn't get the
desired result, I tried flattery and rubbed against Mom's legs and purred.
Still no breakfast. When she took her coffee into her office and started doing
her computer stuff, I knew we had a serious problem. I kept trying to remind
her that she was forgetting something, but no breakfast appeared. After about
an hour of this, I gave up and curled up for a nap. Maybe this was just a bad
dream and I'd wake up and breakfast would be served.
Well, things only
went downhill from there. Mom woke me up from my nap - and I immediately knew
it wasn't for breakfast. She grabbed me off the nice and soft window perch I'd
been sleeping on and stuck me into my carrier. I knew resistance would be
futile, but I still complained at the top of my voice. I know it upsets Mom
when I cry, but I was spitting mad! Before I knew it, I was in the car and we
were on the way to what I knew by now would be to the dreaded cat hospital. I
could have cried all the way there, but I decided to go easy on Mom and just
grumbled occasionally.
Once we got there, I refused to come out of my
carrier, knowing full well that they have ways to get me out, but I wasn't about
to make it easy for them. Fern was there, and two other women who, okay, I'll
admit it, had good kitty vibes, but I wasn't feeling too friendly, so I ignored
their pathetic attempts to make nice with me. Mom dragged me out of the carrier
while one of the women was holding on to it, and then Mom put me on the scale.
She was happy with what she saw there, so at least that was good. Apparently,
the measly rations that have passed for breakfast and dinner around here are
working and I've lost a couple of pounds since my last visit to the cat
hospital. After being weighed, Mom put me on a table with a soft towel on top
that was really nice and warm. I have to admit, that felt pretty good, but I
also knew it was supposed to give me a false sense of security. Sure enough,
seconds later, I felt a needle being stuck in my hip, and something cold and
burning was injected into me. A few seconds after that, I started feeling
really weird - fuzzy and kind of tired. I don't remember much after that.
When I woke up, Mom was holding me in her arms. My mouth felt strange -
a little sore, and there was this odd flavor coating all my teeth, nothing a cat
should ever have to taste. It smelled like what Mom's mouth smells like after
she brushes her teeth. I shudder to think they used that paste stuff I've seen
her use on me while I was asleep. Mom says it's called a fluoride treatment,
but I say it tastes and smells nasty. My throat was sore, like something had
been shoved down it and then pulled out again. Mom told me it was a breathing
tube, but I don't really know what that means, nor do I care to! I felt really
weird - I wanted to wake up but I couldn't really control how to move my head or
the rest of me. But at least Mom was holding me, and that really helped.
Eventually, I felt a little better. I was able to lift my head and look around a
little bit. I can't say that I cared much for what I saw. Fern and the two
women who were responsible for everything that was done to me were still there.
They were now torturing another cat on the table I had been on
earlier.
After what seemed like forever, Mom put me back in the carrier.
This time, I wasn't putting up any fuss about going in there - I've been through
this enough to know it meant we were going home! Once we got home, I still felt
pretty crummy - just out of sorts, restless, tired, but yet not able to relax.
My eyes felt strange, and I couldn't see all that clearly. The things I did see
don't normally exist in my house, so I'm not sure what that was all about. Mom
says it's the drugs they gave me. Finally, after a few hours of tripping like
this, I was able to relax enough to take a nice long nap.
I know how
important it is to keep my teeth nice and clean, but I sure am glad that this is
over with for hopefully at least another six months. And in all fairness, I
know this is just as stressful for Mom as it is for me -she worries about me,
and I love her for
that.
All You Need Is
Love
By Cheryl
Harris
I In 1967 the
Beatles were asked to write and perform a new song for an international
television broadcast called "One World". The song would be broadcast in 17
countries around the world. Because love is a word that is understood in every
language, John Lennon wrote "All You Need Is Love".
While the song is a
fun and lighthearted walk down memory lane, it also communicates many great
aspects of conscious creation. Some of my favorite lyrics are:
There is nothing you can do that can't be
done. There is nothing you can know
that can't be known. There is nothing
you can see that isn't shown. There's
nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be. It's easy. All you need is love.
Love is one of
the highest resonating energies in the universe. By focusing your energy on
being a loving person and seeing the love in everyone and every situation, the
Law of Attraction will cause you to receive more love in return. When you are
aligned with the energy of love, you are aligned with the Universal energy of
God. That means:
You can do anything. You have access to all
knowledge. You are shown the way. You will be in the right place at the
right time.
It's easy. All you need is love.
The best way to
maximize your success and reach your highest potential is to bring the energy of
love into every aspect of your life. Surround yourself with people and
environments that support you and radiate the uplifting energy of
love.
When you approach any aspect of your life with an energy that is
not based in love, pretend to be someone you aren't, worry, struggle, regret,
blame, etc., it changes your vibration, which changes what you see and therefore
what you receive. While you shift your energy to being more loving in every
aspect of your life, remember to also be gentle and loving with yourself.
Courage, forgiveness, and acceptance are emotions that do not resonate as high
as love but are still worthy of your acknowledgement, celebration, and gratitude
when the emotions are associated with changing old patterns that move you closer
to the energy of love.
Cheryl Harris is CEO of
Conscious Creations Inc. She is best known for her Conscious Creation Coaching
Programs that use proven strategies to leverage the Law of Attraction in your
favor. Her international client base includes entrepreneurs, celebrities, and a
top Fortune 100 company. Nick named "Little Buddha" and "The Idea Generator",
clients call her a master at providing support and describe shifting from fear
to celebration as they move into the fullness of life. You can learn more about
Cheryl and her programs at www.consciouscreationsinc.com
Everybody's Gone Surfin' (Part Two) How to Effectively Communicate
With Your Veterinarian
By Nancy Kay,
DVM
I happen to enjoy hearing about what my clients are learning online. I
sometimes come away with valuable new information, and I'm invariably amused by
some of the extraordinary things they tell me- who knew that hip dysplasia is
caused by global warming! Surf to your heart's content, but be forewarned, not
all veterinarians feel as I do. Some have a hard time not "rolling their eyes"
or quickly interrupting the moment the conversation turns to Internet research.
Who can blame them- they've grown weary of spending valuable office visit or
telephone time talking their clients out of crazy cyberspace notions and reining
them in from online wild goose chases. How unfortunate this is.
Nowadays, people rapidly and reflexively reach for their keyboards to
learn more about their pet's symptoms or disease diagnosis online.
It's only natural (and in their pet's best interest) that they will want to
discuss what they've learned with their veterinarian.
Is there an effective way to communicate with your vet about your
online research that is neither irritating to her nor intimidating for
you? I truly believe it is possible, but it involves some work and planning on
your part! Listed below are some secrets for success- things you can do to
converse about your Internet research in a manner that is comfortable for you
and your vet and, most importantly, beneficial for your pet's health.
-I may be preaching to the choir, but I cannot overemphasize the
importance of working with a vet who is happy and willing to participate in
two-way, collaborative dialogue with you. Your opinions, feelings, and
questions are held in high regard and enough time is allowed during the office
visit to hear them. A veterinarian who practices this "relationship centered"
style of communication is far more likely to want to hear about your online
research than the veterinarian who practices "paternalistic care" (far more
interested in telling you what to do than hearing about your thoughts,
questions, or concerns). Remember, when it comes to veterinarian/client
communication styles, you have a choice. It's up to you to make the right
choice!
-Let your vet know that you appreciate her willingness and patience in
helping you understand how best to utilize what you've learned
online.
-Ask your veterinarian for her Web site recommendations-
those that have already been "vetted". This is a collaborative approach that
lets her know you intend to spend some time learning more, plus a respectful
recognition of the fact that she is the one who has spent her career learning
about your dog's health issues.
-Wait for the appropriate time during the office visit to discuss
what you've learned on line. Allow your veterinarian to ask questions
of you and examine your precious poopsie rather than "tackling" her with
questions and discussion about your Internet research questions the moment she
sets foot in the exam room.
-Be brief and "to the point" with your questions. Remember,
most office visits are scheduled for 15 to 20 minutes, max.
-Let your veterinarian know that you've learned how to be a
discriminating surfer! You know how to differentiate between valuable
online resources and "cyber-fluff". You ignore anecdotal vignettes and Web sites
trying to sell their products in favor of credible information provided by
veterinary college Web sites and forums that are hosted by well-educated
moderators who provide cited research references that support their
recommendations. If you need a little refresher course on how to be a
"selective surfer," I encourage you to read Part One of this
article. When you begin conversation about your Internet research, I
encourage you to choose your wording wisely. Communicate in a
respectful fashion that invites conversation as opposed to "telling"
your vet what you want to do. Most veterinarians don't like being told what to
do by their clients, and who can blame them? After all, we expect veterinarians
to provide a collaborative approach- it's only fair that they expect the same
from their clients. Consider the following conversation starters about Internet
research:
Approach one: "I'm wondering what you think about mixing some canned
pumpkin in with Sophie's food. I've been doing some Internet research about
diarrhea and this suggestion seems to comes up frequently."
Approach two: "I've been doing some online research and learned about
the benefits of canned pumpkin. I want to begin mixing this in with Sophie's
food."
Approach three: "I'd like to give Sophie some canned pumpkin for her
diarrhea. A moderator from an online forum suggested I do this."
Approach four: "I've been following an online forum about canine
diarrhea. One of the moderators suggested I consider adding canned pumpkin to
Sophie's diet. How do you feel about this?"
Which of these approaches sound like invitations for discussion? Which are
more likely to be a "turnoff" for your veterinarian? If you've selected
approaches one and four as successful ways for broaching the topic of Internet
research with your vet, well done! Give your dog a hug and yourself a pat on
the back!
In the Internet, we have an extraordinary tool at our fingertips. I
encourage you to be critical when choosing which Web sites you intend to take
seriously and which ones you wish to visit for a good chuckle.
Approach conversations with your vet about your Internet research thoughtfully
and tactfully. These strategies are bound to create a win-win-win situation- for
you, your veterinarian and your beloved best buddy!
Wishing you and your four-legged family members abundant good
health,
Dr. Nancy Kay
Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts
from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find
"Advocacy Aids"- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog,
and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet's health.
Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local
bookstores, or your favorite online book seller.
I have always
believed that animals come into our lives to
teach us. First and foremost, they teach us about unconditional love. But
they also teach us to stretch and grow, to reach beyond our self-imposed limits,
and to expand our consciousness. They take us to places we did not think were
possible for us to go. I've been fortunate to have a number of these animals in
my life.
There was my soul mate kitty,
Feebee, who was instrumental in guiding me from an unsatisfactory corporate job
to a fulfilling career in the veterinary profession. For the first time in my
life, I discovered what loving what you do for a living feels like.
There was
my office cat Virginia, who made my dream of a fulfilling career complete.
Whenever I had visualized my perfect job, that dream had always included a cat
sleeping in a sunny spot on my desk. One of Virginia's favorite sleeping places
was the spot right next to my computer on my desk at the animal hospital, in
front of a sunny window.
There was Buckley, who changed
my life in ways I never could have imagined by helping me discover my true
passion. Her lessons were profound enough to inspire an entire book.
And there
is Amber, who I share my life with now. Her gentle, wise presence brings love
and affection into my life every day, and she inspired The Conscious Cat, a
website dedicated to sharing information about health, happiness and conscious
living for pets and their people.
I've found that there are three main lessons that all animals teach us,
if only we are willing to listen.
1. The teach us to live in the moment. Our pets
don't spend time analyzing the past, and they don't worry about the future.
They are fully focused on whatever it is they are doing in the present moment,
whether it's enjoying a meal, playing with a favorite toy, or napping in the
sunny spot on the rug.
2. They help us to slow down. We get so caught up
in the business of our daily lives, and we rarely take enough time to relax.
Spending time with our pets is the best stress relief I know of. Research has
shown that simply petting a dog or cat can lower your blood
pressure.
3. They help us connect with our spiritual core.
As humans, we have an innate need to get in touch with something greater than
ourselves. For some people, this connection comes through religion, for others,
it comes from being in nature. For me, it has always come from being around
animals.
Listen to the animals in your
life - you might be surprised at the lessons they have to teach
you.
Everybody's Gone Surfin' (Part One) How to Find Accurate Pet Health
Information Online
By Nancy Kay,
DVM
When you or a loved one develops a medical issue, chances are you'll be
inclined to do some Internet research. While I say, "More power to you!" other
medical professionals might roll their eyes at the thought of "wasting" valuable
time discussing potentially "whackadoodle" notions gleaned from
cyberspace.
Part one of "Everybody's Gone Surfin" will teach you how to find instructive, accurate, worthwhile Internet
information while avoiding "online junk food." Part two (coming soon to
your home computer) will provide tools to assist you in comfortably discussing
what you've learned online with your veterinarian, in a way that promotes
collaborative discussion. By the way, although I'm a veterinarian teaching
people how to better care for their furry and feathered family members, please
know that this information also applies to your
own health care.
So, let's begin. How can you determine whether or not a Web site is
dishing out information that is worthy of your time? Here are some general
guidelines:
1. Ask your veterinarian for her Web site
recommendations. She might wish to refer you to a specific site that
will supplement or reinforce the information she has provided.
2. Veterinary college Web sites invariably provide
reliable information. Search for them by entering "veterinary college" or
"veterinary school" after the name of the disease or symptom you are
researching.
3. Web addresses ending in
".org," ".edu," and ".gov," represent nonprofit organizations,
educational institutions, and governmental agencies, respectively. They will
likely be sources of objective and accurate information.
4. If your dog
has a breed-specific disease, pay a visit
to the site hosted by that specific breed's national organization.
5.
Avoid business-sponsored Web sites that
stand to make money when you believe and act on what they profess (especially if
it involves purchasing something).
6. Be
ever so wary of anecdotal information. It's perfectly okay to indulge
yourself with remarkable tales (how Max's skin disease was miraculously cured by
a single session of aromatherapy; how global warming is the cause of hip
dysplasia), but view what you are reading as fiction rather than fact. As
fascinating as these National Enquirer type stories may seem, please don't let
them significantly influence the choices you make for your dog.
7. I
really love disease-specific online
forums. Check out those sponsored by Yahoo (http://groups.yahoo.com). Not only do they provide a wealth
of educational information, members can be a wonderful source of emotional
support- always a good thing for those of us who share our homes and hearts with
an animal. If you are considering joining an online forum, I encourage you to
look for a group that focuses on a specific disease (kidney failure, diabetes,
etc), has lots of members, and has been around for several years. For example,
an excellent Yahoo group K9KidneyDiet (addresses issues pertaining to dogs with
kidney failure) has 3,391 members and has been up and running for eight years.
A large group such as this typically has multiple moderators who provide more
than one point of view (always a good thing) and greater round-the-clock
availability for advice and support. Look for presentation of cited references
(clinical research that supports what is being recommended). Such groups should
have a homepage that explains the focus of the group and provides the number of
members and posts per month (the more the better). They may have public
archives of previous posts that can provide a wealth of information.
Listed below are three Web sites that discuss Addison's disease (an illness
that can affect dogs and people- John F. Kennedy was diagnosed with Addison's
disease). Now that you are an expert on evaluating Web sites, here is a little
test of your skills. Which one of these three sites is worthy of your time and
attention? Have a look and let me know what you think!
Keep an eye out for Part Two of
Everybody's Gone
Surfin' in which I will give you
some tools for comfortably and effectively broaching the subject of your
Internet research with your veterinarian!
Wishing you and your four-legged family members abundant good
health,
Dr. Nancy Kay
Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts
from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find
"Advocacy Aids"- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog,
and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet's health.
Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local
bookstores, or your favorite online book seller.
Another New Year, another round of
New Year's resolutions. Lose weight, eat healthier, begin a fitness program,
spend more time with family and friends, enjoy life more -- these are probably
some of the most popular New Year's resolutions on most peoples' lists. They're
also the resolutions most likely to be broken by the end of January. Maybe it's time for a shift in consciousness when it
comes to New Year's resolutions. Instead of making resolutions this
year, why not set New Year's Intentions?
The definition of intention,
according to Merriam Webster, is "a determination to act in a certain way",
whereas the definition of resolution is "the act of determining." There's a
subtle difference, but one (intention) implies that we are actually determined
to do something differently, whereas the other (resolution) simply states that
we've decided to change something. The difference from a vibrational
perspective is far greater than these definitions suggest. Our thoughts create our reality. Law of
Attraction teaches us that like attracts like, so when we focus our thoughts on
what we would like to create in our lives, we attract it to us. Setting an
intention is nothing more than focusing our thoughts on a desired outcome.
Using the example of wanting to lose
weight, rather than making a resolution to loose weight, which focuses on
the extra weight we're trying to get rid of, it makes more sense from a
vibrational perspective to set the intention that we're going to have a healthy,
slender body that feels good. The universe doesn't distinguish between thoughts
about what we want or don't want, it will attract what we think about. So if we
continue to think about how we don't want to be overweight or how we need to
drop those extra pounds, we're only going to attract more of what we don't want
into our lives -- which, in this case, is extra weight! If, however, we focus
our thoughts on how great it will feel to have a healthy, slender body that
feels good and moves well, we're well on our way to achieving our
goal.
Now that's not to say we don't still have to exercise more and eat
right, but by setting the intention and focusing our thoughts on the desired
outcome, we will naturally want to make the choices that are in alignment with
our desire. Our choices become what I like to
call "inspired action" -- the action of eating better and exercising more
will feel like the next logical step rather than a battle or a chore.
We
all have the power to choose our thoughts. This New Year's, why not choose to set intentions that will put you on
the road to success, rather than making resolutions that are doomed to
fail?
It's that time of
year again! As you get ready to celebrate the holidays, keep in mind that some
of our most cherished holiday traditions can be hazardous for our pets. The ASPCA offers the
following holiday safety tips:
Try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as
close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of
the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous
decorations:
O Christmas
Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall,
causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water-which
may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset-from spilling. Stagnant
tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with
nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town Kitties love this sparkly,
light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a
nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract,
severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your
boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries By now you know
not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you
know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something
yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of
food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy Looking to stuff your pet's
stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.
Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart
and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus,
stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that
are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy
foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Long,
stringy things are a feline's dream, but the
most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that
can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty
with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the
interactive cat dancer-and tons of play sessions together.
Forget the Mistletoe & Holly Holly,
when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe
can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties
of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly
artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe
bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be
fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that
won't lead to costly medical bills.
That
Holiday Glow Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn
themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use
appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the
room, put the candle out!
Wired
Up Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws'
reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured
battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable
ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules If your animal-loving guests
would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're
busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting
session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and
be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away,
too.
Careful with Cocktails If
your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your
unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet
could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death
from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their
Own Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to-complete with
fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out
under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away
from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings
of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps
necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage
to sensitive ears.
With flu season
upon us, we're all looking for ways to stay healthy. This year, many of us are
particularly worried because of the H1N1 swine flu. It's hard to know which
information is simply media hype, and which information is based on fact and can
be trusted. I offer the following tips to help you navigate the flu season with
your health, and your sanity, intact.
Vaccinate or Not?
First of all, don't panic, no matter what the media tells
you. Humanity has dealt with the flu for thousands of years. Flu viruses
change from season to season, and while a flu vaccine may be necessary and even
effective for some people, keep in mind that this season's flu vaccine is based on last year's virus and
may not offer complete protection. Additionally, the new H1N1 vaccine was
brought to market much faster than vaccines of the past, and there is, as of
yet, no information on potential long term side effects. The decision on whether to get vaccinated should be an
individual decision and take your health history as well as your risk of
exposure into consideration. While your physician should always be your
ultimate source for health information, keep in mind that not all physicians
take a holistic view when it comes to preventive health care. Do your homework,
and get educated.
Common
Sense
Common sense precautions against the flu have not changed
over the years. Frequent hand washing is
still the best precautionary measure against the flu as well as colds. But
don't waste your money on antimicrobial and antibacterial soaps - they don't
work against viruses and provide no added value over soap and water. In fact,
they may contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria. Don't touch your face unless you've just washed
your hands - that's a direct route for viruses to get into your respiratory
tract. So far, the common wisdom is that the H1N1 virus is airborne, so listen
to what you mother taught you: cover your mouth
when coughing and sneezing, and throw the used tissues away - don't leave
them for someone else to deal with.
Boost
your Immune System
Take a
good multi-vitamin. Do your research and
make sure the brand you take has good bio-availability. Most grocery store
brands do not meet this requirement.
Take
extra vitamin C. I regularly take 1000mg
a day, and I double or triple this when I've been exposed to someone who is
sick.
Sip warm fluids. Sipping hot tea can make your
mouth unfriendly to microbes and reduces your risk of getting sick even after
you've been exposed. Gargling with warm salt water can have the same
effect.
Use a
Neti Pot (nasal saline rinse) regularly
to flush your sinuses before microbes have a chance to get a hold in your
system.
Avoid inflammation promoters such as sugar,
alcohol and tobacco.
Optimize your vitamin D levels. Generally, the
more optimal your vitamin D levels, the less your chances of getting the flu or
a cold. Ideally, you should have your vitamin D levels tested, but if you live
in the Northern hemisphere and don't want to pursue testing, experts feel that
it's safe to take at least 1000-2000 IU's of vitamin D during the winter
months.
Support your intestinal flora with probiotics.
It may seem odd that your intestinal tract's health has anything to do with flu
and cold prevention, but most inflammation begins in the gut, which in turn,
affects your immune system.
Get enough sleep. This is one of the best ways
to keep your immune system rested and healthy.
Exercise regularly. Better yet, exercise
outside.
Listen to your body. We all get early warning signs when we're about to catch a
cold or come down with the flu. For some, it may be a tickle in the throat, for
others, a mild stomach ache, nausea, or simple that "just ain't right" feeling.
Gargle with warm salt water, use your Neti pot, increase your vitamin C and D
supplementation, and get some rest. Sometimes something as simple as slowing
down can boost our immune system enough to ward off a cold or the flu in the
early stages.
Maintain a positive attitude. If you
constantly worry about getting sick, chances are, you will get sick. Picture
yourself healthy with a strong immune system, and don't stay glued to the news
reports of flu outbreaks and pandemics.
H1N1 and Your Pets
Most pet owners are
worried about whether their pets can contract the H1N1 swine flu. Since this is
an evolving story, it's not possible at this stage to have a yes or no answer to
this question. So far, there have been reports
of ferrets and birds as well as two cats who contracted the virus. It's
important to know that in the case of the two cats, the virus was transmitted
from humans in the households who were sick with the virus to the cats, and not
the other way around. As of yesterday afternoon, there has been one report of a dog being infected with H1N1 in
China. It appears as though in this case, too, the virus was passed from human
to dog and not the other way around.
Until
we know more about how H1N1 affects pet, take
the same common sense precautions you would with a human family member if you do
get sick: follow proper hygiene and sanitation measures to prevent the
spread of the disease. Try to isolate the sick family member from others as
much as possible, wash your hands frequently and wipe down common surfaces with
a good cleaner or sanitizer.
I hope these common sense precautions put
your mind at ease and help protect you and your family members, both human and
furry, from flu and cold viruses.
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.
Talking Turkey If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it's boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Sage Advice Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delicious, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread Dough Don't spoil your pet's holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Don't Let Them Eat Cake If you're baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs-they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Too Much of a Good Thing A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn't pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse-an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it's best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
Keeping these tips in mind will ensure a happy and healthy Thanksgiving for all family members, human and furry!
Thanksgiving ABC's
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, but it is also a time for reflection on the many things we have in our lives that we are grateful for. Gratitude is a wonderful way to raise your vibration and shift your energy. The vibration of gratitude is a powerful force. It can shift your mood and your thoughts from a place of scarcity to a place of abundance.
I've come up with a whole alphabet of things I'm grateful for this year:
A - Amber, for her loving, wise and gentle presence in my life, for being the inspiration behind The Conscious Cat, and for reminding me to slow down and appreciate each moment. B - Buckley, for opening my heart and changing my life in ways I never could have imagined, and for inspiring me to write her story so that her lessons can be shared with the world. C - Cats - I can't imagine a world without these wonderful creatures. D - Dogs - my friends' dogs, my Reiki clients - dogs are so much fun to be with. E - Eating out - one of the great pleasures of life, especially when shared with good friends. F - Friends - I am richly blessed in that area. Since I no longer have any family left, my friends are my family. G - Google - what did we ever do without it? H - Health. The fact that mine is excellent. I - Inner peace - when you have it, life makes sense. J - Joy - it's what we all strive for. There is joy in life's small moments, as well as in the big ones. I've had both this past year - in spades. K - Kindness - being kind to others, whether human or animal, is what matters most. L - Law of Attraction. It makes everything so simple. M - Music. Everything from classical to hard rock. N - Novels - the best way I know of to escape reality for a little while at a time. O - Openness - being open to new experiences allows life to grow and expand beyond self-imposed limits. P - Passion - especially the fact that I finally discovered mine. Q - Quiet time. It's essential for my personal balance and well-being, and I make sure to carve out time for it each and every day. R - Reading. I usually have at least two or three books going at the same time. S - Social Media - I've made so many wonderful new friends, and reconnected with old ones. What an amazing world we live in where keeping in touch is made so easy. T - Tea on a cold day. Current favorites: Celestial Seasonings Sugar Plum Spice and Mandarin Orange Green Tea. U - Unlimited possibilities - the fact that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. V- The color violet - this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me! W - Walking. It's the one exercise I've stuck with consistently for decades. I love the combination of exercise and contemplation. X - No matter how hard I try, I can't think of anything starting with X! Y - You! My readers, my clients, my friends - thank you for all you bring into my life. Z - Z-Rock (the tv show) and the real life band ZO2 whose lives the show is based on.
Writing this article and coming up with this list turned out to not only be fun, but a very powerful example of how focusing on gratitude can shift your vibration. I encourage you to consider making a gratitude list for yourself this Thanksgiving. What does your Thanksgiving alphabet look like?
Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to point out these common-sense cautions that'll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year. If you do suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.
Chocolate in all forms-especially dark or baking chocolate-can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate-and even seizures.
Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.
Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.
2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.
3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their "birthday suits," however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.
6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.
7. Take a closer look at your pet's costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.
10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.
Tips to Control the Holiday Food Madness
By Woody McMahon
No Need to Struggle
If you are struggling with food or your weight, the next twelve weeks can be a bit overwhelming. This is the season for food overload with all the football games, Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas and New Years all lined up in a row. Just makes your mouth water doesn't it? This is a challenging time for even for the most health conscious individuals. So what does a reasonable minded person to do when faced with such a seemingly daunting challenge? An old saying comes to mind, "When the going gets rough, the tough get going." Here are some suggestions on how to be "tough."
Stay Active
This is a social time of year. Sometimes you are forced to be more social than you might like. Instead of stopping what has helped you feel so good all year, integrate. If for example you have company coming to town, invite them when you go to the health club, Pilates or Yoga class. They may never have been bold enough to try it on their own or have been admiring you thinking "I wish I could develop a healthy habit like that." What a great opportunity to do something good for yourself and set a good example while sharing some healthy time with a loved one.
Avoid Overeating
Why do you want to ruin a year's worth of good work just to overeat right now? Overeating is a unhealthy habit; a habit that is learned and can be unlearned. The typical party is full of distracted eating (eating while talking) and over grazing leaving you with no idea of how much you really ate. Instead of grazing all night, take a plate and put a reasonable amount of food on it. Go and sit down and enjoy your food. This is a much better way to enjoy the party and not hate yourself in the morning for being a glutton.
Adopt a Positive Attitude
Take the time to be thankful for what you have and your accomplishments. Determine what's really important in your life and how you plan on making next year better than this one. What does this have to do with food? Well, if you are struggling with food, now is the time to tell yourself next year is going to be the year you end the struggle. Take the time to look behind your overeating. Figure out why food is all consuming and has such a hold on you. How are you going to break the bonds that are keeping you from enjoying life more? Understanding the "why" can help solve the problem and allow you to get on with enjoying life more.
Keep Stress Low
Work diligently to keep your stress low during this time of year. Reducing stress keeps overeating to a minimum. Also you don't have to accept every single invitation to a party. You know people always invite more guests than they expect. So don't feel bad if you can't say "yes" to all the invitations you get. If you can't accept an invitation from someone you really enjoy, then suggest a lunch or tea after the New Year. You'll spend much better quality time with your friend and it will help you manage your holiday stress. Try these simple holiday strategies and start your New Year off right.
Not all personal trainers are created equally. If you have special needs then your trainer should have special training as well. Contact us to discuss how Fresh Start can help make the most of your exercise time by building a stronger body the right way. With our program you'll improve balance, strength, flexibility,energy and stamina while feeling and looking your best. Call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 to schedule your free Fresh Start consultation. You can also email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Many of us think of bacteria as harmful, or even deadly, but did you know that certain bacteria are not only desirable, but necessary for your pet's good health?
"Friendly" bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifido-bacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are just a few of the helpful microorganisms that can reside in your dog or cat's intestinal tract where they play an important role in defending his body against disease and illness. These kinds of bacteria are referred to as "friendly" because, rather than causing illness and disease, they serve to defend your pet from harmful organisms which can invade his body from time to time.
Keeping this complex ecosystem of microorganisms in balance, however, is not always easy. In this ongoing "tug of war" between friendly and harmful bacteria, sometimes the friendly bacteria get outnumbered due to a number of causes:
The use of prescription drugs
The aging process
An inadequate diet
A compromised immune system
Fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical pollutants
Stress
Probiotics and Antibiotics
One of the most common ways that the ratio of friendly-to-harmful bacteria gets nudged out of balance is through the use of antibiotics. Of course, the use of these drugs is not always avoidable, especially if your dog or cat is fighting a serious infection.
Unfortunately, antibiotics are not able to distinguish between friendly and harmful bacteria, so when eradicating the harmful bacteria (the source of many serious infections), they also kill off a large number of friendly bacteria. This leaves your pet with even less of a defense the next time he is exposed to harmful microorganisms.
Chemicals in the water supply and soil can have much the same effect. They do eliminate many of the harmful bacteria your pet is exposed to; but they also upset the balance between good and harmful bacteria. In this way, chemicals can also have a negative impact on your pet's health.
Even a natural event such as aging can affect the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your pet's intestinal tract. Regardless of the cause, if your pet shows any of the signs of an unhealthy intestinal tract, this should serve as a red flag: It's time to intervene and help your pet get his intestinal ecosystem back on the right track. Some of the most common symptoms of an unhealthy digestive tract are the following:
Flatulence
Constipation
Diarrhea
Sluggishness
Skin problems
Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS)
Probiotic Supplements for Dogs and Cats
One of the simplest and most effective remedies for poor digestion is to administer probiotics to your pet. Probiotics are supplements comprised of different kinds of friendly bacteria. The ingredients in them may vary from brand to brand, as do the methods of delivery. For instance, probiotics may come in capsule, paste, liquid, or tablet form. They may even be included in some brands of commercial pet food, although this is not considered the best source since, according to some studies, certain brands do not contain the amount or even the kind of probiotics that are stated on the labels. For this reason, supplements are considered the more effective way to go.
The Right Formula
So what should you look for when shopping around for probiotics? Above all, you want a formula that is comprised of quality ingredients that will help restore the balance of microflora in your pet's intestinal tract. A formula that contains a 1:1:1 ratio of Lactobacillus Casei, Bifidobacterium Thermophilum, Enterococcus Faecium should address this need.
If you are looking for information on how to manage your pet's health with holistic or natural pet care products like nutritional supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals and other natural medicines, Holistic Pet Info is the place for you. They carry more than 100 natural pet products including vitamins and nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals and other natural medicines. The site also offers a wide range of well-written and researched articles and other information on animal health issues.
Five Habits to Expand Your Thinking
By Ingrid King
Our thoughts create our reality, so it makes sense that by thinking big, you'll create a big life for yourself on all levels - spiritual, emotional, and physical. The five habits below will help you expand your thinking, and as a result, expand your life.
1. Your choices create your outcomes.
In order to create something for yourself, you have to decide that what you want is yours now, not a week from now, a month from now, five years from now. Get into the feeling place of what it feels like to have or be what you want, and then make the necessary changes in your life to create it. This may be uncomfortable at times and you may be stepping outside of your comfort zone, but by keeping the vision of what you want in mind, you get clearer, and you make your decisions based on your vision. Think about making your decisions from a place of already having what you want, not from where you are now. Decide to keep stepping into your "yes."
2. Your habits create your outcomes.
If you want to be a marathon runner, develop the habits of a marathon runner. If you want to be a millionaire, develop the habits of a millionaire. If you want to be healthy, develop the habits of someone who is healthy. Think and act from the place of where you want to be. Your physical and personal habits need to be in alignment with your vision.
3. Your environments create your outcomes.
Do you love where you live and work? Create an environment that supports you and your vision. An environment that is in alignment with your vision frees you to focus your energy on achieving your dream. How about your emotional environment? Are the people around you supportive of your vision and your dreams? The environment that created the you that you are now may not be the environment that is going to create the you that you want to be. What about your intellectual environment? Pay attention to how the people around you think. Be around people who think positive and who think big as much as you can. If you're around people who worry and fear, remember that fear and worry are not truth, and try to limit interactions with negative people. Set up a support system that works for you.
4. Continually raise your abundance thermometer.
We live in an abundant universe and there is enough of everything for everyone. Everything we could possibly need or want is available to us, if only we allow it into our experience. You can't manifest abundance with a scarcity mindset. Expect abundance in your life and allow yourself to receive it on all levels - spiritual, emotional and physical.
5. Focus on the "why."
Why do you want what you want? Tap into your life's purpose and your passion. Once you've identified what your passion and purpose are, it becomes easier to line up with living authentically to let your life reflect that purpose in all aspects. When you consider why you want something, your vibration usually shifts toward your desire. Whenever you consider how it will happen, or when, or who will bring it to you, your vibration usually shifts back toward the problem and all the reasons why you can't have it.
By implementing all of these habits in your life, you will find your energy shifting. If implementing all of them at once feels too overwhelming, start with one new habit at a time. People will ask you what you're doing differently, what your "secret" is. Your life will expand.
While a green lawn is pretty to look at, you should think twice about how you go about achieving that lush, green look. The pesticides we apply to our lawns and gardens are hazardous to our pets. Pets can absorb pesticides through their paws or lick it off their bodies. In addition, pets can be exposed to pesticides when they eat grass. Some of the chemicals found in herbicides are also easily tracked indoors on your shoes. An EPA funded study in 2001 found that 2,4-D and dicamba (a chemical used in herbicides) are easily tracked indoors, contaminating the air and surfaces inside residences and exposing children and pets at levels ten times higher than pre-application levels.
This should be enough to make any pet owner think twice about using chemical fertilizers. There are plenty of natural and organic alternatives to these chemicals that are not only safer for your pets, but also friendlier to the environment.
Insecticide and pesticide poisoning is always an emergency situation and requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms of insecticide poisoning are:
Excessive salivation
Tearing of the eyes
Excessive urination
Muscle twitching
Weakness
Difficult breathing
Collapse
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Dizziness
Unsteady gait
Repeated exposure to phenoxy herbicides (example: 2,4-D) may affect the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and skeletal muscles. Some pesticides contain chlorophenoxy acids and are poisonous to the blood, leading to anemia, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and feline distemper.
Don't put your pets' health at risk - look for natural alternatives to keep your lawn green and your yard weed-free. GreenerChoices.org contains some great information on alternatives to chemical lawn care.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Make Time for Yourself
By Woody McMahon
Don't Put "Me" Last
You hear it too often. I don't have time to take care of myself because I am (you fill in the blank). Everybody and everything else seems to come first instead of you taking some time to exercise, eat a nutritious breakfast or spend a few moments in quiet reflection. The next thing you know the old body is acting-up in response to neglect and you ask "why me?"
Giving from a Position of Strength
If you are going to give of your time to others, make sure you are coming from a position of strength. Just like you wouldn't lend someone $50 if you have to go hungry; consider yourself first before giving to others. Yes, I can hear you thinking, that would make me selfish and a bad person. But in reality, people will know when you are not taking good care of yourself. They will watch what you eat, notice when you look tired and in need of a rest and see if you give off good, positive energy. The last thing you want is to give of your time to a good cause and have everybody thinking they should really be helping you instead.
Try 3 Ways to Help Take Better Care of Yourself
1. Create a "You" Calendar
Place a calendar on the wall or the refrigerator for everyone to see. Mark in those times for your workouts, quiet time and other healthful pursuits. Make it known that these times are for you and not times to be besieged with a "honey do" list. There are enough other available hours in the day that you can be ready to do your collective part.
2. Make Time to Relax
Having activities that you find relaxing are a great way to take care of yourself. Here are a few suggestions:
Massage is one of the best, natural ways to relieve pain, enhance circulation, lower blood pressure, improve flexibility, reduce stress levels and relax. Massage will help to restore your sanity and neutralize a hectic and fast paced lifestyle. It's good to know there is still a simple, practical and extremely effective way to improve your health in this world of high tech solutions.
A quiet walk where you can take in the wonders of nature or feel the warm, soothing rays of the sun is another terrific way to reduce stress and improve "me" time. Take off the pedometer and forget about how many calories you are burning and just feel the pure joy of moving your body. It doesn't have to be fast or on any particular time schedule. Focus on being aware of your surroundings as much as possible as you walk and take lots of deep breaths.
3. Get a Good Workout
Like it or not, exercise is still your best "me" time going. From the health benefits to the boost in self esteem, participating in a regular fitness program has a lot to offer your health and quality of life. Keep it fun and consider a partner to help make your workouts more productive.
Follow our Fresh Start Healthy Weight! system and you can reduce your weight and improve your health at the same time. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health while helping you feel and look your best. For a free consultation, please call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
The Washington Post recently reported the first cases of canine influenza in Virginia in this article, reporting that the Fairfax County Animal Shelter had to temporarily shut down its kennel and quarantine 26 dogs. When I went to see one of my canine clients at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spa this past week, I experienced firsthand how a top notch facility prepares for this type of contagious disease through excellent client education and by putting procedures in place that will ensure the safety of all its canine clients. I wanted to share the same information Seneca Hill shares with its clients with all of you so you can have a fact-based understanding of this disease.
This article was originally published in the New York Times Health section in July of this year. The author is Dr. Cynda Crawford, clinical assistant professor in the Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville.
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza virus that was first discovered in 2004. We do not use the general term "dog flu" because it could refer to any flu-like illness in dogs due to various causes. Rather, canine influenza is a specific disease caused by a particular subtype, H3N8, of the influenza A virus.
Where does canine influenza occur?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the canine influenza virus is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. There is no evidence that canine influenza H3N8 is currently infecting dogs in other countries.
What type of infection does canine influenza virus cause?
Like influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, or what's commonly referred to as "kennel cough." The canine influenza virus can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.
Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a "seasonal" infection. Infections can occur year round.
What are the symptoms and clinical signs of canine influenza?
Like influenza viruses in other species, canine influenza virus causes a flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge ("runny nose"). Fever can also occur, but it is usually transient and rarely noticed by pet owners. There are no clinical signs that distinguish canine influenza from other respiratory infections. That is why diagnostic tests must be performed to determine the cause of respiratory infections in dogs (see below).
Virtually all dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected; about 80 percent develop a flu-like illness, while another 20 percent do not become ill. Fortunately, most dogs recover within two weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections.
While the death rate for canine influenza is very low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening in some cases. There is no evidence that dogs of particular age or breed are more susceptible to developing pneumonia from canine influenza.
Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack preexisting immunity to the virus. Dogs of any breed, age or vaccination status are therefore susceptible to infection. It is likely that dogs that have recovered from infection retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period, although studies have not verified for how long.
Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are housed together and where there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at highest risk for exposure to the virus, especially if these facilities are located in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
Canine influenza virus does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza. Nor is there any evidence that the canine virus can infect birds.
How is canine influenza transmitted?
As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other items with soap and water.
How is canine influenza treated?
Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much like for human influenza. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians if they think their dog has canine influenza. The veterinarian can determine what type of supportive care is needed, including whether antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Is canine influenza contagious?
Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed virus in their respiratory secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious.
Once the virus has run its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we recommend that dogs with canine influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. The canine influenze virus does not cause a permanent infection.
How is canine influenza diagnosed?
Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens cause similar signs of coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill for less than four days, veterinarians can collect swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine influenza virus. The most accurate test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood sample from the dog during the first week of illness, followed by collection of another sample 10 to 14 days later. The paired serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies to CIV that were formed in response to infection.
Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
In May 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture approved for licensure the first influenza vaccine for dogs. The vaccine was developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation.
The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were no side effects or safety issues in a field trial that included more than 700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and representing 30 breeds.
The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with C.I.V. infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, efficacy trials have shown that vaccination significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected are less likely to have severe symptoms and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in other species, including people.
The canine influenza vaccine is a "lifestyle" vaccine in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to C.I.V., including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or those housed in communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same.
Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog's lifestyle includes risk for exposure to C.I.V., and the protection provided by the canine influenza vaccine.
A Change of Pace, a Shift in Energy
By Ingrid King
No matter how much you love your life, your environment, and your routine (and I do), sometimes, it's good to have a change of pace and a change of scenery. Following the same routine day after day can lead to stale energy, and a quick and easy way to shake things up a bit is to get out of your normal environment. So a couple of weekends ago, I went to visit a friend in New York City - my favorite city in the whole world. What's not to love? In addition to being able to walk everywhere you want to go, there are so many great restaurants on every block, there's Central Park, and there's the incredible energy of a city of millions of people. And I hadn't seen my friend in two years, so it was long past time for a visit.
I had a fabulous weekend, and the trip reminded me how important a change of pace and scenery and an opportunity to get out of one's normal routine can be. Instead of my usual routine I spent the weekend walking around the city with my friend. We caught up on each others' lives, ate at wonderful restaurants, went to a comedy club (celebrity sighting: Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock!), and hung out with my friend's cats. I came home feeling relaxed and recharged.
Even if you can't get away for a weekend, there are simple ways to incorporate a change of pace into your day. You'll be surprised how even small changes can shift your energy, and as a result, free up creativity, open your mind to new and different possibilities, and make you feel great.
Some suggestions for a simple change of pace:
Take a different route to work. Instead of going the quickest way, go the scenic route one day. If you work from home, find a different place in the house to work from.
Make small changes in your daily routine. Do you always follow the same sequence when you first get up in the morning? Shake things up a bit.
Try a new food you've never had before. Is there an ethnic cuisine you've never head but always wanted to try?
Rent a movie that's different from your usual fare. Do you usually watch dramas? Try a comedy.
You'll be surprised how these seemingly small changes of pace can shift your energy.
For those of us who share our lives with animals, it's inevitable that at some point, we will be dealing with losing these beloved friends. Over the last ten years, I've lost three cats, and I've helped many clients through pet loss during the years I worked in veterinary clinics. As a result, I'm often asked how to cope with losing a pet.
Different things work for different people. Each situation is unique. Was the death sudden? Did it come after a prolonged illness? Was it the first time the person experienced losing a pet? I share my own experience of dealing with pet loss and grief in Buckley's Story - Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, and maybe my readers will find some commonalities with what I went through. Even though no two people will deal with pet loss in exactly the same way, I've found some common things that can help ease the pain at least a little. I'll also share some resources at the end of this article that have helped me when I've had to deal with grief and loss.
Acknowledge that losing a pet is a very difficult experience. Many people, especially people who don't have pets, don't realize that losing a pet can often be far more difficult than losing a person. Many of us view our pets as children, especially if we don't have children of our own. For most pet owners, losing a pet is very much like losing a child. Don't let anyone tell you that you should "get over it," "it was only an animal," or, even worse, "you can always get another one." Expect to feel the same emotions you would feel after a person close to you dies. In Elizabeth Kuebler Ross' model, the five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and eventually acceptance. Expect that some of these stages may be magnified after losing a pet.
Mark the pet's passing with some sort of ritual. It's important to acknowledge that your pet is gone. A ritual can be something as elaborate as a memorial service and burial ceremony, or something as simple as lighting a candle in your pet's memory each night for a little while.
Find supportive family and friends. Not everyone in your life will be able to handle your grief. It's important that you find people who are comfortable with being supportive, can handle letting you cry, listen while you talk about your pet, or who can just quietly sit with you. Many people don't know what to do or say when faced with someone who is grieving, so, afraid of saying the wrong thing, they don't say anything at all. This can make you feel even more isolated during a difficult time. Try not to judge people for their inability to handle your grief, and spend more time with those who can.
Allow yourself time to grieve. There is no way around grief - the only way to deal with grief is to move through it. If you try to ignore it, it will catch up with you when you least expect it. You may need to spend an afternoon or an evening crying. You may not want to distract yourself all the time. While it's not healthy to get stuck in your grief, pretending that nothing is wrong is equally unhealthy. Try and find a balance.
Find things that comfort you. Whether it's a walk, music, a favorite book, looking at photos of your pet, or a perfect cup of tea, find small things that provide comfort for you.
Getting over the loss of a pet takes time, and it takes being gentle with yourself. If you find that you simply can't cope, and that even supportive family members or friends aren't enough to help you get through this difficult time, consider getting professional help. And know that even though it seems hard to believe when you're in the middle of grieving the loss of an animal friend, there is truth to the old adage that time heals all wounds. It does get a little bit easier as time goes on, and one day, upon waking up in the morning, instead of your first thought being about your pet being gone, you'll find yourself remembering something wonderful about your departed friend.
Resources:
à www.veterinarywisdom.com is a wonderful site for anyone looking for information on pet loss. The understand that it's hard to face the future when you know it won't include your beloved animal companion, and they offer a plethora of resources to prepare for and cope with pet loss, as well as to celebrate and cherish the pets we love.
à www.petloss.com provides information on how to cope with pet loss, a bulletin board to exchange messages and gain support from others grieving the loss of a pet, healing and inspirational poetry, and links to other internet pet loss sites.
à Books: For Every Cat an Angel and For Every Dog an Angel by Christine Davis. These little books are wonderfully illustrated and celebrate the connection between a human and his or her forever cat or dog.
à Music: Some people find music plays an important part in the healing process. One particular cd that I have found very helpful anytime I've dealt with loss, whether it was an animal or a person, is Beth Nielsen Chapman's cd Sand and Water. The singer/songwriter wrote the songs on this album after the loss of her husband to cancer. The songs on the album reflect the many stages of grieving and healing, and are just as applicable to pet loss as they are to human loss.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Time to Stop Rushing Around
By Woody McMahon
Rush Rush Rush
If you find yourself in "rush mode" all the time, BEWARE, you are robbing yourself of good health and shortening your life. Constantly rushing around increases stress on your body and reduces overall enjoyment of the activity. Even kids are being rushed to more events than they need each week. This rushing does two things; it teaches kids an unhealthy behavior early in life and it increases their stress levels promoting overeating and fueling the childhood obesity epidemic we now face.
Slow it Down
Rushing has reached epidemic proportions; more in this country than any other in the world. When rushing starts to affect eating habits, your waistline expands and good health is eroded. The most important questions are "Where did I learn to run around like this" and "Why do I keep doing it?" By slowing your life down, you have the opportunity to enjoy more things even when you do less.
Rushing and Obesity
Weight gain is almost a certainty when rushing starts to affect your eating habits. In most cultures, food is enjoyed, even savored in long lunches where conversation and social interaction are the norm. When you eat on the run, not only do you raise stress hormone levels but you encourage unhealthy habits like overeating, poor digestion, lack of satiation and weight gain.
Here are 5 reasons to stop rushing especially when you eat:
1. Portion Control: Eating more slowly reduces the amount of food eaten in the same amount of time. Eating more slowly allows the brain an opportunity to correctly register when you are full. Without counting calories or dieting, you can reduce food consumption which can translate into losing several pounds per year.
2. Food Enjoyment: Meals are a time for enjoyment and socialization rather than just being another "thing" we need to get done. Taking the time to really taste your food makes meals become much more enjoyable. Taste, smell and texture all contribute to your sense of happiness and well being. Gulping down your food in an attempt to rush off spoils most of the enjoyment in the eating experience reducing it to just another activity.
3. Better Digestion: Saliva in the mouth is the first stage of the digestion and absorption process of the food you eat. Eating slowly allows you to chew more thoroughly mixing more saliva with your food. Chewing more thoroughly allows your food to be more easily digested and absorbed when it reaches the stomach and intestines. You'll derive more nutrients from less food with complete digestion. Better digestion also reduces the chance of gastric distress such as bloating, food allergies and heart burn.
4. Mindful Eating: This is one of the keys to any successful weight loss program. Taking the time to eat when you are not distracted by the television, a newspaper, magazine or the computer helps increase food enjoyment. "Gulping it down" bypasses your food enjoyment centers in the brain encouraging you to eat more to feel full. To register with your brain, food must contact the taste buds in your mouth long enough to send a pleasurable signal. The way food tastes is also changed by the amount of time spent on the taste buds.
5. Healthier Food Choices: It takes extra time to consider a healthier food option and move past the "instant food" selections. More often than not, rushing to eat forces you to pick "the quick option" rather than the healthier one. Fresh, flavorful, colorful and nutritious may not necessarily be convenient for you but they are always better. Balancing your foods and planning a healthier meal is time well spent. You are worth it, so go ahead and stop the rush and enjoy life more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not all personal trainers are created equally. If you have special needs then your trainer should have special training as well. Contact us to discuss how Fresh Start can help make the most of your exercise time by building a stronger body the right way. With our program you'll improve balance, strength, flexibility, energy and stamina while feeling and looking your best. Call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 to schedule your free Fresh Start consultation. You can also email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Ingrid Recommends
The first book in the brand new series by Clea Simon, Shades of Grey features Harvard grad student Dulcie Schwartz, who is fascinated by 18th century Gothic novels. Dulcie is not having a good summer. She recently lost her beloved pet cat Mr. Grey, her best friend and room-mate has gone away for the summer, and she has sublet her apartment to an unpleasant business school student. One day, Dulcie comes home from her boring temp job at an insurance agency and is about to enter her apartment when she sees a cat that looks just like her beloved Mr. Grey, and she clearly hears a voice in her head warning her "I wouldn't go in just now, if I were you." Is it the spirit of her pet? Dulcie ignores the warning, and finds her room-mate murdered with her own kitchen knife.
This sets up a multi-layered plot in which our heroine deals with murder, someone hacking into computers at the insurance agency she temps at and at Harvard, and research for her thesis on Gothic novels. Throughout all of this, the ghost of her cat continues to appear, offering his cryptic advice. Is it a ghost, or a spirit guide? You'll have to read this extremely well-crafted and enjoyable mystery to find out for yourself. This book has everything a mystery (and cat) lover could want: a great story, a likeable heroine, a spirit cat, a little bit of romance, exceptional story telling and multi-dimensional secondary characters. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
For more information about Clea Simon and her other books, visit her website at www.cleasimon.com.
Feline asthma is a respiratory condition that involves inflammation and excess mucous build-up in the airways. Muscles spasm and cause constriction of the airway, resulting in respiratory distress. Feline Asthma shares some characteristics with asthma in humans, including symptoms.
Signs of feline asthma may be as mild as an occasional soft cough and/or a wheeze. At times it may seem as though your cat is trying unsuccessfully to bring up a hairball. In extreme and chronic cases, one might notice a persistent cough along with labored, open-mouth, harsh breathing. At this point, an asthma 'attack' could culminate in a life-threatening crisis.
There are a number of treatment options which might include oral medications, inhalers similar to those used in human medicine, and nebulizers. These serve to help with daily prevention and also manage more severe episodes as they occur by reducing inflammation and helping to relax the muscles of the airway.
Even though the exact causes of feline asthma are unknown, it is believed that allergies could play a part. In addition to medical management, it may help to watch for possible triggers in the environment. Consider whether your litter is low-dust and unscented. If your cat has allergies to grains, corn and wheat based litters may pose a problem as well. Be careful when using household products such as aerosols, cleaners and polishes. Reduce exposure to vapors from garages, work areas, and special projects. Vacuum frequently and wash bedding often to help reduce dust mites. Watch for areas where mildew and mold may build up. If you notice seasonal occurrences, be mindful of open doors and windows. Look for reactions in stressful situations and limit exercise when appropriate. You may even want to discuss your cat's diet with your veterinarian.
It is beneficial to keep a detailed journal of episodes. Include any observations of your cat's behavior and activity level leading up to an event, indoor and outdoor temperatures, weather conditions, and any household activities such as vacuuming and cleaning or projects using paints or chemicals. Note any changes in the diet you offer, bedding, and with the brand of litter you use. It is especially helpful to describe the signs you are seeing. Developing a scale where you can measure the severity of attacks and the effectiveness of any treatments you are using will help to add a little bit of objectivity. In doing this, you'll have an invaluable resource for your veterinarian and a possible means of anticipating problems.
In case of an attack be certain that you have your emergency supply of medications on hand at all times because an episode can occur with little warning. Since an already panicked cat will sense your anxiety, try to remain as calm as possible. Sometimes with mild episodes, just simply talking quietly and petting lightly and gently can help settle breathing. Be sure that you don't hover too closely. Holding or wrapping in towels or blankets will only result in increasing the sense that one is suffocating. Allow for a short bit of time to pass after giving oral medications or using a rescue inhaler or nebulizer. This gives you an opportunity to see if the treatment has been effective and also helps you to calmly prepare for the next step if more aggressive treatment is needed.
Many other medical conditions including infection, heart worms, foreign bodies, lung worms, cancer, and heart disease may mimic feline asthma, therefore it is vital for you to take your cat to your veterinarian for a thorough exam and medical work-up. Feline Asthma is typically diagnosed through clinical presentation, radiographs (x-rays) and lab work. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian will work with you to determine the optimal approach to treating your cat.
Initially, the diagnosis and management of feline asthma can be a frustrating and unnerving process, but if you suspect that your cat has this disease don't ignore the signs. Untreated, this can be a very uncomfortable and potentially life threatening condition for your cat to live with.
Renee L. Austin is the founder of Whimsy Cats, a specialized home care business for cats with chronic medical conditions and special needs. She also provides consulting services for veterinary practices. For more information visit http://www.whimsycats.com.
The Lowdown on Nutritional Supplements
By Nancy Kay, DVM
The nutritional supplement industry has become big business as people are looking for more natural ways to care for the health of their pets. For example, a person might be inclined to try glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate for their dog's arthritis pain rather than a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (the equivalent of doggie Advil).
The number of nutritional supplement manufacturers has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, the quality of products hitting the market is somewhat hit or miss. There is no FDA approval process for nutritional supplements, and incidents of contamination with heavy metals, pesticides, or other unsavory ingredients have been reported. Additionally manufacturers are not required to comply with specific formulations for their products- the strength or concentration of the active ingredient may be inadequate, too much of a good thing, or just right.
Knowing this, how in the world can the average consumer purchase a product that is safe and effective? Certainly query your vet for his or her recommendations. We veterinarians are taught to use the ACCLAIM system (described below) to assess nutritional supplements. You too can use this system to make educated choices about these products for yourself and your four-legged loved ones.
A = A name you recognize. Choose an established company that provides educational materials for veterinarians and other consumers. Is it a company that is well established?
C = Clinical experience. Companies that support clinical research and have their products used in clinical trials that are published in peer-reviewed journals to which veterinarians have access are more likely to have a quality product.
C = Contents. All ingredients should be clearly indicated on the product label.
L = Label claims. Label claims that sound too good to be true likely are. Choose products with realistic label claims.
A = Administration recommendations. Dosing instructions should be accurate and easy to follow. It should be easy to calculate the amount of active ingredient administered per dose per day.
I = Identification of lot. A lot identification number indicates that a surveillance system exists to ensure product quality.
M = Manufacturer information. Basic company information should be clearly stated on the label including a website (that is up and running) or some other means of contacting customer support.
Nancy Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Author of: Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Regular and routine blood testing is an important part of your pet's preventive healthcare. It used to be that veterinarians only recommended blood work for older pets, but it's equally important for younger healthy pets. It's the best way to detect potential health problems before they become evident through symptoms. It's also critically important before your pet undergoes any kind of anesthetic procedure, even a routine dental cleaning.
Typically, bloodwork includes a CBC (Complete Blood Count), which is an analysis of the blood's cells, and a blood chemistry, which tests the fluids the blood cells utilize to course through a pet's body. This fluid's components reflect the chemical elements utilized, filtered or produced by certain organs, such as the kidneys and liver, thereby offering up information on their basic health and potential problems.
In the last issue of News for You and Your Pet, I wrote about how making a conscious decision to get happy can really make a difference in how we feel and how we approach our life. But some days, our mood and energetic vibration just seem to be such that even getting to the place where we can make that decision can be a bit of a stretch.
For those days, it helps to have a ready list of thoughts, images and actions that can help to shift your mood and vibration almost instantly. You can't think of something beautiful or someone you really love and not feel better. Picture a place where you've always felt good in the past, and just thinking about that place will change your mood. Put on a beautiful piece of music and your vibration will change.
Here are some of my "vibration shifters:"
Watching Amber sleep in her sunny spot.
Amber's purr.
Listening to music - depending on what mood I'm trying to change, it can be anything from symphonic power metal to Jimmy Buffett.
Imagining myself walking along the beach at sunrise.
Reading a favorite passage in a favorite book.
Ice cream - preferably Ben and Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough or Cherry Garcia.
Just writing these down shifted my energy into a better feeling place. What are your mood shifters?
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Ingrid Recommends
Ingrid Recommends The Conscious Cat Store
The Conscious Cat Store is your comprehensive source for supplies and accessories for your feline family member - we've got it all! From beds and pads to scratching posts and trees, from delicious foods and treats to nutritional supplements, from cat-friendly cleaning products to grooming tools, we've got you and your feline friend covered. And for the feline's human, we have cat-themed books and gifts.
Few people are happy to endure the the sounds of a severe thunderstorm, complete with darkening skies, strong winds, flashes of lightning and crashing thunder. Some become extremely anxious, and for some, the fear of thunderstorms turns into a full-blown phobia.
Some pets, especially dogs, are also affected by thunderstorm anxiety to varying degrees. While some pets may tremble, whine, pace or hide under the bed during storms, in more severe cases, panicking dogs have been known to destroy furniture, jump through windows or otherwise harm themselves during storms. In either case, this type of behavior is the sign of a very unhappy pet.
Fear is a normal response to a fear-inducing situation, whereas phobias are irrational, extreme reactions in which the fearful response is magnified to the point of dysfunction. Behaviorists are not sure which part of the storm frightens pets the most - the lightning flashes and thunder, the winds blowing around the house or the sound of rain hitting the roof. Some dogs even show signs of anxiety an hour or more before a storm hits, leading to the theory that they are reacting to changes in barometric pressure.
Many cats become nervous during storms and generally hide from the disturbance under beds or in dark, quiet corners. Unlike dogs, they tend to not progress to the phobic stage - they simply wait out the storm in their safe place and come out of hiding when the storm has passed.
So what can you do to help your pet deal with thunderstorm anxiety?
Probably the best treatment is avoidance. If there's a place where your pet feels safe, be it a kennel or crate or a finished basement that is relatively light and sound proof, you can have your pet ride out the storm in his safe place.
Another option is desensitization. This approach gradually retrains your pet by exposing her to gentle reminders of a thunderstorm such as a recording of distant thunder, and rewarding her for staying calm. The idea is that over time, the response to the stimulus decreases.
There are a number of natural remedies that work well for mild cases of thunderstorm anxiety. My favorite is Rescue Remedy, a Bach Flower Essence blend. There are other natural calming aids available, Holistic Pet Info offers a good selection along with some good advice on how to handle situations that cause stress for your pet.
It is important that you remain calm when your pet is afraid. Our pets pick up on our emotions, and if we're anxious, they'll be anxious as well. While it's tempting to cuddle and comfort your pet during a storm, in your pet's mind, this rewards the fearful behavior. It's much better to provide your pet with a safe, familiar place where he can ride out the storm.
In severe cases, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication to help keep your pet calm during storms.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Make a Conscious Decision to Get Happy
By Ingrid King
Is there a formula for happiness? Is there one sure-fire way to achieve everything we want in life? Well, actually, there just might be. And it's as simple, or as complicated, as getting happy. Simple, because we all have the power to do it. Complicated, because our conditioning tells us it's not that easy.
Everything around us is energy, including our thoughts. Law of Attraction teaches us that like attracts like. If we focus our thoughts on things that make us happy, we attract more of the same. But how do we do this in a world that seems to be so full of unhappy things?
We do it by making a conscious decision that we want to be happy. We have the power to choose our thoughts - so why not choose thoughs that make us feel good? We can make these conscious choices in every single moment - by choosing to focus on what is working in our lives rather than complaining about what isn't, by choosing books and television programs that make us feel good rather than depressed or upset, by choosing to be with people who uplift us rather than drag us down into negativity.
Choosing your thoughts, and choosing what to focus on is key in this process. We often think of choice as something that has to involve a "yes" or "no" decision. When you begin to think of choice as saying "yes" to what you want, rather than "no" to what you don't want, you will find your energy shifting.
Once we focus predominantly on that which makes us feel good, we'll find that the world around us changes. Life flows more easily. We attract people and situations into our reality that are pleasant rather than frustrating. Our lives work. We get happy.
Today, make a conscious choice: no matter where I'm going, no matter what I'm doing, no matter who I'm doing it with, I'm going to look for things that make me feel good.
And if you need a little help with feeling good, look to your animal companions. They're masters at making themselves feel good. Have you ever watched a cat follow the sunny spots in the house, or a dog roll around on his back in the freshly mown grass just because it feels sooooo good?
Get happy today!
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Ingrid Recommends
The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood by Nadine M. Rosin is the moving story of a nineteen year journey of the author and her dog Buttons - a story about how the unconditional love of a small dog can transform and heal a wounded human heart. The author, who has been studying alternative healing for over thirty years, also shares her experience with holistic pet care. When Buttons is diagnosed with cancer at age eight, the author decides against conventional treatment and instead seeks out various holistic and alternative treatment modalities for Buttons, who recovers and lives for another eleven years.
Reading this book is a deeply emotional journey for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet. Unlike many other books that attempt to address the issue of pet loss, this book truly acknowledges the often devastating grief that comes with losing a beloved animal companion as well as the spiritual connection we share with our animals even after they die. The story of Nadine and Buttons is a celebration of the love we share with our animal companions - a must read for all pet parents.
For most pets, eating is a joyful part of their daily routine. So when a pet doesn't want to eat, it is a reason for concern for most pet owners. When loss of appetite is short-lived, it's usually nothing to worry about. But when your pet stops eating for unknown reasons for longer than 24 hours, a visit to your veterinarian might be in order.
Julie Andrus of Holistic Pet Info takes a look at what loss of appetite can mean:
Moving to a new home or the addition of a new family member can cause on your pet and they may not feel like eating. This type of appetite loss is stressusually short-lived and can be remedied with coaxing and extra attention to your pet. When your dog or cat stops eating for unknown reasons, it is time to take a closer look.
A sudden loss of appetite or one that develops over time and continues for several days could indicate a variety of illnesses, including:
Digestive Disorders - Partial blockage of the digestive tract (foreign objects or possibly tumors) can make it difficult to swallow and can result in your pet's unwillingness to eat. Parasites, ulcers or bacterial infections, even food allergies can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract which make it uncomfortable to eat. Additional symptoms to watch for are increased salivation, diarrhea and vomiting.
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas secretes its corrosive digestive juices on itself and the surrounding internal organs and tissues rather than on the food in the intestine. The resulting inflammation causes pain and stress in the animal, eventually leading to a complete loss of appetite. Vomiting and listlessness often accompany your pet's loss of appetite when the pancreas is affected.
Kidney Disease - The kidney's job is to remove waste products from the blood. When the kidneys begin to fail, toxins begin to build up in the blood stream and sometimes cause ulcers in the mouth and stomach. You may notice your pet has stopped eating (because of the ulcers) yet they are drinking and urinating more often because of the kidney disease. With kidney disease, vomiting and lethargy are often present.
Dental Disease - One obvious but often overlooked reason for loss of appetite is that your pet experiences mouth pain when eating. Abscesses, tooth decay and gum disease can sideline even the hungriest pets.
Your pet's loss of appetite may mean something as simple as his dislike for a new brand of food or it may indicate a more serious medical condition. If other symptoms are present (difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, excessive thirst), schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. A physical exam, x-rays, fecal tests and or blood work can diagnosis the problem and a treatment plan can be determined.
Remember that early intervention can mean a better prognosis for recovery and less discomfort for your beloved pet.
Julie Andrus is the owner of Holistic Pet Info. If you are looking for information on how to manage your pet's health with holistic or natural pet care products like nutritional supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals and other natural medicines, Holistic Pet Info is the place for you. They carry more than 100 natural pet products including vitamins and nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals and other natural medicines. The site also offers a wide range of well-written and researched articles and other information on animal health issues.
Try Something New
Let's face it: most of us are afraid of trying something new for fear of failing. We don't want to look silly or incompetent in front of our colleagues, friends, spouses, or children, so we make excuses.
We say "I'm too busy for karaoke night. I can't go out for sushi, because I don't have a babysitter. I'm on a budget, so I'll have to skip that hiking trip."
But by making lame excuses, we're depriving ourselves of a valuable opportunity to grow and learn. Trying something new can be the first step toward an enriching life experience. It can also help you gain confidence that will improve your professional and personal life, or it might help you acquire new skills and meet new people.
Here are some small, simple things you can do to bust out of a rut and get into the habit of trying new things:
* Rearrange your workday. It's easy to get into a rut if you follow the same routine day after day and week after week, but there are lots of little things you could to prevent this. Try taking your work to a different location (a coffee shop, park, or library, for example) and gain a fresh perspective. Or you could tackle things in a different order. You may be surprised to discover that things actually run better with a slightly different process.
* Change your route. If you normally drive to the office, then take a different route or try riding a bike instead. If you normally ride public transportation, then consider getting off a few stops early and walking the rest of the way. You'll gain a whole new perspective and perhaps find new places to try for lunch or happy hour.
* Mix up mealtime. Never tried Norwegian food? Curious about Cuban? Here's your chance. Swap something new for your soup and salad routine, and you'll expand your culinary horizons. Try a brand new restaurant. The worst that can happen is that you won't like it and you'll try something else next time!
* Learn online. Whether you want to learn a language or sharpen your web design skills, you can find an online course to fit your needs with a few minutes of research. Distance learning has exploded over the last several years, and it's a great way to pick up new skills on your own time.
These are just a starting point to help you ease into the idea of trying new things. You could also mine your own interests for inspiration on new hobbies to explore. It only takes one little step outside your comfort zone to make you realize the world is full of adventures and opportunities waiting to be seized. Seek out and embrace these opportunities whenever you can.
Aim to do something different each day. It doesn't have to be a big challenge, just something a little unfamiliar to keep things fresh and new. Who knows what exciting possibilities are waiting for you just around the corner?
Self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur Ali Brown is devoted to creating financial freedom for women globally through the power of entrepreneurship. To learn how to create wealth and live an extraordinary life now, register for her free weekly articles at www.AliBrown.com
Ingrid Recommends
Ingrid Recommends
Red Dog Spa is a unique store where you'll find healthful food and treats, fun toys, home gifts, a cage-free grooming salon and luxury pet goods to reward and indulge your best friend, protector and confidant. They even offer short-term pet sitting during your shopping and dining trips, delivery and call ahead curbside service. Red Dog Spa is located in the Fairfax Towne Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Visit www.reddogspa.com for more information.
"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier." -- Joseph Pilates, in 1965, at age 86.
Pilates is an exercise system which was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, drawing on Eastern practices such as Yoga and Zen and inspired by perfection through body, mind and spirit. More than 40 years after Joseph Pilates' death, this exercise system of stretching and strengthening exercises is in more demand than ever. Devotees praise the exercises for their ability to develop the body's core, mobilize the spine and build flexibility.
There are three main benefits of Pilates:
1. Body Awareness
Pilates teaches you to be more aware of your body - being aware of how you stand, sit or move, and being able to relate those habits to the ache in your neck or the pain in your back. By teaching proper alignment and movement, the student can then translate these lessons into daily life, for example, by pulling the shoulder blades down before reaching for an item on a higher shelf, thus avoiding tension in the neck and shoulders.
2. A Stronger Core
Everybody is looking for exercises to give them flatter abs, and most people think Pilates is a way to achieve that goal. However, a flatter stomach does not necessarily mean a stronger core. Pilates will strengthen your core and create a stronger, healthy back and body. As students develop body awareness, flexibility and strength, Pilates will shift the body's shape.
3. Body Control
Pilates works because it teaches you how to move properly. Instead of working major muscle groups in isolation, it teaches the student how to move the whole body syngergistically, which is how we should be moving in daily life.
Pilates can be done on equipment or on a mat. Proper instruction is key. While there are plenty of DVD's and how to books on the market, they are not a substitute for instruction by a certified Pilates teacher.
If you have any physical limitations, check with your healthcare provider before beginning a Pilates program.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
10 Steps to Deal with the Loss of Your Pet
By Dawn Kairns
Sometimes special animals come into our lives and touch our hearts in a way that leaves us forever changed. A chapter ends as the familiar road you traveled together comes to an abrupt and. You are in uncharted territory without a map. Lost. The world as you know it may look totally different.
Not everyone realizes that the bond between humans and their pets can be deeper than with a loved human. Some people often spend more time with their pets than they do with family members. Pets don't judge or hurt us the way humans can. The loss of their constant, unconditional love can leave us empty.
There is no best way to get through the loss of a beloved pet. The way through the grief process is different for everyone. Here are some things I found helpful when I lost Maggie, my beautiful black lab with whom I had the most precious of relationships:
1. Hold a ritual after your pet dies and invite friends and family who knew and loved your pet. Share stories about how your beloved animal enriched your life and other lives she touched. You may also want to create a memorial altar with a candle and your pets' photo, along with other items that belong to or remind you of your pet, such as her dish, special toys, and a lock of her hair.
2. Recognize that the grief of pet loss can be exceptionally profound and honor that by giving your grief the space to be. Allow your tears. Set-aside quiet time each day where you can decrease the demands of the outside world. Write in your journal. Allow your pain to express and release.
3. Let in the compassion and understanding of supportive family friends and strangers.
4. Don't be surprised if some family members or friends are not as supportive as you might expect them to be. Allow yourself to take time off from friends who don't understand the depth of your grief, who try to downplay your loss because it's an animal rather than a human, or who have unrealistic expectations of you at this very vulnerable time.
5. Let people know if you need to talk about your lost pet. Many well-intended people may try to change the subject to make it easier on you and you may need to let them know that it's okay to talk about it.
6. Find a pet loss support group locally or online and make use of the national pet loss support hotlines.
7. Nurture yourself. Get a massage. Take walks that nature. Meditate. Have lunch with a supportive friend. Do what feeds your soul.
8. Know yourself well enough to know if getting a new pet at this time will help or hinder your grief process. Some people do fine jumping right in with a new dog or cat. Others may resent having a new animal in the house too quickly.
9. Help animals at your local humane society or get involved with the many breed rescue groups in your area. It may help ease your pain if you allow your love from your lost animal to become part of a bigger purpose, such as assisting and caring for homeless animals.
10. Try new things to discover more of yourself; those creative endeavors you have often considered but have never tried.
We all have to face grief and loss eventually. It's one of the great equalizers in life. Allow your pet's death to ripple the foundation of who you are, as death often does. When we experienced loss, it may be a good time to let go of what no longer fits in your life; what isn't you. In my case, after I lost Maggie, I changed both personally and professionally. I hope my steps on the road from loss to healing can now benefit you in your time of loss. As devastating as the loss of our beloved animals can be, this time can also be an excellent opportunity to examine our purpose in life and find new meaning.
Dawn Kairns is the author of "Maggie: The Dog Who Changed my Life: A Love Story". A family nurse practitioner turned writer, Dawn Kairns has also published in nursing journals, American Fitness magazine, The Daily Camera, and Real Travel Adventures Magazine. A lifelong animal lover, her passion for dogs led her to volunteer with the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Front Range Labrador Rescue, and Freedom Service Dogs. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dawn volunteered with the Humane Society of the United States in Mississippi, assisting the displaced Katrina dogs. Her own dog and cat are rescues.
For more information about Dawn and her book, please visit her website at www.dawnkairns.com.
Ingrid Recommends
Eco-Friendly Water Bottles
I go this super-cool water bottle for my birthday, and I absolutely love it. It's made by SIGG, and the bottles come in a large variety of designs. They're lightweight, reusable and eco-friendly. Aside from the fun design, I love that I no longer have to lug water bottles home from the grocery store - I just refill it with filtered water and I'm good to go!
It's flea and tick season in much of the country, and pet owners are beginning to use products such as Frontline or Advantage to combat these pests on their pets. While these products are effective, please be aware that they are also loaded with chemicals. Since most of these products are used topically (as a spot-on treatment), they fall under EPA regulation.
Many of these products have come under closer scrutiny by the EPA and the agency launched an investigation into the safety of these products due to the recent increase in reports of adverse reactions. The list of products under investigation is growing and continues to be updated.
While these products are very effective, they are pesticides, and as such, they carry risks even with proper usage. I spent a lot of time researching natural alternatives to chemical flea and tick products for the past few weeks in an effort to find products to recommend to you that are both effective and safe. Not everything that's natural is safe for your pets. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything that I'm comfortable recommending without reservations, but I thought I'd share my findings with you so you can make your own informed decisions.
Many natural products contain essential oils such as Pennyroyal, Tea Tree or Citrus oils. None of these are safe to use around pets, especially around cats. The Lavender Cat is an excellent website devoted to scientific research about cats and essential oil safety. The site is currently being revised, but it has some good basic information about why essential oils are not safe to use around cats. I realize that there are some manufacturers who claim that their oils are pure and safe to use around cats, but quite frankly, I wouldn't take any chances on statements of that nature unless they're backed up by research by an independent toxicologist.
It seems that the only safe natural flea control methods are as follows:
A good flea comb with tightly spaced teeth. Comb your pet daily during flea season and drop any fleas you find into a bowl of soapy water to kill them.
Bathe your pet with a gentle shampoo such as oatmeal. Don't use harsh flea shampoos, most of them have chemicals in them.
Vacuum vacuum vacuum. I came across one suggestion to cut up a conventional flea collar and put it inside the vacuum cleaner's bag - it reportedly will kill any live fleas, eggs and pupae you vacuum up. I don't know for sure that this will work, but it made sense in a strange kind of way.
Adding Brewer's yeast to your pet's food may help deter fleas from attaching to your pet.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in your yard to cut down on the flea population. Diatomaceous earth also makes a great natural pantry bug killer, it works for all insects. It's reported to be safe around pets, but don't sprinkle it directly on your pet!
I've been unable to find any information on natural tick repellents.
Ultimately, it comes down to weighing the risks of conventional flea and tick products against the risks of the health problems caused by fleas and ticks. Many pets have been using chemically based flea and tick products safely and without any problems for many years. Flea contact dermatitis and anemia are unpleasant health problems that definitely compromise a pet's quality of life. Lyme disease can be crippling, and, in its worst form (Lyme nephritis), it can kill.
In an effort to fulfill the age old saying "cleanliness is next to Godliness," the use of antibacterial soaps is on the rise. The liberal use of soap is a good thing, but antibacterial soaps present several major risks.
As early as 2005, researchers at Virginia Tech found that the active chemical ingredient in antibacterial soaps, triclosan, can cause two major health problems. First, consumers who use the soaps may be exposed to significant quantities of the cancer causing substance chloroform. Also, long term use of these soaps creates an unhealthy balance of antibiotic resistant bacteria on the skin. They found bacteria resistant to some of the more popular antibiotic drugs like chloramphenicol, ampicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin.
Dr. Peter Vikesland, an environmental chemist at Virginia Tech had this to say about antibacterial soaps: "This is the first work that we know of that suggests that consumer products, such as antimicrobial soap, can produce significant quantities of chloroform. There are numerous potential exposure pathways that can be envisioned, such as inhalation and skin exposure, when using antimicrobial soaps to wash dishes or when taking a shower. There is also risk of exposure when using triclosan laden moisturizers as they may also react with chlorine in the water."
What is Triclosan?
Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial agent found in a wide variety of products. Its broad spectrum, bacteria fighting ability has made it popular in an ever increasing number of personal care products, cosmetics, antimicrobial creams, acne treatments, lotions, hand soaps, and dish soaps. Triclosan goes under the trade name Microban®, when used in plastics and clothing and Biofresh® when used in acrylic fibers. Even though Triclosan is effective at killing bacteria, it is registered as a pesticide with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill some type of life form. The EPA considers triclosan a high risk for human health and the environment.
What is Chloroform?
When triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, reacts with the chlorine in the tap water, chloroform is created. Chloroform is a central nervous system depressant and cancer causing compound. The U.S. Department of Labor has strict guidelines when it comes to contact with chloroform. Chronic inhalation of chloroform may cause psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including depression, hallucinations and moodiness. In one study, liver enlargement was demonstrated in 17 of 68 workers exposed to chloroform at low levels for 1 to 4 years. Alcoholics are more at risk from chloroform because ethanol increases chloroform's toxic effects.
Healthy Bacteria
The bacteria on your skin serve as a part of your skin's natural defense mechanism. Your skin uses healthy bacteria to keep colonies of unhealthy bacteria at bay. Without the healthy bacteria, the unhealthy ones can take over and create infections and other skin problems. Destroy all the healthy bacteria with antibacterial soap and you set yourself up for big problems. The constant use of antibacterial soaps is similar to using antibiotics for every little cold or sneeze. All antibacterial products should be used sparingly so that resistant strains of bacteria do not develop. Using antibiotics only when necessary ensures they will remain effective when the need arises.
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
When bacteria are exposed to long term, low doses of antibiotics, some of them can develop antibiotic resistance. Resistant bacteria must be treated with other, sometimes stronger antibiotics. In rare instances, there is no known medication that will kill the bacteria. It is wiser to use antibiotics sparingly and for shorter duration. The constant use of antimicrobials, as in the antibacterial soaps, creates a real long term health hazard; one that is easily avoidable with regular soap.
A strong immune system is the key to excellent health. Building a strong immunity is just one of 8 healthy lifestyle habits we teach. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health while helping you feel and look your best. For a free consultation, please call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email to Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.
Ingrid Recommends
Ingrid Recommends
The Conscious Cat
If you enjoy the articles in "News for Your and Your Pet", be sure to visit my blog The Conscious Cat. In addition to bringing you timely information about conscious living and holistic and alternative health topics, I also share my experiences about consciously creating an authentic and joyful life, often using the lessons the animals teach us.
Hike With Your Dog is a wonderful website that helps you find dog-friendly trails anywhere in the United States and Canada. The following article is an excerpt from the site. If you're not in Northern Virgina, search the site for hikes in your part of the country!
Doggin' Northern Virginia: 10 Cool Things To See When You Hike With Your Dog In NOVA
"If your dog is fat," the old saying goes, "you aren't getting enough exercise." But walking the dog need not be just about a little exercise. Here are 10 cool things you can see in Northern Virginia while out walking the dog.
Historic Graveyards In Fountainhead Regional Park the Davis family cemetery, anchored by a majestic white oak, pops up in the woods just a few steps into the canine hike on both the white and blue trails. The graveyard was established in the 1860s. At Leesylvania State Park is the original hilltop resting place of prominent Lee family members and at Ball's Bluff Regional Park is one of the smallest national cemeteries in America with only the remains of 54 Union soldiers from the Civil War.
High Water Marks In Great Falls Park is a High Water Mark Pole that records the depths to which the Potomac far below can flood. The most recent marking is from January 21, 1996 when the river rose 85 feet in 48 hours. That mark is about eye-high to a beagle - it was only the fifth largest flood of the past 100 years. For the highest mark you'll have to look overhead to see where the waters ot the Great Potomac Flood of 1936 reached.
Our National Bird Mason Neck has been named one of the Top Ten sites in America for viewing bald eagles. The eagles arrive in October and spend the next two months courting and breeding where they are visible feeding in the marsh. By February they have re-built their nests and are ready to lay eggs. The eaglets hatch in April and spend the next several months gaining strength before the cycle begins anew. Eagles can be viewed on trails in Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
Early Industrial Souvenirs In the center of the Occoquan Regional Park is the last of nine beehive brick kilns that were used by prisoners to churn out many of the red bricks used in Northern Virginia buildings. Along the Potomac Heritage Trail are the rusty hulks of 19th-century boilers used to quarry Potomac bluestone. This 500-million year old schist was a popular building stone for many buildings around Northwest Washington, including the Old Stone House in Georgetown, built in 1765. Several of the animal houses in the National Zoo use Potomac bluestone, the Panda House and the Elephant House are just two.
Inspirational Moments Nestled in the center of Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 17-foot bronze statue by Paul Manship. The memorial overlooks a diorama of fountains and four 21-foot granite tablets, inscribed with the tenets of the 26th President's thoughts on Nature, Youth, Manhood and the State.
A Carpet of Blue The Bluebell Walk begins on the Nature Trail near the Visitor Center of Bull Run Regional Park and makes its way to the confluence of Cub Run and Bull Run. This is a meandering 1.5-mile canine hike through the largest stand of bluebells on the East Coast. In springtime the display on the forest floor is unforgettable.
Big Wildflowers The Trillium rhomboideum variety grandiflorum was given its name by french botanist Andre Michaux in 1803. The specific name, very appropriately means "large-flowered." Sometimes called Snow Trillium because it is the first trillium to bloom and therefore would be caught in a late snowfall, the white-flowered plants (the petals turn pink with age) prefer to inhabit slopes 1,000-3,500 feet in elevation. Of the 10 or so species of trillium in the Blue Ridge, grandiflorum may be the most abundant. The largest colony in the country can be found in the G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area, where an estimated 18 million plants thrive.
Ancient Footpaths The last known undeveloped section of the historic Vestal's Gap Road runs across Claude Moore Park. This trail, first used by American Indians, was used as early as 1692 by the Rangers of the Potomac under David Strahan. It became the major route for travel between Alexandria and Winchester. George Washington used the road frequently in his travels between Mount Vernon and the western frontier. Major General Edward Braddock's troops, including Daniel Boone, traveled Vestal's Gap Road during the French and Indian War and today your dog can hike a short ways on the ancient thoroughfare.
Well-Built Bridges The bridge across the Accotink Creek linking the trail system in Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge was built by D Company of the 11th Engineer Battalion. The unit was activated during World War I to maintain railroads in northern France and in August 1917 was the first American unit to enter the European theater. Until World War II the regiment conducted numerous missions over the rugged terrain and dense jungles of the Panama Canal Zone and adopted the nickname "Jungle Cats." This bridge is a suspension bridge in the manner of the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Old Mines In Prince William Forest Park, if you head off on the North Valley Trail and continue about one mile down the Pyrite Mine Trail along the North Branch of the Quantico Creek you will reach the remains of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine. The mine opened in 1889, pulling nugget-like rocks known as "fool's gold" for their appearance to the precious metal. In fact pyrite is loaded with sulfur (needed to make gunpowder) that kept the operation profitable into the 1920s, including an important stretch during World War I when as many as 300 men worked the mine. Many acres of historic underground workings, pilings and foundations have been reclaimed by the Park Service and are remembered today.
Choose to Live a Conscious Life
By Ingrid King
Our planet is undergoing a massive shift in consciousness, and as a result, individuals are questioning the old ways of living and making new, more conscious choices about how to live their lives.But what does conscious living really mean?
The definition of the word conscious is "to be aware of one's own existence, sensations, thoughts and surroundings".It also means "being fully aware or sensitive to something", "aware of oneself", and "deliberate and intentional".All these terms take us right to the heart of what conscious living means.
Being aware of our thoughts and emotions allows us to make conscious choices about everything from what we feel like wearing today to which career path we want to take.Thoughts are energy, and each thought has a vibration attached to it that sends a message to the universe to attract things to us that match the vibration of the thought we send out.We all have the ability to focus our thoughts, and when we deliberately focus them on what we want rather than on what we don't want, we begin taking charge of consciously creating our lives.Being aware of our emotions adds power to this process - emotions are our instant guidance as to whether a thought moves us in the direction of what we want or away from it.When a thought feels good, we're moving towards our desires.When it feels bad, we're moving in the opposite direction.
Being fully aware is the first step to consciously living our lives.It is this awareness that allows us to tune in to our inner guidance, and the more we do that, the more we are able to become deliberate and intentional in choosing our thoughts.
Ultimately, conscious living means making choices that are in alignment with who we really are at our core.Using our emotions as guidance, we can make choices about everything from the foods we eat to the cosmetics we use to the products we buy for our pets.The more we make these conscious choices, the more whole our lives will become.Every choice becomes a conscious expression of our authentic selves in the world.The more we pay attention to what our inner self really wants and needs, the more congruent our lives become.
Be forewarned - conscious living is addictive.Once you live your life from that place of authenticity, you will have very little tolerance for anything less.
Some conscious choices people make can be as simple as eating organic foods, purchasing cruelty-free personal care products, using environmentally friendly products, and watching movies and television programs that carry a positive message, or as far-reaching as leaving a job that is not in alignment with their authentic self to start their own conscious business.
The important thing is to start somewhere, one small choice at a time.Make that simple choice, and watch your life begin to change.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
Ingrid Recommends
Tatianna - Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend by Linda Mohr
Tatianna is a rich, evocative, and remarkable account of author Linda Mohr's fifteen-year relationship with a bright, affectionate, gray Siamese mix with breathtaking blue eyes. The exceptionally close bond between the two helped sustain them both when Tatianna was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of twelve. Through the years that followed, their bond grew closer and their communication deepened. This work beautifully shows how the power of love between humans and animals can create miracles.
Filled with unconditional love between pet and owner, Tatianna is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved and lost a special animal friend.
For more information about the book, and to order, click here.
Distance Healing - How It Works, What It Can Do for You
By Ingrid King
Distance healing, also known as remote healing, is an energetic healing process that can be best explained through the principles of Quantum physics. It has been proven to be extremely effective, sometimes even more effective than local, hands-on healing.
How does it work? Quantum physics shows us that everything is made up of energy, and everything is connected. Everything is part of the same, continuous whole. Long distance healing is "wireless" healing. We accept that cell phones, televisions and even our garage door openers work in this wireless way. It's not much of a leap to accept that all energy travels that way, including the energy of healing.
In a distance healing session, the practitioner connects with the person or animal requesting the healing energetically. Every living being has a unique frequency, and the practitioner tunes into that unique energy. We are all part of the same unified field of consciousness, and it's simply a question of "dialing in" to the correct frequency. Once the connection is made, the practitioner sends the healing energy to the recipient.
Recipients of distance healing report the same sensations recipients of hands-on healing experience, such as a sense of heat or tingling in certain parts of the body, a sense of calm and peace, and a deep sense of relaxation.
Success Story (human):
A client needed major dental surgery and requested distance Reiki to help with pain control and accelerate healing. Reiki was sent the day before the procedure, during the procedure, the evening after the procedure, and twice more in the days following the procedure, two days apart. The client reported less pain, less bleeding and more rapid healing than with prior surgeries of a similar nature.
Success Story (pet):
The owner of a fifteen-year-old cat with virulent nasal discharge caused by calici virus requested distance Reiki. The cat was not eating or drinking and was frail and had very little energy. After just one distance Reiki session, this kitty started eating - in fact, she got up towards the end of the session and went to her food bowl and ate for the first time in days. Improvement continued with subsequent sessions. Her owner reported that she had more energy and seemed stronger.
Why choose distance healing over hands on? Other than the obvious reason - the person or animal requesting the healing is not in the same geographical area as the practitioner - distance healing can be a good option for animals who are skittish about being with strangers or too hyper to sit still in a strange environment. It can also be great in an emergency situation, since a distance session can usually be scheduled with very little advance notice. For humans with busy schedules, distance sessions allow them to benefit from the energy without having to make time to drive to and from the session.
Healing Hands offers distance Reiki sessions for pets and for people. Distance sessions for pets typically run 15-20 minutes, distance sessions for people 20-30 minutes. Please contact me for pricing and to schedule a sesssion.
(c) Ingrid King 2009
How to Choose Healthy Foods for Your Pet
By Ingrid King
The overwhelming array of choices when it comes to pet food makes it difficult to determine which foods are best for your pet. In addition, many pet owners stopped trusting commercial pet foods after the massive pet food recall of 2007. Pet owners began preparing home-made diets for their pets or jumped on the raw food bandwagon. How do you know what food is best for your pet?
I am not a proponent of raw food diets. While I acknowledge that there are numerous benefits to feeding raw, unprocessed foods, I believe that the risks for animals outweigh the benefits. Unless you can be one hundred percent sure that the meat you're feeding your pet is pathogen and parasite free, you should not be feeding raw meat. If you want to feed a homemade diet, feed your pet a cooked diet and make sure it is properly balanced. Petdiets.com provides recipes created by veterinary nutritionists for healthy pets as well as pets with special medical or dietary needs.
Most pet owners still prefer to feed a commercial diet, but they want to feed something that's "natural" and free of preservatives. But how do you know whether the food that's advertised as "natural" really is? Often, foods are labeled "natural", but once you check the label, you find that the food really isn't so natural after all. A look at the ingredients might show that the conventional brand's "natural" food is still of pretty poor quality. Maybe the primary ingredient was changed from poultry by-products to chicken, but the food still contains corn gluten meal, soy meal, and wheat gluten meal, ingredients that are high on the list of culprits when it comes to allergies or digestive problems. This is why it's important to not fall for the marketing hype of a "natural" label but read the ingredients.
Another common misconception is that veterinary diets are high quality, healthy foods because they come from a vet's office. Unfortunately, when you look at the ingredient list on the veterinary brands, you often find the same things you find in the cheap grocery store brands. Most veterinarians receive very little training in nutrition. Veterinary schools typically offer only a few weeks of training in nutrition, and the instruction is often sponsored or provided by the same companies that make these veterinary diets.
Many pet owners are unsure of what makes a food natural, healthy or holistic. The best way to determine this is to disregard tags such as "all-natural", "holistic", "veterinarian approved", "chosen by top breeders". Ignore the cute photos of happy dogs and cute kittens and wholesome looking ingredients on the labels, and look at the ingredient listing instead. Manufacturers are required to list ingredients in descending order, i.e., the ingredient with the highest amount is listed first, the one with the smallest amount last.
Quality Ingredients to Look For:
Animal proteins - identified by name (e.g., chicken, beef, lamb).
Organic ingredients - meats, vegetables, grains and fruits - these are certified free of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. Check for the USDA Organic seal on the package.
Whole unrefined grains like barley, brown rice, or ground oatmeal for dogs. For cats, it is best to look for grain-free foods. Most cats can't digest grains, and grain-free foods also help alleviate or eliminate hairballs.
Human-Gradeingredients - human grade meats tend to be better quality.
Whole vegetables and fruits - the less processed the better (for example, whole potatoes are much better than potato starch). These are important sources of natural plant-based nutrients (phyto-nutrients) and antioxidants.
I recommend the following brands:
Wellness, Innova (especially the grain-free EVO line), Merrick, California Natural
These brands and more are available at Only Natural Pet Store and other online retailers.
While cleaning may not be anyone's favorite activity, there is something satisfying about throwing the windows wide open to let in the spring air and giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning to welcome the new season.
Dangers of Chemical-based Household Cleaners
But did you know that many commercial cleaning products can be extremely toxic, and even deadly, to your pets? Cats are especially susceptible since they groom themselves by licking and as a result ingest anything that comes in contact with their feet or fur.
Many household cleaners contain contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum based chemicals which can release volatile organic compounds into your indoor air. Some ingredients in household cleaners are known to cause cancer in animals and are suspected human carcinogens. Inappropriate use, storage and disposal of these hazardous household substances may impact your personal health and the health of our environment. Lysol, Pine-sol and other products containing phenols are deadly to cats as they can cause serious liver damage. Chlorox bleach, especially when concentrated, can cause chemical burns when it comes in contact with sensitive pet paws.
Non-toxic Cleaning Products
With the wide variety of naturally based and non-toxic cleaners available, there is no need to continue to use unsafe, toxic products. Brands such as Seventh Generation and Method offer every type of cleaner imaginable and are available in all major grocery stores. If you have cats, try to steer clear of natural products containing essential oils. Even though many manufacturers of essential oils claim that they are safe to use around cats, this is not always the case. Tea tree oil in particular can be deadly to cats.
Some of the safest and least expensive cleaners are baking soda and white distilled vinegar. Some suggestions for use are:
Baking Soda:
Pour a layer in the litterbox before adding fresh litter to quell odors.
Add 1/2 cup to the laundry to freshen pet bedding.
Use as an abrasive cleaner for sinks, bowls, and non-porous surfaces.
White Distilled Vinegar:
Use to disinfect feeding dishes, the litterbox, and non-porous toys.
Add 1 cup to the wash cycle to freshen and soften pet bedding.
Apply a diluted solution (one part vinegar and one part water) to help remove the appearance and odor of urine stains from carpets.
Baking soda and white vinegar combined make a great non-toxic drain cleaner - pour some baking soda down the drain, follow with a cup or so of vinegar. The mixture will foam, and the foaming action will clear your drain. Repeat if necessary. For tough drains, follow with hot water.
As cats age, we watch for physiologic changes that may affect the long term outlook for health. Many health concerns arise because we notice shifts in behavior, appearance, and activity levels. One condition associated with aging and cats is so inconspicuous that once the physical signs do become apparent, the disease is already quite advanced.
Chronic Renal Disease or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is often seen in aging cats. It results in a gradual decrease in the function of the kidneys. The kidneys serve a number of purposes; they produce urine and filter waste products from the body, regulate electrolytes such as potassium and phosphorous, they produce erythropoietin which stimulates red blood cell production by the bone marrow, and they contribute toward regulating blood pressure. Once the loss of function begins it is not reversible, and other vital organs are affected along with how your cat may feel in general.
Signs of CRF can be very subtle at first, especially with a species that relies upon masking illness and appearing healthy for its survival. Watch for increased thirst and urination, vomiting or other signs of nausea, lethargy or depression, poor hair coat, loss of appetite, lingering over the water bowl, eating cat litter, constipation, a strong ammonia-like odor to the breath, and changes in vision and hearing.
CRF is diagnosed beginning with a thorough physical examination and simple diagnostics run through your veterinarian's office. Changes in the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine and flush out waste are one of the earliest means of detecting the disease and will be assessed in a urinalysis. Blood tests will check for increases in Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine to determine whether there is waste 'build-up' in the blood. Any changes in electrolyte levels and general blood cell health will be measured as well. Your cat's doctor will also want to monitor blood pressure and perform a careful eye exam which may include measuring ocular pressures.
There is no cure for CRF, but once it is diagnosed there are a number of actions you can take to help slow its progression and keep your cat comfortable at home. Dietary management, supplements, medication, and fluid therapy are all options that your veterinarian may discuss with you.
It is best to catch CRF before you notice signs at home by making routine visits to your veterinarian for examinations and lab work. By doing this, subtle changes can be detected and monitored over time and preventative measures can be taken in the earliest stages. A good dental maintenance program will also help support overall organ health. Once-a-year visits may be appropriate for the younger feline, but as the years advance, more frequent visits might be in order.
Changes that occur as cats age are complex, and signs of CRF can be similar to many different disease processes. Be certain to make those appointments with your veterinarian and work closely together to understand your cat's aging issues, as well as steps you can take to manage Chronic Renal Failure.
Renee L. Austin is the founder of Whimsy Cats, a specialized home care business for cats with chronic medical conditions and special needs. She also provides consulting services for veterinary practices. For more information visit www.whimsycats.com
About the Economy...
By Cheryl Harris
In today's economic times it's very easy to get caught up in the energy of worry, lack and fear. Everywhere you go people are talking about what's wrong with the economy.
Back when I was managing $28M budgets, I learned that while I wasn't able to change my budget allotment or how my managers had already spent their allocations, I did have a choice on how I reported that information to my Vice President.
My goal was to manage and report the $28M budget in a way that allowed my organization to shine. I focused on looking for ways that I could crunch the numbers and report back to my superior that all was well.
Life is very similar. What you focus on expands. Or, another way of saying it is your energy flows where your attention goes. There are various ways to view each and every person, situation, and circumstance in your life.
Some people focus on fear, worry, and other perceived limitations. No matter how brilliant the situation, this person will find a problem with everything. Their life will feel heavy, problematic and be full of unnecessary struggle.
Another way of viewing the world is to see the good in everyone and everything. This person will find the silver lining in every cloud; no matter how bad the storm. As a result they feel much happier because their life is focused on uplifting, positive, and beautiful thoughts.
Just like I looked for ways to crunch the numbers in my budget that allowed me to support well being in my organization, you too can find evidence in your life for what you desire. The question is, do you focus on the lack, worry or fear of not having what you desire, or do you see evidence of your aspirations in the details of your life?
Even in today's economic times, there are companies that are thriving. Many individuals are earning over a million dollars a year while thoroughly enjoying what they do. Others are driving and enjoying hot sports cars and luxury sedans. The essence of love is everywhere. People are finding the courage to move forward in a way that excites them.
You are surrounded by possibilities. You may not be the one driving the car or making $1M...yet, but you are closer than you think. Focusing on what you desire will shift your energy which will allow you to see opportunities and possibilities that result in receiving what you desire.
Here's a process that I recommend to my clients. I call it Law of Attraction in Action Journaling.
Each day journal about events that brought you closer to receiving what you desire. Look for evidence everywhere. Pay attention to what you read, what you see, what you hear, and what you say to yourself and others. Be sure to include empowering shifts in your mindset, as well as synchronistic activities and connections.
Once you have captured all of these events, describe your successes for the day. Also express gratitude for the people and pleasures currently in your life.
This process will create the habit of focusing your mind and energy on what you desire. With your energy focused on what you do want, what you don't want will naturally start to fade
P.S. Did I mention that I received an award for my outstanding performance on the management of the $28M budget? What reward are you looking for as a result of shifting your energy?
Cheryl Harris is CEO of Conscious Creations Inc. She is best known for her Conscious Creation Coaching Programs that use proven strategies to leverage the Law of Attraction in your favor. Her international client base includes entrepreneurs, celebrities, and a top Fortune 100 company. Nick named "Little Buddha" and "The Idea Generator", clients call her a master at providing support and describe shifting from fear to celebration as they move into the fullness of life. You can learn more about Cheryl and her programs and products at http://www.ConsciousCreationsInc.com
This time of year, it's more important than at any other time to maintain a strong immune system. Just because it's cold and flu season does not mean you have to get sick. Here are some simple tips that can help you stay healthy this winter:
- Don't let the cold weather stop you from getting your exercise. Just 30 minutes a day of light aerobic exercise can help keep your immune system healthy.
- Wash your hands frequently. Studies have shown that nothing prevents a cold better than thorough and frequent handwashing. If you can't get to a faucet, use anti-bacterial gel or wipes.
- Limit your intake of sugar and highly processed foods - both have been shown to depress the immune system.
- Take a good daily multi-vitamin. Do your research and make sure the brand you take has good bio-availability.
- Take extra vitamin C. I take 1000 mg a day, and if I'm around anyone who's sick, I double that dose.
- Look into holistic or natural products you can take to prevent colds, or at the early stages of a cold to lessen the duration and the severity. I like the Zicam nasal swabs.
- Eat chocolate! Dark chocolate contains lots of anti-oxidants and is actually good for us (in moderation!).
- Reiki can help boost your immune system by alleviating the damaging effects of stress. Stress is the major culprit when it comes to weakening our immune system.
Reiki and Weight Loss
Have you tried every diet known to man or woman, only to gain the weight back in short order? For most people who are battling a chronic weight problem, there is an emotional component to their battle with weight.
While there may be some value in trying to get at the heart of the emotional reasons that cause you to struggle with your weight, there may be a simpler way that can help support you through the weight loss process. Reiki works on an emotional as well as physical level. By allowing your mind and body to relax deeply, Reiki can gently release old emotional patterns that keep you stuck.
Additionally, on a physical level, Reiki helps eliminate toxic waste products from your system. It can help balance your digestive system, making it perform more effectively, which can help with weight loss. Since Reiki has a balancing effect on your entire system, it can also help balance your metabolism.
From Fear to Hope and Love
We live in challenging times. The past few months have caused many people to live in a state of fear, which is exacerbated by the media's message of lack, scarcity, gloom and doom. Apparently, good news and positive topics don't sell and don't generate ratings. Stories of disasters, financial and otherwise, abound. While there is much that's happening in the world today that gives us reason to fear the future, we need to be mindful to not let fear take over our lives.
According to the Law of Attraction, what we focus our thoughts and energy on is what we attract into our lives. If we constantly worry about the future, we are keeping ourselves in those low vibrations, and as a result, we attract the very things we fear into our experience. Not only that, we're also going to be pretty unhappy in the process. So why not allow hope to transform all that negative energy into something lighter and more positive, and ultimately, into love, which is the highest vibration of all?
More and more people are realizing that what the media presents as reality is far from the truth. What is truth? Truth is the same energy as love. Love is a vibration that is aligned with universal consciousness, the Divine, Spirit, Source, God - whatever you choose to call it. An easy way to gauge for yourself whether something is true or not is to check in with yourself about how you feel. If you feel fear and worry, it's not truth. Truth and love cannot coexist with fear. They're energetically too far apart.
Find your own, inner truth, and follow your own guidance. Look for the good news, look for things that give you hope. Once you have hope, it's only a small leap to love.
How do you accomplish this in a world seemingly filled with so much bad news, and so much fear? Here are some simple steps that can help you change your vibration from one of fear and worry to one of hope and love:
- Make a conscious decision each day to look for things that make you feel good. Look for things to appreciate. Look for the positive aspects in the people you interact with. By focusing on what's good in your world, you activate a vibration that will bring more of that into your experience.
- Go on a news diet. At the very least, stop watching the news first thing in the morning, and last thing before you go to bed at night. What you see first thing in the morning will stay in your consciousness throughout the day. What you see just before you go to sleep will make its way into your dreams and spoil a good night's rest for you. Consider foregoing the news altogether. If you feel you must be informed, be judicious about where you get your news. There are ways to get the news without the hype.
- Practice simple acts of kindness. This is a fun and easy way to take the focus off yourself and any fear and worry you might experience. Yield to the car in front of you trying to merge into your lane. Smile at the harried clerk at the store. Take an unexpected small gift to someone in your office. Trying to make someone else feel better feels good.
- Pet your cat or dog! Being with your animals is one of the best ways I know to instantly shift your vibration from negative to positive. It's impossible to be fearful and worried when you have a happy dog licking your face or a purring cat in your lap.
There are plenty of signs around us that the tide is starting to turn - all we have to do is look for them. It was no less than miraculous that everyone on board survived the recent plane crash in New York. I'd like to think that this miracle was a harbinger of better days to come. I'm not a political person, but I'm encouraged by the energy that's been building around our new president. Millions of people around the world are embracing feelings of hope and optimism. This is only the beginning of what many believe to be a massive shift in consciousness around the planet. Focusing on signs like these and choosing to view them as the outposts of better days to come can go a long way towards moving you to a better feeling place.
Just like winter eventually yields to spring, and dark days yield to light, fear, if not given permission to run free, will yield to hope and eventually love. All it takes is a willingness to shift your thoughts towards something that feels better, and make choices that are based in love rather than fear.
Do you enjoy winter like the pup above playing joyfully in the snow? Or would you rather curl up in front of a warm fireplace with your favorite feline? Regardless of your preferences for this cold season, being aware of the challenges this time of year can bring for your pets can help keep them safe all winter long.
1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm - dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him in tip-top shape.
9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center for more information.
The Importance of Good Dental Health for Pets
Dental disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. Dogs and cats are particularly prone to tooth and gum diseases. An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.
Normal teeth in both cats and dogs should be white or just a little yellow. Gums should be light pink and smooth (except in breeds with pigmented gums).
Oral disease begins with a build up of plaque and tartar in your pet's mouth. Without proper preventive and therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease, which manifests in red and/or swollen and tender gums, bad breath, and bleeding. When the gums are swollen, they can be painful - a good rule of thumb is that if it looks like it might be painful, it probably is. Pets are masters at masking pain - when in doubt, assume that your pet is experiencing at least some discomfort.
The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease can lead to damage to other organs such as the heart, kidney and liver, and lead to other serious health problems. Dental disease can also be an indicator of immune system disorders, particulary in cats.
Common indicators of oral disease in dogs include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression. If you notice any of these, don't wait until your dog's next annual check up, take him to the veterinarian for a thorough exam.
Cats rarely show any symptoms at all unless the situation is literally life-threatening. They will eat even when their level of chronic mouth pain would send a person to the emergency room. They almost never paw at their face, even with loose or abscessed teeth. They get pretty smelly breath from eating cat food, so it's tough to tell by smelling the breath whether your cat has dental disease or just had breakfast. But even though they don't show us much in the way of outward symptoms, chronic dental/periodontal disease can cause severe and often irreversible damage to internal organs. So it's important to get regular veterinary exams at least once a year, and twice a year for cats six and older or for cats with a known history of dental problems.
Since our pets won't just sit still and open their mouths to have their teeth cleaned like humans, dental procedures for pets require general anesthesia, something that makes many pet owners nervous. While there are always risks with anesthesia, they can be minimized with a thorough pre-anesthetic check up, including bloodwork to assess kidney and liver function and rule out other underlying health issues. This will allow your veterinarian to customize the anesthesia to your pet's health status and potential special needs. Keep in mind that leaving dental disease untreated may present a far greater risk than anesthesia.
February is Dental Health Month, and many veterinary practices offer special programs and discounts on dental procedures and products. Contact your pet's veterinarian for more information.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Fern Crist of the Cat Hospital of Fairfax for her contribution to this article.
Casey's House - Profile of a Private Cat Rescue
There are many private rescue groups that do wonderful work in this area. I'd like to introduce you to one that's close to my heart, because my precious little Buckley, who passed away Thanksgiving weekend, came to me via Casey's House. If Cindy Ingram, the founder of Casey's House, hadn't rescued Buckley from a farm in southwestern Virginia, where she and about twenty other cats were kept in marginal living conditions, I might never have met this special little cat.
In Loving Memory of Buckley
Casey's House provides care for many older and hard to adopt cats. Cindy's mission is to make sure that cats are loved, protected, and cared for. Casey's House strives to give abandoned cats a second chance.
Casey's House is named after Cindy's beloved tabby cat, who came to live with her when she was fifteen years old. At first Cindy refused her entrance to her house, as she already had two cats and two dogs at the time. Casey, however, was not a cat to take no for an answer. Casey's "home" at the time was a colony of some fifty cats, and she was probably getting tired of either not getting to her food on time, or eating off of filthy dishes. Every evening, Casey would be waiting on Cindy's porch, obviously hungry, so Cindy would feed her. Slowly, but surely, Casey became a part of Cindy's family. Eventually, four of her feline colony friends came to join Casey. Says Cindy: "Casey taught me to reach beyond my self-imposed limits, and her house is the dream that now has become a reality".
In addition to providing a safe haven for older cats, Casey's House also promotes Trap-Neuter-Return. Through this program, feral cats are humanely trapped, brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped. Cats that are friendly to humans and kittens are adopted into loving homes. Healthy feral cats are returned to their outdoor homes. Casey's House spayed and neutered more than 200 cats in 2008, making a significant contribution to controlling the overpopulation problem.
Casey's House is a non-profit organization and needs donations to keep helping cats in need. For information on the different ways you can help, click here.
If you're looking for a new feline companion, you can see the cats that are available for adoption every Saturday from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Leesburg, VA Petco. You can also find some of the cats on Petfinders.com.
Northern Virginia Dog Magazine Premiere Issue
It's definitely something to bark about! Northern Virginia Dog is the only quarterly magazine dedicated to you, your dog and the D.C. Metro lifestyle. Each issue delivers news and information as well as interesting lifestyle features, including:
- Destinations - dog friendly spaces in Northern Virginia and beyond.
- Eco Dog - tips, products, and insights for greener living.
- In Review - literature, arts, and new media.
See page 21 for my review of "Merle's Door: Lessons from a Free Thinking Dog" by Ted Kerasote!
- The Source - hot products you can't live without!
- Expert Advice - answers to your behavior and training questions.
- Healthwise - the latest canine health news and information.
- Wags to Riches - adoption success stories.
- Marketplace - find all the products and services you and your dog need.
Northern Virginia Dog is informative, inspired and in-step with the best of Northern Virginia living for you and your four legged friend.
As the days keep getting shorter and winter is just around the corner, most of us miss the longer days of spring and summer. While this is felt by most people to some degree, some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. This is known as the winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder. While severe cases may require treatment by a physician, here are some tips that can help until spring arrives.
In addition to the obvious things like eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep, make sure you schedule activities that get you outside, no matter what the weather. Even a few minutes of natural light a day can make a difference in how you feel.
Put more light into your life. Having a lot of lights on in your house may not be a substitute for natural sunlight, but it can raise your spirits. When it's dark outside, a dark, gloomy house just contributes to a low mood. For severe cases, consider getting a lightbox.
Reframe your thoughts about fall and winter. Even if it's not your favorite time of the year, find something to appreciate about the season. If it wasn't for fall and winter, we wouldn't enjoy spring as much.
Why not give Reiki a try? Reiki has been proven to help with depression by putting the body, mind and spirit into a deep state of relaxation. Even one treatment can provide immediate relief.
When all else fails, curl up with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite pet, and enjoy the cold, dark days from a warm spot on your sofa!
Stress and Your Pets
We live in challenging times and external stressors abound. The economy, the news, even the upcoming holidays all present a source of stress for people. It's been long proven that owning a pet has beneficial effects on our health. Studies have shown that even a few minutes of petting your cat or dog can lower your blood pressure and release endorphins that put you in a better mood. Pets are the greatest source of stress relief and masters at showing us not only how to relax, but how to live in the moment without worrying about the future.
So we know that our pets help us be less stressed. But did you know that your stress can make your pets sick?
People and pets often mirror each others' physical and emotional states. Animals are natural healers and sometimes take on their person's problems, often in an attempt to heal them. This happens because of the deep bond shared between a pet and his or her person. Because of the shared energy in such a close relationship, energetic imbalances are shared as well.
Unfortunately stress has the same detrimental effect on our pets' bodies at it does on ours. Since pets are so sensitive to our emotions, they can become sick as a result of our stress.
Dr. Fern Crist, of The Cat Hospital of Fairfax, says: "As a veterinarian, I frequently see cats who are urinating outside the litterbox.While this undesirable behavior may be caused by a variety of medical problems, it can also be caused or exacerbated by stress.It may be the cat's stress, such as having a new cat to adjust to in the house; but it can just as easily be the owner's stress.The emotional turmoil brought on by such difficulties as household financial problems, frequent job travel, marital differences, new babies, and home remodeling can affect our cats in very tangible ways.Our stress can induce undesirable behaviors in our cats, such as inappropriate urination. More importantly, our stress can also influence the development of actual physical illness in our cats as well as in ourselves.As responsible owners, we sometimes need to take a good look at ourselves when we ask why our pets are having problems.Stress relief for pet owners won't solve every pet health problem, but can go a long way toward alleviating many of them."
All of this shows us that stress relief is not only important for our own health and well-being, it's also good for our pets. Reiki can help relieve stress in people and pets. To prevent your stress from affecting your pets, come for a treatment for yourself. If you find that your pets are already affected by your stress, joint treatments for people and their pets can often be beneficial.
All You Need Is Love
By Cheryl Harris
In 1967 the Beatles were asked to write and perform a new song for an international television broadcast called "One World". The song would be broadcast in 17 countries around the world. Because love is a word that is understood in every language, John Lennon wrote "All You Need Is Love".
While the song is a fun and lighthearted walk down memory lane, it also communicates many great aspects of conscious creation. Some of my favorite lyrics are:
There is nothing you can do that can't be done.
There is nothing you can know that can't be known.
There is nothing you can see that isn't shown.
There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.
All you need is love.
Love is one of the highest resonating energies in the universe. By focusing your energy on being a loving person and seeing the love in everyone and every situation, the Law of Attraction will cause you to receive more love in return. When you are aligned with the energy of love, you are aligned with the Universal energy of God. That means:
You can do anything.
You have access to all knowledge.
You are shown the way.
You will be in the right place at the right time.
It's easy.
All you need is love.
The best way to maximize your success and reach your highest potential is to bring the energy of love into every aspect of your life. Surround yourself with people and environments that support you and radiate the uplifting energy of love.
When you approach any aspect of your life with an energy that is not based in love, pretend to be someone you aren't, worry, struggle, regret, blame, etc., it changes your vibration, which changes what you see and therefore what you receive. While you shift your energy to being more loving in every aspect of your life, remember to also be gentle and loving with yourself. Courage, forgiveness, and acceptance are emotions that do not resonate as high as love but are still worthy of your acknowledgement, celebration, and gratitude when the emotions are associated with changing old patterns that move you closer to the energy of love.
Cheryl Harris is CEO of Conscious Creations Inc. She is best known for her Conscious Creation Coaching Programs that use proven strategies to leverage the Law of Attraction in your favor. Her international client base includes entrepreneurs, celebrities, and a top Fortune 100 company. Nick named "Little Buddha" and "The Idea Generator", clients call her a master at providing support and describe shifting from fear to celebration as they move into the fullness of life.
Swimming is the one of the best physical activities for people and also for dogs because it exercises every muscle of the body without any stress. When swimming, muscles and joints are able to move through a complete range of motion without bearing any weight. Swimming in a pool with warm water has the added benefit of relaxing muscles (especially important for arthritic dogs) and increasing overall blood circulation. All dogs, even those that are paralyzed, have the reflex to swim when in water, as muscles relax and can be retrained. It will also enhance cardiovascular strength and general fitness and reduce recovery time from surgical procedures.
Which dogs will benefit?
All dogs can benefit from swimming. Regular exercise will help your dog live longer and be stronger. This form of rehabilitation is particularly appropriate for dogs that are dealing with a range of conditions such as:
Arthritis: Swimming is a gentle activity for the older dog. Warm water relaxes muscles so the dog will not feel pain when exercising. The water current stimulates sensory nerve endings in the skin, creating a soothing massage your dog will appreciate. Many dogs are able to climb stairs and walk for longer periods when they swim regularly.
Hip dysplasia: Typically these dogs compensate for the pain and discomfort by altering their posture and gait, and the resulting tensing of the muscles may exacerbate the condition. Swimming relaxes muscles and can also increase muscle mass.
Post surgery: Dogs recovering from surgery are usually prescribed weeks of crate rest, which can cause a lot of stress on the dog and its owner. Because swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise, it will generally not interfere with the recovery and by increasing cardiovascular strength and improving fitness, post surgery recovery can be drastically reduced. Swimming is also ideal for rebuilding muscles.
Weight Loss: Just as with humans, excess weight is detrimental to your dog's health. Swimming is the perfect complement to diet in a weight loss program.
Endurance: Swimming is an excellent way to condition your dog for the show ring or for athletic competitions.
And most of all, swimming is just plain fun for your dog!
Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spahas a beautiful, state-of-the-art pool for dogs. The pool is kept at a comfortable temperature and uses optimal techniques to keep it clean and sanitary. All swim sessions are supervised by an attendant, and swimmers are blow-dried after their swim. Swimming is by appointment only. For more information about the pool, click here.
And why not treat your dog to the complete spa treatment? Let him get a Reiki session or massage from Healing Hands before or after swimming!
Finding Reliable Pet Health Information On The Internet
The Internet has opened up a world of cheap, fast, and easily accessible data. With little more than a point and click, pet owners can access vast amounts of information about anything and everything related to pet health. The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming. How can you trust the information you find online?
The following sites provide reliable information about pet health topics:
VeterinaryPartner.com
VeterinaryPartner.com provides up-to-date animal health information from the veterinarians and experts of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), the world's first and largest online veterinary database and community.
The American Animal Hospital Association, an organization of more than 29,000 veterinary care providers committed to giving you excellence in small animal care, has created this site for pet owners. AAHA knows that your pet is an important member of your family and is dedicated to help you make the most of the relationship between you and your pet. Among other items, the site contains an extensive pet care library, including articles on behavior issues.
The Cornell Feline Health Center of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is a specialty center devoted to improving the health and well-being of cats. The site has a wealth of information on feline health topics, including a series of educational videos.
While the above sites provide reliable and accurate information, your veterinarian is always your best source of information regarding your pet's health and should be your first contact whenever you have any questions about your pet's health.
Featured Product - Vitamins
A healthy diet is the foundation for your dog or cat to get the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining good health, strengthening the immune system and preventing illness. However, even if you feed your pet a balanced, natural, high-quality food with premium ingredients, chances are it still doesn't provide all the nutrition that an animal needs to stay healthy and strong in today's world.
A high quality daily vitamin can supplement your pet with the optimal level of nutrients that may be missing from their food.
Click here for more information and to purchase vitamins for your pet.
Nutritional supplements are not a substitute for veterinary care. Some supplements can interact with prescription medications. Always check with your pet's veterinarian before giving supplements to your pet.
Healing Hands in Northern Virginia Magazine
The October issue of Northern Virginia Magazine, on newsstands now, has a brief write up about Healing Hands in the article titled "New Age for the Pet Sage". Click here to read the article.
Summer is a time to enjoy the bounty of nature in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables. However, with the increasing research showing the harmful effects of pesticides used on our produce, do you dare to eat a non-organic peach?
Should I Buy Organic Produce?
Not all fruits and vegetables have the same pesticide load. By shopping wisely and purchasing organic versions of those fruits and vegetable most likely to contain pesticides in their conventional form, you can reduce your risk of ingesting potentially harmful chemicals.
The Best Produce to Buy Organic
Peaches
Apples
Strawberries
Cherries
Imported grapes
Pears
Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Lettuce
The Best Non-organic Produce
The produce least likely to be contaminated by pesticides, and thus safest to buy conventional versions of, includes more vegetables than fruit. Most have skin or a peel that further protects from potential pesticides. Topping the list with least traces of pesticides are:
Onions
Frozen peas and corn
Asparagus
Cabbage
Avocados
Mangoes
Kiwis
Bananas and Pineapples
Use these lists as a guideline and enjoy your fruit and veggies!
Reiki Supports Cancer Patients
Reiki is an energy therapy that promotes healing by putting the body into a deep state of relaxation. In this relaxed state, the body can allow the cells to return to their natural state of of balance and well-being.
Reiki has a positive effect on all forms of illness from minor things like colds and stomach aches to systemic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Reiki can be particulaly effective in helping people cope with the many challenges undergoing cancer treatment brings on a physical, mental and emotional level.
On a physical level, it can help alleviate the side effects of conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. For example, one of the most common side effects by many cancer patients is fatigue. After a Reiki session, the patient is energized and able to do things that he or she didn't believe were possible - perhaps going to a child's school play or to the grocery store. It gives patients energy when they need it, allows them to relax when they most need it, and lets them sleep better than they would without it. On a mental and emotional level, this same relaxation response can help calm the anxiety, worry and fear that go along with the disease.
So far, evidence of the benefits of Reiki for cancer patients has been largely anecdotal. However, several ongoing studies are attempting to find scientific explanations as to how Reiki works at the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine and at the Cleveland Clinic. Even without scientific evidence, most major cancer centers in the country, including Sloan Kettering in New York and M.D. Anderson in Houston, now offer Reiki to their patients.
However, the real proof that Reiki works is found in the experiences of those who have had Reiki sessions while going through cancer treatment. Says Ronnie, a breast cancer survivor, "I had to undergo radiation therapy. I was told to expect it to be stressful and that I would probably be more tired than usual. To the rescue came Ingrid of Healing Hands. She gave me Reiki treatments once a week during the six weeks I was going through the daily radiation treatments. I can honestly say that I breezed through the whole radiation process and I attribute that to the Reiki I received from Ingrid. I was not stressed or tired at all. On the contrary, the Reiki made me relaxed and calm and even energized. It was wonderful and I am so grateful to her!"
Meditation - An Effective Weight Loss Tool
Most people are familiar with the benefits of meditation as a tool for relaxation, stress relief, or finding connecting with a spiritual dimension, but did you know that meditation can also help you lose weight?
Our fast-paced world creates stress on the body increasing your blood levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Excess cortisol levels negatively affect your health by weakening your immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Conversely, stressful situations reduce the "feel good" hormone serotonin. When serotonin is not being produced in adequate amounts, you feel down and less optimistic. Your brain likes to feel good so food ends-up being a convenient way to try and increase serotonin levels. Even though food will temporarily improve your mood, it is not without side effects, namely excess weight gain. Meditation is effective in reducing over-eating and helping you reach a healthy weight.
The Classic Signs of Cortisol Overload
The telltale signs of excess cortisol build-up are having trouble losing or maintaining a healthy weight, tiredness and lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure and frequent colds, flu or other chronic illnesses. Nervousness, depression and anxiety are also signs of cortisol overload. General aches and pains, fibromyalgia and other muscle and joint problems are usually found in high cortisol situations. Meditation is a little used tool that can quiet your mind, reduce cortisol levels, improve how you look and feel and increase your health.
What the Research Says
According to the American Psychological Association, Jean Kristeller, PhD, a psychology professor at Indiana State University, and Ruth Quillian-Wolever, PhD, clinic director and clinical health psychologist of the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, are completing a randomized clinical trial using mindfulness meditation. They have found that along with its general stress-relief applications, meditation is also being studied as an intervention for weight gain and obesity, particularly for binge-eating disorder.
The American Psychological Association went on to say "rather than assuming such deficits are biologically driven, they may instead be due to a 'disconnection' related to over-dieting or to using food primarily to meet emotional needs." The researchers said that "while the relaxation effects of meditation may help with how food is used emotionally, the most important aspect may be incorporating nonjudgmental awareness into eating. In fact, other laboratory research on the regulation of eating shows that individuals with eating problems are generally less aware of experiences of hunger and satiety cues, including taste-specific satiety and feelings of fullness."
Re-building Your Serotonin
Increasing serotonin levels by overeating is not the answer to trying to feel better. Food only provides a short-term feel good followed by excess weight gain and long-term misery and frustration. Meditation, on a daily basis, helps reduce stress and returns serotonin to healthy levels. It is an effective tool against overeating and helps you restore your body to a natural, healthy weight. Meditation works by calming your mind and by helping provide order in a hectic and disordered world. Meditation also enhances your physical health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and reducing pain.
How to Start
Meditation is quite easy and a pleasant way to start the day. Find a quiet spot, sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the ground. Close your eyes and allow your mind to calm and slow down. You can concentrate on a candle flame or your breath as a way to center your attention. Don't force it but allow your mind to slowly de-clutter. Try mentally picturing your favorite spot and go there for a few minutes. You'll be amazed at how good you feel afterwards and all it takes is just five minutes a day to start.
When it comes to weight loss, mental well-being is as important as physical health. Meditation is an effective tool helping you get control of your mental urges to eat.
For more information about our meditation classes that can make meditation a daily part of your life, or about Sequoia Health and Fitness, Inc. and Fresh Start, contact Woody McMahon at Woody@SequoiaHealth.com or 703-464-5171.
News for Your Pet from Healing Hands
Winter/Spring 2008
In This Issue
Benefits of Reiki for Pets
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritic Dogs
Furminator Deshedding Tool
Inside Animal Minds
Benefits of Reiki for Pets
Reiki is a hands-on healing method that originated in Japan. The practitioner channels healing energy through her hands to the animal through a light touch either directly on the body or from a distance. The word Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a Japanese composite word usually translated as "universal life energy". It is based on the idea that all living beings have life energy flowing through them. When life energy is high, your pets are healthy and balanced, more relaxed and less likely to get sick. When it is low, they'll often be more easily affected by stress and less resistant to illness. Reiki is a safe complement to conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy and all other forms of healing.
Animals, especially cats, are naturally receptive to the Reiki energy and tend to gravitate towards it readily (some people even say cats invented Reiki). Some pets may initially prefer to experience the energy from a slight distance, rather than having the practitioner's hands directly on them.
Reiki enhances your pet's overall well-being. Just like people, even healthy pets can have occasional physical, emotional and mental imbalances that, if left untreated, can manifest as illness. Periodic Reiki treatments can help maintain your pet's natural state of well-being and balance.
Reiki strengthens the immune system for cancer therapies and accelerates healing following illness and surgery. Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation present stress to an already compromised immune system. Reiki strengthens the immune system to better deal with this additional stress. It helps alleviate or prevent the side effects of conventional cancer treatments and provides pain relief. Reiki can alleviate and prevent side effects of conventional medications such as pain killers and antibiotics, and provides pain relief and relaxation to facilitate and enhance the body's natural healing response.
Reiki increases trust and bonding between you and your pet. People and pets often mirror each others' physical and emotional states. Animals are natural healers and sometimes take on their person's problems, often in an attempt to heal them. This happens because of the deep bond shared between a pet and his or her person. Because of the shared energy in such a close relationship, energetic imbalances are shared as well. For optimum healing, joint treatments for people and their pets can often be beneficial.
Reiki can help with behavior issues by promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Many behavior issues are caused by stress. Reiki has a calming effect on the pet and may help make the pet more receptive to training and behavior modification. Reiki is extremely beneficial for animals with a history of abuse. The gentle touch and the energy can help restore trust in animals who have learned to associate touch with being hurt.
Reiki is a wonderful way to facilitate the transition for terminally ill animals and their owners. Often, animals will not allow themselves to transition because they intuitively feel that their person is not ready to let them go. Joint Reiki treatments for the pet and his or her person can help both through this difficult time by enhancing the bond and allowing a gentle transition.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritic Dogs
One of the major problems in senior dogs, especially large breed dogs, is arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive disease characterized by pathological changes of the joints and this causes the joints to be painful and decreases the dog's range of motion. Joint surfaces are covered with articular cartilage and this cartilage is damaged in arthritis. Also, many of the normal chemicals in the joints are destroyed and inflammation is present. There are many treatments for arthritis, such as non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and neutraceuticals like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
A new concept in the treatment of arthritis is the use of omega 3 fatty acids. A study was recently performed by Hill's Science Diet Company in which one group of arthritic dogs were fed a regular food and a second group were fed a diet with a large increase in omega 3 fatty acids. At the end of the 6-month trial, the dogs fed the omega 3 fatty acid food had improvement in rising and a decrease in lameness. Omega 3 fatty acids appear to decrease the inflammation in arthritic joints and decrease the amount of damaging enzymes in an arthritic joint.
Omega 3 fatty acids can also be beneficial for other inflammatory conditions such as allergies, kidney disease, heart disease and cancer. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements (fish oil) come in capsule and liquid form. Studies have shown that Krill oil in particular is one of the forms of fish oil that is most readily absorbed.
Always check with you pet's veterinarian before giving any supplements to your pet.
Furminator Deshedding Tool
Every once in a while, I come across a product that is so good, I just have to let everyone know about it. The Furminator deshedding tool is one of these products. Click on the demo section on the Furminator website http://www.furminator.com/ - it really works that well! I use it on my two cats and I'm amazed at the difference it's made. Since we started using the Furminator, we haven't had any more hairballs.
Reiki is a hands-on healing method that originated in Japan. The practitioner channels healing energy through her hands through a light touch either directly on the body or from a distance. The word Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a Japanese composite word usually translated as "universal life energy". It is based on the idea that all living beings have life energy flowing through them. When life energy is high, you are healthy and balanced, more relaxed and less likely to get sick. When it is low, you'll often be more easily affected by stress and less resistant to illness.
Reiki helps return the body to its natural state of balance and well-being. It promotes relaxation and stress relief, strengthens the immune system and accelerates healing following illness and surgery. It helps alleviate or prevent the side effects of conventional cancer treatments and provides pain relief.
Reiki is a safe complement to conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy and all other forms of healing. It does not interfere with any other treatments, but rather, enhances them.
Treatments for people are typically 45-60 minutes in length. Depending on your state of health, it can take only a few treatments to restore the body to its natural state of balance and well-being, or it may take regular weekly or biweekly treatments for a while. Improvement tends to be gradual - our bodies don't get out of balance overnight, either - but in some cases, it can be pretty dramatic even after a few sessions. Why not try a Reiki session so you can experience how Reiki can help you achieve and maintain your natural state of balance and well-being?
Allergy Relief from a Neti Pot
Spring brings flowers and trees and newly growing grass. Unfortunately, for many people, these joyful harbingers of warmer weather and longer days also mean the beginning of allergy season, and the search for something that helps to alleviate symptoms begins anew for many. One natural alternative that has been helpful for many allergy sufferers is the regular practice of a nasal wash by using a Neti pot.
The nasal passages are lined with a thin layer of mucus that is one of our body's first lines of defense against disease. A nasal wash keeps this layer of mucus moist, clean and healthy. And compared to other nasal wash techniques, using a Neti pot is easy. A nasal wash can be as routine as brushing your teeth.
Rinsing with saline solution is a time-honored practice in the Orient. Here in the West, the nasal wash has been used for decades as a means of treating sinus problems, colds, allergies, and post-nasal drip and to counteract the effect of environmental pollution.
Breathing through the nose filters and conditions the incoming air. The nasal passages are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dirt, dust, and pollen and moves steadily to the rear of the nasal cavity and settles in the throat, where it is swallowed. Saline nasal rinses carry some of these impurities out of the body before they reach your stomach.
They also keep this protective layer of mucus functioning properly. If the mucus becomes too thick and dry or too thin and runny, it is easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate the nasal lining and cause the swelling and excess discharge of mucus we call a "cold." That's why gargling or sniffing a little salt water at the first sign of a cold is a staple of folk medicine. The Neti Pot™ continues these time-tested traditions of hygiene.
For some people, the nasal wash is as routine as brushing their teeth. Others use it for specific purposes. Suggested uses:
Do the nasal wash to wake up, clear your nostrils, and start the day breathing freely.
Use it to remove excess mucus when you are experiencing nasal congestion.
Do it several times a day during the allergy season to rid the nostrils of pollen and other allergens.
Use the nasal wash when you've been exposed to soot, dust, smoke, or other airborne contaminants.
Use it to dissolve mucus build-up in dry climates or in air-conditioned or heated rooms, or after air travel.
A nasal wash is not a substitute for medical treatment. Anyone with chronic inflammation of the nasal passages or other ear, nose, or throat disorders should seek medical attention.
Click here for more information about the Neti Pot. Neti Pot can be purchased online or at Whole Foods grocery stores and other health food stores.
After almost three years, the owners of Chemnutra, Inc., the company
responsible for importing and distributing a tainted ingredient used in pet food
and responsible for thousands of pet deaths, were sentenced in federal
court. On Friday, February 5, 2010, the Office Of The United States Attorney
Western District Of Missouri issued this press release:
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