Continuing this fascinating series from BBC Radio 4.
Last week the BBC chose to present a programme called An Almanac for Anxiety. There were five episodes: Fire; Wood: Water: Air; Earth.
If you have not registered with the BBC then you will need to do so before the link below works.
The details of each episode were presented on the BBC website:
In Episode 3 – Water – we join a group of socially prescribed outdoor swimmers on Teignmouth Beach in Devon who find joy in immersing themselves in cold water. We also hear why spending time around blue spaces is so effective at promoting a sense of calm from Dr Catherine Kelly of the University of Brighton.
Produced and Presented by Helen Needham Research by Anna Miles and Maud Start Original Music by Anthony Cowie Mixed by Ron McCaskill and Malcolm Torrie
A BBC Scotland Production made in Aberdeen for BBC Radio 4
Last week the BBC chose to present a programme called An Almanac for Anxiety. There were five episodes: Fire; Wood: Water: Air; Earth.
If you have not registered with the BBC then you will need to do so before the link below works.
The details of each episode were presented on the BBC website:
Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the UK, with nearly a fifth of people experiencing it over the course of a year. Although it is often treated through medication, there are many alternative ways which are proving to be very effective in reducing anxiety amongst some people. In this series, we explore how connecting with the elemental forces of nature helps people with a range of mental illnesses to feel better. We also learn about the current academic research behind these methods.
In Episode 1 – Fire – we visit an overnight camp on the banks of the River Spey near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands run by the charity Fire and Peace. According to the participants, – who have a range of mental ill health and addiction issues – the experience of spending time around the fire in nature is transformative when it comes to promoting feelings of connection and wellbeing. We also hear new research which shows how being around a campfire can be calming.
BBC Radio 4
I am going to share the link to the BBC each day this week with a new episode each day. The programmes are 15 minutes long and in my opinion well worth listening to.
Now above we were told: ‘Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the UK’ but of course we all know that anxiety affects many millions across the world. That is why I intend to share with you all five programmes.
A while ago I was contacted by email from Anushka Mishra about her writing a guest post. This is what I received:
Greetings,
This is Anushka Mishra, Content Strategist at Jaldee Vets. We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to propose a guest blogging opportunity for your esteemed pet care blog. Our platform, Jaldee Vets specializes in pet care with a significant emphasis towards strays. In the spirit of becoming the voice for the voiceless, we provide free consultancy to stray animals. Through our blog posts we want to convey the message of carrying out social responsibility of protecting stray and providing care to animals.
We will be providing an SEO optimized blog of 500-600 words. With our high-quality guest blog, you will benefit from fresh and engaging content that can captivate your readers. We can offer our expertise in pet care to cover topics such as nutrition, health, training, and grooming, providing valuable insights to your audience.
In return, we would gain exposure to your dedicated readership and the opportunity to showcase our #StrayLivesMatter initiative of providing free consultancy to strays. It would be an excellent platform for us to establish ourselves as a reliable resource and expand our reach within the pet care community.
We look forward to discussing the specifics and exploring potential topics. We eagerly await your positive response.
Warm regards,
Anushka Mishra
As is normal in these situations I took a look at the organisation that Anushka represented and replied:
Anushka,
Good day to you and thank you for your email and the offer.
Unfortunately, I only take guest posts from those who have no business connection because otherwise I would have the challenge of determining what businesses I would support and what businesses I would not support.
The bigger picture of looking at the whole world is that around 200 million strays embrace the streets, finding love and joy in slight caresses and mini treats. Every nation has strays flaunting their roads. However, what differentiates one is the condition in each of these countries. In some countries, the situation of street animals is alarming, with the perpetual enmity of brutal and inhumane behaviour towards them. The indifference towards these creatures has led to a massive shoot in their population. They are usually left to cater for themselves and are more prone to fall prey to some diseases.
On the contrary, some countries look after their strays with utmost concern. They have working policies for neutering and spraying strays and adequate amenities to provide suitable shelter care. Along with the direct accommodations, there is always a persistent attempt at propagating vigilance and educating people. As a living entity endowed with the privilege to stand up for ourselves and speak our concerns out loud, it is our responsibility to tend to those devoid of such benefits. The implementation and execution of official policies and reforms are outside our hands. However, it’s well within our powers to do small bits and pieces to make life easier for these hustling babies.
Helping stray animals
Adopt
The best way to help the button-eyed sweethearts is by welcoming them into the comfort of your abode. Bringing home a new member can add a hint of sparkling confetti to the lives of all the family members. On the other hand, it would always bestow the four-legged friend with a healthier living ribboned in kindness and surrounded by loved ones. If you have doubts about becoming a full-time parent, there’s always an option of fostering. This allows you a trial run for a life as a pet parent and gives the pet adequate living temporarily until they find a permanent residence.
Volunteer
Various animal welfare organizations work towards rescuing and sheltering stray animals. These organizations are always open towards a helping hand who can assist with multiple works. Volunteering involves but isn’t limited to helping in the rescuing process. The job extends to several back-end works such as photography, content writing, bringing sponsors on board, etc. Volunteering in such initiatives is a noble method of helping stray animals and would also give you some quality time with these endearing pets.
Generating awareness
Little drops accumulate together to make an entire ocean; thus, every drop counts. Just like that, every small step towards raising awareness and educating people on the cause of animal safety can eventually make a profound difference. No one alone can end all the mistreatment and cruelty happening to animals. However, we can do our best by educating our friends, family and acquaintances on the subject. You can participate in events promoting such values or engage with online campaigns to help add more voice to the cause.
Feed and Care
All it takes to help a stray is a strong will and good food. The easiest way to bring joy to these lovely friends is by feeding them and providing them warm clothes if winter is around the corner. Good food would ensure a healthy and sound living for stray animals, which they direly require.
When Injury strikes?
Unless you are a professional or vet, you can do only so much. On some grim day, you may stumble across an injured animal. The immediate response to such a situation should always be to consult a vet. Jaldee Vets, with its online consulting platform, is thriving to make lives more manageable for stray animals. Through our site, one can avail of free online consultancy for strays who may require the same. If you encounter an animal injured or have met with an accident and can’t find a clinic nearby, you can hop on to the site and get immediate help for the furry pal. The consultancy is online and completely free.
Strays are a social responsibility. To help them isn’t just a noble cause but a necessary one. So, wait no further and take these small and practical steps to shower some ounces of comfort and kindness into the lives of many animals.
ooOOoo
The only way to close this is by adding a couple of pictures from Unsplash of stray dogs.
These pictures make my heart ache and I hope you support Jaldee Vets. Finally are you in favour of me publishing guest posts from Anushka? Please give me feedback.
So writing a fancy blog post was a long way from my mind.
Sorry!
And a P.S.
This morning Jean and I went round with all our files and notes to see Niobe of AAPS and she was terrific. Niobe took complete control of the situation and patiently worked her way through the myriad of details and a couple of hours later it was done! 🙂
An Amazon delivery driver named Erik was out delivering packages as usual when he noticed someone furry walking in front of his truck. He figured it was a dog coming to say hi, which happens to him a lot on his route. He was getting excited to greet the dog and see if he’d ever met this one before — then suddenly realized he wasn’t a dog at all.
When the animal made it to the door of his truck, Erik realized the friendly neighbor was actually a goat.
Erik and the goat stood watching each other for a few seconds, both assessing the situation. Then, the goat decided Erik was friendly and climbed on the truck, greeting Erik just like a dog would. Erik couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
“This is so funny, what the heck,” Erik said in a video about the encounter.
The goat jumped up onto Erik to say hi and even stuck his little tongue out. He was wearing a collar and a leash, which made Erik think this kind of thing probably happens a lot.
A TikTok user who has goats commented, “[T]hat bell means he’s the problem goat.”
Luckily, using the leash, Erik was able to lead the friendly goat back to where he came from. He was glad it didn’t turn into a neighborhood-dog-who-wouldn’t-leave-his-truck, which has happened to him before.
Erik didn’t expect to see a goat during his shift that day, but now he hopes it’ll happen again.
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There were three videos inserted in the original, all from TikTok, but I chose not to include them. If you want to watch them then please go here.
I was struggling with the post for tomorrow and then saw this article on The Conversation. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but nevertheless I find it sufficiently interesting to publish it.
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Psychedelics plus psychotherapy can trigger rapid changes in the brain − new research at the level of neurons is untangling how
The human brain can change – but usually only slowly and with great effort, such as when learning a new sport or foreign language, or recovering from a stroke. Learning new skills correlates with changes in the brain, as evidenced by neuroscience research with animals and functional brain scans in people. Presumably, if you master Calculus 1, something is now different in your brain. Furthermore, motor neurons in the brain expand and contract depending on how often they are exercised – a neuronal reflection of “use it or lose it.”
People may wish their brains could change faster – not just when learning new skills, but also when overcoming problems like anxiety, depression and addictions.
Clinicians and scientists know there are times the brain can make rapid, enduring changes. Most often, these occur in the context of traumatic experiences, leaving an indelible imprint on the brain.
A transformative experience can be like a fork in the road, changing the path you are on. Westend61 via Getty Images
Social scientists call events like these psychologically transformative experiences or pivotal mental states. For the rest of us, they’re forks in the road. Presumably, these positive experiences quickly change some “wiring” in the brain.
How do these rapid, positive transformations happen? It seems the brain has a way to facilitate accelerated change. And here’s where it gets really interesting: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy appears to tap into this natural neural mechanism.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
Those who’ve had a psychedelic experience usually describe it as a mental journey that’s impossible to put into words. However, it can be conceptualized as an altered state of consciousness with distortions of perception, modified sense of self and rapidly changing emotions. Presumably there is a relaxation of the higher brain control, which allows deeper brain thoughts and feelings to emerge into conscious awareness.
Research suggests that new skills, memories and attitudes are encoded in the brain by new connections between neurons – sort of like branches of trees growing toward each other. Neuroscientists even call the pattern of growth arborization.
Researchers using a technique called two-photon microscopy can observe this process in living cells by following the formation and regression of spines on the neurons. The spines are one half of the synapses that allow for communication between one neuron and another.
Scientists have thought that enduring spine formation could be established only with focused, repetitive mental energy. However, a lab at Yale recently documented rapid spine formation in the frontal cortex of mice after one dose of psilocybin. Researchers found that mice given the mushroom-derived drug had about a 10% increase in spine formation. These changes had occurred when examined one day after treatment and endured for over a month.
Tiny spines along a neuron’s branches are a crucial part of how one neuron receives a message from another. Edmund S. Higgins
A mechanism for psychedelic-induced change
Psychoactive molecules primarily change brain function through the receptors on the neural cells. The serotonin receptor 5HT, the one famously tweaked by antidepressants, comes in a variety of subtypes. Psychedelics such as DMT, the active chemical in the plant-based psychedelic ayahuasca, stimulate a receptor cell type, called 5-HT2A. This receptor also appears to mediate the hyperplastic states when a brain is changing quickly.
These 5-HT2A receptors that DMT activates are not only on the neuron cell surface but also inside the neuron. It’s only the 5-HT2A receptor inside the cell that facilitates rapid change in neuronal structure. Serotonin can’t get through the cell membrane, which is why people don’t hallucinate when taking antidepressants like Prozac or Zoloft. The psychedelics, on the other hand, slip through the cell’s exterior and tweak the 5-HT2A receptor, stimulating dendritic growth and increased spine formation.
Here’s where this story all comes together. In addition to being the active ingredient in ayahuasca, DMT is an endogenous molecule synthesized naturally in mammalian brains. As such, human neurons are capable of producing their own “psychedelic” molecule, although likely in tiny quantities. It’s possible the brain uses its own endogenous DMT as a tool for change – as when forming dendritic spines on neurons – to encode pivotal mental states. And it’s possible psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy uses this naturally occurring neural mechanism to facilitate healing.
A word of caution
In her essay collection “These Precious Days,” author Ann Patchett describes taking mushrooms with a friend who was struggling with pancreatic cancer. The friend had a mystical experience and came away feeling deeper connections to her family and friends. Patchett, on the other hand, said she spent eight hours “hacking up snakes in some pitch-black cauldron of lava at the center of the Earth.” It felt like death to her.
Psychedelics are powerful, and none of the classic psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, are approved yet for treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019 did approve ketamine, in conjunction with an antidepressant, to treat depression in adults. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with MDMA (often called ecstasy or molly) for PTSD and psilocybin for depression are in Phase 3 trials.
Back on September 19th I received an email offering me a guest post. It was from Luna Angeni. At first I was highly suspicious thinking of scams and the like and replied: “Before responding further please explain what your niche is?”
Luna replied: “Thank you for your response. I’m working on Animal Health care. It’s the perfect fit for your site.”
I agreed and this is her article.
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How to Control and Prevent Common Dog Diseases Effectively
By Luna Angeni
“Man’s best friend” is a phrase that perfectly defines the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.
It’s our duty to ensure the health and well-being of our furry friends. One of the most critical aspects of canine care is disease prevention and control. This is what we are going to focus on here.
In this blog, we will learn about some effective ways we can control and prevent common dog diseases to keep our canine fellows happy and healthy.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Common Dog Diseases
Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a range of diseases and health issues.
To effectively control and prevent these complications, we need to understand them first.
Let’s review some common canine diseases:
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
It spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated environment.
Symptoms include:
1. Severe diarrhea
2. Vomiting 3. Lethargy 4. Loss of appetite
To prevent parvo, ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and avoid areas where the virus may be present.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is another contagious viral disease that can be fatal, particularly in puppies.
It affects various body systems and presents symptoms such as:
1. Fever 2. Nasal discharge
3. Coughing 4. Neurological signs
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent distemper.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
It affects the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms like:
1. Coughing 2. Exercise intolerance
3. Weight loss
Prevention through vaccination is key for this common dog disease.
Preventive Measures for Common Canine Diseases
Preventing common dog diseases is often more manageable than treating them.
Here are some essential preventive measures every dog owner should follow:
Vaccination
Regular vaccination is the cornerstone of disease prevention in dogs.
As your veterinarian recommends, ensure your dog receives all necessary vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and others.
Regular Exercise
Exercise not only keeps your dog physically fit but also mentally stimulated.
Engaging in regular exercise helps boost dogs’ overall health and keeps obesity-related diseases at bay.
Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.
Avoid feeding your canine human food, as some ingredients can be toxic to them.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Maintaining proper hygiene for your dog and their living environment is essential.
In this regard, you must ensure:
1. Regular grooming 2. Cleaning your dog’s bedding 3. Keeping their living area free from parasites and bacteria
Regular Vet Check-ups
Routine visits to the veterinarian are crucial for early disease detection and prevention.
Your vet can identify potential health issues before they become severe and provide guidance on maintaining your dog’s health.
Recognizing the Signs of Illness
Despite your best efforts, your dog may still fall ill occasionally.
Recognizing the early signs of common dog diseases is essential for prompt treatment.
Here are some common signs of complications in dogs:
Changes in Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite or excessive hunger can indicate a health issue.
So, you must monitor your dog’s eating habits closely.
Changes in Behavior
Drastic changes in behavior, such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or excessive vocalization, can be indicative of pain or discomfort.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea can be symptomatic of various diseases, including gastrointestinal complications.
Lethargy
If your dog is unusually lethargic or lacks energy, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
In such cases, seek a veterinarian’s help immediately.
Breathing Problems
Labored breathing, coughing, or wheezing may suggest respiratory or cardiac problems.
Immediate Action and Veterinary Care
Taking immediate action is essential if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort in your dog.
Contact your veterinarian and follow their guidance.
Early intervention can often make a significant difference in the outcome of the disease.
Conclusion
Your dog’s health is in your hands.
Effective disease control and prevention are crucial for ensuring your furry friend’s long and happy life.
Understanding common dog diseases and treatment and following preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of complications and provide them with the best possible care.
For more guides on animal health solutions and tips for healthy dogs, you must visit Vet and Tech – a source for online veterinary education.
FAQs
What Vaccinations Does My Dog Need?
Consult your vet for a personalized vaccination schedule. Common dog vaccinations include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough.
What’s the Best Diet for My Dog?
High-quality commercial dog food is a good option. Still, you need to consult your vet for a diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and health.
How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
Generally, annual check-ups are recommended, but older dogs can benefit more from biannual visits. And–puppies may need more frequent check-ups.
ooOOoo
That is a wonderful set of recommendations and advice. Really of no surprise when one considers Luna’s biography:
I am a clinical veterinarian, researcher, and professional content writer. Being a medical professional and a content writer, I hold key writing skills such as Blog writing. I shall provide beautifully crafted, interesting to read, easily understood, highly informative, 100% original, error, and plagiarism-free content.
Luna Angeni
I sincerely hope this will be far from the one and only post!
P.S. I also openly admit that I have featured her blog site Vet and Tech but will also explain that I have no special association with her blog or with Luna Angeni.
The OSIRIS-REx sample capsule, which contains pieces of the asteroid Bennu, landed safely in the Utah desert on 24 September. Credit: Keegan Barber/NASA via Getty
Dugway Proving Ground, Utah
A saucer-shaped capsule parachuted down gently in the Utah desert today, after a years-long journey through space. Its cargo is a precious collection of rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu — the first time NASA has ever brought pieces of this type of celestial object back to Earth.
Over the coming days, NASA will fly the bits of Bennu to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. There, curators will carefully disassemble the container and begin analysing the chemistry and mineralogy of the pristine samples — which might hold clues to the origins of the Solar System.
“I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve who is just too excited to go to sleep,” says Michelle Thompson, a planetary scientist at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and a member of the ‘quick look’ team who will have the first chance to study the rocks.
Space hoover
The material comes from the US$1.2-billion OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) mission, which launched in 2016 and arrived at Bennu in 2018. It spent nearly two years studying the dark-coloured, diamond-shaped asteroid before extending its robotic arm to the rocky surface, blasting it with a puff of gas and collecting the dust and rocks it kicked up. That ‘fist bump’ hoovered up so much material that pieces of rock got jammed in the collection mechanism, allowing some of the smaller pebbles to escape. Watching some of those samples get away was “heart breaking”, says Dante Lauretta, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson who was the first principal investigator of the OSIRIS-REx mission.
Still, the spacecraft managed to collect around 250 grams of rocks and dirt — a large cupful — including several chunks that are at least one centimetre long. It is by far the largest amount of material ever brought back from an asteroid. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had previously collected less than one milligram from the asteroid Itokawa in 2005, and 5.4 grams from the asteroid Ryugu in 2019.
Bringing planetary samples back to Earth allows researchers to use cutting-edge laboratory techniques to study what the rocks are made of. The NASA curation team planned to put the Bennu samples into an atmosphere of pure nitrogen soon after the capsule touched down, to reduce the potential for contamination. That will enable scientists to study the asteroid’s geology and chemistry, preserved all the way back to the formation of the Solar System, more than 4.5 billion years ago. The pristine material hasn’t been altered by passing through Earth’s atmosphere, as happens with meteorites. “The thing that will really be different about this sample is we’ll have that chain of custody of keeping it protected from Earth’s atmosphere,” says Nicole Lunning, the mission’s lead sample curator at the Johnson Space Center.
Precious cargo
Bennu is a carbon-rich asteroid, so the samples might resemble carbon-rich meteorites that have fallen to Earth, Thompson says. The bits collected by OSIRIS-REx probably contain organic compounds — carbon-based molecules found in many meteorites that are the building blocks of many exciting types of chemistry, including those conducive to life. “What I find most fascinating are the nucleobases, the components of the genetic code that make up all life from DNA and RNA,” says Daniel Glavin, the senior scientist for sample return at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. These compounds have been found in meteorites before, but those rocks have not been as pristine as the Bennu samples are expected to be. “We can trust the results, because this stuff is clean,” he says.
NASA curators will work their way through unpacking and studying the dust and pebbles inside OSIRIS-REx’s storage container in the coming weeks. Using nitrogen-filled gloveboxes, technicians will analyse the samples with scanners and other instruments to discern how many rock types were collected, and they will record the samples’ colour, volume and porosity.
Mission specialists prepare the OSIRIS-REx sample capsule for transport to a clean room after its landing in the Utah desert on 24 September.Credit: Keegan Barber/NASA via Getty
The curators will collect up to 100 milligrams for the quick-look team to analyse over the first 72 hours. That initial sample will probably be made up of fine-grained material obtained from the outermost parts of the sample capsule, Thompson says. After that, the team will get a chance to study grains that were picked up by 24 stainless-steel contact pads on the outside of the sample container — which were the first things to actually come into contact with Bennu. It will probably be several weeks before the curators open the heart of the sample container and begin extracting the bulk of the material inside.
Early experiments could include looking at how material that was on the surface of Bennu compares with what came from deeper inside the asteroid, Thompson says. OSIRIS-REx’s robotic arm might have plunged as deep as 40 centimetres under Bennu’s rubbly surface when executing its fist bump.
Work interrupted?
NASA has scheduled a press conference on 11 October to unveil the first scientific results. But its work on the mission could be interrupted if the US government shuts down on 1 October. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been battling over priorities for funding the federal government in 2024.
After OSIRIS-REx fist-bumped the asteroid Bennu in 2020, it pulled the collected samples into the spacecraft (left) and stowed them inside its sample-return capsule (right).Credit: NASA/Goddard/Univ. Arizona/Lockheed Martin
If the situation remains in a stalemate by the time the US fiscal year ends on 30 September, then federal agencies, including NASA, might close until an agreement can be reached. If that were to happen while the Bennu sample is at NASA, then “certain steps leading to its highly anticipated analysis will possibly be delayed, but the sample will remain protected and safe”, says Lori Glaze, head of NASA’s planetary sciences division. “The sample waited for more than 4 billion years for humans to study it, and if it takes us a little longer, I think we’ll be okay.”
At least 70% of the Bennu material will be saved for scientists outside NASA and for future generations to study. Furthermore, 4% of the sample will go to the Canadian Space Agency, which helped to build a laser instrument aboard OSIRIS-REx, and 0.5% will go to JAXA in exchange for samples of Ryugu, so that researchers can compare the two asteroids.
Meanwhile, the rest of the OSIRIS spacecraft continues to fly through space after dropping off its sample-return capsule. It is headed to study Apophis, an asteroid with a different, ‘stony’, chemical composition that will whizz dramatically close past Earth in 2029.
Learning from Dogs 
