Category: Food

Common dog diseases

A very valuable guest post.

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.

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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.

Dogs and scents

A fascinating article about our unique body odour.

I was researching stories that I could republish and was concentrating at first on The Conversation. Then I saw the post for today and went no further. It is primarily about the odour that each of us has.

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Your unique body odor could identify who you are and provide insights into your health – all from the touch of a hand

The scent emitted from your hands could offer clues about who you are. Siro Rodenas Cortes/Moment via Getty Images

Chantrell Frazier, Framingham State University; Kenneth G. Furton, Florida International University, and Vidia A. Gokool, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

From the aroma of fresh-cut grass to the smell of a loved one, you encounter scents in every part of your life. Not only are you constantly surrounded by odor, you’re also producing it. And it is so distinctive that it can be used to tell you apart from everyone around you.

Your scent is a complex product influenced by many factors, including your genetics. Researchers believe that a particular group of genes, the major histocompatibility complex, play a large role in scent production. These genes are involved in the body’s immune response and are believed to influence body odor by encoding the production of specific proteins and chemicals.

But your scent isn’t fixed once your body produces it. As sweat, oils and other secretions make it to the surface of your skin, microbes break down and transform these compounds, changing and adding to the odors that make up your scent. This scent medley emanates from your body and settles into the environments around you. And it can be used to track, locate or identify a particular person, as well as distinguish between healthy and unhealthy people.

We are researchers who specialize in studying human scent through the detection and characterization of gaseous chemicals called volatile organic compounds. These gases can relay an abundance of information for both forensic researchers and health care providers.

Science of body odor

When you are near another person, you can feel their body heat without touching them. You may even be able to smell them without getting very close. The natural warmth of the human body creates a temperature differential with the air around it. You warm up the air nearest to you, while air that’s farther away remains cool, creating warm currents of air that surround your body.

Researchers believe that this plume of air helps disperse your scent by pushing the millions of skin cells you shed over the course of a day off your body and into the environment. These skin cells act as boats or rafts carrying glandular secretions and your resident microbes – a combination of ingredients that emit your scent – and depositing them in your surroundings.

Your scent is composed of the volatile organic compounds present in the gases emitted from your skin. These gases are the combination of sweat, oils and trace elements exuded from the glands in your skin. The primary components of your odor depend on internal factors such as your race, ethnicity, biological sex and other traits. Secondary components waver based on factors like stress, diet and illness. And tertiary components from external sources like perfumes and soaps build on top of your distinguishable odor profile.

Identity of scent

With so many factors influencing the scent of any given person, your body odor can be used as an identifying feature. Scent detection canines searching for a suspect can look past all the other odors they encounter to follow a scent trail left behind by the person they are pursuing. This practice relies on the assumption that each person’s scent is distinct enough that it can be distinguished from other people’s.

Researchers have been studying the discriminating potential of human scent for over three decades. A 1988 experiment demonstrated that a dog could distinguish identical twins living apart and exposed to different environmental conditions by their scent alone. This is a feat that could not be accomplished using DNA evidence, as identical twins share the same genetic code.

The field of human scent analysis has expanded over the years to further study the composition of human scent and how it can be used as a form of forensic evidence. Researchers have seen differences in human odor composition that can be classified based on sex, gender, race and ethnicity. Our research team’s 2017 study of 105 participants found that specific combinations of 15 volatile organic compounds collected from people’s hands could distinguish between race and ethnicity with an accuracy of 72% for whites, 82% for East Asians and 67% for Hispanics. Based on a combination of 13 compounds, participants could be distinguished as male or female with an overall 80% accuracy.

Researchers have trained dogs to sniff out COVID-19 infections.

Researchers are also producing models to predict the characteristics of a person based on their scent. From a sample pool of 30 women and 30 men, our team built a machine learning model that could predict a person’s biological sex with 96% accuracy based on hand odor.

Scent of health

Odor research continues to provide insights into illnesses. Well-known examples of using scent in medical assessments include seizure and diabetic alert canines. These dogs can give their handlers time to prepare for an impending seizure or notify them when they need to adjust their blood glucose levels.

While these canines often work with a single patient known to have a condition that requires close monitoring, medical detection dogs can also indicate whether someone is ill. For example, researchers have shown that dogs can be trained to detect cancer in people. Canines have also been trained to detect COVID-19 infections at a 90% accuracy rate.

Similarly, our research team found that a laboratory analysis of hand odor samples could discriminate between people who are COVID-19 positive or negative with 75% accuracy.

Forensics of scent

Human scent offers a noninvasive method to collect samples. While direct contact with a surface like touching a doorknob or wearing a sweater provides a clear route for your scent to transfer to that surface, simply standing still will also transfer your odor into the surrounding area.

Although human scent has the potential to be a critical form of forensic evidence, it is still a developing field. Imagine a law enforcement officer collecting a scent sample from a crime scene in hopes that it may match with a suspect.

Further research into human scent analysis can help fill the gaps in our understanding of the individuality of human scent and how to apply this information in forensic and biomedical labs.

Chantrell Frazier, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Food Science, Framingham State University; Kenneth G. Furton, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, and Vidia A. Gokool, Postdoctoral Researcher, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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This is so interesting and I, for one, learnt a great deal more about the human body and in particular the scent glands.

Plus, it was a joy to read about the role of canines in all of this.

Managing eco-anxiety.

Republishing a recent article published by The Conversation.

Before I go to this article I want to talk briefly about the book the Myth of Normal or as the subtitle explains TRAUMA, ILLNESS & HEALING IN A TOXIC CULTURE.

Let me pick this closing paragraph of Chapter 20, on page 296:

Disconnection in all its guises – alienation, loneliness, loss of meaning and dislocation – is becoming our culture’s most plentiful product. No wonder we are more addicted, chronically ill, and mentally disordered than ever before, enfeebled as we are by such malnourishment of mind, body, and soul.

the Myth of Normal, Dr Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

It is a very powerful book albeit not the easiest read in the world but still highly recommended.

Plus there is a YouTube video of Dr. Maté being interviewed in July, 2023 by Tara Westover (also a long video!).

Now to the main purpose of today’s post.

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Keeping your cool in a warming world: 8 steps to help manage eco-anxiety

Karen Magruder, University of Texas at Arlington

In a world facing environmental challenges unprecedented in human history, it’s no surprise that eco-anxiety – a pervasive worry about the current and future state of our planet – has become an increasingly prevalent mental health issue.

As people witness the devastating impacts of climate change, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. I happen to live in Phoenix, Arizona, a “heat apocalypse” city with dwindling water supplies, so I have some skin in the game.

But amid doom-and-gloom predictions, there is hope. As a therapist and clinical social work professor, I have seen firsthand how paralyzing eco-anxiety can be, and I’m dedicated to finding solutions. Here are a few evidence-based tips to tackle your climate woes.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a broad term that encompasses dread about environmental issues like pollution and disposal of toxic waste, as well as climate-specific fears, such as increasing rates of extreme weather events and sea-level rise.

Common symptoms of eco-anxiety include worry about future generations, trouble sleeping or concentrating, feelings of frustration and a sense of helplessness. These feelings can range from mild and fleeting concerns to deep despair, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Sound like you or someone you know? There are a number of tools that can help people cope with these feelings, summed up with the acronym UPSTREAM.

Understanding and self-compassion

Be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone in these feelings.

Caring about the world you live in does not make you a “crazy” alarmist. In fact, growing numbers of people across the globe feel the same way, with two-thirds of Americans reporting being at least somewhat worried about climate change in recent polls.

It makes sense that people would feel nervous when basic needs like safety and shelter are threatened. Give yourself grace, because beating yourself up for these very valid feelings will only make you feel worse.

Participate in the solution

It can be hard to feel empowered when environmental harms are taking a toll on your mental health, but the escalating global crisis still demands urgent attention. Instead of burying your head in the sand, use that mental discomfort as a catalyst for action.

Individual efforts to reduce your carbon footprint matter. Joining larger movements has the potential for even move significant impacts, as well as the potential to buffer anxiety, research shows. Volunteer your own unique passions, talents and skills to advocate for systemic changes that will benefit the planet and humanity.

When you feel anxious, use that energy as fuel for the fight. Harnessing eco-anxiety in this way can reduce your sense of powerlessness.

A group of young people plant trees along a street in Los Angeles. One is wearing an LA Conservation Corps T-shirt.
Local groups can take action in many ways, including helping to plant trees, educating residents or pressuring lawmakers to take action. Citizen of the Planet/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Self-talk

The weight of the climate crisis is heavy enough as it is – don’t let your brain make you feel even worse.

When it comes to thinking about climate change, a realistic mindset puts us in a “just right” psychological Goldilocks zone. Don’t numb your psychic wounds, but also don’t over-catastrophize.

As a therapist, I often help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. For example, while it is true that there are many environmental problems to grapple with, there is also positive news, so don’t discount it. Recognize and celebrate victories big and small.

Trauma: Process it so you can heal

The climate crisis has been conceptualized as a collective trauma, and many individuals are struggling with eco-grief from climate impacts that have already happened. Processing past trauma from events like weather disasters is a crucial step in enhancing your ability to cope with new experiences.

Even people who have not yet experienced significant climate impacts directly may have signs of pre-traumatic stress, a clinical term for the distress experienced in anticipation of a high-stress situation. A licensed mental health professional can help you process these emotions.

Reduce isolation

It’s no secret that having a strong social support network is a key ingredient for happiness. Surrounding yourself with compassionate, like-minded friends is also key to sustained efforts in doing your part to make a difference.

Consider joining or starting a Climate Cafe or similar group to talk about climate concerns. Visit a 10-step climate grief meeting. Join a local environmental organization. Or simply call up a friend when you need a listening ear.

A woman holds a trash bag and directs others in a lakeshore clean up effort.
Community cleanup days can help reduce isolation and help you feel involved in making the world a better place. Luis Alvarez/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Ecotherapy

Get outdoors and enjoy nature.

Go for a quiet walk in the woods and observe nature all around you – it’s a Japanese practice for relaxation known as forest bathing. Spend time gardening. Exercise outdoors or otherwise spend time outdoors in a place that is relaxing and restorative for you.

Gardening can relax the mind and put you in touch with nature. If you don’t have a yard, find a community garden. Compassionate Eye Foundation/Natasha Alipour Faridani via Getty Images

Acts of self-care

Self-care is paramount when it comes to managing the emotional toll of eco-anxiety.

Engaging in self-care practices, such as getting adequate sleep, eating healthy and having fun, helps us maintain a sense of balance in the face of overwhelming environmental concerns.

Remember what they teach you on airplanes – you should always put on your own oxygen mask before helping other passengers. Likewise, when we come from a place of wellness, we are better equipped to handle the stresses of eco-anxiety and make a difference in this area.

Mindfulness

Because eco-grief is focused on the past and eco-anxiety is future-oriented, reconnecting to the present moment is a powerful way to combat both.

By cultivating mindfulness – a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment – people can become more attuned to their thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in response to eco-anxiety triggers. This heightened self-awareness helps people to acknowledge worries without becoming consumed by them.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, provide a calming and grounding effect, helping to reduce stress and alleviate feelings of helplessness. Moreover, mindfulness fosters a deeper connection to nature and an appreciation for the present moment, which can counteract the sense of despair associated with future environmental uncertainties.

In the face of eco-anxiety, these strategies can build resilience, reminding everyone that they have the power to shape a more sustainable and hopeful future.

Karen Magruder, Assistant Professor of Practice in Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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There’s a powerful reminder that we have the power to stay in the present, or to put it another way by cultivating mindfulness. There are quite a few websites on Mindfulness including this description of what Mindfulness is on the Mayo Clinic website.

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

Mayo Clinic

Now that is something I should really focus on as I am terrible at being in the moment and nowhere else.

Dogs learn things in a way we may not realise.

A fascinating article in The Conversation.

I was very short of time yesterday so my apologies for going straight into this post. Plus, it is a post that talks about the learning process for dogs and, as such, looking more thoroughly will discover more material.

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Canines go to college in this class that seeks to give shelter dogs a fresh start

By Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg

Associate Professor of Psychology, Saint Francis University

Published August 24th, 2023

Shelter animals often display problematic behaviors. Can they be retrained? Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg

What prompted the idea for the course?

When I was growing up, my love for animals led me to volunteer at animal shelters. But it wasn’t until I started teaching psychology that I found another way to support the well-being of shelter animals. During my first year of teaching a psychology course about learning, I realized that the course’s content could be used to train shelter dogs.

Since some shelter dogs display problematic behaviors, such as fearfulness, destructiveness and disobedience, they are less likely to get adopted. I wanted my students to use their knowledge, passion and care to train shelter dogs and improve their chances of finding a permanent home.

What does the course explore?

The course teaches students how to apply behavioral analysis and modification techniques toward the training of shelter dogs. Students work with dogs on learning to follow cues such as “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come”; perform tricks such as “high-five,” and “roll over”; and complete agility courses made of tunnels, hoops and weaving poles.

The course also explores the emotional, psychological and physiological benefits of the human-animal bond, such as reduced stress, by integrating the dogs into educational and therapeutic environments. For instance, the students train the dogs to sit by them calmly for the entire duration of a lecture. This skill may be important for future adopters who work within an educational setting or need their dog to accompany them into the classroom.

The students also train the dogs to visit our clinical educational facility, the Experiential Learning Commons, which was built as a mock hospital. Within our simulated emergency room, intensive care room, patient room, maternity room and exam room, students train the dogs to walk next to simulated patients’ wheelchairs, sit by patients’ beds and provide them with affectionate and nurturing companionship.

Finally, the course instructs students on how to apply for grants for nonprofits, with the idea being to secure funding to support animal shelters.

Why is this course relevant now?

This course creates a collaborative and reciprocal partnership between a university and the community in which it is located. Focusing on the care for shelter dogs, it allows for faculty, students and a shelter’s staff and volunteers to exchange knowledge and resources. As such, it uses an instructional approach known as community engagement.

What’s a critical lesson from the course?

Working alongside our animal shelter community partners, and under the direction of my co-instructor, talented dog trainer Megan Mills, students learn that they can make a true and visible impact on society, one dog at a time.

What materials does the course feature?

Michael Domjan’s “The Principles of Learning and Behavior”

Cynthia K. Chandler’s “Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling”

“Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy,” edited by Aubrey H. Fine

What will the course prepare students to do?

Students will learn to use psychological learning principles to work effectively with shelter dogs – and this knowledge can later be translated to other domains of their lives. I believe that by training shelter dogs and learning to write nonprofit grant proposals, my students will develop into ethical and responsible citizens – both locally and globally.

Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Associate Professor of Psychology, Saint Francis University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Further to my introduction I want to explore the links in the article for I’m sure they have a great deal more to say about dogs.

The more that we explore what dogs mean to us humans the more I find out about the incredible qualities of Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris.

Return to Parkinson’s

Three promising developments in Parkinson’s research.

As I am sure most of you know Jean was diagnosed in having Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in late 2015 and from that moment on I have taken more than a superficial interest in PD. Especially as my best friend in England, Richard M. was similarly diagnosed in late 2015 – “the fickle finger of fate“.

So a recent Neuro Talk from the Parkinson’s Foundation is my contribution for today.

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Three Promising Developments in Parkinson’s Research

Jun 27, 2023

For more information on this topic, visit: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-r…

Every year, the Parkinson’s Foundation funds the most exciting and promising research ideas in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) field.

In our latest Neuro Talk, Chief Scientific Officer James Beck, PhD, is joined by three researchers whose studies were funded by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Their projects, which range from investigating environmental factors to understanding cognition, explain how research is helping us further our understanding of Parkinson’s.

Helpful resources: – Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) | Helpline@Parkinson.org | https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s…

– Resources for those who are new to Parkinson’s disease: http://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons

– Aware in Care hospital safety kit: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s…

– PD Health @ Home programs: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s…

What is the Parkinson’s Foundation? The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Learn more on our website: https://www.parkinson.org/

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For those that wish to understand PD in a scientific manner, here is a quote from the PD:

What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder that affects predominately dopamineproducing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra

That dreadful ‘C’ word.

It is a rare family that is not touched by cancer.

My father died at the age of 55 from lung cancer. That was December 20th, 1956 and while he did not smoke he did have his regular cigar every Sunday afternoon. I suspect he may have smoked from time to time in his office. It was a tragic time for me and Elizabeth, my younger sister. Speaking personally I did not fully understand the personal implications until shortly after the 50th anniversary of his death: December 20th, 2006.

Tony is a keen blogger and he writes under the blog name of Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger. His latest post is 5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Cancer. I have pleasure in republishing Tony’s post below. Please read it!

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5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Cancer.

We all know that steering clear of tobacco is a crucial way to reduce your cancer risk. But there’s a lot more than you can do.

RUSH family physician Joyce Chen, MD, and clinical dietitian Kristin Gustashaw explain how we can make better choices to protect our health.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

You may not realize it, but aging is a risk factor for cancer. The longer your cells are turning over, the more likely miscopying can happen. Though we can’t control aging, we can control the speed at which we age. “We know, in theory, we can kind of age ourselves faster or slower, depending on how much insult we give our bodies,” Gustashaw says.

Chen explains: “Lifestyle is key. So when you are concerned about cancer from external forces, it’s important to realize that you can actually do something about a lot of them.”

Here are some key lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your cancer risk.

Cancer prevention action plan

1. Stop smoking — or better yet, don’t start.

Choosing not to use tobacco is one of the most effective forms of cancer prevention.

And it’s not just lung cancer that’s preventable either. By not smoking you can also prevent the following types of cancer:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Mouth cancer
  • Oral cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Tongue cancer
  • Throat cancer

Traditional cigarettes pose the biggest threat. But e-cigarettes, or vaping, also pose a risk of cancer. With cigarette smoking, the nicotine and tar can cause cancer. With e-cigarettes, you’re still getting the nicotine in your lungs but without the smoke and tar of regular cigarettes.

Since e-cigarettes are still relatively new to the market, the long-term health effects remain unknown, but they’re still potentially problematic.

“The vapor you’re breathing in has chemicals and particles, especially the flavored ones, that can damage or scar your lungs,” Chen says.

“It’s one of those lifestyle factors that I tell my patients, ‘We’ll do all we can as a provider to help you quit or at least cut down, but if you haven’t started, don’t start.’ Because once you start, it’s hard to stop; it’s an addiction.”

2. Watch your alcohol consumption

With alcohol, the main cancer mechanism is how it breaks down in our bodies. The ethanol in alcohol is metabolized through acetaldehyde, which is a poisonous byproduct and a known carcinogen.

After you drink, the alcohol is metabolized as acetaldehyde. It doesn’t stay around in our bodies for long because it gets further broken down into less toxic compounds, and then it’s eliminated in our bodies. That means the more you drink, the more you increase your risk for developing cancer.

“Acetaldehyde is a carcinogen that causes the cancer,” says Chen. “So when you’re drinking large quantities of alcohol then you’re going to build up acetaldehyde. And that buildup can accumulate in your saliva, your stomach acid and your GI tract.” 

Alcohol also has a solvent property, which means it allows other carcinogens to get into our cells and wreak havoc. So, for example, if you smoke and drink alcohol together, alcohol’s solvent property helps harmful chemicals in tobacco get into the cells that line your mouth, throat and esophagus — putting you at a higher risk of developing oral cancers.

Nutrient absorption, specifically the vitamin folate, can also be affected by alcohol. Folate tells our body to stay healthy so alcohol inhibits its ability to pass that message on to the body.

“Alcohol also acts as an irritant to our bodies, specifically to the cells lining our mouths, throats and stomach cells,” says Chen. “When exposed to that irritant, your cells try to repair themselves, which could lead to your cells making mistakes and mutations that lead to cancer.”

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight is another opportunity to reduce your risk for cancer. That means your diet plays a large role in cancer prevention.

A recent study in The Lancet Public Health revealed that younger adults (ages 25 to 49) in the U.S. are at an increased risk of developing obesity-related cancers. The study also reports that because of the obesity epidemic over the past 40 years, due in part to poor diet, younger generations have weight issues for a longer period of time than previous generations. This indicates that in the future, cancer may be more prevalent in this generation as they age into older adults.

According to Chen, carrying excessive weight is associated with increased risk for the following cancers:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Post-menopausal breast cancer
  • Stomach cancer

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight and keep cancer at bay.

In fact, a recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that exercise can reduce your chances of getting cancer by improving your immune system, lowering the risk of recurrence and slows cancer progression by reducing tumor growth and lessening the harsh effects of cancer treatment on the body.

Reducing your stress is key if you’re looking at trying to avoid or outlive cancer.

4. Avoid UV exposure from the sun, tanning beds and other culprits.

Yet another lifestyle factor you can control that prevents cancer is limiting ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. Whether it’s natural UV exposure from the sun or artificial UV exposure from tanning beds, both put you at risk for skin cancer. UV exposure causes gene mutations that can cause cancer.

A tan is a result of your skin cells being damaged. There are also spray tans and lotions that don’t give you exposure to UV radiation but have other concerns. There’s a color additive in the spray tans and lotions called dihydroxyacetone or DHA. While DHA is FDA-approved for external application to the skin, with spray tans you could be inhaling some of that ingredient.

The FDA states that it shouldn’t be inhaled or applied to areas that are covered by mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are your lips, mouth, your nose, around your eyes and your face.

“Protect yourself in a spray booth by using eye protection like goggles, nose plugs or put lip balm on beforehand and try to keep your mouth closed to not inhale that ingredient. That would be a safer way to get that sun-kissed glow that everyone wants,” Chen says.

Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that a spray tan offers protection against the sun. Just because you think you’re getting a so-called base tan, you still have to use sunscreen.

With UV exposure, certain tanning salons might propose that it’s the UV rays that help your body get vitamin D. But UVB are the UV rays needed for the body to produce vitamin D.

“The majority of tanning bulbs are actually UVA rays so you’re not getting vitamin D from a tanning bed,” Chen explains.

Like alcohol, UV exposure also builds up over time. So, for example, if you start young and go frequently to tanning beds, that will put you more at risk for skin cancer.

Gel manicures can also pose UV exposure risk that increases your likelihood for cancer. UVA rays are used to dry or set the polish. But once again, it’s dose cumulative. If you regularly get gel manicures and you started in your teenage years, you may have a greater risk for developing cancer because you’re exposing your hands to UVA rays more often.

Chen recommends giving your nails a break by not getting this type of manicure week after week.

5. Visit your doctor regularly for preventive care and well visits.

One of the best things you can do to help prevent cancer and other diseases is to see your primary care physician regularly.

“Try to prevent cancer by getting your routine care, your routine immunizations and your proper screenings,” says Chen. “It’s great that you are healthy, but preventive care/well visits are important because a lot of conditions, especially cancer, can be treated properly if we catch it early.” 

Other effective prevention strategies

All in all, your best strategy for cancer prevention, particularly for the external agents you can control, is to limit your exposures — or avoid them, if at all possible.

Gustashaw also cites the importance of stress management. “How you manage stress is associated with longevity. Stress itself is not directly associated with an increased risk of cancer, however, stress can often lead to unhealthy habits such as making unhealthy food choices, overeating, smoking, drinking and not exercising,” she says. 

Gustashaw adds: “Reducing your stress is key if you’re looking at trying to avoid or outlive cancer and to live longer and healthier overall.”

Plenty of other opportunities for cancer prevention behavior also exist. A study from JAMA Internal Medicine found that participants with the following four lifestyle factors had approximately one-third less risk of developing cancer compared to those who had none of those lifestyle factors:

  1. Never having smoked
  2. Having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30
  3. Getting physical activity more than 3.5 hours each week (or basically 30 minutes daily)
  4. Eating a healthy diet

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So there we are. It is a long post but so important to us all.

The communication between dogs and humans.

A tremendous guest post from Raphael Wildcom.

Raphael was in contact with me asking whether I had any ideas of a subject that could be written about. I replied that it would be lovely to have a post about the way that dogs understand us humans. The following is the result, and it is great!

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Building Bridges: How Dogs Understand Humans and How We Can Improve Our Communication with Them

By Raphael Wildcom.

Dogs have been our faithful companions for thousands of years, and during that time, they have evolved to become incredibly attuned to human emotions and communication. Their ability to understand us and our ability to communicate with them has led to a unique bond between our two species. 

In this article, we will explore how dogs understand humans and offer some tips on how we can improve our communication with our canine friends.

How Dogs Understand Humans

  1. Body language

One of the most crucial ways dogs interpret our emotions and intentions is through our body language. Dogs are highly perceptive when it comes to noticing our posture, eye contact, and movements. They can sense if we are relaxed or tense and often respond accordingly. 

Photo from Pexels.com

For example, a cute Shiba Inu puppy might approach a person exhibiting relaxed body language while avoiding someone who appears tense or stressed.

  1. Facial expressions

Dogs are remarkably adept at recognizing human facial expressions. Research has shown that they can distinguish between expressions of happiness, sadness, and anger, among others. This ability allows them to adjust their behavior depending on our emotional state.

  1. Vocalizations

Although dogs may not understand the specific words we use, they are incredibly sensitive to the tone and pitch of our voices. They can pick up on the emotional content of our speech, which helps them gauge our emotions and intentions. For example, a dog might become excited when they hear a high-pitched, happy voice or become submissive when they hear a low, stern voice.

  1. Training and commands

Dogs can learn to associate specific words or gestures with actions or objects through training and repetition. This ability allows them to respond to our commands and communicate with us effectively. For example, a dog might learn to sit when they hear the word “sit” or see a specific hand signal.

  1. Scent and pheromones

Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, and they can pick up on subtle changes in our body odor, which may be indicative of our emotional state. For example, a dog might be able to detect the scent of stress-related hormones and respond accordingly.

  1. Social cues

Dogs are skilled at observing and interpreting social cues within a group or family. They understand relationships between people and often respond to the social hierarchy within the household. For example, a dog might defer to the person they perceive as the leader of the family.

Improving Communication with Your Dog

  1. Be consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to communicating with your dog. Use the same words, tone, and gestures for specific commands, and make sure all family members are on the same page. This consistency will help your dog understand what you expect from them and make it easier for them to respond correctly.

  1. Use positive reinforcement

Reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime when they respond correctly to a command or exhibit desirable behavior. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to strengthen your communication with your dog and encourage them to repeat the desired behavior in the future.

  1. Pay attention to your dog’s body language

Learn to recognize the subtle signs your dog uses to communicate their emotions and intentions. By understanding their body language, you can respond more effectively to their needs and create a stronger bond.

  1. Be patient and persistent

Training and effective communication with your dog takes time and effort. Be patient, and understand that your dog may need repetition and practice to grasp new commands or break old habits. Persistence and consistency will pay off in the long run.

  1. Learn from the experts

Consider enrolling in a dog training class, consulting with a professional dog trainer, or reading books on dog behavior and training to improve your communication skills and understanding of your dog’s needs.

  1. Socialize your dog

Expose your dog to various people, animals, environments, and situations from an early age. Socialization helps your dog become more comfortable in different settings and makes them better equipped to understand and respond to different cues from humans and other animals. Well-socialized dogs are generally more confident, adaptable, and better communicators.

  1. Develop a routine

Dogs thrive on routines, as they provide structure and predictability. Establish a daily routine for feeding, walks, playtime, and rest. A consistent routine helps your dog feel secure and makes it easier for them to understand your expectations.

  1. Be aware of your own body language and emotions

Remember that your dog is constantly observing you and responding to your body language and emotions. Be mindful of the signals you send through your posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice. By being aware of your own non-verbal communication, you can create a more harmonious and effective relationship with your dog.

  1. Use clear and simple commands

When giving your dog a command, use clear, simple words or gestures that are easy for them to understand. Avoid using multiple words for the same command or giving commands when you are angry or frustrated, as this can confuse your dog and hinder communication.

  1. Engage in interactive play and training

Spend time playing with your dog and engaging them in activities that challenge their mind and body. Interactive play and training sessions can strengthen your bond, improve communication, and provide mental stimulation for your dog.

Conclusion

By understanding how dogs interpret our emotions and intentions and implementing strategies to improve communication, we can forge an even stronger bond with our canine companions. This deeper connection not only enhances our relationship with our dogs but also contributes to their overall well-being and happiness. 

With patience, consistency, and a commitment to understanding each other, we can continue to enjoy the unique and enriching bond that humans and dogs have shared for thousands of years.

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This article is such great advice. Thank you very much, Raphael.

I am sure I am not the only one that would love to have more articles from Raphael.

There’s more to water than one might think.

This post attracted me and I wanted to share it with you.

Here in Oregon we are lucky because the ground water is of a high quality and there is plenty of it. At home we drink our water straight from our well without any filtering or chlorination. Have been doing that ever since we moved in back in 2012.

But water is a much deeper subject than I tend to think of and this article is an in-depth review of the topic. It is an article from The Conversation.

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Water in space – a ‘Goldilocks’ star reveals previously hidden step in how water gets to planets like Earth

The star system V883 Orionis contains a rare star surrounded by a disk of gas, ice and dust.
A. Angelich (NRAO/AUI/NSF)/ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), CC BY

John Tobin, National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Without water, life on Earth could not exist as it does today. Understanding the history of water in the universe is critical to understanding how planets like Earth come to be.

Astronomers typically refer to the journey water takes from its formation as individual molecules in space to its resting place on the surfaces of planets as “the water trail.” The trail starts in the interstellar medium with hydrogen and oxygen gas and ends with oceans and ice caps on planets, with icy moons orbiting gas giants and icy comets and asteroids that orbit stars. The beginnings and ends of this trail are easy to see, but the middle has remained a mystery.

I am an astronomer who studies the formation of stars and planets using observations from radio and infrared telescopes. In a new paper, my colleagues and I describe the first measurements ever made of this previously hidden middle part of the water trail and what these findings mean for the water found on planets like Earth.

The progression of a star system from a cloud of dust and gas into a mature star with orbiting planets.

Star and planet formation is an intertwined process that starts with a cloud of molecules in space.
Bill Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF, CC BY

How planets are formed

The formation of stars and planets is intertwined. The so-called “emptiness of space” – or the interstellar medium – in fact contains large amounts of gaseous hydrogen, smaller amounts of other gasses and grains of dust. Due to gravity, some pockets of the interstellar medium will become more dense as particles attract each other and form clouds. As the density of these clouds increases, atoms begin to collide more frequently and form larger molecules, including water that forms on dust grains and coats the dust in ice.

Stars begin to form when parts of the collapsing cloud reach a certain density and heat up enough to start fusing hydrogen atoms together. Since only a small fraction of the gas initially collapses into the newborn protostar, the rest of the gas and dust forms a flattened disk of material circling around the spinning, newborn star. Astronomers call this a proto-planetary disk.

As icy dust particles collide with each other inside a proto-planetary disk, they begin to clump together. The process continues and eventually forms the familiar objects of space like asteroids, comets, rocky planets like Earth and gas giants like Jupiter or Saturn.

A cloudy filament against a backdrop of stars.

Gas and dust can condense into clouds, like the Taurus Molecular Cloud, where collisions between hydrogen and oxygen can form water.
ESO/APEX (MPIfR/ESO/OSO)/A. Hacar et al./Digitized Sky Survey 2, CC BY

Two theories for the source of water

There are two potential pathways that water in our solar system could have taken. The first, called chemical inheritance, is when the water molecules originally formed in the interstellar medium are delivered to proto-planetary disks and all the bodies they create without going through any changes.

The second theory is called chemical reset. In this process, the heat from the formation of the proto-planetary disk and newborn star breaks apart water molecules, which then reform once the proto-planetary disk cools.

Models of protium and deuterium.

Normal hydrogen, or protium, does not contain a neutron in its nucleus, while deuterium contains one neutron, making it heavier.
Dirk Hünniger/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

To test these theories, astronomers like me look at the ratio between normal water and a special kind of water called semi-heavy water. Water is normally made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Semi-heavy water is made of one oxygen atom, one hydrogen atom and one atom of deuterium – a heavier isotope of hydrogen with an extra neutron in its nucleus.

The ratio of semi-heavy to normal water is a guiding light on the water trail – measuring the ratio can tell astronomers a lot about the source of water. Chemical models and experiments have shown that about 1,000 times more semi-heavy water will be produced in the cold interstellar medium than in the conditions of a protoplanetary disk.

This difference means that by measuring the ratio of semi-heavy to normal water in a place, astronomers can tell whether that water went through the chemical inheritance or chemical reset pathway.

A star surrounded by a ring of gas and dust.

V883 Orionis is a young star system with a rare star at its center that makes measuring water in the proto-planetary cloud, shown in the cutaway, possible.
ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF), CC BY

Measuring water during the formation of a planet

Comets have a ratio of semi-heavy to normal water almost perfectly in line with chemical inheritance, meaning the water hasn’t undergone a major chemical change since it was first created in space. Earth’s ratio sits somewhere in between the inheritance and reset ratio, making it unclear where the water came from.

To truly determine where the water on planets comes from, astronomers needed to find a goldilocks proto-planetary disk – one that is just the right temperature and size to allow observations of water. Doing so has proved to be incredibly difficult. It is possible to detect semi-heavy and normal water when water is a gas; unfortunately for astronomers, the vast majority of proto-plantary disks are very cold and contain mostly ice, and it is nearly impossible to measure water ratios from ice at interstellar distances.

A breakthrough came in 2016, when my colleagues and I were studying proto-planetary disks around a rare type of young star called FU Orionis stars. Most young stars consume matter from the proto-planetary disks around them. FU Orionis stars are unique because they consume matter about 100 times faster than typical young stars and, as a result, emit hundreds of times more energy. Due to this higher energy output, the proto-planetary disks around FU Orionis stars are heated to much higher temperatures, turning ice into water vapor out to large distances from the star.

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, a powerful radio telescope in northern Chile, we discovered a large, warm proto-planetary disk around the Sunlike young star V883 Ori, about 1,300 light years from Earth in the constellation Orion.

V883 Ori emits 200 times more energy than the Sun, and my colleagues and I recognized that it was an ideal candidate to observe the semi-heavy to normal water ratio.

A radio image of the disk around V883 Ori.

The proto-planetary disk around V883 Ori contains gaseous water, shown in the orange layer, allowing astronomers to measure the ratio of semi-heavy to normal water.
ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), J. Tobin, B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF), CC BY

Completing the water trail

In 2021, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array took measurements of V883 Ori for six hours. The data revealed a strong signature of semi-heavy and normal water coming from V883 Ori’s proto-planetary disk. We measured the ratio of semi-heavy to normal water and found that the ratio was very similar to ratios found in comets as well as the ratios found in younger protostar systems.

These results fill in the gap of the water trail forging a direct link between water in the interstellar medium, protostars, proto-planetary disks and planets like Earth through the process of inheritance, not chemical reset.

The new results show definitively that a substantial portion of the water on Earth most likely formed billions of years ago, before the Sun had even ignited. Confirming this missing piece of water’s path through the universe offers clues to origins of water on Earth. Scientists have previously suggested that most water on Earth came from comets impacting the planet. The fact that Earth has less semi-heavy water than comets and V883 Ori, but more than chemical reset theory would produce, means that water on Earth likely came from more than one source.The Conversation

John Tobin, Scientist, National Radio Astronomy Observatory

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Now this was a long article and I hope some of you stayed with John’s piece until the very end.

It really shows how the water trail is a much greater and longer journey than I assumed.

Keeping your dog healthy!

Another excellent guest post from Penny Martin.

I love what Penny does and it sure does take the pressure off me because I know that Penny’s posts are first class.

This is a topic that every dog owner is keen on – keeping one’s dog fit and healthy.

Over to Penny.

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Image: Pexels

Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit With This Essential Care Guide

Keeping your dog healthy and fit is a priority if you want to ensure he lives a long and happy life, but it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s important to make sure that your pup stays active, eats the right food, and gets the proper amount of exercise, but there’s more you can do to help him get fit and maintain great health. Use this guide from Learning from Dogs to create a wellness strategy for your four-legged friend and give him the long life he deserves.

Help Your Dog Stay Active

It’s important to keep your pup active throughout the day, especially if he spends time home alone while you’re at work. Take him on walks or let them run around in the yard; these activities will help keep them physically fit as well as mentally stimulated, and you can hire a pet sitter or dog-walker to help out. If you live in an area that isn’t very dog-friendly, look for a local dog park where he can run around safely.

Stimulate His Mind

While physical activity is crucial for your pet, there are also many toys and products available on the market that can help increase his activity levels. Investing in dog puzzles, treat dispensers, and chew toys can help keep your dog entertained while also providing an opportunity to burn off some extra energy throughout the day. This will also work to prevent behavioral issues if he spends time alone. 

Improve His Diet With Quality Food

Investing in higher-quality food for your pup is essential for their health and well-being. Look for foods that are made with natural ingredients and provide all the nutrients they need. Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives as these could potentially be harmful to your dog’s health. 

You can also try air-dried food, which is cooked slowly to ensure it retains the maximum amount of nutrients and flavor. This option deserves a look, as it is also low in carbs and higher in protein than wet food options. You can even order a sample to check it out for yourself before investing.

Regulate Meals and Treats

In addition to making sure he has the right type of food, it’s important to feed your dog the required amount of food each day according to his size and age. Too little or too much could lead to health issues down the line. Additionally, limit treats, as they can contain high amounts of sugar which could lead to weight gain or other health problems over time.

Get Professional Advice

If you notice that your pup needs to lose a significant amount of weight, Chewy says that it’s best to work with a vet who can provide advice on how best to do so safely without causing harm or stress to him. Doing it this way will guarantee that your weight loss plan is secure, and you’ll still be able to give him the best possible nutrition. This is especially important if your dog is older.

Prepare With The Right Gear

Having quality gear like durable leashes and harnesses when taking your pet out for walks is essential for their safety as well as yours. Investing in quality gear now will save you money in the long run, as it will last longer than cheaper alternatives which may break easily over time due to wear and tear. Look for a harness that is comfortable and adjustable in a durable fabric.

Treat Your Dog with the Love They Deserve

Keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy can go a long way toward ensuring that he’s with you for a long time. By feeding him high-quality dog food, making sure he gets enough exercise, and investing in the right gear, you can give your dog many more years. Just make sure you consult your vet with any issues along the way.

We can – and should – learn a lot from our four-legged friends and their ability to give unconditional love. Check out Learning from Dogs online to find inspiration for loving and living your life every day.

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All very sound advice and, once again, Penny is to be thanked for submitting this guest post. Thank you, Penny!

Some less-known facts about dogs

A fascinating list!

Now I can’t recall where I saw these facts; I suspect they were emailed to me.

Whatever, it doesn’t matter, for they are amazing!

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1. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell—up to 100,000 times better than ours! They have more than 220 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while humans only have around 5 million.

2. Dogs can recognize up to 250 words and gestures, and they can even understand the tone of voice we use when we’re speaking to them.

3. Dogs can see in the dark better than us. They have a layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back into the retina and helps them to see better in low light.

4. Dogs can sense when something is wrong or when you’re feeling down. They’ll often come and sit with you or give you extra cuddles when you’re feeling blue.

5. Dogs have an incredible sense of direction and can find their way back home from miles away. They use a combination of smell, sight and sound to remember the route they took.

6. Dogs can often tell when you’re about to sneeze. They have a special ability to sense subtle changes in our body language, and they can detect the slight changes that happen right before you sneeze.

7. Dogs can also tell when you’re happy or sad. They have the ability to sense changes in our breathing, body temperature, and even the amount of sweat we produce.

8. Dogs can sense when you’re getting sick. They can detect changes in your scent that you don’t even notice, and they’ll often come and comfort you when you’re feeling unwell.

9. Dogs can sense when someone is going to epileptic seizures or diabetic shock. They can detect the changes in smell, behavior and body chemistry that occur before a seizure or shock happens.

10. Dogs can detect certain types of cancer. They’re able to sniff out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath, urine or sweat of a person with cancer, which is why some organizations are training dogs to use their noses to detect cancer in humans.

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Dogs are amazing animals, in so many ways!