Author: illumistream
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE6rYqaWjkU

Author: LivingbyDesign1
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwtxx9fFqHw

Natural Cures Tip of the Week

Week of Sept 17th, 2006
Week of September 17th, 2006

Back-to-School with an Apple a Day?

Autumn signals not only the return of school days for many, but the organic apple farmer to our local farmer’s markets. It was Benjamin Franklin who coined the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. True. But, it took until 2003, to find out that apples have 16 different biologic polyphenols. Polyphenols have a variety of different functions in the human body, including acting as antioxidants. One particular antioxidant, called quercetin, is not just a boon to the brain, but studies have shown that it may reduce cancer risks and prevent other diseases. Fresh, organic, whole apples are the best form of the fruit, as quercetin is found primarily in apple skin. Polyphenols may be responsible for some of the health-promoting effects of apples recognized by Franklin more than 200 years ago, but the apples in Franklin’s day weren’t treated with toxic or persistent pesticides. Today, apples are on the list of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables. So, while it’s still better that kids eat any apple rather than modern junk food, an organic apple a day (the way they used to be grown) is the best apple to keep the doctor away – according to both old wisdom and 21st century wisdom. See more information in Chapter 6 of the Natural Cures book).

A highly respected magazine for kids, once ad-free, is now packed with ads for fast food, candy, sugary cereals, snack cakes, and other products. At a time when nutrition-related health crises plague our nation, and especially our youth, it is unconscionable that this magazine has chosen to cram its pages with ads for meals such as fried chicken fingers with French fries, which provides 590 calories and more than half-a-day’s worth of fat and sodium. Junk food ads are clearly a major source of revenue for this magazine and others, in spite of some of the following facts which are not getting enough attention:

Feeding children hot dogs increases their risk of brain cancer by 300%. Strawberry yogurt, fruit punch and other red-looking grocery products are often colored with dead, ground-up cochineal beetles. The ingredient, called “carmine,” is made from insects, and is listed on the label of many favorite foods.

Many Florida oranges are actually dipped in an artificial orange dye in order to make them visually appealing; the same dye that’s been banned for use in foods because of cancer risk.

Girl Scout cookies are still made with hydrogenated oils that contain trans fatty acids, which are common in foods kids eat, including fried foods like French fries, and in many baked goods (cookies, pastries, crackers, chips, etc.).

Eating just one serving of processed meat each day increases your risk of pancreatic cancer by 67%. How many processed meat sandwiches are eaten daily?

Much is being said these days about incorporating healthier foods into the school lunch programs, but home is still the best starting point. Children, especially younger ones, learn by imitation of those around them. If foods at home are healthy, kids will pick their favorites from among healthy choices provided. It helps if the healthy choices are also tasty and appealingly presented. Sneak healthy vegetables or fruits into baked goods, if necessary, and as a safety net in this processed-food world, use daily multivitamins.

It’s hard to overestimate the enormous potential of families sharing meals together in this day and age. Prepare to be inspired! Try one new fruit or vegetable a week; take your children shopping and pick out the right foods for you and them; choose the healthiest version of snack foods if you do consume them; discuss dietary changes with your family. Family meals are associated with better nutrition, better health, better behavior, and happier children and parents. Experts are wringing their hands about the obesity epidemic in children, depression in teens; citizens are concerned about violence, educators are distressed by falling school performance. Getting kids to eat healthy can be frustrating, but as kids eat more meals at home with their parents, they naturally begin to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy dairy products than their peers do. Fast-food meals more than twice a week are associated with increased obesity and type 2 diabetes. Studies show that youth who eat more family meals perform better in school, spend more time on homework, get better grades, and spend more of their free time reading for pleasure; perhaps, while enjoying their fresh, juicy, organic “apple for the day”. Thank you, Benjamin!

Author: curiosa
Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060919110346AAQ099w

Author: ehowhealth
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s09EEvGf_w

Author: ehowhealth
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIzhb6XayJY

It may come as a surprise, if you’re a new cat owner, that many health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.

Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat’s digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don’t have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat’s intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat’s hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat’s urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat’s immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme Disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat’s body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none — symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet’s behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:

(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good Health Care

Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.

Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.

Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/health-issues-with-cats-of-all-kinds-2193238.html

Author: Keri Carrillo
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/health-issues-with-cats-of-all-kinds-2193238.html