Healthcare costs seem to be a topic for heated debate and uncertainty; everyone has an opinion and is willing to share. I am unsure when or if I have seen a more emotionally charged debate than the one on healthcare reform. What if we could change the whole debate with an alternative where everyone’s a winner?
It is difficult for me to remember my life when I was without a pet of some sort, if only a fish in a bowl. We form few relationships in life that are as strong and unconditional as the bond with our pets, who accept us even if we are fat, skinny, sick, healthy, or moody; pets are there to bring us joy in the best and worst of times. As a nurse caring for patients, I frequently see pictures of companion animals along with family photographs posted on beds and walls in patients’ rooms. Because of this strong bond, our pets become a significant extension of our family. I have seen pictures of a pet bring many smiles to a patient’s face—more than words or a family photograph can bring.
The devoted companionship we build with our pets is only the beginning of the benefits we reap from a human-animal bond. According to Mayo Clinic cancer specialist, Dr. Edward Creagan, “seniors with pets have 21 percent fewer physician visits, lower blood pressure and better coping skills.” The U.S. Department of Health concluded that pet owners who have had a heart attack have a 28% survival rate vs. only a 6% survival rate for those heart attack victims who do not own a pet. Other health benefits of pet ownership include: decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; decreased feelings of loneliness; and increased opportunities for exercise, socialization, and outdoor activities. Studies have shown that nursing homes using companion animal therapy have experienced a significant reduction in prescription medications and an overall cost reduction for senior care.
Studies in Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom concluded that pet ownership could save governments hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars. Research in the United States has shown pet ownership could reduce the number of physician office visits for seniors by 20 to 40 percent. Is it possible these savings could save the Medicare system? Maybe, maybe not. However, when we weigh all the health benefits of the human-animal bond, it becomes plain to see that the savings and benefits are significant.
October is Adopt-A-Dog® month and animal shelters have many adoptable dogs eager to become your loyal companion for life. Animal shelters and breed-rescue services have some truly amazing dogs in all sizes, shapes, and colors—mixed breeds to purebreds. A dog might not replace your need for health insurance, but you will laugh more, smile bigger, and have a heart filled with love. One thing is for sure, adopting a dog will save a life—maybe yours.
Visit your local community animal shelter or these online sources:
www.americanhuman.org
www.petfinder.com
www.spayusa.org or 800-248-SPAY (please be responsible spay or neuter your pet)
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about, please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Friday, September 25, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sue Wee Pig, The Race is On
Choose your pig, place your bets, and they’re off! I am not sure if you’ve ever had the privilege of watching a pig race, but it is hilarious fun. My all time favorite is when an adult enters into the race thinking he or she can out-run the four legged piglets. I guess the fall air clouds the judgment of those who enter such a contest. But it sure is a great entertaining moment for those of us taking it all in.
In an effort to protect yourself from this year’s flu season, I suggest these five steps to keep you ahead in the race to better health. Nothing will take the place of a little common sense as you prepare for what most experts say will be the worst flu season we’ve seen in a very long time. The basics of good health, of course, are not smoking, eating a healthy diet, adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise. I believe that smoking is the good health nemesis, and this holds particularly true during flu season. Research has shown that smokers are more likely to become infected with influenza compared to nonsmokers. Also, there is a higher mortality rate for smokers than for nonsmokers from influenza.
The first step in preventing any disease and especially the flu is HAND WASHING! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of disease. Hand washing includes soap, water, time, and friction! Sing “Happy Birthday” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” for about 20 seconds while rubbing soap on all surfaces of your hands. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers often in between washings and whenever soap and water are not available.
The second step in protecting yourself against the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccination. September / October is an excellent time to start getting vaccinated for the best protection during the peak flu season. The Department of Health and Human Services is working to get the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine ready in time to protect against the mid-winter peak. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before and after your vaccination can help boost the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Thirdly, keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose. Germs can enter the body through these delicate mucous membranes. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with the crook of your arm to minimize the transfer of germs onto everything you touch. When using a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze, be sure to throw it away immediately and wash your hands.
The fourth step is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Include yogurt (or other cultured dairy products) in your diet to help promote a healthy balance of good bacteria to support digestion and stimulate your immune system.
The fifth step is to take vitamin D, which I believe to be vital in the prevention of the common cold and flu. I recommend having a blood test to check your serum vitamin D level by your healthcare provider. The optimum range is 50 to 70 ng/ml; most patients I saw this summer in the clinic had a serum level of 14 ng/ml. Based on the research I have reviewed, I recommend 2,000 IUs per day as a safe dose of vitamin D if you are not going to have your level checked. Again, I stress that you should not start any supplement or medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. In the next few weeks I will be devoting an entire column to the benefits of vitamin D, so stay tuned.
Use a little common sense and race through the flu season, staying ahead of the swine. You might not beat the piglets on foot but by taking care of yourself and following these steps to better health, you will make for a healthier run.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about, please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
In an effort to protect yourself from this year’s flu season, I suggest these five steps to keep you ahead in the race to better health. Nothing will take the place of a little common sense as you prepare for what most experts say will be the worst flu season we’ve seen in a very long time. The basics of good health, of course, are not smoking, eating a healthy diet, adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise. I believe that smoking is the good health nemesis, and this holds particularly true during flu season. Research has shown that smokers are more likely to become infected with influenza compared to nonsmokers. Also, there is a higher mortality rate for smokers than for nonsmokers from influenza.
The first step in preventing any disease and especially the flu is HAND WASHING! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of disease. Hand washing includes soap, water, time, and friction! Sing “Happy Birthday” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” for about 20 seconds while rubbing soap on all surfaces of your hands. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers often in between washings and whenever soap and water are not available.
The second step in protecting yourself against the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccination. September / October is an excellent time to start getting vaccinated for the best protection during the peak flu season. The Department of Health and Human Services is working to get the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine ready in time to protect against the mid-winter peak. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before and after your vaccination can help boost the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Thirdly, keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose. Germs can enter the body through these delicate mucous membranes. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with the crook of your arm to minimize the transfer of germs onto everything you touch. When using a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze, be sure to throw it away immediately and wash your hands.
The fourth step is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Include yogurt (or other cultured dairy products) in your diet to help promote a healthy balance of good bacteria to support digestion and stimulate your immune system.
The fifth step is to take vitamin D, which I believe to be vital in the prevention of the common cold and flu. I recommend having a blood test to check your serum vitamin D level by your healthcare provider. The optimum range is 50 to 70 ng/ml; most patients I saw this summer in the clinic had a serum level of 14 ng/ml. Based on the research I have reviewed, I recommend 2,000 IUs per day as a safe dose of vitamin D if you are not going to have your level checked. Again, I stress that you should not start any supplement or medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. In the next few weeks I will be devoting an entire column to the benefits of vitamin D, so stay tuned.
Use a little common sense and race through the flu season, staying ahead of the swine. You might not beat the piglets on foot but by taking care of yourself and following these steps to better health, you will make for a healthier run.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about, please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tailgating Smart
Many enjoy pre-game tailgating and the camaraderie it creates with their fellow sports fans. Where sounds of laughter and cheering mix with smells of hotdogs and chicken wings. Nothing brings it all together like a marching band playing “I’m a Tar Heel Born,” “On, on, U of K,” or the sounds of good ole “Rocky Top” like tailgating in the crisp fall air on a Saturday afternoon.
Arm yourself with your favorite tailgating recipes, fight songs, and friends. And, fight food bacteria to be a winner all season long. Nothing spoils a day at the ball park faster than a case of nausea, stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Food poisoning symptoms can start anywhere from one hour to 28 days and anywhere in between after consuming contaminated food or water.
Think ahead, making your game plan for your tailgating party one that avoids food bacteria, which could have you and your tailgating mates running offensively to a seat without a view. The simplest and most important step in preventing illness, including food poisoning, is HAND WASHING! Make sure you have plenty of soap and water or hand sanitizer and use them frequently when grilling or cooking out. Cleanliness is King when it comes to cooking. Start with clean hands, food preparation surfaces, grill, and cooking utensils. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap water to remove visible dirt and grime. Because bacteria can grow on the cut surfaces of fruits and vegetables, be careful not to cross-contaminate with meat products.
Tailgating chefs should always have a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat they are cooking to ensure that it has been cooked sufficiently to kill bacteria. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160° F, Poultry 165°, and Pork 160°. Again, separate raw foods from cooked foods; you should never use plates or utensils that were used with raw food to serve or store cooked food. For success in preventing disease you must have clean surfaces and adequate heat for cooking meat as well as coolers for keeping other food cold. Make sure you have enough ice to store food at 40° F or less pre- and post-game. Never store drinks and food products in the same cooler. Never allow food to sit more than two hours after cooking; when in doubt, throw it out.
Incorporate these tips into your tailgating game plan and you will reduce your risk of your fight song becoming “nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea!” It is reported that 1 in 10 Americans have diarrhea because of food-borne infections each year. Make sure your tailgating First-Aid kit has bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) and ingredients to replace lost fluids. Here is a simple recipe for fluid replacement: 1 teaspoon of salt; 4 heaping teaspoons of sugar, 1 liter of water and shake well. Remember to discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist any over the counter medications or supplements before taking.
Joe Cahn, The Commissioner of Tailgating (www.tailgating.com) describes tailgating as “it’s families, it’s fans, it’s a community social. It’s pre-game, halftime, post-game and more….” I say enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family in the spirit of a common bond in sport competition where everyone is a winner.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Arm yourself with your favorite tailgating recipes, fight songs, and friends. And, fight food bacteria to be a winner all season long. Nothing spoils a day at the ball park faster than a case of nausea, stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Food poisoning symptoms can start anywhere from one hour to 28 days and anywhere in between after consuming contaminated food or water.
Think ahead, making your game plan for your tailgating party one that avoids food bacteria, which could have you and your tailgating mates running offensively to a seat without a view. The simplest and most important step in preventing illness, including food poisoning, is HAND WASHING! Make sure you have plenty of soap and water or hand sanitizer and use them frequently when grilling or cooking out. Cleanliness is King when it comes to cooking. Start with clean hands, food preparation surfaces, grill, and cooking utensils. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap water to remove visible dirt and grime. Because bacteria can grow on the cut surfaces of fruits and vegetables, be careful not to cross-contaminate with meat products.
Tailgating chefs should always have a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat they are cooking to ensure that it has been cooked sufficiently to kill bacteria. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160° F, Poultry 165°, and Pork 160°. Again, separate raw foods from cooked foods; you should never use plates or utensils that were used with raw food to serve or store cooked food. For success in preventing disease you must have clean surfaces and adequate heat for cooking meat as well as coolers for keeping other food cold. Make sure you have enough ice to store food at 40° F or less pre- and post-game. Never store drinks and food products in the same cooler. Never allow food to sit more than two hours after cooking; when in doubt, throw it out.
Incorporate these tips into your tailgating game plan and you will reduce your risk of your fight song becoming “nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea!” It is reported that 1 in 10 Americans have diarrhea because of food-borne infections each year. Make sure your tailgating First-Aid kit has bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) and ingredients to replace lost fluids. Here is a simple recipe for fluid replacement: 1 teaspoon of salt; 4 heaping teaspoons of sugar, 1 liter of water and shake well. Remember to discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist any over the counter medications or supplements before taking.
Joe Cahn, The Commissioner of Tailgating (www.tailgating.com) describes tailgating as “it’s families, it’s fans, it’s a community social. It’s pre-game, halftime, post-game and more….” I say enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family in the spirit of a common bond in sport competition where everyone is a winner.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, September 7, 2009
"Where There is Love There is Life"
Many of my earliest and fondest childhood memories revolve around my childhood pets. As I traveled though life’s menagerie I had dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, fish, frogs, lizards, turtles and horses. My biggest regret in life by far has been giving away my two horses Dusty and Louie. I was so busy in my last year of nursing school, it seemed as though the farrier was spending more time with my horses than I was. Although my heart was in the right place, I experienced a loss that has been ongoing over the last fifteen years. After parting that day I never saw my horses again. I have tried to move past this ambiguous loss with much difficulty, which continues to be a personal struggle for me.
We all experience and deal with grief in different ways. Our pets or companion animals become anchors in our lives with an unwavering love and acceptance. Our pets see us through the best of times as well as the times we struggle. We experience so many changes in our lives, like new jobs or loss of employment, loss of friends or family through death or separation. Companion animals see us through both the good and bad times in our life with acceptance and love. When our loss is our pet, how do we react? How do we grieve, are we supported by family, friends or co-workers? Most employers offer 3 to 5 days for bereavement of a spouse, child or parent but what about the loss of Fido or Mr. Kitty? Many times we trivialize the grief we feel by saying it’s just a dog; never really taking the time to slow down and memorialize the pet and grieve. Dr. Elizabeth Strand, Director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, stresses that pet loss is worthy of our attention. Dr. Stand encourages us to take pet loss seriously by doing some kind of memorial.
Often children are forgotten as they try to cope with the loss of a pet. Sometimes adults try to offer words of encouragement such as, “we will get another pet.” In the book Ocho Loved Flowers, author Anne Fontaine helps children and adults learn some of the great lessons pet ownership can teach: having strong relationships, communicating well, having compassion, and letting go. In the story, Annie, a little girl, is devastated when her cat Ocho becomes ill. The book goes on to describe the depth of the relationship the girl has with her cat—from the way she cares for him in health to the way she tries to provide what he needs as he is dying. Ocho Loved Flowers explains grief in terms children can understand, just as it guides adults in how to help shape children’s experiences and allow them to draw wisdom from them.
There are community resources available to help you with the loss of a pet:
• Your Veterinarian: Can help or make referrals within your community.
• Your Church: Draw on your minister and congregation for support during your grief.
• Humane Societies: Local Animal shelters or Humane Societies may have a pet loss support group.
• Family and Friends: Accept help if offered, your friends and family have been with you during difficult situations in the past.
• The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work Department @ 865-755-8839. They offer a supportive environment where people can share their varied experiences of grief and loss. A place to remember and honor the life of a companion who has died.
• 3rd Annual Pet Memorial Day hosted by The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work. September 13, 2009 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm call 865-755-8839 for more information, or visit my blog at www.howardsbaker.com
Our pets are intertwined in our lives, we deserve to slow down and remember them. “Where there is love there is life” Gandhi.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
We all experience and deal with grief in different ways. Our pets or companion animals become anchors in our lives with an unwavering love and acceptance. Our pets see us through the best of times as well as the times we struggle. We experience so many changes in our lives, like new jobs or loss of employment, loss of friends or family through death or separation. Companion animals see us through both the good and bad times in our life with acceptance and love. When our loss is our pet, how do we react? How do we grieve, are we supported by family, friends or co-workers? Most employers offer 3 to 5 days for bereavement of a spouse, child or parent but what about the loss of Fido or Mr. Kitty? Many times we trivialize the grief we feel by saying it’s just a dog; never really taking the time to slow down and memorialize the pet and grieve. Dr. Elizabeth Strand, Director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, stresses that pet loss is worthy of our attention. Dr. Stand encourages us to take pet loss seriously by doing some kind of memorial.
Often children are forgotten as they try to cope with the loss of a pet. Sometimes adults try to offer words of encouragement such as, “we will get another pet.” In the book Ocho Loved Flowers, author Anne Fontaine helps children and adults learn some of the great lessons pet ownership can teach: having strong relationships, communicating well, having compassion, and letting go. In the story, Annie, a little girl, is devastated when her cat Ocho becomes ill. The book goes on to describe the depth of the relationship the girl has with her cat—from the way she cares for him in health to the way she tries to provide what he needs as he is dying. Ocho Loved Flowers explains grief in terms children can understand, just as it guides adults in how to help shape children’s experiences and allow them to draw wisdom from them.
There are community resources available to help you with the loss of a pet:
• Your Veterinarian: Can help or make referrals within your community.
• Your Church: Draw on your minister and congregation for support during your grief.
• Humane Societies: Local Animal shelters or Humane Societies may have a pet loss support group.
• Family and Friends: Accept help if offered, your friends and family have been with you during difficult situations in the past.
• The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work Department @ 865-755-8839. They offer a supportive environment where people can share their varied experiences of grief and loss. A place to remember and honor the life of a companion who has died.
• 3rd Annual Pet Memorial Day hosted by The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work. September 13, 2009 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm call 865-755-8839 for more information, or visit my blog at www.howardsbaker.com
Our pets are intertwined in our lives, we deserve to slow down and remember them. “Where there is love there is life” Gandhi.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Pet Memorial Information Sept 13, 2009
You Are Invited to Observe the 3rd Annual
PET MEMORIAL DAY
hosted by
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work
Location: Plant Biotech Building on the
University of Tennessee (Ag/Vet campus)
Date: September 13, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
An opportunity to share…
Participants are invited to take part in a special memorial art project which will be displayed in the UT Veterinary College. A quality copy of your favorite photo of your pet will enhance your project (please do not bring originals). You may also bring other pictures, poems, stories, songs, or anything else you would like to share with us in remembrance of your loving friends.
Help other animals in need …
New or gently used pet items will be accepted and donated to the animals at Young-Williams Animal Center, especially leashes and collars.
Free for the Community…
The event is COMPLETELY FREE. You may make a small donation to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work program if you desire. Refreshments will be served.
Directions… TO PLANT BIOTECH BUILDING/PARKING:
1. Turn onto NEYLAND DR - go 0.1 mi
2. Turn onto CENTER DR/JOE JOHNSON DR and go to stoplight.
3. Turn right to park in lot #66
4. From there walk to the stoplight and continue up EJ Chapman Drive, the 2nd building on the left is the Plant Biotech bldg, there is side entrance, walk down the steps in to the building and room 156/157 is straight ahead.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 865-755-8839.
We look forward to having you with us!
PET MEMORIAL DAY
hosted by
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work
Location: Plant Biotech Building on the
University of Tennessee (Ag/Vet campus)
Date: September 13, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
An opportunity to share…
Participants are invited to take part in a special memorial art project which will be displayed in the UT Veterinary College. A quality copy of your favorite photo of your pet will enhance your project (please do not bring originals). You may also bring other pictures, poems, stories, songs, or anything else you would like to share with us in remembrance of your loving friends.
Help other animals in need …
New or gently used pet items will be accepted and donated to the animals at Young-Williams Animal Center, especially leashes and collars.
Free for the Community…
The event is COMPLETELY FREE. You may make a small donation to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work program if you desire. Refreshments will be served.
Directions… TO PLANT BIOTECH BUILDING/PARKING:
1. Turn onto NEYLAND DR - go 0.1 mi
2. Turn onto CENTER DR/JOE JOHNSON DR and go to stoplight.
3. Turn right to park in lot #66
4. From there walk to the stoplight and continue up EJ Chapman Drive, the 2nd building on the left is the Plant Biotech bldg, there is side entrance, walk down the steps in to the building and room 156/157 is straight ahead.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 865-755-8839.
We look forward to having you with us!
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