Ah, summer, when a dog's thoughts focus more than ever on the great outdoors, and how to spend as much time there as possible. The living may be easy, but summertime can also be rife with pet hazards that range from dehydration to heatstroke to drowning.
The first rule of summer safety is to keep hydrated, so make clean water always available, and keep the toilet seat up and the bowl free of chemical sanitizers in case the supply runs out. Protect pets from the sun's blaze by providing ample shade, especially at midday (and don't tie dogs outside without shelter).
Avoid walking dogs on scorching pavement, and remember sidewalks can retain heat well into the evening. If conditions are steamy all day, don't bring Fido with you to an outdoor café; the pavement will be too hot for him to sit or lie down. Leave him at home in climate-controlled comfort, and bring him a doggie bag. Certain breeds, such as the St. Bernard, prefer wintry climates, so don't stint on air conditioning.
Two inventions that define summer — the swimming pool and the automobile — can be risky for pets. Never, ever leave any animal in a parked car (even with the windows open, it will become deadly hot in minutes), and prevent pets from drowning with Safety Turtle, a sensor that attaches to the animal's collar, linked to a wireless base station; if the pet falls into the water, an alarm sounds (also, "close" the pool when not in use with a sturdy cover by Looploc.com).
Examine your pet's coat several times daily for ticks; if you find one, stun the varmint with a drop of cold vodka (keep a bottle in the freezer), then remove it carefully with tweezers. Repel ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies with nontoxic Herbal Gold Parasite Dust, which desiccates an insect's exoskeleton yet won't harm mammals (buckmountainbotanicals.com).
Another global summer hazard this month and next: flood season. Learn from experienced rescuers how to prepare yourself to save pets in the event of a natural disaster by visiting Muttshack.org (the online course is free).
By Julia Szabo
Friday, August 10, 2007
Sexual Predator Website
You should know who lives in your neighborhood. Especially if they are a convicted sexual predator. Find out now at this site.
BOLO Alert!!!
A BSO deputy has been shot and killed this morning. Deputy Chris Reyka was shot behind a Pompano Beach Walgreen's. He saw two cars parked in the back. He got out of his car to investigate, when police say he was ambushed. Police are still searching for the shooter. They're on the look out for a white sedan, possibly a Crown Victoria between the years of 1991 and 1993.
51 year old deputy Chris Reyka was pronounced dead at North Broward Medical Center. Reyka, an 18-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff's Office has four children, one in college and one serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
A 10 thousand dollar reward has been issued for information about his killer. Police are now engaged in a massive hunt for suspects.
51 year old deputy Chris Reyka was pronounced dead at North Broward Medical Center. Reyka, an 18-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff's Office has four children, one in college and one serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
A 10 thousand dollar reward has been issued for information about his killer. Police are now engaged in a massive hunt for suspects.
Diet food is not for kids
Researchers say diet foods may be contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity because they may inadvertently lead children to overeat.
The researchers conducted tests on young rats, and found when the animals were given low-calorie versions of foods they overate regardless of whether they were lean or obese. The researchers suspect that low-calorie versions of usually high-calorie foods disrupt the body's ability to use taste to regulate calorific intake and they say diet foods are probably not a good idea for growing youngsters.
The researchers conducted tests on young rats, and found when the animals were given low-calorie versions of foods they overate regardless of whether they were lean or obese. The researchers suspect that low-calorie versions of usually high-calorie foods disrupt the body's ability to use taste to regulate calorific intake and they say diet foods are probably not a good idea for growing youngsters.
Monkey see monkey do with plastic surgery
Reality TV shows focused on plastic surgery can boost viewers' own interest in these types of procedures, a new study finds.
Shows such as Extreme Makeover and The Swan also make those who watch them frequently feel more knowledgeable about plastic surgery, compared to those who don't watch as much of this reality fare. "The more they watched the shows, the more interested" they became in plastic surgery, said Dr. John Persing, the senior author and a plastic surgeon at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
Shows such as Extreme Makeover and The Swan also make those who watch them frequently feel more knowledgeable about plastic surgery, compared to those who don't watch as much of this reality fare. "The more they watched the shows, the more interested" they became in plastic surgery, said Dr. John Persing, the senior author and a plastic surgeon at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Plastics Chemical of 'Some Concern' for Fetal, Child Health
Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many plastics and resins, may present some risk to a developing fetus and children, a U.S. government panel concluded yesterday.
BPA is chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and several types of resins. It is found in products used everyday such as compact discs, DVDs, baby bottles and other food and drink packaging. It is also commonly found in cars, sports safety equipment and water pipes.
"The panel's finding means that we cannot dismiss the fact that exposure to this substance may be causing effects on reproductive health," CERHR Director Michael D. Shelby said. However, "It's going to take more research to verify what those effects are," he said.
In addition, exposure to BPA has been blamed for a variety of other problems, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Exposure to BPA can occur through direct contact or by exposure to food or drink that has been in contact with material containing BPA.
BPA is chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and several types of resins. It is found in products used everyday such as compact discs, DVDs, baby bottles and other food and drink packaging. It is also commonly found in cars, sports safety equipment and water pipes.
"The panel's finding means that we cannot dismiss the fact that exposure to this substance may be causing effects on reproductive health," CERHR Director Michael D. Shelby said. However, "It's going to take more research to verify what those effects are," he said.
In addition, exposure to BPA has been blamed for a variety of other problems, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Exposure to BPA can occur through direct contact or by exposure to food or drink that has been in contact with material containing BPA.
Overweight kids may have it rough
Three times as many 6- to 17-year-olds are overweight now than 30 years ago. Being overweight or obese can significantly affect kids' daily way of life, potentially causing serious physical and psychological problems now and in the future, says a recent study.
According to the study, kids and teens carrying around excess pounds may be the targets of bias and stereotyping not only from their peers, but also teachers and, surprisingly, their parents. Kids who are overweight frequently experience unfair treatment, prejudice, and discrimination. And, according to the study, the cruel treatment and social disadvantages associated with being overweight may have lasting, harmful effects on everything from kids' physical health to their education, from their relationships to their jobs.
According to the study, kids and teens carrying around excess pounds may be the targets of bias and stereotyping not only from their peers, but also teachers and, surprisingly, their parents. Kids who are overweight frequently experience unfair treatment, prejudice, and discrimination. And, according to the study, the cruel treatment and social disadvantages associated with being overweight may have lasting, harmful effects on everything from kids' physical health to their education, from their relationships to their jobs.
Should texting while driving be outlawed?
A poll out this week found that 89 percent of respondents believe text messaging while driving is dangerous and should be outlawed, while at the same time 66 percent admitted to either reading or sending the messages while behind the wheel. The Harris Interactive survey found that, not surprisingly, 64 percent of those who admitted texting while driving were aged 18 to 34, while just six percent were 55 or older.
Washington state in May passed the first U.S. ban on texting while driving, and at least six other states are considering similar legislation.
Drive safe!
Washington state in May passed the first U.S. ban on texting while driving, and at least six other states are considering similar legislation.
Drive safe!
100 ways to entertain you kids cheap
100. Fingerpainting
99. Rhyme games
98. Hide and Seek
97. Animal Noises
96. Sock Puppets
95. How high can you count?
94. Have fun with hairstyles
93. Tea Party
92. Hot Potato
91. Monkey-arms
90. Rock-Paper-Scissors
For the rest just click here.
Make time for homework
After a summer packed with evening activities and outdoor fun, getting back in the habit of doing homework can be a difficult transition—for kids and parents. Finding time to do homework is another challenge all together!
Use these ideas to finagle room in your schedule—and help your kids focus on the subject at hand.
Keep the TV off! TV is noisy and distracting—especially when your child needs to focus on their multiplication tables. Instead, try putting on relaxing or fun music to establish a mood that encourages concentration—and TiVo the news for later.
To make sure you have enough time for homework, prep dinner ingredients in the morning or on the weekend. Prewash and cut veggies for salads and side dishes. Marinate meats and chicken. Make sauces. When you come home during the week, you can throw the meal together in a fraction of the time. Need to save more time? Dust off the crock pot!
Use these ideas to finagle room in your schedule—and help your kids focus on the subject at hand.
Keep the TV off! TV is noisy and distracting—especially when your child needs to focus on their multiplication tables. Instead, try putting on relaxing or fun music to establish a mood that encourages concentration—and TiVo the news for later.
To make sure you have enough time for homework, prep dinner ingredients in the morning or on the weekend. Prewash and cut veggies for salads and side dishes. Marinate meats and chicken. Make sauces. When you come home during the week, you can throw the meal together in a fraction of the time. Need to save more time? Dust off the crock pot!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Severe premenstrual depression
Scientists believe they have found a possible genetic link to an increased risk of severe premenstrual depression, says an article published on Forbes.com.
Severe premenstrual depression occurs in women diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Although PMDD is classified as a psychiatric disorder, the cause of both, the less severe form PMS, and PMDD has been thought to be hormonal. According to the article, scientists now believe that this new discovery may help to explain why some women are more susceptible to severe premenstrual depression that other women.
Severe premenstrual depression occurs in women diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Although PMDD is classified as a psychiatric disorder, the cause of both, the less severe form PMS, and PMDD has been thought to be hormonal. According to the article, scientists now believe that this new discovery may help to explain why some women are more susceptible to severe premenstrual depression that other women.
Where do kids get their smokes?
Tobacco products often aren't hard for teens to come by. They can usually bum a cigarette from friends or sometimes even buy smokes or smokeless tobacco from retailers that unknowingly, or carelessly, sell to minors.
Turns out, convenience stores selling gas were the most likely to sell tobacco to minors, say the researchers, who cited multitasking and the quick gas-n-go nature of the business as likely reasons. Grocery stores were next in line for underage tobacco sales. And clerks who were female or under 18 had "very high" sales to kids and teens. Regardless of where kids get their tobacco, it's important for them to understand that experimentation can quickly turn into a highly addictive habit.
Turns out, convenience stores selling gas were the most likely to sell tobacco to minors, say the researchers, who cited multitasking and the quick gas-n-go nature of the business as likely reasons. Grocery stores were next in line for underage tobacco sales. And clerks who were female or under 18 had "very high" sales to kids and teens. Regardless of where kids get their tobacco, it's important for them to understand that experimentation can quickly turn into a highly addictive habit.
Lightning Safety Tips
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, the maximum distance to hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance.Avoid being outdoors during a storm.
Seek shelter in a house or car. Do not try to take cover near trees — 30 percent of lightning deaths happen under trees.
If you're inside, avoid corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that could put you in direct contact with an electric current. Buy surge suppressors for key equipment.
Wait 30 minutes after the last strike before going outside.
Call 911 if you see someone struck by lightning. Cardiac arrest, burns and nerve damage are common injuries. With proper treatment, including CPR, most victims can survive a strike.Helping a lightning victim won't put you in danger. The charge will not affect you.
SOURCE: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Seek shelter in a house or car. Do not try to take cover near trees — 30 percent of lightning deaths happen under trees.
If you're inside, avoid corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that could put you in direct contact with an electric current. Buy surge suppressors for key equipment.
Wait 30 minutes after the last strike before going outside.
Call 911 if you see someone struck by lightning. Cardiac arrest, burns and nerve damage are common injuries. With proper treatment, including CPR, most victims can survive a strike.Helping a lightning victim won't put you in danger. The charge will not affect you.
SOURCE: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Spit happens!
You’ve heard the school-yard taunt: “Say it don’t spray it!” Well, some people can’t help it! The saliva they produce ends up spraying people when they speak. Well, visualize a quart of milk. According to Dr. Denis Lynch from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, that’s how much saliva a healthy adult produces every day. Most people swallow it without a second thought – but if you’re a sprayer, it’s possible you have “easily squeezed saliva glands.” You don’t actually have more saliva than a normal person – but some people can squirt saliva just by opening their mouths and lifting their tongues.
Another explanation is you may be experiencing a side effect from another condition. Regular heartburn and pregnancy related ailments like morning sickness and gastric reflux can cause hyper-salivation. But if you take care of the heartburn, reflux or nausea, the saliva squirting will go away on its own.
If you’re just a natural squirter, sipping water regularly or chewing sugarless gum can reduce spraying by encouraging you to swallow more often. Also, try not to open your mouth so wide when you speak. Because you make more saliva when you eat, don’t talk with your mouth full.
Another explanation is you may be experiencing a side effect from another condition. Regular heartburn and pregnancy related ailments like morning sickness and gastric reflux can cause hyper-salivation. But if you take care of the heartburn, reflux or nausea, the saliva squirting will go away on its own.
If you’re just a natural squirter, sipping water regularly or chewing sugarless gum can reduce spraying by encouraging you to swallow more often. Also, try not to open your mouth so wide when you speak. Because you make more saliva when you eat, don’t talk with your mouth full.
5 Things you shouldn't do after you say "I do"
Once the cake’s cut and the bouquet’s tossed, it’s time to get down to the business of living as husband and wife. But that’s not as easy as it sounds! Here are the five things you SHOULDN’T do after you say “I do.” This comes from Web MD:
Don’t say, “My family always does it this way.” Everything you think about a relationship, from how to spend money to who does which chores, comes from your family. And guess what? So does everything your spouse believes! Think of building your marriage like you’d build a house. Using two different sets of plans only causes confusion. So come up with a new plan that belongs to you both.
Don’t think marriage will make you happy, because it won’t. The biggest predictor of how happy you’ll be after you’re married is how happy you were before the wedding. No matter how you slice it, being happy is a do-it-yourself job.
The 3rd trap newlyweds need to avoid to make their marriage last? Believing your partner will change. They won’t, so make sure you can deal with their bad habits before you say, “I do.” If you try to change your sweetie, you’ll wind up in a power struggle, and that makes for an unhappy marriage.
If you think talking about the hard stuff will take the romance out of your marriage, get over it! Kids, money, moving. Whatever your sensitive issues are, get them out into the open. Talking that stuff through will make you feel loved and accepted, and feeling safe with someone makes them the most desirable person in the world.
And one last mistake newlyweds need to avoid? Shying away from a fight! Couples who claim they never fight are either fibbing or missing the chance to really build a strong relationship. The key is learning how to handle conflict - because that’s what makes couples successful in the long run. Couples don’t give up on their marriage because they fight. They give up because they stop trying to work through their differences.
Don’t say, “My family always does it this way.” Everything you think about a relationship, from how to spend money to who does which chores, comes from your family. And guess what? So does everything your spouse believes! Think of building your marriage like you’d build a house. Using two different sets of plans only causes confusion. So come up with a new plan that belongs to you both.
Don’t think marriage will make you happy, because it won’t. The biggest predictor of how happy you’ll be after you’re married is how happy you were before the wedding. No matter how you slice it, being happy is a do-it-yourself job.
The 3rd trap newlyweds need to avoid to make their marriage last? Believing your partner will change. They won’t, so make sure you can deal with their bad habits before you say, “I do.” If you try to change your sweetie, you’ll wind up in a power struggle, and that makes for an unhappy marriage.
If you think talking about the hard stuff will take the romance out of your marriage, get over it! Kids, money, moving. Whatever your sensitive issues are, get them out into the open. Talking that stuff through will make you feel loved and accepted, and feeling safe with someone makes them the most desirable person in the world.
And one last mistake newlyweds need to avoid? Shying away from a fight! Couples who claim they never fight are either fibbing or missing the chance to really build a strong relationship. The key is learning how to handle conflict - because that’s what makes couples successful in the long run. Couples don’t give up on their marriage because they fight. They give up because they stop trying to work through their differences.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Got a stinky cooler?
Had a few too many picnics this Summer that have left your cooler smelling a bit un-appetizing?
Try this- one intelligent thing you can do before this weekend's outing: empty your cooler, and fill the bottom with charcoal briquets. Close the cooler and leave overnight. The next morning, dump the briquets in the trash, and you'll find that the charcoal will have absorbed any leftover odors from your award-winning potato salad!
Try this- one intelligent thing you can do before this weekend's outing: empty your cooler, and fill the bottom with charcoal briquets. Close the cooler and leave overnight. The next morning, dump the briquets in the trash, and you'll find that the charcoal will have absorbed any leftover odors from your award-winning potato salad!
RED means STOP!
National Stop on Red Week is dedicated to educating Americans about the dangers of running red lights.
The success of this week depends on local efforts around the country. Following is a list of 10 activities you can coordinate to help promote National Stop on Red Week in your community:
Activities for National Stop on Red Week
1. Press conference. Hold a press conference to announce national and statewide statistics gathered from local law enforcement agencies and the National SRLR program.
2. Proclamations. Encourage the Governor and State legislators to declare SRLR week, and work with them to enact stiffer penalties.
3. Pledges. Motivate drivers to sign a pledge to stop running red lights. Deliver the pledges to the statehouse lawn during a press event.
4. Radio and TV promotions. Encourage radio and TV stations to promote National Red on Red week. Radio stations can do live broadcasts from high-crash intersections in town. Stations can give away promotional items in support of the week. TV stations can air public service announcements (PSAs).
5. Schools. Work with the local school system to ask all children to wear red during the week.
6. Police ride-alongs. Encourage journalists to ride along with police officers as they make traffic stops.
7. SRLR posters. Hang posters at schools, local businesses and other high-visibility areas.
8. Movie theater slides. Work with a local movie theater to include a SRLR slide in the pre-film slide presentation.
9. Paycheck reminders. Encourage local employers to develop paycheck reminders announcing the week and providing safe driving tips.
10. Billboards. Seek donated advertising space on billboards, buses, cabs and at gas stations.
The success of this week depends on local efforts around the country. Following is a list of 10 activities you can coordinate to help promote National Stop on Red Week in your community:
Activities for National Stop on Red Week
1. Press conference. Hold a press conference to announce national and statewide statistics gathered from local law enforcement agencies and the National SRLR program.
2. Proclamations. Encourage the Governor and State legislators to declare SRLR week, and work with them to enact stiffer penalties.
3. Pledges. Motivate drivers to sign a pledge to stop running red lights. Deliver the pledges to the statehouse lawn during a press event.
4. Radio and TV promotions. Encourage radio and TV stations to promote National Red on Red week. Radio stations can do live broadcasts from high-crash intersections in town. Stations can give away promotional items in support of the week. TV stations can air public service announcements (PSAs).
5. Schools. Work with the local school system to ask all children to wear red during the week.
6. Police ride-alongs. Encourage journalists to ride along with police officers as they make traffic stops.
7. SRLR posters. Hang posters at schools, local businesses and other high-visibility areas.
8. Movie theater slides. Work with a local movie theater to include a SRLR slide in the pre-film slide presentation.
9. Paycheck reminders. Encourage local employers to develop paycheck reminders announcing the week and providing safe driving tips.
10. Billboards. Seek donated advertising space on billboards, buses, cabs and at gas stations.
Is your drink in a can or a shot glass?
New research shows adult binge drinkers are more likely to have a beer can in hand than a shot glass. But two studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show teens prefer the hard stuff. Experts suggest access may play a major role in the choices of the two age groups.
Anger at work helps men, hurts women
Getting angry at work may win men admiration, but for women it risks causing them to be viewed as out of control and incompetent, according to a new study. Yale University post-doctoral scholar Victoria Brescoli conducted tests in which men and women watched videos of a job interview and rated the applicant's status.
In one, the scripts were the same except when the candidate described feeling either angry or sad about losing an account because a colleague arrived late at a meeting. The participants gave the most status to the man who said he was angry, the second most to the woman who said she was sad, slightly less on the man who said he was sad, and the least by a sizable margin on the woman who said she was angry.
In another, the script was similar, but the applicant also described his or her current occupation as a trainee or senior executive. The angry female CEO was rated significantly less competent than the others, including the trainees, and the angry women were viewed as significantly more out of control.
In one, the scripts were the same except when the candidate described feeling either angry or sad about losing an account because a colleague arrived late at a meeting. The participants gave the most status to the man who said he was angry, the second most to the woman who said she was sad, slightly less on the man who said he was sad, and the least by a sizable margin on the woman who said she was angry.
In another, the script was similar, but the applicant also described his or her current occupation as a trainee or senior executive. The angry female CEO was rated significantly less competent than the others, including the trainees, and the angry women were viewed as significantly more out of control.
Monday, August 6, 2007
4 Co-workers you should befriend
We have to work with a lot of different personalities and seems like the bad co-workers get all the press. But there are 4 types that you should get to know. They may actually help your career.
Ladies, take a deep breath
The breathing disorder called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hits women harder than men and in a different way, a new study finds. COPD actually consists of two different lung diseases -- chronic bronchitis, which damages the lining of the airways, and emphysema, which damages the alveoli, the tiny sacs through which oxygen enters the blood. A study of more than 1,000 COPD patients, 38.8 percent of them women, found that bronchitis is more common in women and emphysema more common in men. In addition, women in the study reported more breathlessness, a higher incidence of depression and a lower quality of life than the men.
Hey, bright eyes...it's Vision Month!
Many children's vision problems can be treated successfully if they're detected early, says Prevent Blindness America. The vision health organization has declared August Children's Eye Health and Safety Month as part of its effort to educate the public about the importance of quality eye care for children. About two out of three children in the United States don't receive critical eye services before the age of 6, and that increases their risk of suffering vision loss, according to Prevent Blindness America. If children don't receive a certified vision screening or eye exam, serious vision roblems may go undetected. Children should have their vision checked at infancy, 6 months, 3 years, and 5 years, with follow-ups as needed.
Ways to be healthier without even trying
Glamour Magazine has some easy ways to be healthier without trying to hard.
Laugh out loud: It'll make your body pump endorphins -- chemicals that boost energy and alleviate depression. Stress hormones will drop too.
Drink plain old water: You'll feel good if you stay hydrated.
Wash your hands: Up to 80% of all colds, flus and other common illnesses are spread through touching, and only 16% of people do a good enough job washing.
Eat anything in the produce aisle: All of them are good -- there's no such thing as a bad-for-you vegetable.
Floss: It's one of the best ways to ward off gum disease and keep your smile intact forever.
Deep breathing: It cuts stress instantly. Try six slow breaths per minute to lower blood pressure.
Hang out with friends: People crave relationships; friends let you vent; and a study found that people with a strong network of friends outlived those without by 22%.
Massage: It feels great and research shows a good rub may improve circulation and release feel-good chemicals like serotonin.
Decent posture: Sit or stand up straight and you'll magically look slimmer.
Laugh out loud: It'll make your body pump endorphins -- chemicals that boost energy and alleviate depression. Stress hormones will drop too.
Drink plain old water: You'll feel good if you stay hydrated.
Wash your hands: Up to 80% of all colds, flus and other common illnesses are spread through touching, and only 16% of people do a good enough job washing.
Eat anything in the produce aisle: All of them are good -- there's no such thing as a bad-for-you vegetable.
Floss: It's one of the best ways to ward off gum disease and keep your smile intact forever.
Deep breathing: It cuts stress instantly. Try six slow breaths per minute to lower blood pressure.
Hang out with friends: People crave relationships; friends let you vent; and a study found that people with a strong network of friends outlived those without by 22%.
Massage: It feels great and research shows a good rub may improve circulation and release feel-good chemicals like serotonin.
Decent posture: Sit or stand up straight and you'll magically look slimmer.
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