To contact us Click HERE
I think that our field kind of has some negative views sometimes. People don't really know what we do or understand what we do. They think that we simply "fluff pillows and pick paint chips."
However, we know that this isn't the case. We know that we do much more than this. People don't understand that we are going to school to make their lives better and more comfortable. We know stuff that could make a difference in the way that they live.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of knowledge I learn everyday about our field of choice. When I gave my presentation last week it amazed me the certain things we could do to even improve a newborns room by putting in sound systems. Or even when Marcene did the presentation on health care environments and she talked about how they were painting their machines bright colors or making them look like something cool and not a big scary MRI machine. It's amazing how even just those small touches can improve the way a child might behave and not be scared to go to the doctor.
There is all sorts of knowledge out there for us to learn how to design and it's not just for adults and elderly. It's very useful for children too.
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
Obama to Decide Whether to Expand Military's Animal Cruelty Policy
To contact us Click HERE
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.
The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
"Something's Happening Here - What It Is Ain't Exactly Clear..."
To contact us Click HERE
I wasn’t going to write about this – but – it has beenbothering me. Last week, the aspca (NOTa national umbrella organization) subsidized adoptions across the country for acouple of days. The subsidy allowed some shelters to give away pets, or tocharge 10 or 20 dollars for the pet. So whyhas this been nagging at me?
I began to wonder why they are really doing this. Promoting adoptions is the obvious answer butis it the correct one? You and I will never know – but here is what I think.The aspca has been and is under fire for fundraising in everyone’s neighborhoodand amassing approximately 188,024,402 million dollars in New Yorkto the detriment of all the other spcas and the animals they serve. They getaway with it because consumers believe that they are the “national office” and thatevery spca in the country is a chapter which receives funding from them. Not true. Each spca is a separate and independent legalentity and it could affect the aspca’s ability to raise funds if they disclosedthat. In fact, out of that near 185,000,000million dollars, they grant out fewerthan 6 million but spend over 25 million on fundraising.
So, they throw pocket change at this adoption promotion,publicize the hell out of it and generate more smoke for the mirrors.
But was it a good event that helped animals? In Californiathey worked mostly with government pounds where adopters are not screened andall one needs is the fee to take home an animal. At no charge or even with anominal charge many animals very likely went to hoarders, backyard sellers, and other entitiesthat had only plans to resell the pets at a huge mark up. How many sales werean impulse grab where the pet was returned or simply turned out? It is easy to empty ashelter but not so easy to have the adoption stick and actually find the pet ahome. It is neither a success nor even an adoption if the pet is not kept. Doyou think the aspca is tracking that or is even concerned about that? I don't know, but if so, the event business model would have been different. Of course there are those of us who would cherish a pet for life that we found on the street or received at no cost. I am not talking about us.
I think that my disquietude comes from the fear that manyof these animals might be in awful places as a result of the aspca’s publicrelations effort to appear to be funding animals in areas in which they solicitdonations and provide nothing in return.
They could be throwing couch cushion change to seem to besomething they are not, while perhaps tossing pets to the very real wolves.
Please donate locally.
I wasn’t going to write about this – but – it has beenbothering me. Last week, the aspca (NOTa national umbrella organization) subsidized adoptions across the country for acouple of days. The subsidy allowed some shelters to give away pets, or tocharge 10 or 20 dollars for the pet. So whyhas this been nagging at me?
 |
| Courtesy spcaL |
So, they throw pocket change at this adoption promotion,publicize the hell out of it and generate more smoke for the mirrors.
But was it a good event that helped animals? In Californiathey worked mostly with government pounds where adopters are not screened andall one needs is the fee to take home an animal. At no charge or even with anominal charge many animals very likely went to hoarders, backyard sellers, and other entitiesthat had only plans to resell the pets at a huge mark up. How many sales werean impulse grab where the pet was returned or simply turned out? It is easy to empty ashelter but not so easy to have the adoption stick and actually find the pet ahome. It is neither a success nor even an adoption if the pet is not kept. Doyou think the aspca is tracking that or is even concerned about that? I don't know, but if so, the event business model would have been different. Of course there are those of us who would cherish a pet for life that we found on the street or received at no cost. I am not talking about us.
I think that my disquietude comes from the fear that manyof these animals might be in awful places as a result of the aspca’s publicrelations effort to appear to be funding animals in areas in which they solicitdonations and provide nothing in return.
They could be throwing couch cushion change to seem to besomething they are not, while perhaps tossing pets to the very real wolves.
Please donate locally.
Stop the Cruel and Bullying "Sport"of Hounding California's Bears and Bobcats
To contact us Click HERE
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
"Hounding" is a hunting practice where dogs are first sprayed with a bear attractant and fitted with high‐tech radio collars, that permit the hunters to hunt remotely. The dogs can chase the bear or bobcats for miles until they are treed or exhausted, at which time the tip-switch on the collars alerts the hunters, who, arrive and shoot a weary animal at point blank range. Essentially, the hounds take all the risks while the "sport" hunter lounges around in the park waiting for the signal to exert him or herself enough to shoot a trapped, immobilized animal.
Notwithstanding the terrifying ordeal suffered by the target animal, the hounds don't fare much better. They are not treated as pets but as working animals. They get injured running, hit by cars, and are often wounded or killed by the target animal or any other wildlife (such as deer) that they may encounter. There are reports of shelters receiving these dogs dehydrated, skinny and injured after they are no longer any use to the "sportsman".
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
 |
| Courtesy Google Images |
 |
| Courtesy Google Images |
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Rihanna's Dog Got "Minxed"
To contact us Click HERE
The latest trend in manicures and pedicures is the minx manicure. It is a process where pictures and patterns are painted onto fingernails and toenails thereby instantly transforming ordinary fingers and toes into works of art.
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
 |
| Courtesy Instagram |
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Revisited
To contact us Click HERE
When I wrote the original blog, I didit because my daughter has non-diabetic hypoglycemia. She has aknowledgeable doctor that did properly warn her that she could laterdevelop type 2 diabetes. She still has not developed diabetes, buther doctor is monitoring her more closely and her diet is changingregularly, as she needs to reduce her carbohydrate intake as herblood glucose levels have moved toward the prediabetes level and theyadjust to keep them in the normal range.
My daughter does test her blood glucoseon her own schedule that she and her doctor have worked out and thetrend is the important factor. We don't talk about this often, as Icannot compare my diabetes to her non-diabetic hypoglycemia. I amjust happy that she has a doctor that knows what to do and betweenthem have managed it for now over two decades. My daughter has alsomodified her exercise regimen as needed for additional help.
I am surprised at the number of readsthe blog has received and even more surprised that none of the linkshave become broken or disappeared. In reviewing the links, severalhave actually become better and have information that is morerelevant. I am adding the link to this blog, but be careful ininterpreting the information as even the Mayo Clinic seems to haveproblems in diagnosing non-diabetic hypoglycemia. They link mostcases of hypoglycemia to diabetes, but do acknowledge non-diabetichypoglycemia in the discussion. Their main problem is notacknowledging that it is separate and distinct from diabeteshypoglycemia, but they try in a round about way. I honestly thinkthat because a majority of non-diabetic people with hypoglycemia dodevelop type 2 diabetes as they age, they are attempting to link thisas only a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
The article in about dot com is goodto read and they explain some aspects of non-diabetic hypoglycemiavery well. They show that non-diabetic hypoglycemia has the same lowblood glucose symptoms as diabetic hypoglycemia, which is good toknow.
Some of them are:1. fatigue 2. depression 3. anxiety 4. having trouble sleeping for nights on end or insomnia 5. headaches 6. personality changes rapidly 7. always hungry for something sweet 8. doctor says there is nothing wrong – I advise seeing anendocrinologist 9. dizziness 10. blurred vision 11. heavy sweating There are more, but many are justsubcategories of the above.
The following are important and I willquote them.
What is thecause of reactive hypoglycemia?The exactcause of reactive hypoglycemia is still unknown, but there areseveral hypothesis that might explain why it can happen.1. Sensitivity to epinephrine, a hormonethat is released in the body during times of stress. 2. Insufficient glucagon production.Glucagon is also a hormone which has the opposite effect of insulin.It raises blood glucose levels. 3. Gastric surgeries can also cause reactivehypoglycemia because food may pass too quickly through the digestivesystem. 4. Enzyme deficiencies can also causereactive hypoglycemia, but these are rare and occur during infancy.How tomanage reactive hypoglycemia Limitfoods with a high sugar content, especially on an empty stomach. Forexample, eating a doughnut first thing in the morning can trigger ahypoglycemic episode. Eatsmall, frequent meals and snacks. Eata varied, high fiber diet, with adequate servings of protein, wholegrain carbs and vegetables, fruits, and dairy foods Carrypieces of hard candy with you, for those times when you feel yourblood sugar dropping.What to doif you are having a hypoglycemic episode.1. Eat or drink something that is a fastsugar source, such as orange juice, regular soda, a few pieces ofhard candy, or sugar cubes. This should relieve the symptoms within15 minutes. 2. Avoid choosing chocolate as a sugarsource. The fat in chocolate makes it absorb more slowly and it won'traise your blood sugar up as quickly as you need it too.3. Make sure to eat a small balanced mealafter the symptoms are gone. This will prevent another blood sugarspike and consequent drop.*A rare typeof tumor, called an insulinoma, in the pancreas can also causehypoglycemia in people who do not have diabetes. If you do sufferfrom episodes of hypoglycemia, it is wise to follow up with a visitto your doctor, to rule out the possibility of an insulinoma or othermedical condition.
When I wrote the original blog, I didit because my daughter has non-diabetic hypoglycemia. She has aknowledgeable doctor that did properly warn her that she could laterdevelop type 2 diabetes. She still has not developed diabetes, buther doctor is monitoring her more closely and her diet is changingregularly, as she needs to reduce her carbohydrate intake as herblood glucose levels have moved toward the prediabetes level and theyadjust to keep them in the normal range.
My daughter does test her blood glucoseon her own schedule that she and her doctor have worked out and thetrend is the important factor. We don't talk about this often, as Icannot compare my diabetes to her non-diabetic hypoglycemia. I amjust happy that she has a doctor that knows what to do and betweenthem have managed it for now over two decades. My daughter has alsomodified her exercise regimen as needed for additional help.
I am surprised at the number of readsthe blog has received and even more surprised that none of the linkshave become broken or disappeared. In reviewing the links, severalhave actually become better and have information that is morerelevant. I am adding the link to this blog, but be careful ininterpreting the information as even the Mayo Clinic seems to haveproblems in diagnosing non-diabetic hypoglycemia. They link mostcases of hypoglycemia to diabetes, but do acknowledge non-diabetichypoglycemia in the discussion. Their main problem is notacknowledging that it is separate and distinct from diabeteshypoglycemia, but they try in a round about way. I honestly thinkthat because a majority of non-diabetic people with hypoglycemia dodevelop type 2 diabetes as they age, they are attempting to link thisas only a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
The article in about dot com is goodto read and they explain some aspects of non-diabetic hypoglycemiavery well. They show that non-diabetic hypoglycemia has the same lowblood glucose symptoms as diabetic hypoglycemia, which is good toknow.
Some of them are:1. fatigue 2. depression 3. anxiety 4. having trouble sleeping for nights on end or insomnia 5. headaches 6. personality changes rapidly 7. always hungry for something sweet 8. doctor says there is nothing wrong – I advise seeing anendocrinologist 9. dizziness 10. blurred vision 11. heavy sweating There are more, but many are justsubcategories of the above.
The following are important and I willquote them.
What is thecause of reactive hypoglycemia?The exactcause of reactive hypoglycemia is still unknown, but there areseveral hypothesis that might explain why it can happen.1. Sensitivity to epinephrine, a hormonethat is released in the body during times of stress. 2. Insufficient glucagon production.Glucagon is also a hormone which has the opposite effect of insulin.It raises blood glucose levels. 3. Gastric surgeries can also cause reactivehypoglycemia because food may pass too quickly through the digestivesystem. 4. Enzyme deficiencies can also causereactive hypoglycemia, but these are rare and occur during infancy.How tomanage reactive hypoglycemia Limitfoods with a high sugar content, especially on an empty stomach. Forexample, eating a doughnut first thing in the morning can trigger ahypoglycemic episode. Eatsmall, frequent meals and snacks. Eata varied, high fiber diet, with adequate servings of protein, wholegrain carbs and vegetables, fruits, and dairy foods Carrypieces of hard candy with you, for those times when you feel yourblood sugar dropping.What to doif you are having a hypoglycemic episode.1. Eat or drink something that is a fastsugar source, such as orange juice, regular soda, a few pieces ofhard candy, or sugar cubes. This should relieve the symptoms within15 minutes. 2. Avoid choosing chocolate as a sugarsource. The fat in chocolate makes it absorb more slowly and it won'traise your blood sugar up as quickly as you need it too.3. Make sure to eat a small balanced mealafter the symptoms are gone. This will prevent another blood sugarspike and consequent drop.*A rare typeof tumor, called an insulinoma, in the pancreas can also causehypoglycemia in people who do not have diabetes. If you do sufferfrom episodes of hypoglycemia, it is wise to follow up with a visitto your doctor, to rule out the possibility of an insulinoma or othermedical condition.
Obama to Decide Whether to Expand Military's Animal Cruelty Policy
To contact us Click HERE
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.
The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
"Something's Happening Here - What It Is Ain't Exactly Clear..."
To contact us Click HERE
I wasn’t going to write about this – but – it has beenbothering me. Last week, the aspca (NOTa national umbrella organization) subsidized adoptions across the country for acouple of days. The subsidy allowed some shelters to give away pets, or tocharge 10 or 20 dollars for the pet. So whyhas this been nagging at me?
I began to wonder why they are really doing this. Promoting adoptions is the obvious answer butis it the correct one? You and I will never know – but here is what I think.The aspca has been and is under fire for fundraising in everyone’s neighborhoodand amassing approximately 188,024,402 million dollars in New Yorkto the detriment of all the other spcas and the animals they serve. They getaway with it because consumers believe that they are the “national office” and thatevery spca in the country is a chapter which receives funding from them. Not true. Each spca is a separate and independent legalentity and it could affect the aspca’s ability to raise funds if they disclosedthat. In fact, out of that near 185,000,000million dollars, they grant out fewerthan 6 million but spend over 25 million on fundraising.
So, they throw pocket change at this adoption promotion,publicize the hell out of it and generate more smoke for the mirrors.
But was it a good event that helped animals? In Californiathey worked mostly with government pounds where adopters are not screened andall one needs is the fee to take home an animal. At no charge or even with anominal charge many animals very likely went to hoarders, backyard sellers, and other entitiesthat had only plans to resell the pets at a huge mark up. How many sales werean impulse grab where the pet was returned or simply turned out? It is easy to empty ashelter but not so easy to have the adoption stick and actually find the pet ahome. It is neither a success nor even an adoption if the pet is not kept. Doyou think the aspca is tracking that or is even concerned about that? I don't know, but if so, the event business model would have been different. Of course there are those of us who would cherish a pet for life that we found on the street or received at no cost. I am not talking about us.
I think that my disquietude comes from the fear that manyof these animals might be in awful places as a result of the aspca’s publicrelations effort to appear to be funding animals in areas in which they solicitdonations and provide nothing in return.
They could be throwing couch cushion change to seem to besomething they are not, while perhaps tossing pets to the very real wolves.
Please donate locally.
I wasn’t going to write about this – but – it has beenbothering me. Last week, the aspca (NOTa national umbrella organization) subsidized adoptions across the country for acouple of days. The subsidy allowed some shelters to give away pets, or tocharge 10 or 20 dollars for the pet. So whyhas this been nagging at me?
|
| Courtesy spcaL |
So, they throw pocket change at this adoption promotion,publicize the hell out of it and generate more smoke for the mirrors.
But was it a good event that helped animals? In Californiathey worked mostly with government pounds where adopters are not screened andall one needs is the fee to take home an animal. At no charge or even with anominal charge many animals very likely went to hoarders, backyard sellers, and other entitiesthat had only plans to resell the pets at a huge mark up. How many sales werean impulse grab where the pet was returned or simply turned out? It is easy to empty ashelter but not so easy to have the adoption stick and actually find the pet ahome. It is neither a success nor even an adoption if the pet is not kept. Doyou think the aspca is tracking that or is even concerned about that? I don't know, but if so, the event business model would have been different. Of course there are those of us who would cherish a pet for life that we found on the street or received at no cost. I am not talking about us.
I think that my disquietude comes from the fear that manyof these animals might be in awful places as a result of the aspca’s publicrelations effort to appear to be funding animals in areas in which they solicitdonations and provide nothing in return.
They could be throwing couch cushion change to seem to besomething they are not, while perhaps tossing pets to the very real wolves.
Please donate locally.
Stop the Cruel and Bullying "Sport"of Hounding California's Bears and Bobcats
To contact us Click HERE
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
"Hounding" is a hunting practice where dogs are first sprayed with a bear attractant and fitted with high‐tech radio collars, that permit the hunters to hunt remotely. The dogs can chase the bear or bobcats for miles until they are treed or exhausted, at which time the tip-switch on the collars alerts the hunters, who, arrive and shoot a weary animal at point blank range. Essentially, the hounds take all the risks while the "sport" hunter lounges around in the park waiting for the signal to exert him or herself enough to shoot a trapped, immobilized animal.
Notwithstanding the terrifying ordeal suffered by the target animal, the hounds don't fare much better. They are not treated as pets but as working animals. They get injured running, hit by cars, and are often wounded or killed by the target animal or any other wildlife (such as deer) that they may encounter. There are reports of shelters receiving these dogs dehydrated, skinny and injured after they are no longer any use to the "sportsman".
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
|
| Courtesy Google Images |
|
| Courtesy Google Images |
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Rihanna's Dog Got "Minxed"
To contact us Click HERE
The latest trend in manicures and pedicures is the minx manicure. It is a process where pictures and patterns are painted onto fingernails and toenails thereby instantly transforming ordinary fingers and toes into works of art.
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
|
| Courtesy Instagram |
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
Today's Doctors Are Without a Moral Code
To contact us Click HERE
Normally I do not write about women'shealth or gestational diabetes. This is one time I feel I must asthe doctors are showing their true colors and arguing against makingchanges to the guidelines for gestational diabetes. If they weresupporting changes, then I would not be writing this. However, thistime I think they have abandoned the Hippocratic Oath in favor ofprofits and this does not seem the proper thing for doctors to comeout in favor of doing.
At issue is some in obstetrics andgynecology and maternal-fetal medicine have advocated for change tothe diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes for some time now,while others, including the American College of Obstetricians andGynecologists, say it is not clear that change is needed. Someinformation is needed here. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),money will be available for doctors to reduce medical costs at alllevels of medical care. This is what doctors are afraid of losing ifnew guidelines are put in place tightening the diagnosis andtreatment of gestational diabetes.
The upcoming Consensus DevelopmentConference in early 2013 is to assess available scientific evidencefor gestational diabetes. In advance of this conference, theopposition is writing articles in opposition to possible changes. The authors advised that "such a changewould dramatically increase the number of women identified as havingthis disease and place a significantly greater burden on an alreadyoverburdened primary health care system. We have concluded thatbefore change is made, there needs to be careful analysis of thepossible risk, cost and benefit involved in any revisions. If thedata aren't available to answer these questions, it would seemprudent and advisable to delay change at this time."
Follow the dollar signs is all I canderive from the discussion. Normally doctors look to the health ofthe patients (mother and unborn child in this case) and forget aboutthe cost-benefit analysis in favor of health. This time the medicalcommunity is placing the emphasis on the cost-benefit analysisinstead to the health issues. “Gestationaldiabetes is a condition that can be potentially devastating topregnancies. Even mild forms of hyperglycemia could potentially posesignificant adverse health consequences for pregnant women and theirchildren. Advocates for changing diagnostic criteria - increasing thenumber of women diagnosed with and thus treated for the condition -could reduce morbidity and health care costs. Those cost reductions,however, could be offset by an increase in patients diagnosed andtreated.”
Each side is bringing in the big gunsto bolster their arguments and they are quoting study after study onboth sides of the issue. For those on the “do not change” side,I feel they have lost their moral compass and are only interested inthe dollars they can divert to their pockets. I can only suggestthat you read the article and decide for yourself, which side of theissue you favor. The second article is here.
This just came to my attention - TomRoss has an excellent blog on the same topic. Read it here.
Normally I do not write about women'shealth or gestational diabetes. This is one time I feel I must asthe doctors are showing their true colors and arguing against makingchanges to the guidelines for gestational diabetes. If they weresupporting changes, then I would not be writing this. However, thistime I think they have abandoned the Hippocratic Oath in favor ofprofits and this does not seem the proper thing for doctors to comeout in favor of doing.
At issue is some in obstetrics andgynecology and maternal-fetal medicine have advocated for change tothe diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes for some time now,while others, including the American College of Obstetricians andGynecologists, say it is not clear that change is needed. Someinformation is needed here. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),money will be available for doctors to reduce medical costs at alllevels of medical care. This is what doctors are afraid of losing ifnew guidelines are put in place tightening the diagnosis andtreatment of gestational diabetes.
The upcoming Consensus DevelopmentConference in early 2013 is to assess available scientific evidencefor gestational diabetes. In advance of this conference, theopposition is writing articles in opposition to possible changes. The authors advised that "such a changewould dramatically increase the number of women identified as havingthis disease and place a significantly greater burden on an alreadyoverburdened primary health care system. We have concluded thatbefore change is made, there needs to be careful analysis of thepossible risk, cost and benefit involved in any revisions. If thedata aren't available to answer these questions, it would seemprudent and advisable to delay change at this time."
Follow the dollar signs is all I canderive from the discussion. Normally doctors look to the health ofthe patients (mother and unborn child in this case) and forget aboutthe cost-benefit analysis in favor of health. This time the medicalcommunity is placing the emphasis on the cost-benefit analysisinstead to the health issues. “Gestationaldiabetes is a condition that can be potentially devastating topregnancies. Even mild forms of hyperglycemia could potentially posesignificant adverse health consequences for pregnant women and theirchildren. Advocates for changing diagnostic criteria - increasing thenumber of women diagnosed with and thus treated for the condition -could reduce morbidity and health care costs. Those cost reductions,however, could be offset by an increase in patients diagnosed andtreated.”
Each side is bringing in the big gunsto bolster their arguments and they are quoting study after study onboth sides of the issue. For those on the “do not change” side,I feel they have lost their moral compass and are only interested inthe dollars they can divert to their pockets. I can only suggestthat you read the article and decide for yourself, which side of theissue you favor. The second article is here.
This just came to my attention - TomRoss has an excellent blog on the same topic. Read it here.
Obama to Decide Whether to Expand Military's Animal Cruelty Policy
To contact us Click HERE
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.
The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military's current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the military. The constant relocation and reassignment of military families has resulted in many pets simply being left behind, abandoned, and unattended. Stars and Stripes is reporting that the problem is so great in places like Hawaii and Germany that local shelters are reluctant to adopt pets to Americans and/or military families at all.The military is further concerned that the problem will worsen as United Airlines, the airline contracted to transport military personnel, refuses to permit certain breeds of dogs, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, on their planes, and will not waive this restriction for the Defense Department.
While I fully support holding those who choose to have a pet responsible for caring for that pet and accountable to the authorities for not doing so, I would also suggest that the military drop United Airlines and contract with another carrier so those with "banned" family dogs can travel without the additional heartbreak of the loss of a pet or the expense of funding their own flights on another airline. It seems an unnecessary stressor for those who would otherwise not abandon their pet.
In fact, if all pet lovers chose, in sympathy, to fly with different airlines - maybe we would see an attitude change from United.
The president is expected to decide this spring.
Stop the Cruel and Bullying "Sport"of Hounding California's Bears and Bobcats
To contact us Click HERE
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
"Hounding" is a hunting practice where dogs are first sprayed with a bear attractant and fitted with high‐tech radio collars, that permit the hunters to hunt remotely. The dogs can chase the bear or bobcats for miles until they are treed or exhausted, at which time the tip-switch on the collars alerts the hunters, who, arrive and shoot a weary animal at point blank range. Essentially, the hounds take all the risks while the "sport" hunter lounges around in the park waiting for the signal to exert him or herself enough to shoot a trapped, immobilized animal.
Notwithstanding the terrifying ordeal suffered by the target animal, the hounds don't fare much better. They are not treated as pets but as working animals. They get injured running, hit by cars, and are often wounded or killed by the target animal or any other wildlife (such as deer) that they may encounter. There are reports of shelters receiving these dogs dehydrated, skinny and injured after they are no longer any use to the "sportsman".
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
|
| Courtesy Google Images |
|
| Courtesy Google Images |
I respectfully submit that this form of hunting is neither sport nor sportsman like. As comedian Paul Rodriguez said: "In a sport both sides should know they are in the game".
Not only do the animals not know they are playing - the bullies are cheating.
It is time to end this practice in California. Please contact your representatives http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html and urge them to pass SB 1221.
Thank you.
Rihanna's Dog Got "Minxed"
To contact us Click HERE
The latest trend in manicures and pedicures is the minx manicure. It is a process where pictures and patterns are painted onto fingernails and toenails thereby instantly transforming ordinary fingers and toes into works of art.
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
|
| Courtesy Instagram |
It was only a matter of time before this new art form appeared on a pet. In this case it was Rihanna's dog. She posted a photo of her dog with the caption "Bitch got minx."
The product is said to be toxic, odorless, chemical free and perfectly safe for natural nails. However, before you try something like this on your pet, use common sense. When in doubt, ask a veterinarian - is this safe for pets? Procedures and materials deemed safe for people may still have adverse effect on animals.
If it's safe - make sure it's something your pet tolerates and is comfortable doing. If your dog needs a sedative to do it, it most likely should not be done.
Need I say- don't even think about this for a cat!
Let's Focus on the Up Side...
To contact us Click HERE
For this blog I wanted to write about the up side of things we are getting RIGHT in the world of human factors. I didn't want to find anything negative or something could improve on, because, let's face it....the world is always changing and adapting. Slowly, but surely. I've recently been apartment hunting a little for when I get married in August. During my search I have almost always come across a little wheel chair sign at the bottom of the website I was looking at townhouses on. For a while I couldn't figure out what it meant. Then I took a drive to one of the town homes I had looked at online and I realized that most apartment complexes or even town home community make special areas for the handicap to live. For instance these particular town homes I was looking at were all multi level and when I drove around I saw some one level homes.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
27 Kasım 2012 Salı
Don't Over Compensate If Using Artificial Sweeteners
To contact us Click HERE
This article does point out what somepeople think they can do if they use artificial sweeteners. I evenhave some friends that do just what they should not do. They havetheir morning cup of coffee and use artificial sweeteners. Then theyorder a stack of waffles or pancakes and say they can do this becausethey did not use sugar in their coffee. What a mistake they make. Granted they do not have diabetes, but they knew I did. When I hadsteak and fried eggs, they said I was overdoing the protein and fat. I was not the fattest and probably near the lowest weight of thegroup that morning.
We did have a lively discussion aboutcarbohydrates, protein, and fat. Except for one other person, all ofus generally eat more protein and fat than we do carbohydrates,however, I am the only one slowly losing weight. Nothing to bragabout as I am still overweight and need to lose a lot of pounds. Formy height, I was the shorty in the group of six of us as they wereall over six feet tall. Yet, they will do just what is advisedagainst – overcompensate for using artificial sweeteners.
It is understandable why the AmericanHeart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA)were hesitant to approve using artificial sweeteners. They haveissued a joint scientific statement giving a cautious recommendationto the use of non-nutritive sweeteners to help people maintain ahealthy body weight and for diabetics to aid in blood glucosecontrol.
“TheAmerican Diabetes Association stated that for diabetespatients, using artificial sweeteners on their own or in foods anddrinks may help aid glucose control if "usedappropriately".” Emphasisis mine.
"Whilethey are not magic bullets, smart use of non-nutritive sweetenerscould help you reduce added sugars in your diet, therefore loweringthe number of calories you eat. Reducing calories could help youattain and maintain a healthy body weight, and thereby lower yourrisk of heart disease and diabetes. But there are caveats."
Both associations stressed that theirstatement permitting the use of artificial sweeteners is not to beunderstood as declaring them safe ingredients. This can only bedetermined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The authorsalso state that human studies about the specific, practical, andpublic health aspects about artificial sweeteners are needed.
The authors also stated that peopleoften compensate or overcompensate, making it necessary to state thatthey need to be used wisely to be successful. Consider theartificial sweeteners like a nicotine patch; they are much preferablethan real sugar, but not part and parcel of an optimal diet. Theauthors concluded that the artificial sweeteners on the market todayare safer than consuming large amounts of sugar, which is definitelyharmful when consumed in large amounts.
This article does point out what somepeople think they can do if they use artificial sweeteners. I evenhave some friends that do just what they should not do. They havetheir morning cup of coffee and use artificial sweeteners. Then theyorder a stack of waffles or pancakes and say they can do this becausethey did not use sugar in their coffee. What a mistake they make. Granted they do not have diabetes, but they knew I did. When I hadsteak and fried eggs, they said I was overdoing the protein and fat. I was not the fattest and probably near the lowest weight of thegroup that morning.
We did have a lively discussion aboutcarbohydrates, protein, and fat. Except for one other person, all ofus generally eat more protein and fat than we do carbohydrates,however, I am the only one slowly losing weight. Nothing to bragabout as I am still overweight and need to lose a lot of pounds. Formy height, I was the shorty in the group of six of us as they wereall over six feet tall. Yet, they will do just what is advisedagainst – overcompensate for using artificial sweeteners.
It is understandable why the AmericanHeart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA)were hesitant to approve using artificial sweeteners. They haveissued a joint scientific statement giving a cautious recommendationto the use of non-nutritive sweeteners to help people maintain ahealthy body weight and for diabetics to aid in blood glucosecontrol.
“TheAmerican Diabetes Association stated that for diabetespatients, using artificial sweeteners on their own or in foods anddrinks may help aid glucose control if "usedappropriately".” Emphasisis mine.
"Whilethey are not magic bullets, smart use of non-nutritive sweetenerscould help you reduce added sugars in your diet, therefore loweringthe number of calories you eat. Reducing calories could help youattain and maintain a healthy body weight, and thereby lower yourrisk of heart disease and diabetes. But there are caveats."
Both associations stressed that theirstatement permitting the use of artificial sweeteners is not to beunderstood as declaring them safe ingredients. This can only bedetermined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The authorsalso state that human studies about the specific, practical, andpublic health aspects about artificial sweeteners are needed.
The authors also stated that peopleoften compensate or overcompensate, making it necessary to state thatthey need to be used wisely to be successful. Consider theartificial sweeteners like a nicotine patch; they are much preferablethan real sugar, but not part and parcel of an optimal diet. Theauthors concluded that the artificial sweeteners on the market todayare safer than consuming large amounts of sugar, which is definitelyharmful when consumed in large amounts.
Today's Doctors Are Without a Moral Code
To contact us Click HERE
Normally I do not write about women'shealth or gestational diabetes. This is one time I feel I must asthe doctors are showing their true colors and arguing against makingchanges to the guidelines for gestational diabetes. If they weresupporting changes, then I would not be writing this. However, thistime I think they have abandoned the Hippocratic Oath in favor ofprofits and this does not seem the proper thing for doctors to comeout in favor of doing.
At issue is some in obstetrics andgynecology and maternal-fetal medicine have advocated for change tothe diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes for some time now,while others, including the American College of Obstetricians andGynecologists, say it is not clear that change is needed. Someinformation is needed here. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),money will be available for doctors to reduce medical costs at alllevels of medical care. This is what doctors are afraid of losing ifnew guidelines are put in place tightening the diagnosis andtreatment of gestational diabetes.
The upcoming Consensus DevelopmentConference in early 2013 is to assess available scientific evidencefor gestational diabetes. In advance of this conference, theopposition is writing articles in opposition to possible changes. The authors advised that "such a changewould dramatically increase the number of women identified as havingthis disease and place a significantly greater burden on an alreadyoverburdened primary health care system. We have concluded thatbefore change is made, there needs to be careful analysis of thepossible risk, cost and benefit involved in any revisions. If thedata aren't available to answer these questions, it would seemprudent and advisable to delay change at this time."
Follow the dollar signs is all I canderive from the discussion. Normally doctors look to the health ofthe patients (mother and unborn child in this case) and forget aboutthe cost-benefit analysis in favor of health. This time the medicalcommunity is placing the emphasis on the cost-benefit analysisinstead to the health issues. “Gestationaldiabetes is a condition that can be potentially devastating topregnancies. Even mild forms of hyperglycemia could potentially posesignificant adverse health consequences for pregnant women and theirchildren. Advocates for changing diagnostic criteria - increasing thenumber of women diagnosed with and thus treated for the condition -could reduce morbidity and health care costs. Those cost reductions,however, could be offset by an increase in patients diagnosed andtreated.”
Each side is bringing in the big gunsto bolster their arguments and they are quoting study after study onboth sides of the issue. For those on the “do not change” side,I feel they have lost their moral compass and are only interested inthe dollars they can divert to their pockets. I can only suggestthat you read the article and decide for yourself, which side of theissue you favor. The second article is here.
This just came to my attention - TomRoss has an excellent blog on the same topic. Read it here.
Normally I do not write about women'shealth or gestational diabetes. This is one time I feel I must asthe doctors are showing their true colors and arguing against makingchanges to the guidelines for gestational diabetes. If they weresupporting changes, then I would not be writing this. However, thistime I think they have abandoned the Hippocratic Oath in favor ofprofits and this does not seem the proper thing for doctors to comeout in favor of doing.
At issue is some in obstetrics andgynecology and maternal-fetal medicine have advocated for change tothe diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes for some time now,while others, including the American College of Obstetricians andGynecologists, say it is not clear that change is needed. Someinformation is needed here. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),money will be available for doctors to reduce medical costs at alllevels of medical care. This is what doctors are afraid of losing ifnew guidelines are put in place tightening the diagnosis andtreatment of gestational diabetes.
The upcoming Consensus DevelopmentConference in early 2013 is to assess available scientific evidencefor gestational diabetes. In advance of this conference, theopposition is writing articles in opposition to possible changes. The authors advised that "such a changewould dramatically increase the number of women identified as havingthis disease and place a significantly greater burden on an alreadyoverburdened primary health care system. We have concluded thatbefore change is made, there needs to be careful analysis of thepossible risk, cost and benefit involved in any revisions. If thedata aren't available to answer these questions, it would seemprudent and advisable to delay change at this time."
Follow the dollar signs is all I canderive from the discussion. Normally doctors look to the health ofthe patients (mother and unborn child in this case) and forget aboutthe cost-benefit analysis in favor of health. This time the medicalcommunity is placing the emphasis on the cost-benefit analysisinstead to the health issues. “Gestationaldiabetes is a condition that can be potentially devastating topregnancies. Even mild forms of hyperglycemia could potentially posesignificant adverse health consequences for pregnant women and theirchildren. Advocates for changing diagnostic criteria - increasing thenumber of women diagnosed with and thus treated for the condition -could reduce morbidity and health care costs. Those cost reductions,however, could be offset by an increase in patients diagnosed andtreated.”
Each side is bringing in the big gunsto bolster their arguments and they are quoting study after study onboth sides of the issue. For those on the “do not change” side,I feel they have lost their moral compass and are only interested inthe dollars they can divert to their pockets. I can only suggestthat you read the article and decide for yourself, which side of theissue you favor. The second article is here.
This just came to my attention - TomRoss has an excellent blog on the same topic. Read it here.
News from Our Informal Peer-to-peer Group
To contact us Click HERE
One of the members asked me why I havenot blogged about our group lately. I asked what happened thissummer and fall. He said many of the group traveled during thesummer and some had just recently returned the first part of October. Some of us had gotten together occasionally, but not regularly, asthere were not a lot of new things to occupy us as a group. Evennow, we have not had the entire group present.
Some of us are excited about the new study from Sweden that identifies a new marker for determiningdiabetes approximately ten years before diagnosis. True this needsfurther study, but may be a lead in the right direction. It meansnothing to those of us that already have type 2 diabetes, but if thiscan assist in making potential diabetes patients make lifestylechanges now and delay or even prevent diabetes - this is a goodthing. We will be watching for further research on this topic.
In addition to my having to take aforced writing vacation per my doctors to let my wrist heal, two ofthe group has had some illness and another has a family member withan illness that put the spouse in the hospital. This has caused usto be more careful and less likely to take time to get together. Some of have been exchanging emails of late attempting to figure outa convenient time after the holidays for all to get together andpossibly introduce three new members. I have the two women that Imet recently and Barry and Ben have a new friend as well. There maybe others that we haven't heard from yet.
Several of the members are quizzing meheavily about my peer mentoring experiences. Three of the group isasking if they could sit in on a session, see how I answer questions,and possibly consider doing something similar. We have talkedextensively about how I answer questions. I first told them that Ido not make suggestions in many areas unless it preface it with “youmust talk to your doctor.” I make sure the question is answeredwith talking with your doctor and suggest two or three possibilitiesto help guide the questions. I warned them about makingrecommendations that might sound like advising people to take acertain medication. I said that we cannot do this and this type ofadvice can create legal liabilities we don't need. I explained aboutone participant that was trying to get me to do just that. I alsosaid I would need to talk to the doctors and see if they were willingto have others sitting in. I said it could be beneficial having morethan one person relating experiences. They agreed I should getpermission first. We also are looking for a place to allow more thanone person since my office is not the most convenient.
Allen and Max have been on my case andin my face lately about being a turncoat and helping a type 1. Iknow this is good-natured as Allen lives three houses away from thenow 14 year-old young girl that I wrote about here. He did notrealize I knew them until one day this last summer when he saw mevisiting with the family. He came over and then Max who happens tolive directly across the alley saw us together and joined in. Theyall knew each other, but not that Lily had type 1 diabetes and herfamily did not know that Allen and Max were people with type 2diabetes. What was to have been a short visit from me concludedabout four hours later after the evening meal. We all had anenjoyable time and Lily had a great time teasing the three of usasking questions since we are all on insulin.
One of the members asked me why I havenot blogged about our group lately. I asked what happened thissummer and fall. He said many of the group traveled during thesummer and some had just recently returned the first part of October. Some of us had gotten together occasionally, but not regularly, asthere were not a lot of new things to occupy us as a group. Evennow, we have not had the entire group present.
Some of us are excited about the new study from Sweden that identifies a new marker for determiningdiabetes approximately ten years before diagnosis. True this needsfurther study, but may be a lead in the right direction. It meansnothing to those of us that already have type 2 diabetes, but if thiscan assist in making potential diabetes patients make lifestylechanges now and delay or even prevent diabetes - this is a goodthing. We will be watching for further research on this topic.
In addition to my having to take aforced writing vacation per my doctors to let my wrist heal, two ofthe group has had some illness and another has a family member withan illness that put the spouse in the hospital. This has caused usto be more careful and less likely to take time to get together. Some of have been exchanging emails of late attempting to figure outa convenient time after the holidays for all to get together andpossibly introduce three new members. I have the two women that Imet recently and Barry and Ben have a new friend as well. There maybe others that we haven't heard from yet.
Several of the members are quizzing meheavily about my peer mentoring experiences. Three of the group isasking if they could sit in on a session, see how I answer questions,and possibly consider doing something similar. We have talkedextensively about how I answer questions. I first told them that Ido not make suggestions in many areas unless it preface it with “youmust talk to your doctor.” I make sure the question is answeredwith talking with your doctor and suggest two or three possibilitiesto help guide the questions. I warned them about makingrecommendations that might sound like advising people to take acertain medication. I said that we cannot do this and this type ofadvice can create legal liabilities we don't need. I explained aboutone participant that was trying to get me to do just that. I alsosaid I would need to talk to the doctors and see if they were willingto have others sitting in. I said it could be beneficial having morethan one person relating experiences. They agreed I should getpermission first. We also are looking for a place to allow more thanone person since my office is not the most convenient.
Allen and Max have been on my case andin my face lately about being a turncoat and helping a type 1. Iknow this is good-natured as Allen lives three houses away from thenow 14 year-old young girl that I wrote about here. He did notrealize I knew them until one day this last summer when he saw mevisiting with the family. He came over and then Max who happens tolive directly across the alley saw us together and joined in. Theyall knew each other, but not that Lily had type 1 diabetes and herfamily did not know that Allen and Max were people with type 2diabetes. What was to have been a short visit from me concludedabout four hours later after the evening meal. We all had anenjoyable time and Lily had a great time teasing the three of usasking questions since we are all on insulin.
Let's Focus on the Up Side...
To contact us Click HERE
For this blog I wanted to write about the up side of things we are getting RIGHT in the world of human factors. I didn't want to find anything negative or something could improve on, because, let's face it....the world is always changing and adapting. Slowly, but surely. I've recently been apartment hunting a little for when I get married in August. During my search I have almost always come across a little wheel chair sign at the bottom of the website I was looking at townhouses on. For a while I couldn't figure out what it meant. Then I took a drive to one of the town homes I had looked at online and I realized that most apartment complexes or even town home community make special areas for the handicap to live. For instance these particular town homes I was looking at were all multi level and when I drove around I saw some one level homes.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
Designing Isn't Just for Adults..
To contact us Click HERE
I think that our field kind of has some negative views sometimes. People don't really know what we do or understand what we do. They think that we simply "fluff pillows and pick paint chips."
However, we know that this isn't the case. We know that we do much more than this. People don't understand that we are going to school to make their lives better and more comfortable. We know stuff that could make a difference in the way that they live.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of knowledge I learn everyday about our field of choice. When I gave my presentation last week it amazed me the certain things we could do to even improve a newborns room by putting in sound systems. Or even when Marcene did the presentation on health care environments and she talked about how they were painting their machines bright colors or making them look like something cool and not a big scary MRI machine. It's amazing how even just those small touches can improve the way a child might behave and not be scared to go to the doctor.
There is all sorts of knowledge out there for us to learn how to design and it's not just for adults and elderly. It's very useful for children too.
However, we know that this isn't the case. We know that we do much more than this. People don't understand that we are going to school to make their lives better and more comfortable. We know stuff that could make a difference in the way that they live.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of knowledge I learn everyday about our field of choice. When I gave my presentation last week it amazed me the certain things we could do to even improve a newborns room by putting in sound systems. Or even when Marcene did the presentation on health care environments and she talked about how they were painting their machines bright colors or making them look like something cool and not a big scary MRI machine. It's amazing how even just those small touches can improve the way a child might behave and not be scared to go to the doctor.
There is all sorts of knowledge out there for us to learn how to design and it's not just for adults and elderly. It's very useful for children too.
26 Kasım 2012 Pazartesi
Let's Focus on the Up Side...
To contact us Click HERE
For this blog I wanted to write about the up side of things we are getting RIGHT in the world of human factors. I didn't want to find anything negative or something could improve on, because, let's face it....the world is always changing and adapting. Slowly, but surely. I've recently been apartment hunting a little for when I get married in August. During my search I have almost always come across a little wheel chair sign at the bottom of the website I was looking at townhouses on. For a while I couldn't figure out what it meant. Then I took a drive to one of the town homes I had looked at online and I realized that most apartment complexes or even town home community make special areas for the handicap to live. For instance these particular town homes I was looking at were all multi level and when I drove around I saw some one level homes.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
It dawned on me later that that particular row was for the handicap, because they were all one level, they had special parking so that those residents didn't have to go so far to get into their home.
It impressed me, and maybe it's only something small. However, I love that they do this because they are able to have all kinds of residents and don't have to turn away residents who wouldn't be able to live in a multi level home.
Designing Isn't Just for Adults..
To contact us Click HERE
I think that our field kind of has some negative views sometimes. People don't really know what we do or understand what we do. They think that we simply "fluff pillows and pick paint chips."
However, we know that this isn't the case. We know that we do much more than this. People don't understand that we are going to school to make their lives better and more comfortable. We know stuff that could make a difference in the way that they live.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of knowledge I learn everyday about our field of choice. When I gave my presentation last week it amazed me the certain things we could do to even improve a newborns room by putting in sound systems. Or even when Marcene did the presentation on health care environments and she talked about how they were painting their machines bright colors or making them look like something cool and not a big scary MRI machine. It's amazing how even just those small touches can improve the way a child might behave and not be scared to go to the doctor.
There is all sorts of knowledge out there for us to learn how to design and it's not just for adults and elderly. It's very useful for children too.
However, we know that this isn't the case. We know that we do much more than this. People don't understand that we are going to school to make their lives better and more comfortable. We know stuff that could make a difference in the way that they live.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of knowledge I learn everyday about our field of choice. When I gave my presentation last week it amazed me the certain things we could do to even improve a newborns room by putting in sound systems. Or even when Marcene did the presentation on health care environments and she talked about how they were painting their machines bright colors or making them look like something cool and not a big scary MRI machine. It's amazing how even just those small touches can improve the way a child might behave and not be scared to go to the doctor.
There is all sorts of knowledge out there for us to learn how to design and it's not just for adults and elderly. It's very useful for children too.
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)