Natural Healing for Healthy and Happy Pets!

Natural Healing for Healthy and Happy Pets!

The purpose of this column is to help you learn about many of the herbs that nurture your pet's body systems and to be able to use them with confidence. For so many pet owners this is anunheard of concept. Fortunately, for our animal friends, this idea is becoming more accepted and sought after. I often hear people ask with wonder, "You can give herbs to animals?" The answer is "Yes, of course." If you lift up their paws and stand them upright, they are basically the same as their owners. We have all the same body systems; urinary, digestive, intestinal, circulatory, nervous, glandular, respiratory and structural. Some of the body systems may differ slightly, as in the intestinal system for a dog, which is somewhat shorter than that of its owner (this is to allow for the digestion and quick passing time of all the protein the dog needs).

An herbalist uses herbs to heal and balance the body, thereby allowing the body to nurture itself--without the use of drugs or invasive procedures such as surgeries. In my practice, I stress PREVENTATIVE health care and education. While Icontinue to help people and pets that are severely ill with life threatening diseases after all conventional therapies have failed, I would prefer to help at a point BEFORE these problems have become a desperate issue. I constantly see that changes in diet and the use of natural supplementation can add many pain free years to a pet's life, and it is indeed rare that I ever have to take my own pets to the veterinarian for any problems that I cannot solve myself with natural approaches.

As you can well imagine, my work with animals has been a very rewarding experience. You see, animals will respond very quickly to herbs and nutritional approaches. They do not have a preconceived notion about natural healing. Never do you hear a dog say, "Well, she wants me to take this, but I don't know. It if keeps her happy I'll do it, but I don't think it will do any good." You give your pet the energy-food and it will balance and heal. It is an indescribable feeling to see an animal that was scheduled to be destroyed, now walking, running and being enjoyed by its family. I will share some of these experiences in subsequent columns.

Your pets become sick for the same reasons you do. There are many causes of illness, including exposure to environmental toxins and pollution. Maintaining a healthy pet requires that they get sufficient exercise and rest, have clean water, proper digestion and elimination. But I believe there is nothing more important than nutrition and food. To give your pet his best chance at great health, it is necessary to supplement his food, whatever brand you choose. There are many different brands of pet food, all promising to give your pet the best possible nutrition. Some foods are so full of fillers, indigestible proteins and chemical preservatives that I will not waste the ink to discuss them. You know which ones they are--the chain stores sell them in 50 pound bags for $9.99!

Fortunately, there are many good quality foods with little or no chemical fillers. I always advise my clients to read the labels on the different foods and base their decision on the quality of the food and not the price. However, I do not believe that there is ANY perfect pet food, not even "home-made" food. There are some good foods, there are even some great foods, but no "perfect" food. Even home-made foods, unless they are thoroughly researched and prepared, are deficient in vitamins and minerals. I have seen what those deficiencies do to your pets. Poor nutrition means poor health, and that means veterinary bills. All of my animals receive herbs, even when they are healthy. I know that by supplementing with herbs, vitamins and minerals that they will stay healthy.

If given a choice, your pet's body, in its innate wisdom, will always choose what is healthy. Unfortunately, your pet is not in control of his life, you decide what he is fed, or how to deal with any health problems. Improper diets or the lack of supplementation is the root cause for all problems, other than genetics, faced by your pet. Conditions as simple as flatulence--and that is not simple if you are ina room with a 90 pound Doberman with gas--or as difficult as cancer, can all be prevented with a proper diet and supplement program.

The other major cause of your pet's deteriorating health is improper and unnecessary drug use and surgeries. When you and your pet go to a veterinarian, the usual first attempt at helping your pet is likely to be antibiotics. When and if that doesn't work, then prednisone or cortisone are often prescribed. Surgery is a last resort. I am NOT saying there is no place for veterinary medicine, and I do not mean to imply anything else. If one of my pets was hit by a car, I would not give him echinacea and then hope for the best! No, I want a veterinary hospital and the best it has to offer to put things right, even if that means surgery. After that, I will take it from there and give him the natural approaches he needs to heal his body. Only herbs, which are foods, can do that. Drugs suppress or stimulate the body into or out of action. They do not heal and are not "health care", they are "disease care".

While there are certainly other situations that require conventional veterinarycare, I am glad to see that many local veterinarians are stressing the importance of using natural health care whenever possible and resorting to drugs and surgery only if necessary. The biggest differences in the two types of care is that natural herbal care will treat the body as a whole unit because you cannot stimulate, suppress or remove one part of the body without affecting another part. Nutritionally, the body is supplemented so that all systems are working to their peak potential. Herbalists do not treat specific conditions. Instead, they nutritionally feed the body, allowing it to take care of itself. Knowing this, you must then understand that the symptoms displayed by your pet are not necessarily the root cause of the problem. When your dog shows a symptom of something, for example, vomiting or diarrhea, it is only that--a symptom. It is not the problem. The symptoms are the body's way of trying to eradicate the offending problem. If your dog suddenly develops diarrhea, and he has not been in your sight 100% of the time, there is the strong possibility that he has just eaten something--like a dead fish along the river, that contains bacteria. His body will do whatever it can to push out the offending bacteria. He may throw up. He may have diarrhea. He may go off his food for several days. If you give hima drug to stop these symptoms, you are stopping his body's attempt at healing itself by pushing out the offending bacteria. It will then remain in his body and can create problems at a later date. Herbs will give the body the strength it needs to push out and cleanse. This allows your pet to heal and re-balance the energies of his body.

Using herbs is not like taking a drug so that 20 minutes later the symptoms are suppressed or the body is stimulated into action. Rather, herbs slowly nurture and heal what is wrong with the body. Although many of my clients have seen immediate healing results, it is more common that natural approaches are going to take some time. Remember, herbs are foods. These foods will produce healthier cells and eventually healthier organs which can then heal the body. I know this often poses a problem for the pet owners. They want their beloved pet to be free of symptoms quickly. Drugs offer a short term fix only. In the long term they only toxify the liver, kidneys and other detoxifying organs of the body. Long term problems then necessitate the need for more drugs for another short term fix, and so on and so on. Have you ever wondered why so many pets are developing cancers, diabetes and other serious health issues at very young ages? The pets we knew as children were often fed table scraps, not commercially prepared food. Drinking water was more pure back then.We did not have as much pollution. Expensive veterinary care with the present array of drugs was not as available as it is today.Nowadays, we use so many "preventative drugs" each year for fleas, etc. that our pets are full of toxins and chemicals. This in turn leads to toxicity in their detoxifying organs which then leads to disease and poor health. I am not advocating a return to just table scraps, but rather to foods without chemicals and toxins. It does not make sense to make your pet's body completely toxic in order to combat fleas. It makes more sense to turn to natural, safe methods of healing and to maintain good health by supplementing nutritionally. In my next column, I will discuss many different safe, non-toxic and natural approaches to flea control.

(This column is authored by Carol Koenigsknecht, Herbal Practitioner and owner of Terra Ken Herbals. She is available for consultations, classes and lectures, and can be reached via her website at or by phone, (706) 797-0091. She also owns and operates Carols Critter Care, a pet-sitting service.)

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this column is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please seek the advice of a QUALIFIED veterinarian or health care practitioner before using any herbs, supplements or other natural approaches to health discussed in this column.

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Does Smoking Cannabis or Other Street Drugs While a Teenager Cause Mental Illness, in Particular Schizophrenia?

It seems to be a cultural way of maturation but without the consideration of the consequences. Someone told me that its use is so common that those who do not smoke it are seen as the odd one out in most colleges. My main concern is the effect it has on the mental health of these young people. This issue became of importance to me when two young people close two me ended up having mental issue in their late teens. Both were users of marijuana before the mental break up. I decided to do some investigation to find out whether there was any research on this issue. My investigation did confirm that there is indeed research confirming my suspicion.

The use of street drugs, including LSD, methamphetamine, cannabis and alcohol has been linked with significantly increased probability of developing schizophrenia. This link has been documented in over 30 different scientific studies done mostly in the United Kingdom, Australia and Sweden over the past 20 years. One study interviewed 50,000 members of the Swedish Army about their drug consumption and followed up with them later in life. The study established that those who were heavy consumers of cannabis at age 18 were over 60% more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia over the next 15 years than those who did not take it. Experts now estimate that between 8% and 13 % of all schizophrenia cases are linked to cannabis use during teen years.

Many of these research studies indicate that the risk is higher when the drugs are used by people under the age of 21 years, a time when the human brain is developing rapidly and is particularly vulnerable. This risk is highest on people with a biological disposition towards schizophrenia. Researchers in New Zealand found that those who used cannabis by the age of 15 were more than three times more likely to develop mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Other similar research has backed these findings showing that cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis by up to 70% for heavy users, and that the risk increases in proportion to the amount of cannabis used. The younger a person smokes or uses cannabis, the higher the risk for schizophrenia, and the worse the schizophrenia is when the person does develop it.

Robin Murray, at the London Institute of Psychiatry did a study in 2005 with more than 750 adolescents in conjunction with colleagues at Kings college London and the University of Otago in New Zealand. The study established that overall people were 4.5 times more likely to develop schizophrenia at the age of 26 years if they were regular users of cannabis at age 15 compared to 1.65 times for those who did not report regular use until age 18. Researchers now believe that using the drug while the brain is developing boosts levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain which can directly lead to schizophrenia.

Another study was done to establish the trends in cannabis use prior to first presentation with schizophrenia in South East London between 1965 and 1999. The rate of cannabis use in the year prior to first ever presentation was measured over seven times periods. The conclusion for the study was that cannabis use in the year prior to presentation with schizophrenia increased markedly between 1965 and 1999, and disproportionately so compared to increase in cannabis use on other psychiatric disorders.

A clinical toxicologist at Imperial College London, Professor John Henry, says that research has shown that people with a certain genetic makeup who use the drug face a ten times risk of schizophrenia. The increased risk applies to people who inherit variants of a gene named COMT and who smoked cannabis as teenagers. About a quarter of the population has this genetic make-up and up to 15% of the group is likely to develop psychotic conditions if exposed to cannabis early in life. Neither the drug nor the gene raises the risk by itself.

Professor Castle, author of the book Marijuana Madness (2004), has suggested that people with psychotic proneness were those who had a family history of mental illness or who had a bad response on their first use of cannabis or to a tiny amount. Without the effects of drug, such persons might live their whole life without experiencing mental health problems. It is estimated that between 8% and 13% of people that have schizophrenia today would never have developed the illness without exposure to cannabis. Cannabis impacts on neurotransmitters that regulate how arousal and stress are managed in the brain. Cannabis takes a long time to metabolize, and can quickly build up to high levels in the body. Its at this point that the risk of depression or schizophrenia is triggered.

This is evidence that cannot be ignored yet society seems to glamorize the culture and ignore these factors. I am aware that cannabis can be used for medicinal purposes, and I am not questioning that. But that aside one cannot ignore this kind of data if we truly care about the future condition of the next generation. The mental health profession is also not very vocal in warning when it comes to this issue which is very sad.

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Electronic Cigarette Health Benefits

Electronic Cigarette health benefits

What is Electronic Cigarette?

Electronic cigarette also known as E- Cigarette or personal vaporizer is a device using battery for inhaling some free nicotine. It obviously is a substitute to normal smoke bases nicotine products like cigar, pipes and Cigarettes. Electronic Cigarette provides experience similar to that of smoking a regular tobacco product but of course without any smoke involved. E-cigarette comes in various flavors and delivers a physical experience similar to inhaled tobacco.

Is Electronic Cigarette Safe?

Since they have not been around for a very long period, no real data provides any answer to the question. However researched have proved that Electronic cigarette are actually safe than real nicotine products. Though FDA has warned to stay far away from E-cigarette but their own reports and tests substantiated the fact that Electronic cigarettes were safe than normal nicotine products and could aid in quitting smoking.

Can E-cigarette cause cancer?

The ingredients present in electronic cigarette vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but mostly they contain propylene Glycol or vegetable glycerin, both of them are not known to be carcinogen. Additionally component generally are distilled water and kosher food flavorings. In short, E-cigarette doesnt have any cancer causing element present in its active ingredients.

Health benefits of E-Cigarette

There are many health benefits of electronic cigarette and slowly but steadily it is gaining global accreditation. Electronic cigarette has become a very popular alternative for all those smokers looking to quit smoking.

While smoking normal tobacco products, it is not the nicotine which causes the majority of the damage to the body. The smoke releases harmful chemicals (tar) which damages the lungs and exposes the smokers to the jeopardy of contracting Emphysema or cancer. Electronic cigarette just releases nicotine using its battery powered device and doesnt burn the tobacco, it vaporizes nicotine thus doesnt expose the smokers to the toxin present in burn tobacco.

Smokers looking to quit smoking can rely on E-cigarette to get their dose of nicotine without exposing themselves to the risk of inhaling harmful toxins. E-cigarette only kindles smoke by producing vapor from a liquid tube embedded inside the device.

Though electronic cigarette dont taste exactly like burned nicotine but many manufacturers have come pretty close but with regular use most people discover that it is not the taste but the effects that it is not the taste but the effects it has on the brain cells which is important.

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Electronic Cigarette Health Benefits

Electronic Cigarette health benefits

What is Electronic Cigarette?

Electronic cigarette also known as E- Cigarette or personal vaporizer is a device using battery for inhaling some free nicotine. It obviously is a substitute to normal smoke bases nicotine products like cigar, pipes and Cigarettes. Electronic Cigarette provides experience similar to that of smoking a regular tobacco product but of course without any smoke involved. E-cigarette comes in various flavors and delivers a physical experience similar to inhaled tobacco.

Is Electronic Cigarette Safe?

Since they have not been around for a very long period, no real data provides any answer to the question. However researched have proved that Electronic cigarette are actually safe than real nicotine products. Though FDA has warned to stay far away from E-cigarette but their own reports and tests substantiated the fact that Electronic cigarettes were safe than normal nicotine products and could aid in quitting smoking.

Can E-cigarette cause cancer?

The ingredients present in electronic cigarette vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but mostly they contain propylene Glycol or vegetable glycerin, both of them are not known to be carcinogen. Additionally component generally are distilled water and kosher food flavorings. In short, E-cigarette doesnt have any cancer causing element present in its active ingredients.

Health benefits of E-Cigarette

There are many health benefits of electronic cigarette and slowly but steadily it is gaining global accreditation. Electronic cigarette has become a very popular alternative for all those smokers looking to quit smoking.

While smoking normal tobacco products, it is not the nicotine which causes the majority of the damage to the body. The smoke releases harmful chemicals (tar) which damages the lungs and exposes the smokers to the jeopardy of contracting Emphysema or cancer. Electronic cigarette just releases nicotine using its battery powered device and doesnt burn the tobacco, it vaporizes nicotine thus doesnt expose the smokers to the toxin present in burn tobacco.

Smokers looking to quit smoking can rely on E-cigarette to get their dose of nicotine without exposing themselves to the risk of inhaling harmful toxins. E-cigarette only kindles smoke by producing vapor from a liquid tube embedded inside the device.

Though electronic cigarette dont taste exactly like burned nicotine but many manufacturers have come pretty close but with regular use most people discover that it is not the taste but the effects that it is not the taste but the effects it has on the brain cells which is important.

0

Electronic Cigarette Health Benefits

Electronic Cigarette health benefits

What is Electronic Cigarette?

Electronic cigarette also known as E- Cigarette or personal vaporizer is a device using battery for inhaling some free nicotine. It obviously is a substitute to normal smoke bases nicotine products like cigar, pipes and Cigarettes. Electronic Cigarette provides experience similar to that of smoking a regular tobacco product but of course without any smoke involved. E-cigarette comes in various flavors and delivers a physical experience similar to inhaled tobacco.

Is Electronic Cigarette Safe?

Since they have not been around for a very long period, no real data provides any answer to the question. However researched have proved that Electronic cigarette are actually safe than real nicotine products. Though FDA has warned to stay far away from E-cigarette but their own reports and tests substantiated the fact that Electronic cigarettes were safe than normal nicotine products and could aid in quitting smoking.

Can E-cigarette cause cancer?

The ingredients present in electronic cigarette vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but mostly they contain propylene Glycol or vegetable glycerin, both of them are not known to be carcinogen. Additionally component generally are distilled water and kosher food flavorings. In short, E-cigarette doesnt have any cancer causing element present in its active ingredients.

Health benefits of E-Cigarette

There are many health benefits of electronic cigarette and slowly but steadily it is gaining global accreditation. Electronic cigarette has become a very popular alternative for all those smokers looking to quit smoking.

While smoking normal tobacco products, it is not the nicotine which causes the majority of the damage to the body. The smoke releases harmful chemicals (tar) which damages the lungs and exposes the smokers to the jeopardy of contracting Emphysema or cancer. Electronic cigarette just releases nicotine using its battery powered device and doesnt burn the tobacco, it vaporizes nicotine thus doesnt expose the smokers to the toxin present in burn tobacco.

Smokers looking to quit smoking can rely on E-cigarette to get their dose of nicotine without exposing themselves to the risk of inhaling harmful toxins. E-cigarette only kindles smoke by producing vapor from a liquid tube embedded inside the device.

Though electronic cigarette dont taste exactly like burned nicotine but many manufacturers have come pretty close but with regular use most people discover that it is not the taste but the effects that it is not the taste but the effects it has on the brain cells which is important.

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5 Reasons To Become A Registered Nurse (Rn)

Nursing is one of the hottest fields for career-oriented people. Nursing stands second only to technology as the field with the best jobs. More and more employment opportunities are available as the population ages and more people demand health care. Becoming a Registered Nurse, or RN, is a fabulous opportunity for you to provide for your needs as well as care for others needs. If health care and serving people interests you, becoming a RN is the best option for you. Here are 5 reasons why you should choose nursing as a career.

. Money

People say that when choosing a career, money should not be the only thing you should consider. But hey, we all have bills to pay. Since nurses are in demand, their salaries are high. Even if you have just qualified as a RN, you can earn above $50,000 as a starting salary. As you continue to progress and gain experience, your salary will go up as well and you could live a comfortable life by just serving people.

. Personal Satisfaction

You will help the people in their fight against disease and illness. While not all of them will come through fine, it is a great feeling to know that you have made a persons life better. As a RN, you will have the chance to see your efforts actually making a difference in the lives of people. There is no greater emotion than just being human!

. Job Security

Nursing is one of the most secure professions and you will not have to fear that you would lose your job. In the ongoing recession, being a RN has been a safe bet for people, as health care is one industry where the demand has not fallen and jobs are always available.

. Work Hours

Nurses work in shifts and are not in to the routine 9-to-5 jobs. You can enjoy the flexibility in working hours, especially if you are raising a family. Working the night shift enables you to take daytime classes which will boost your potential and increase your qualifications as a RN, opening the door for better career opportunities.

. Location

Nurses are in demand in every place on the planet. If you want to branch out and move abroad, or if you living and experiencing different cities and countries, becoming a RN is a good option for you. You can work in your hometown, or if you want, go anywhere in the world.

So, if you want a good life for yourself while at the same time making others lives better, become a RN.

For more information regarding LVN/RN, please visit Americancollegeofnursing.com

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5 Reasons To Become A Registered Nurse (Rn)

Nursing is one of the hottest fields for career-oriented people. Nursing stands second only to technology as the field with the best jobs. More and more employment opportunities are available as the population ages and more people demand health care. Becoming a Registered Nurse, or RN, is a fabulous opportunity for you to provide for your needs as well as care for others needs. If health care and serving people interests you, becoming a RN is the best option for you. Here are 5 reasons why you should choose nursing as a career.

. Money

People say that when choosing a career, money should not be the only thing you should consider. But hey, we all have bills to pay. Since nurses are in demand, their salaries are high. Even if you have just qualified as a RN, you can earn above $50,000 as a starting salary. As you continue to progress and gain experience, your salary will go up as well and you could live a comfortable life by just serving people.

. Personal Satisfaction

You will help the people in their fight against disease and illness. While not all of them will come through fine, it is a great feeling to know that you have made a persons life better. As a RN, you will have the chance to see your efforts actually making a difference in the lives of people. There is no greater emotion than just being human!

. Job Security

Nursing is one of the most secure professions and you will not have to fear that you would lose your job. In the ongoing recession, being a RN has been a safe bet for people, as health care is one industry where the demand has not fallen and jobs are always available.

. Work Hours

Nurses work in shifts and are not in to the routine 9-to-5 jobs. You can enjoy the flexibility in working hours, especially if you are raising a family. Working the night shift enables you to take daytime classes which will boost your potential and increase your qualifications as a RN, opening the door for better career opportunities.

. Location

Nurses are in demand in every place on the planet. If you want to branch out and move abroad, or if you living and experiencing different cities and countries, becoming a RN is a good option for you. You can work in your hometown, or if you want, go anywhere in the world.

So, if you want a good life for yourself while at the same time making others lives better, become a RN.

For more information regarding LVN/RN, please visit Americancollegeofnursing.com

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