Tested And Proven Healthy Recipes

If you are starting to get hopeless and out of your wits in devising of ways on how you can prepare healthy recipes for your family, welcome to this article which will teach you to make some. After reading this you will learn how to make healthy kids recipes that even the adult ones will also love, also some kids recipes that are rich with Vitamin C, and if you are a busy cook and mother in one, I will also tell you how to make a very easy meat loaf recipe which will surely save time and be enjoyed by your kids too.

I am expecting that by the end of this article, you will be able to learn a few useful tips that will take you a long way in your cooking endeavors.

Let us start with some of the healthy recipes for your kids that will also be loved by the adults in your family as well. Keep in mind that making healthy recipes can really be hard and tough for some people; sometimes they may also be difficult to find around. That is why I have her something that will surely be loved by everyone in the family: young and old alike. Presenting the turkey soup with ground hamburger!

This is indeed one healthy recipe that can be really suggested as a slow cooker recipe. Not to mention that will really be loved by your kids (I have proven it with mine); and the fact that this is easy on the budget and on our waistline will also make it be loved by parents. The good thing is that, even if you are a busy body, you can also do this recipe since it will only eat up some 10 minutes, the most, of your precious time. Take note of the ingredients below: (do not forget the slow cooker)

Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

1 lb Ground Turkey or even an Extra Lean Hamburger* (please refer to the note below)
1/4 Tsp. Oregano, dried
3 Cups Water, hot
1/4 Tsp. Black Pepper
1 Cup Carrots, Sliced
8 oz. of Tomato Sauce
1/4 Tsp. Seasoned Salt
1 Cup Celery, Sliced
1 Tbsp. Soy sauce, Low-sodium
1 Envelope Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 Cup cooked Macaroni

1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Here's how to do it:

a. Mix all ingredients together, but not the parmesan cheese and macaroni yet,
in your slow cooker.

b. Cook them low for some six to eight hours.

c. Then have the macaroni cooked (as per instructions) and turn your slow cooker to high level. Then you can put the cooked parmesan cheese and the macaroni.

d. Have it cooked for some fifteen-twenty minutes more.

e. Then you can serve it up and let the family enjoy!

(Note: The actual ideal size of the slow cooker to be used for a recipe like this is a four quart one. And this recipe can make up to six servings. Then, if you like to use an extra lean hamburger, you have to cook that first and then drain it off of all the grease then put it in your slow cooker.)

The next one is a healthy recipe for kids that is rich in Vitamin C. Take note that this vitamin is really essential for the kids; and the great thing about this is that this vitamin is present in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. One good benefit of Vitamin C is that it is a powerful agent acting out as anti-oxidant and also as anti-inflammatory one that will definitely prevent damages to the cells that are oxygen-based.

And an easy source of Vitamin C is found by taking different fruits and veggies which can also be delicious especially when added with attractive colors and healthy textures that are still appealing to children. Keep in mind also that some delicious sources of this wonderful vitamin are citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries. That is why I have here a recipe called "Strawberry Fluff Recipe". Take note of the following details and ingredients:

You will need the following:

16 oz. of fresh or frozen strawberries

1 large Cool Whip tub

cup of sugar

1 pkg. marshmallows, colored

Here's how to do it:

1. First, cut up all the strawberries

2. Then mix it with the Cool Whip

3. Add the sugar

4. Mix them well

5. Make sure you stir in the package marshmallows, 1/2 to 3/4

6. Finally, refrigerate first before serving.

And finally, for busy cooks and moms out there, here is one recipe about one of the most loved food of kids nowmeatloaf. It is a known fact that there are a lot of meatloaf recipes out there, but then one good recipe should be done in a matter of minutes so busy moms can still prepare it and then move on to the next task. This recipe here is something that will be a variety to the usual meatloaf recipe that we already know.

You can also use ground beef here, if you prefer it. Still some people also make use of sausage, ground veal, or ground porkthe choices are really limitless. But then let me just present here a basic one that will really save you time and efforts. I call this recipe as "Basic and Easy Meatloaf Healthy Recipe". Read on.

You will need the following:

1 pounds of ground chuck

2 eggs

1 teaspoon of salt

cup of bread crumbs, Italian style

1 teaspoon of each garlic powder & also onion powder, (though this is really optional)

teaspoon of pepper

1 large onion which should be finely chopped

2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce (optional, but can be good)

cup of catsup (and can be more for top if you desired)

You will have to do the following:

1. First, preheat your oven to 375 F

2. Then in a large loaf pan (can also be ovenproof baking dish, if you want) start to mix all the ingredients

3. Start shaping this into loaf shape.

4. You can bake it at 375 for an hour or until it is done.

5. You can opt to cover the top with a lot more catsup especially during the last remaining 20 minutes of your baking.

To conclude, after reading the article, we can say that there are really easy diy recipes that can also be healthy and time saving too. It is important that we know recipes that will be healthy but also be loved by everyone in the family.

I have given you recipes that can be loved by not only the kids but also even by the adults, this is Ground Turkey Soup Recipe; also one that is rich in Vitamin Cthe Strawberry Fluff Recipe; and the basic one that is ideal for busy mom and cooks out thereBasic and Easy Meatloaf Healthy Recipe. Just keep in mind, though, that by checking out and reading this article, will not give you the assurance that you will become an instant expert cook. And if you still need to learn more, I suggest that you also check my other articles out.

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Pet Health Myths

On the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page, we recently asked pet owners to share the most bizarre pet health advice they've ever heard. Today, we're taking some of those responses and busting the myths for good.

MYTH: Pour motor oil on a dog to cure mange or kill lice.
BUSTED: Never pour motor oil on a pet. Aside from being messy, it's highly flammable, dangerous to work with and could make you and your pet extremely sick. If your pet is suffering from mange or a lice infestation, a quick trip to the vet will get you safe, effective treatment and ensure proper pet health.

MYTH: If your dog has an accident in the house, you should rub his nose in it while scolding him.
BUSTED: Dogs have short memories, and unless you catch them in the act, scolding about going potty will only lead to confusion and fear your dog will become afraid to go to the bathroom in your presence. If there's an indoor accident you don't catch while it's happening, let it go and remember to praise heavily when you dog goes potty outside. If you do catch him in the act, say "No!" Then take him outside and praise him for going in the right place.

MYTH: To keep your cat calm when traveling, transport her in a pillowcase.
BUSTED: Never transport a cat in a pillowcase. Movement is restricted and could lead to injury, especially if the cat panics. The fabric could also restrict airflow and cause a severe cat health care issue. When kitty needs to come along for the ride, use a pet carrier that's the right size she should be able to stand up and turn around in it and add a favorite toy or blanket to comfort her. If you're traveling by plane, be sure you buy an airline-approved carrier. The style will vary depending on the size of your pet and whether she'll ride in the cabin with you or in cargo with larger pets.

MYTH: To remove a tick from a dog, hold a lit match to it.
BUSTED: Never hold a lit match near your pet, as this could be extremely detrimental to pet health. To remove a tick, light a match, blow it out, and hold the hot matchstick it to the tick's belly. The heat will cause it to pull out of the pet. Good old-fashioned tweezers work as well, so long as you grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and apply steady pressure to ensure you do not leave the tick's head behind. If tick removal makes you uncomfortable or you think your pet might need treatment for an allergic reaction, take him or her to your vet for recommendations and safe treatments.

When it comes to pet health care advice, use your best judgment. If something sounds like a bad idea, it probably is. Do your own research and see your vet for the best answers to your dog health care questions.

For more information on pet health, visit www.petsbest.com.

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Getting to the Bottom of Pet Health Insurance Myths

Pet health insurance is very important for pet owners because this will somehow ensure that they will have somebody to back them up once the pet becomes ill or got into an accident. Although there are many advantages of pet health insurance, there are some instances that these can be disadvantageous for the owner because of the hidden charges and inappropriate plans many health insurance offers.

To help you choose the best pet health insurance there is, here are some myths and misconceptions that you should keep in mind.

Myth # 1: "Your pet does not need health insurance." Like people you will never know when you pet would get sick or get hurt. The main reason why there is a pet insurance policy is because there are times when your pet would need health care and you are not prepared for it. Vet care costs a whole lot of money and your pet also need routine vet care. If you have a pet health insurance policy you don't need to choose between your pet' s health and your money when you have a little problem with financial status. You may think you don't need it today but the truth is everybody needs to make sure that they are covered.
Myth # 2: "There are a limited number of vets that are accredited by pet health insurance policies." Unlike some human health insurance policies where there are just some places and doctors that accept patients because of the limited accreditation, pet health insurance policies have more coverage when it comes to the vet of the owner's choice.

Myth # 3: "You can't include vaccinations, dental cleanings and check ups." There are some comprehensive policies that include wellness care and preventive care in their coverage so it is best that you choose those types.

Misconception # 1: "It cost a fortune to get you pet a policy." Basic accident policies are very affordable and the most affordable health care policies cost fewer than 10 dollars a month. You would want to take the risk with any of your investments right? And like it or not your pets are an investment, the money that we spend on their food, the shelter that they have, the toys and the oth er things that we buy for them is part of our investment. Throwing it all away because our pets are not insured is a sure waste. Other policies may cost a little more but as the policies become more expensive because of their comprehensiveness. Think over what policy best fits your pet and remember than peace of mind can't be bought.

Misconception # 3. "It's a drag to apply for one." There are a lot of online reference pertaining to pet health insurance and how to apply for it. If a pet owner wants to apply their pet for a policy they can get all the help they can get from a lot of sources and people. If you are a pet owner and you need first hand information you can always ask your vet.

Misconception # 2: "Pet health insurance policies are complicated." If there is a health policy in the world that is easy to understand that's a pet policy. Unlike a human policy where there is a sub clause for dependents legal claimers etc, pet health policies are si mplified for the owner's better understanding.

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Inexpensively Priced Pet Supplies and Care Products Supports the Best in Pet Health

Finding alternative resources for your pet supplies can be the smartest move you make. The reason? When those care products and supplies become costly, it is all too easy to slip into the cost-saving mode which could mean not purchasing necessary items for optimal pet health. The economy has hit many people hard and pet expenses are often the most expendable when it comes to budgeting your money. However, with an affordable outlet in which to purchase pet care items, you can keep your pet happy and healthy.

Preventative Medications

With the right preventative medications, you can keep your pets from getting sick and producing high veterinarian bills. While you must take your pet into the vet for check-ups, you don't have to purchase prescription medications from them such as flea and heartworm preventatives. An online pet store with a good reputation can often sell you the medications you need at a fraction of the vet's retail cost.

Insurance for your Pet

Smaller animals like guinea pigs, rats and hamsters are inexpensive to purchase and maintain; pets like cats and dogs though are more of an investment. Therefore, if you want to protect yourself against the possibility of the high cost of veterinary procedures in your pet's future, you can purchase pet insurance. An experienced, knowledgeable online pet store that offers pet supplies will also likely have options for insurance as well.

Pet Accessories and Toys

Part of responsible pet ownership is providing toys for entertainment and stimulation as well as other accessories to help in the care of your animals. If you want a sociable animal that behaves, you will have to invest in a crate or kennel in addition to other paraphernalia that will help reinforce positive behaviours. Grooming basics are important so having a resource to purchase essential grooming supplies so you can do the job yourself and save some money is important too. Fencing, kibble, treats, leashes and even sturdy food and water bowls are part of the pet package.

Being a responsible pet owner means taking care of all your pet's needs from food and shelter to discipline, training and vet care. Finding one source to provide pet supplies for all your pet's needs makes sense, particularly if that resource is an online store. You can save more money through this one-stop shopping method because you are not dealing with driving from store to store, wasting gas as well as accumulating wear and tear on your vehicle. And thanks to better technology, online shopping is safe, easy and secure.

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Common Summer Pet Health Issues

Spring and summer season turns fields and nature to green and almost of living things to better life under the sun. But as the world blooms like colorful flowers, harmful insects and diseases are on hunt for prey which makes animals and pets as easy targets. This PetStreetMall article will guide you to safer, healthy, comfortable and always ready for any pet health concerns during summer. Fleas and Ticks. Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living by hematophagy on the blood of mammals, birds, some reptiles and amphibians. They could carry number of diseases, including Lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne relapsing fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and tick-borne meningoencephalitis and more. Flea on the other hand is a kind of wingless insects with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas are external parasites too, living by hematophagy off the blood of mammals (including bats and humans) and birds, and can transmit bubonic p lague and any other disease from different animals, pets and humans. Fleas and Ticks easily spread during warm weather and could dangerous affects dogs and cats with allergies and infections if not treated early or properly. Make sure you buy good flea and tick control products like from Frontline or K9 Advantix which capable of killing them, including eggs present on pet coats & skin.

Disease Carrying Animals. These include mosquitoes and most wild animals like rabbits and rodents that could carry zoonotic diseases like plague, tularemia, lung & heart worms and leptospirosis(a bacterial disease that impairs kidney function and may result in kidney failure). Some these pet diseases have potential for human infection too. Use mosquito repellants and eliminate standing water around your home to avoid attracting egg-laying mosquitoes. When hiking or walking on woods or forest, don't just let the dogs drink water from wild, not even when there are no signs of precaution that the water is not safe. Wild animals' feces and waste could flow into this water. Give you pet a kind of pet vitamins that could boost their health to fight diseases and allergies.

UV Ray and Pet Heatstroke. Summer have longer and hotter days that temperature can rise easily, while unlike human, pets can't sweat to relieve body heath instantly. Never ever left pets on vehicles or closed room, provide shades and shelters that cool and comfortable enough. Common signs of heatstroke are panting, rapid heartbeat, dry & warn skin, high fever, anxious expression & doesn't obey commands, vomiting and collapsing. Make sure they have access on fresh and clean water that is flowing to ensure it has enough oxygen content; it is recommended to use automatic pet waterers and fountains. Also, treat pets with some chilling products like cooling pet beds, cooling jackets and bandana which not only relieve body heat easily, but also alleviate body pains, joint aches and arthritis, especially for senior pets.

Few Pet Summer Tips. Don't over overexert pets with too much play under the hot sun. Give them cooling pet treats frozen kongand chew toys or meaty bones to keep them busy on cool place. Grooming pets give them not only good looks but lighter and cooler feeling. And as always, close supervision is a must.

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Summer Safety For Your Pets Health

Soon the birds will be back and the leaves on the trees. That warm summer breeze will make you feel all warm inside and happy the cold winter has past. This is the time to remember our furry little friends who sometimes suffer from the summer heat. They love us unconditionally even if they are suffering. We can take steps to insure that our pets are safe when that first heat wave comes by. Our pets are like our family members, so let us treat them like it.

First step is to be prepared. Water, can't stress this enough. Make sure your pets have continual supply of water. Imagine working or playing outside and not having any water. Heat stress will take a toll on your body without replenishing the water that you sweat out. The same can be said for our pets. There has been countless times when you hear in the news of pets dying because of not being cared for in the summer heat and not having water. Another preparation you should make is shelter. Protect your pet from the summer sun and heat. Your pet may not dissipate heat as well as humans. Dogs and cats are susceptible to sunburn, especially recently shaved dogs or cats, or pets with thin hair. How would you like it standing in the blazing sun and not being able to get into the shade. For pets it can be even more dangerous. If you have an animal in a kennel and sitting in the blazing sun, they have no choice but to cook with their heavy fur coats. Shelter is also important for stormy days or nights. You could tell yourself that all those wild animals are outside in this weather and they survive. Well the truth of the matter is many of them do not. They maybe able to hide in shaded areas but sickness does follow them more than you now. Wild animals are very resilient and in most cases only the strong survive. They have been in this environment and have learned how to survive. Our pets are domesticated. They only know what you have trained in them and most can not survive on their own. So having shelter for them to get out of the elements can go along way to insure your pets health and safety.

When your pet is outside this summer, be sure to keep your pet safe with a leash. Using a leash may avoid an unfortunate confrontation with another animal that may harm your pet. leashes give your pet the feeling of freedom and movement it needs outside.

Car travel in the summer, Car rides are filled with potential hazards. You should avoid leaving your pet unattended in the vehicle. It is easy for your pet to get heatstroke. If you must leave your pet in the vehicle while you are gone, leave at least two windows open for a cross draft and fresh air. A car can heat up to devastating temperatures in a very short amount of time. When you are on the road this summer, the car can be a dangerous place for a pet, even if it is out of the direct sun. Also feed your pet only a few small meals before leaving in your car to avoid motion sickness. You may want to keep a leash on your pet even when in the car to prevent it from trying to bolt out the window if it becomes f rightened by something. Car harnesses or portable kennels will keep your pet safely restrained while riding in your vehicle. You should also plan for twice as many rest stops as you would for your children. Animals need time to stretch and go to the bathroom more often than humans. Having a pet travel kit, just as you would a medical kit for yourself. In your pet travel kit, you should keep food, dishes, some treats, a favorite toy, a blanket, and a brush. Having paper towels, and supplies to clean up after your pet is also a good idea to bring along.

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10 Tips to Control Pet Health Care costs

Anyone who has ever had a pet knows how much joy they can bring to us. But at the same time it can also be an expensive affair. Owning a pet dog can cost you anywhere between 1100 3500 $, costing right from their Food, toys, Beds , Routine Veterinary Care, Preventive Medications, supplements and Training Classes or resources. But with proper planning and a little thought you can control the amount you spend on your Pet's Health.

It is also seen that dog owners spend immense amount of money in things that are not required for their pets. It is good to pamper your pets but this can lead to empty your pockets when emergency veterinary bills come.

Below are few tips to control Pet Health Care Costs:

We all know "Prevention is better than Cure", this exactly proves to be an excellent money saver. A regular visit to a Veterinary doctor can catch health crises early and save a lot of time and money. As dog owners even you can check your pet for scabs, bumps, lumps, or flakes under your pet's fur. Look for redness or any discharge in your pet's ears and eyes. Keep a watch of your pet's eating and drinking habits. Giving your pet a proper bath, learning to clean infections, brushing their teeth, can prevent further problems. Also trim your pet's hair and Nails regularly. Do not forget to have your pets vaccinated. Vaccines cannot be common to all the pets, Check from your vet on the needs of your pet. Your Pet might have some deficiencies for which needs to be vaccinated. Keeping a mark of vaccinations can prevent further diseases thereby reducing the cost. Spaying or Neutering your pet can not only protect you from the costs of caring for an unexpected litter of kittens or puppies but also saves money in preventing serious health problems such as uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer. It will also help in controlling overall pet population. Keep your pet cats indoor or your dog in a fenced yard when they are not out for a walk or play, this will prevent accidents and reduce risk of injuries. Also keep your household chemicals like cleaning liquids in cupboards or out of the reach of your pets. Survey a bit to find out where to get your dog food at cheaper rate same goes for its medicines as well. Most of the times you may be able to get the same medicine at cheaper rate from super market or large retailer. Get an insurance done for your pet. The ASPCA offers pet insurance for medical purposes and accidents. Learn to groom your pet yourself, grooming kits are easily available. You only need a little time once a week; this will cut your cost to be paid to a professional groomer. Save money for further emergencies, instead of getting luxury items for your pet.

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Pet Health Care Tips For Going On Holiday Without Your Furry Friend

Going on holiday can be lots of fun - but leaving a pet behind is often stressful. The following tips could reduce the worry you might otherwise feel.

June brings with it the knowledge that summer holidays are about to become reality. However, some owners may be preoccupied with worries over pet health care for their furry friends while they are jetting off somewhere hot.

There are several options for looking after a pet dog or cat while you are on holiday: you can leave your animal at a boarding kennel or cattery, with a friend, or allow it to stay in your own house with a sitter.

Whichever method you choose, following the tips below could help ease any worries you may have.

The choice of cattery or kennel.

Don't select a place for your pet unless you have previously found out about all its practices and procedures. Before you entrust your beloved pet to an establishment you should visit the place several times so that you learn about its staff and procedures. Getting to know the people who will be caring for your pet, asking them about emergency protocol and the sort of food, exercise and attention your animal will receive on a daily basis is also advisable. If you have any misgivings about where you are about to leave your pet, don't leave him there. Some facilities even have special pet webcams which allow you to see your pooch or moggy playing and relaxing, so why not enquire about this?

How to find a sitter?

Whether you are hiring a professional or asking a friend to catsit for a week, it could be a great idea to spend some time with them and your animal before you leave. This should help reassure you about how your pet and its would-be carer interact together, as well as allowing the babysitter to get to know the animal and its quirks.

Things to leave behind.

No matter where your pet is staying or who with, leaving the carer a list of emergency contacts, details about special diets, routines or idiosyncrasies the animal may have and a copy of its veterinary records is probably a wise move. Ensure that yourdog insurance details are within the documents supplied. There will be many things about your pet that you will take for granted but which won't be known to its carer so think hard about such things and write them down for the carer. Giving your pet a favourite toy and perhaps a blanket or T-shirt which carries the scent of you and home can also help reassure it.

How to leave without mutual distress.

ASPCA, the American cat and dog rescue organisation, claims that when the owner leaves, many animals, particularly dogs, can become distressed. If your dog manifests this distress by destructive behaviour or physical symptoms, everyone will be upset. Not only do the pet health care experts recommend getting any tics - such as nervous urination - checked out at the vets before leaving to rule out any biological issues. Your pet insurance company may cover the vet fees should treatment be needed. Greetings and goodbyes should, according to the professionals, be calm and brief; otherwise your pet may become terrified. So, however emotional you may feel, your pet is best served by your leaving him as casually as you can.

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Pet Health Hazards Most Commonly Found at Home

For most pet owners, pets hold a special place in the household. They are much more than merely animals that live with the family; they are actual members the family. So where their well-being is concerned, we should be very aware of what elements in or around the home either are or could become threats to them.

When considering your petssafety, you should bear in mind that pets have absolutely no notion of danger and care should be taken so as to prevent a fun moment from becoming a nightmare. Though potential dangers could be many, here are some of the most common.

Electrocution

One of the biggest dangers for many pets are electrical cords. They are attracted to them and are often tempted to chew on them. A good solution to this is CritterCord ,which is a cord cover that acts as protective tubing and is infused with a citrus scent. It is specifically designed to help protect your pets from the dangers of chewing on electrical cords.< /p>

Poisoning

Poisonous household plants like the azalea, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron, among others, are extremely dangerous to pets. Insect control products, such as insecticides should also be carefully considered. Also, human medications can be toxic to animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments and creams away from pets who could chew through them, and be vigilant about finding and disposing of any dropped pills.

Pets can develop allergies, the same way a human being can, so beware of spiders, scorpions, bees, and other insects.

Choking

Toys with removable partslike squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic eyescan pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child. Also, plastic bags must be considered potentially hazardous. Leashes must be removed if the dog is not being walked, since there is always danger of strangulation. Rawhide doggie chews should be offered to a pet only with supervision, as they can pose a choking hazard as well. They may also be contaminated with Salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with them.

You should also be equally cautious outside the home.

Swimming pools must be monitored carefully. An Above-Ground Pool Eye Alarm is great for this. This easy-to-install safety system alerts you with a loud siren if your pet or child accidentally falls into the pool. Cars, too. Leaving your pet inside your car is not always a good idea. A HotDog can come in handy here. The Hotdog detects and reacts to deadly temperature changes within your vehicle. Also BreezeGuard Screens are a great solution to let your dog enjoy the fresh air keeping safety in mind. They are mobile pet window extensions custom made to your vehicle.

Check out these and other fantastic Pet Gadgets to keep your pet safe and out of harms way.

Please don't forget to visit my blog! If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!

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Natural Pet Store: How Can One Benefit Your Dogs, Cats and Other Pets?

A Natural Pet Store is a retail establishment that places a greater focus on more natural, and often higher quality, products as opposed to your average pet store. Generally, the proprietor of such an establishment is going to have a more holistic philosophy and is going to realize the importance of healthy nutrition, quality supplementation and safe pet toys. Preferably, in a natural pet store a pet parent will be able to receive answers to nutrition questions and help with common health problems their animal may be experiencing. All of this can greatly benefit the current health of your animal companion and help to extend his life span while reducing unnecessary vet visits.

For consumers, their venture into a natural pet store generally begins with the search for a better diet for their dog, cat, bird or other pet. Generally they will find a wider array of what are considered to be natural pet foods, which might include raw, dehydrated, grain-free and premium canned and kibble diets. The staff should be able to explain the advantage to feeding various diets, provide knowledgeable information about ingredients and how each different type of diet may benefit any health concerns your pet may be having at the time.

The information obtained by the consumer should go above and beyond the information found in the pet food manufacturers brochure and instead focus on up-to-date research. You can tell when you are in a quality natural pet store because you won't just be told which food you should feed based on the proprietors opinion, but instead you will be informed as to which diet can best benefit your animal utilizing reasoning drawn from the currently available knowledge base.

Since a natural pet store generally has a more holistic outlook, a pet parent can expect to find a more extensive selection of natural pet remedies. These can include, herbs, in powder or tincture form, flower essences, glandulars, homeopathics and nutraceuticals (foods with medicinal value). A consumer can often receive knowledgeable assistance pertaining to how to select the best product for their animal and have questions answered about ingredients, the manufacturer, contraindications etc. It is fairly easy, especially after asking a few questions, to distinguish between a knowledgeable proprietor, or well-trained employee, and a business that is just stocking these products to cash in on a current trend.

A variety of healthy pet vitamins and supplements can generally also be found at a natural pet store. Since the proprietor is expected to be more knowledgeable in general, a pet parent can also anticipate a higher quality selection compared with a typical pet store. In keeping with the natural philosophy, the supplements will preferably have more natural ingredients, usually obtained from whole food sources such as herbs, fruits and vegetables, and be free of artificial additives such as synthetic vitamins, colorings, and sweeteners and other flavorings. You can distinguish a conscientious natural pet store from others by simply turning a bottle around and reading the ingredient panel on a particular supplement. If you just find a listing of inexpensive, isolated, synthetic vitamins and minerals and other synthetic additives such as colorings or flavorings, and the product selection is slim, move on and try to find a better store, because quality, healthy products are obvi ously not the focus of that establishment.

There will often be a wide variety of pet treats and dog chews in a natural pet store. The pet treats will generally be formulated with healthier, whole food ingredients as opposed to pet treats found in other establishments that are usually formulated primarily with inexpensive grain-fillers like wheat flour. The dedicated natural pet store will avoid products imported from China because of continuing illnesses being seen in products acquired from national retail chains that were manufactured in that country. In addition, the proprietor should be aware of the sourcing of the pet chews the store stocks and avoid those that are chemically processed like the majority of rawhide products or chemically preserved to extend shelf life. Don't be afraid to ask questions about sourcing, employees should have quick answers and appear passionate about the research they put into the products they offer their customers.

Other products found in a natural pet store commonly purchased by pet parents, such as pet toys and shampoo, will also have a focus placed on healthier materials and ingredients. Pet toys can be expected to be made with non-toxic materials, often from manufacturers right here in the USA, and pet shampoos will be free of ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and artificial fragrances that can be so unhealthy for animals and damaging to their skin. If you see the typical vinyl pet toys found in big box stores, that have that horrible chemical smell (courtesy of phthalates), you are not in a true natural pet store, so look elsewhere because there are better, more dedicated stores that would appreciate your patronage.

So, Are All Natural Pet Stores Alike?

Not a chance! Unfortunately, a term like "natural" is one of the hot marketing terms of the day and one of the most popular of which more and more companies are taking advantage. Yet, don't despair, because using the information I provided above will help you to distinguish the real natural pet stores from the pretenders. Good luck!

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Cosset Your Dogs & Cats In A Pet Day Care Salon

It is often said that Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. People love their pets, and want the best care for them. However, with the hectic lifestyles of today, these adored associates are not able to get the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. A Dog Day Care Salon serves the purpose by providing a safe and healthy atmosphere with lots of interaction, both with other dogs and with people. Dogs can participate in group play, gnaw on a favorite toy, hang out with humans, or just lounge on a couch and watch television. Owners return home to see their pet, absolutely calm and relaxed.

There are some excellent Pet Salons in Houston that offer the best-in-class day care and grooming facilities for pets, particularly dogs & cats. They provide lavish comforts to pets in their comfortable boarding suites, take them for regular exercises, and provide all other provisions that result in pets' over-all well-being. Some of their important services include:

Luxury Pet Boarding: They offer spacious covered heated suites, which are all tiled with comfortable raised bedding. Pets are offered the ultimate boarding experience vacationing at these salons as they enjoy the comforts of central heating and air conditioning along with a secure fenced-in play area for plenty of exercise and playtime.

Dog & Cat Grooming: These Pet Salons have experienced, caring professional groomers who provide full grooming and bathing services for various breeds of dogs and cats. Special shampoos and treatments are available, and all bathing is performed with special bathing systems like Hydrosurge that massage the pet's skin. This not only helps them to look and smell better, but also keeps them healthier.

Exercise & Work-outs: Pets enjoy regular exercise and human companionship, and this is provided at no extra charge. They are taken out regularly to large play areas, where they get good mental and physical stimulation.

Special Diets & Medication: The salons provide the recommended special diets for pets at a very reasonable cost. They also have visiting veterinarians who administer the required medication after going through the Titers proofs.

Pet Accessories: The salons host exclusive boutiques from where clients can shop for the desired pet accessories like carriers, beds, clothes, bows, toys, shampoos, bowls, perfumes, Furniture, important health supplements etc.

So if you have deep concerns about your pet dog or cat, especially while you are away, render it to the safe, affectionate hands of a good pet day care, which nurtures it to the fullest!

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Home Water Purifiers: the Facts They Do not Want You to Know

This scared me to death when I discover the iron-clad true fact that had been hidden from consumer like us about the water we consume daily! Water that supposedly has gone through the best water filtration system we purchased and installed and its safe to be taken into our body are not the best water to benefit our health!

Little that we know, the home water purifiers not only remove the toxins, contaminants and harmful bacteria, they also remove the minerals in the water. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc etc which help in control bone growth, regulate fluids, normalize nerve and muscle functions, keep up metabolism, grow connective tissues, and so much more.

According to study conducted, Reverse Osmosis and Distillation put away almost 98% of the Total Dissolved Solids and therefore leave the water effectively de-mineralized!

The company selling home water purifiers only tell you what harmful particles that can be removed from your water source such as chlorine, lead, mercury and etc which are harmful to human. The fact that good trace of minerals mentioned above were also being separated from the water and long term consuming the so called purified water which will lead to Mineral Deficiencies in our system, was HIDDEN from consumers!

Some of the vital functions of the organic minerals in our body system are as follows:-

- Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Much of the iron our body is stored in the bone marrow that makes blood cells. When there is not enough iron in the bloodstream, the body uses the bone marrow reserves. If this iron stored in the bone marrow is low, red blood cells do not form properly: they are smaller than usual and fewer.

- Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones, muscle contraction and blood clotting mechanism. Calcium is also essential to build healthy teeth. Calcium deficiency symptoms include muscle aches and pains, muscle twitching and spasm, muscle cramps and reduced bone density.

- Chromium is involved in the processes that make glucose available for energy. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and fats. Deficiency symptoms include glucose intolerance or insulin resistant hyperglycaemia (excess sugar in the blood), raised serum lipids and weight loss. Studies have shown that chromium helps to lower blood sugar in individuals with type II Diabetes.

- Copper is essential for proteins involved in growth, nerve function and energy release. It is vital for the formation of some important proteins. It is a critical functional component of a number of essential enzymes, known as cuproenzymes. Two copper-containing enzymes, ceruloplasmin (ferroxidase I) and ferroxidase II are involved in iron metabolism. Copper is stored in appreciable amounts in the liver. It also has anti-oxidant properties and involved in the regulation of gene expression.

- Magnesium plays important roles in the structure and the function of the human body, involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions, including energy production. The adult human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium. Signs of magnesium deficiency include low calcium, hence the diseases associated with it, low serum potassium levels (hypokalemia), retention of sodium, low circulating levels of parathyroid hormones , neurological and muscular symptoms such as tremors, muscle spasms, tetany, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and personality changes.

Now that you know this, having a good water purification system that do not remove the good minerals from the water mean the water is pure as nature intended. Never pay for some drinking water filtration system which do not benefit your health, instead they deprive you of the important minerals intake. Start reading at the specifications provided, if not, request for one before you decide to place your order.

Compare home water purifiers in terms of the specifications first then the price. The investment is about health benefit over the purchasing price; if the home water purifiers do not benefit your health, what is that to compare?

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The Purity of Tap Water - What is in Tap Water?

The purity of tap water and just what is in tap water are questions more people are asking lately. We hear reports of how dangerous contaminants are being found in tap water. So it is natural to be concerned about these potential health threats. Let's explore these questions and most importantly what can you do personally to protect your family's health.

What is in tap water and how dangerous are those impurities to your overall health and well being? Lets look at the purity of tap water, in general. Specific contaminant levels vary by locality, but there are some hazards that all of us must deal with.

Chlorine is in Tap Water

When asked what is in tap water, the most common answer is chlorine. Nearly everyone realizes that there is some amount of chlorine or other chemical disinfectants in their water, because they can smell and taste the chemical.

Chlorination is a step taken by public treatment facilities to improve the purity of tap water. This step reduces the risk of waterborne illness caused by bacterial contaminants, while keeping the pipes clear of algae. Excessive algae would also negatively affect the taste of water, but poses no particular health concern.

THMs - In Tap Water

When chlorine and bromine are used to improve the purity of tap water, byproducts, commonly referred to as THMs, are released. They are known carcinogens. People with chlorinated waters in their homes are more likely to develop colorectal and bladder cancer, than those who are not exposed to the chemicals.

But, when it comes to cancer-causing chemicals, we have more to worry about than THMs. What is in tap water in many homes? There may be as many as 2000 different cancer-causing chemicals, including benzene, TCE, alachlor, Atrazine, lindane and VOCs.

Lead - Found in Tap Water

The purity of tap water is sometimes ruined by the presence of lead in the pipelines. Chlorine corrodes it and ions (tiny metallic particles) come floating into your glass. Exposure to lead through drinking is a problem in many older homes and is sometimes naturally present in groundwater.
Over the course of ones lifetime, the heavy metal builds up in the body causing multiple health problems, including nutritional deficiencies and high blood pressure

What is in Tap Water? Parasites - Found in Tap & Bottled Water

Tiny parasites in an early stage of development are referred to as cysts. If ingested they cause minor or major illnesse s, depending on the health of the individual. They may also play a role in other health problems, including obesity and digestive disorders.

Cysts affect the purity of tap water and that of bottled waters, as well. Public treatment facilities cannot remove them and many bottling companies do not take the necessary steps.

The Solution for Tap Water Purity

The best solution is a multi-stage system that includes sub-micron particle filtration to remove cysts; ion exchange to remove lead; an adsorptive block to remove THMs, VOCs, and other cancer-causing chemicals; and granular carbon to remove chlorine.

A product like that doesnt have to be expensive. Currently you can purchase one direct from the manufacturer for about a hundred dollars. I found one (see resource box) that is an excellent, very efficient home filtration system that was also priced fairly.

Dont forget to filter what you cook with, since hazardous chemicals bec ome airborne and cling to foods. Remember your shower, as well, since the chemicals can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.

If you take the necessary precautions, you wont have to worry about what is in tap water. Youll know that you and your family are safe. Hopefully this answers your questions as to what is in tap water and the purity of tap water. If you have more questions please feel free to ask me.

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Health Problems That Black Mold Can Cause

We look at this small black patch on a plumbing pipe, at the corner of a window, or in any other place in the house and tend to ignore it. What we do not realize is that this harmless looking small patch of mold is a health risk and should be removed. The spores of black mold travel in the air and can cause a number of health problems. Infants and elders are more prone to getting health problems because of it. This does not imply that the other household members are not at risk. They can also have significant health problems because it.

There are many ways by which mold can infect a person. Touching mold with bare hands or other any part of the body can cause the spores to be inhaled or consumed. This infamous mold has been known to cause death in babies due to respiratory bleeding, and it contributes to illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma. The health problems that can be caused by black mold depend on the individual and the quantity consumed. As the spores travel in the air, they can settle on exposed food items and can be inhaled.

Skin rash and irritation is one of the most common health problems associated with black mold. Allergies such as runny noses, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation can all be caused due to presence of this common household pest. These can lead up to more severe health problems like asthma. Headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration can also be caused by the spores affecting the mucous membranes and the central nervous system. People who have a low immune system have a high risk of getting new health problems due to exposure to black mold. People who are already allergic or asthmatic will suffer increased bouts of illness due to exposure.

If any of these symptoms occur in any member of the house, you should carefully check your house, especially the areas that are moist and not well-ventilated; like attics and cellars and around the plumbing and heating systems. If the black mold is not very extensive, you can remove it yourself with bleach and water. Never dry scrape it, as it will disperse in the air and exposure of your skin to it may cause severe problems. You must install an air purifier system in the house that will minimize the risk of the spores traveling through the air.

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General Information On Mold And The Health Effects Of Spores

What is mold?

Mold is a term used to describe fibrous spore producing fungi which can be found growing indoors and outdoors including in water damaged homes and workplaces. However spore producing house mold growths that causes health problems are not the only fungi around.

Some helpful fungi

Some not so harmful or even helpful fungi include, yeast that causes bread to rise, and still other yeasts that has helped man make beer since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Fungi living intertwined in the roots of plants enabling them to take in nutrients. Other fungi include edible mushrooms, and of course wood decay fungi that are one of the only organisms that can break down and recycle dead trees in our forests.

A few interesting facts about spores

The fungi we are concerned with in this article are the household molds that release spores. They develop spores which are capable of traveling through the air on the weakest of currents thereby enabling the growths to spread to new locations.

a. Spores are invisible because they are so tiny, yet when many spores are produced by mold growth the combined masses of green, black, brown, tan, or yellow spores are what often impart color to mold colonies. This is why mold colonies will often start out white in a Petri dish when the growth is young and not yet producing spores. Thus, not in every case but in many cases it is not the mold that is green, black or some other color, what we often see as color on a mold colony is sometimes numerous tiny colorful spores being produced like tiny colorful flowers on top of a plant.

b. Molds contain potent allergens that cause adverse health effects in humans and the highest concentrations of these allergens are in the spores.

c. Spores can remain dormant for many years when dry, and spores regardless of if they are live, dormant, or even dead, can contain allerge ns that can result in health problems.

d. Most molds do not grow well at warm temperatures such are found in the human body. Some mold including various infections yeasts, as well as Aspergillus fumigatus and several other molds can grow quite well at high temperatures thus are common pathogens causing infections in humans. Most molds only grow in humans with immune system problems. Not only humans are affected by Aspergillus but parrots are also very susceptible to aspergillosis causes by Aspergillus mold.

e. Mold spores do not only germinate in water damaged buildings and in persons with immune system problems, molds can grow from spores perfectly well in the absence of water and leaks. They often grow in humid areas such as in homes where the AC is turned off, or inside AC ducts where the coldness causes humidity levels to rise, sometimes to the point of forming condensation in our ducts. With or without condensation, mold can grow in areas where humidity is above 60 to 65%RH.
f. Did you know that mold can also cause rashes? When humidity related molds such as the very common Penicillium chrysogenum grows unnoticed as white powdery spots on clothes in humid closets skin rashes may develop. I have seen this connection with skin rashes and the above specific mold species on clothes first hand during many mold inspections where Penicillium chrysogenum was on clothes and the clients had doctor diagnosed fungal dermatitis. Given enough water and time this mold turns from powdery white spots to green patches and produces spores with a difference microscopic appearance. In a labs Petri dish the transformation takes days. This mold consultant has observed first hand that in humid foreclosure homes that have been empty for two or three years prior to the inspection the transformation from white to green often take years. In homes with humidity problems that have likely existed a one year roughly or where the moisture levels are not quite as high the mold remains white.

Mold and your health

Molds should not be allowed to survive in our homes since they affect the Indoor Air Quality to a great extend, thereby leading to certain common but serious health problems. Molds commonly causes or triggers ailments such as asthma and allergy including breathing difficulties, wheezing and sinus congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat. Most sinus infections are the result of fungi according to a Mayo clinic study. Common house old molds such as Alternaria and Curvularia are often causes of such infections.

Certain molds are known to be more prone to producing poisonous chemicals called mycotoxins, such molds are commonly known as the toxic molds, as you know toxic black mold is the most infamous. It appears that any mold can release odors and spores that cause allergy reactions. Thus toxic or not, molds should not be allowed to grow indoors. Many people have been poisoned by toxic mold by consuming contaminated foods. It is not certain to most scientists that breathing in toxic spores causes the same reactions as consuming foods contaminated with toxic molds. Many homeowners remain convinced that toxic mold is toxic when breathed in. Research is still going into the adverse health effects of indoor mold growth.

About mold inspections

mold testing and inspections can be done by licensed professionals to diagnose the cause of a mold problem and to detect the presence or absence of elevated spore levels. Mold inspectors can advise in a written report what preventive or corrective measures can be taken to help control such issues. The simple rule of thumb for investigating molds is to look for the physical appearance of mold growth visibly around the furniture, walls, ceilings, etc, which may look like black, white, brown, or green spots or fuzzy or powdery marks or spots. Secondly, the air-conditioning units are to be investiga ted for mold growths. A good measure for an inspector to take is to open the AC unit up, or at a minimum to remove the filter and look at the bottom of the coils as the interior of AC units especially the coils one of the most common growth sites for molds. Some mold inspectors do not even think to look inside your AC, they are focused on testing your air only, and testing only will almost always fail to pick up spores from fungi growing inside AC units even if the AC is moldy inside and turned on. Other fungal investigators are very familiar with AC systems and will inspect inside them properly. Another good tip is to check for the foul odor of mold emanating from AC ducts and the interior of buildings in general. Mold odors have been found to cause health problems similar to those caused by spores.

Mold Control

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Thus The best way to deal with the disgusting smell and appearances of mold is to k eep it from starting in the first place by maintaining our homes free from humidity above 60RH for extended periods, and have professional dry out companies remove moisture after any leaks.

Normally, when any signs of minor mold appears on hard cleanable surfaces its is sometimes possible to clean at once using mold cleaner or soapy water. In more serious cases with several square foot of mold, or when it is growing on porous surfaces such as drywall, mold may be unstoppable by typical simple home maintenance methods. In such cases seek the help of mold inspectors who will conduct a complete mold inspection to diagnose the cause and origin of the problem and who will then advise appropriate measures to be taken by professional licensed mold remediators.

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Electronic Cigarettes as an Effective "Quit Smoking" Product: A Review of E-Cigarettes

With more data and long-term cohort studies coming out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), overwhelming evidence has been presented against tobacco cigarettes and other tobacco products as to their direct harmful, and most often cancer-causing, health effects in people. As a result more Americans have taken their health into their own hands, and have focused their attention on ways to quit or reduce their smoking habits. In contrast to early "quit smoking" products, newer researched products have made their way into the marketplace that have proven to be more effective in helping smokers cut their habit. The most recent approach has been a shift towards a "reduced smoking" and "healthier smoking" approach. The thought behind this is that a smoker, regardless of his or her smoking history, will be able to wean themselves off of traditional tobacco cigarettes and switch to a less harmful form of smoking. Once they have removed tobacco cigarettes they will be able to u se the reduced smoking approach to completely wean themselves from the nicotine. One such products that has come to the market in light of technological advancements is the electronic cigarette. As of yet the e-cigarette has proved to be the most effective using this "reduced smoking" approach.

An electronic cigarette, e-cigarette or vaporize cigarette, is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine or non-nicotine vaporized solution. It is an alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. In addition to purported nicotine delivery, this vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no smoke or combustion is actually involved in its operation. Some electronic cigarette starter kits require the user to assemble the cigarette and actually pour the "juice", which is the liquid flavored nitotine, onto the atomizer which creates the smoke. Most users elect to use a much simpler 2-piece e-cigarette with flavored cartrdiges in varying nicotine levels. An example of this is one of the more popular electronic cigarettes manufacturer and retailers known as FiXcigs.com.

According to an electronic cigarette review, the companies as well as health organizations have been testing these special cigarettes for some time. It has been found that because they emit the vapor and look and feel like tobacco cigarettes, the person using the device actually thinks that he or she is smoking a real cigarette without dealing with the contaminants that are in the real cigarettes, i.e., 4000 chemicals with over 50 carcinogens. Electronic cigarettes reviews and e-cigarette studies suggest that there is very little harm in using the electronic cigarette as opposed to smoking a real cigarette.

Quite recently, The American Association of Public Health Physicians has come out in support of electronic cigarettes. The AAPHP recommends that the FDA reclassify the electronic cigarette as a tobacco product (as opposed to a drug/device combination) and believes that the effects of second-hand smoke will be significantly decreased using electronic cigarettes.

Even more impressively, Aa study done by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health in 2010 concluded that electronic cigarettes were safer than real cigarettes and may aid in breaking the habit of smoking. The researchers said that while further studies on electronic cigarettes are needed, "few, if any, chemicals at levels detected in electronic cigarettes raise serious health concerns." Electronic cigarettes were found to be "much safer" than traditional tobacco ones, and had a level of toxicity similar to existing nicotine replacements, such as the patch. In the report, the amount of carcinogens in electronic cigarettes was found to be up to 1,000 times fewer than regular cigarettes. It also said early evidence shows that electronic cigarettes may help people to stop smoking by simulating a tobacco cigarette.

Although the electronic cigarette is relatively easy to use and is available in almost any market, there is some danger in using them, as they still contain some nicotine. Although this level is small compared to the real cigarette, the electronic cigarette reviews do not mention this as a real problem for the consumer. Because of the decreased expense with respect to the real cigarette, the electronic cigarette reviews state that the electronic cigarette is much cheaper and healthier to use.

The overwhelming response to this new technological alternative is that electronic cigarette reviews are all positive reviews concerning the electronic cigarette. In conclusion, e-cigarettes have proved to be a safer alternative endorsed by large health institutions and leading academic and health research centers. While some e-cigarette manufacturers simply have flavored cartrdiges and one level of nicotine, other manufacturers have structured their own Nicotine Reduction System Electronic Cigarette Kits that help users wean themselves off of their tobacco cigarette levels within a few weeks time.

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The Health and beauty Hazards in Mold and Mildew

The Health and beauty Hazards in Mold and Mildew

Living in Hawaii has some perks and some challenges. The thing that makes it so beautiful is the high humidity so the rain forests can thrive. We have just finished all seasons of Lost, and it has stayed breathtakingly beautiful for the whole series.

However, these high humidity conditions do cause condensation to form on cold surfaces inside of buildings and even outside where there is constant water. Long periods of humidity really challenge those that take care of computers, books, clothes and many more items. If condensation remains in a location for a long time, mold and mildew can begin to grow. health and beauty
Mold is a fungus that can develop on walls, ceilings, food, clothes, books, furniture and many more items. It is particularly troublesome in bathrooms, closets, basements and kitchens. If you have experienced a flood, you are aware that the water can get trapped in the walls for a long period of time and this can be hazardous to your health . Mildew actually is a type of mold that grows on leather, fabric, paper, etc. and is also potentially harmful.

Health Conditions

Molds cause certain types of allergies. Runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, itchy eyes, throat and nose, sinusitis, headaches, and watery eyes are the most common complaints. For those who suffer with asthma, mold can make your condition worse. Shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing are symptoms of asthma.
health and beauty
Some serious health conditions can also be caused by mold and mildew. Some toxins are produced by certain molds and can greatl affect people in a contaminated house or office. If you are exposed for a long length of time you may develop more serious conditions than just allergies or asthma. Some memory and hearing loss has been attributed to mold contamination. Also breathing difficulties, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, excessive bruising and acid reflux have been linke d to mold. Those affected have had to take medications or had to have therapy or treatments to get back to normal.

Even permanent damage to your health can result if you do not eliminate the mold and mildew from your environment. Mold can weaken our immune system and cause brain damage. Balance and coordination problems, long-term memory, hearing or eyesight loss have been reported. Some of these conditions cannot be reversed. The most damaging strains of mold can even lead to autoimmune diseases. Do are you convinced yet that you need to get rid of any and all mold and mildew in your home?

My sad experience

I traveled to the mainland from Hawaii one summer for about three weeks, and I had locked up the house tight and secure. When I returned, I was shocked to see mold and and mildew growing on places I had not expected. There were little patches of mold growing on our dining room chairs and starting to grow on my couch. I had to scrub and scrub to get it out. Now whenever I go away for an extended amount of time, I make sure I leave the fans going, so there is some circulation of air to minimize the humidity.
Basements health and beautyWe do not have basements in Hawaii, otherwise we would hit water, but for those with basements, mold and mildew can be particularly troublesome. Mold and mildew seem to like dark damp areas of the house particularly where the air is not constantly circulated. It can grow on drapes, rugs, leather, ceilings, corners, carpets and so much more. They will cause discoloration and can damage or rot anything they get a hold in.

The main thing is to take control of the dampness. Ordinary jobs that we do in the home (like cooking, laundering and daily bathing and showering) all add water to the air. If you keep an exhaust fan or dryer running to keep the moisture controlled on clothes, furniture, carpets and all. Central air conditioning or heating is ideal as long as you replace the filters often and keep the temperature even. However, electricity can be very expensive.

One thing that is useful is a dehumidifier. This helps to remove the water from the air. Also ventilating by keeping the windows open can help as long as there is a breeze. Inside closets and small rooms, it is recommended that you keep a 100-watt electric light bulb burning. We did have this when we lived in Tonga, and it did help in the closets.

Keep Things Clean

Mold and mildew loves soil, grease and film that might grow on the walls, clothes, books and furnishings. As soon as the right amount of moisture, the right temperature and a little food (soil, grease or film) exist in the same location, mold will grow. The best thing to fight mold is to keep your home or environment as clean as possible. Wash clothes often. Do not drop wet towels on your bed or floor. You will also want to have a schedule for washing your drapes. You can use diluted chlorine bleach for cleaning bathrooms, tile walls and floors. You need to leave the bleach on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Keep your area ventilated unti l it is completed dry.

Vacuum Often

You can help prevent mold from taking hold by vacuuming regularly. It is so important to keep dirt from getting deep into your rugs and carpet and also to suck up any mold spores which may be present and cause health problems. If you can, take your rugs out into the sun for a few hours. Shampoo your carpets a couple of times a year as well as your furniture, making sure that they dry completely before using.

Helpful Chemicals

Another thing you can do to prevent mold is to use chemicals which do not harm fabrics but they can absorb moisture in the air. These chemicals can hold half their weight in water and can be hung in closets or placed in small containers around the room. These chemicals include silica gel, activated alumina, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. They are usually sold in by different manufacturers in a variety of contraptions.

Flooding

If you have an emerg ency where your basement or home is flooded, you will probably do best to call a professional cleaner. They have the right equipment to remove your rugs and carpets and to make sure they are completely clean and dry. The carpet pad will need to be replaced.

Mold can hide in plumbing, air ducts, on windows, entryways, book shelves, drywall and cardboard. Another place it seems to grow quickly is on the refrigerator seal, so it should be regularly washed.

How do You Recognize Mold?

Perhaps you have noticed a few wet spots on your ceiling or carpet or have discovered a water leak. There are many different types of mold that can grow in your home, some of which are hazardous to you and your family's health.

Molds can be many different colors - orange, white, yellow, black, green, brown or gray. If you notice a discoloration in your home, have a closer look. If it has a musty or rotten food smell, it probably is mold. Mold spores ar e in the air and can land just about anywhere. With the right conditions, they will start to make a colony and by then you will be able to see and smell it.

Some molds are fuzzy, some are smooth like leather, and others look like cotton. Some mold even looks like slime - the type inside of fish tanks or growing on dirty wood chips. Particular kinds even have a bread-like texture or can look like peanut butter or vomit. Matured mold has a powdery texture that looks like cement, and when you scratch it, the spores are released. health and beauty

If you suspect you have mold, you can get a mold testing kits that helps to identify what types of mold are present. There are also air quality mold testing kits available. If you are very concerned, you can contact professionals who will search, evaluate and test the mold to see if you are in danger from it. Not all molds are dangerous, but they sure can damage the contents of your home if left unchecked.

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Trekking and Hiking in Nepal

Trekking in the Himalayas is, in every sense of the words, an uplifting experience and the latest style of traveling on the mountains. A special attraction of Nepal lies in its spectacular natural beauty, its unique cultures and friendly people. By walking through the mountains of Nepal, you will come to understand why this country has captivated the hearts of mountaineers and explorers for over a century.

Whether you are looking for a wilderness experience or a classic trek, Nepal has everything to offer. Regardless of where you go, you will encounter a great diversity of geography, climate and ethnicity. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the great highlight of trekking in this country is the interactions you will have with the local people in the villages and their wonderfully diverse cultures, practices and traditions.

We offer a number of different styles of trekking trip such as classic, challenging, luxury, and family, each of which may involve camping, staying in tea-houses or a combination of both. You will be led by our experienced guides and accompanied by friendly Sherpas to the world's mightiest mountains through the spellbinding valleys, rhododendron forests and holy lakes of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang and off-the-beaten-track regions.

When to go

The best time to trek is from October to May. The first two months of the dry season (October and November) is the ideal period for trekking in Nepal. The air is freshly washed by the monsoon rains, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm. December, January and February are still good months for trekking but the cold can be bitter at high altitudes. March and May also offer better weather when trekkers can see superb wild flowers, particularly in Nepal's wonderful rhododendron forests. During the monsoon season (June-August) trekking is possible in the rain-shadow areas of north of the Himalaya like upper Mustang and upper Dolpo. These regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon.

Duration of the Trek

A trekking trip can be of any length you choose. Popular short treks are available around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, which only take one, two or three days to complete while longer treks lasting from a week to a month. It is even possible to combine a series of popular treks together and peak climbing for months on end.

Choosing a Trek

Please remember that occasionally bad weather, altitude and unfamiliar cultures can make extra demands. A sense of humor and determination are important attributes on any adventure holiday and on a trekking holiday it is important to enjoy walking. In order to help you in selecting a trek we have given each trek a grade, although this is only a simple guide. If you need help in deciding which trek is suitable, please call or send an email to us and we will be pleased to advise you further.

Physical Fitness:

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put in a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hills. Good physical conditioning will certainly help maximize your enjoyment of your treks.

Planning a Trek

Nepal offers plenty of opportunity for treks lasting a day or less, though most are considerably longer. Around Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley you can complete the trek within two, three or four days but for the very popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks you have to allow three weeks.

Trek Grading System

Nepal, with its ups and downs and zig-zag paths ,it is more appropriate to think in terms of hours spent in walking, rather than miles covered. This is what we use as a grading system. A typical day's walk lasts from five to seven hours & involves a typical of ascents & descents.

Easy treks involve up to 6 hours of walking a day, on good trails with plenty of time for sightseeing. Altitudes generally do not exceed 3500 meters. Anyone who enjoys regular exercise and is in god physical condition should easily cope with these treks.

Moderate treks involve walking for 6 to 8 hours a day in more remote country, reaching altitudes of approximately 4500 meters. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be much ascent and descent with the occasional difficult day. A hill walking background is advisable.

Strenuous treks are harder, suitable for regular hill walkers as they are generally more demanding any may involve 7 or 8-hour days, with altitudes up to 5500 meters. You should be physically fit and appropriate preparation is essential. Some days may involve crossing a pass with up to 10 hours walking.
Style of Trekking

Teahouse Trek

It is a popular style of trek in the certain regions of Nepal where modest accommodations at country lodges and reasonable standard of food are easily available along the trails. Our porters carry clients' luggage and equipment and the guide looks after the accommodation at lodges and food along the trails. Hot drinks tea /coffee with breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening are served in the lodges. Lunch is provided en route between 11am and 12pm.

Full board camping trek

In this category of trek we offer all the necessary food and camping equipment for a private or larger group of travelers. Our guides, cook, porters or yaks take care of all the technical and logistical aspects of the trip. Everyday our staff will set the camp along the trails and our well-trained cooks prepare the western and Asian food with variety of choices. This option is the only choice for some of the more remote areas of Nepal such as Kanchenjunga, Man aslu, upper/lower Dolpo, Nar Phu valley, Round Dhaulagiri, Rolwaling, Makalu, Ganesh Himal and many other remote areas.

Altitude & Acclimatization:

Proper acclimatization is very important and our routes are planned specifically to allow a gradual gain in altitude with many of our treks having extra days to allow for acclimatization. By slowly gaining height we reap the benefits of a gradual gain in fitness and acclimatization. We offer advice about acclimatization and with the sensible approach we take on all of our treks, anyone who is fit and healthy should have few problems. On our climbing trips in Nepal and trekking trips in Tibet we carry a portable altitude chamber as an extra safety precaution.

Group Size

Group sizes are kept small, to reduce the impact on the environment and to enable us to provide a more personal service. The maximum Group size on most of our treks/tours is 16 and the minimum group size is 2.

Trekking in the Himalayas is, in every sense of the words, an uplifting experience and the latest style of traveling on the mountains. A special attraction of Nepal lies in its spectacular natural beauty, its unique cultures and friendly people. By walking through the mountains of Nepal, you will come to understand why this country has captivated the hearts of mountaineers and explorers for over a century.

Whether you are looking for a wilderness experience or a classic trek, Nepal has everything to offer. Regardless of where you go, you will encounter a great diversity of geography, climate and ethnicity. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the great highlight of trekking in this country is the interactions you will have with the local people in the villages and their wonderfully diverse cultures, practices and traditions.

We offer a number of different styles of trekking trip such as classic, challenging, luxury, and family, each of which may involve camping, staying in tea-houses or a combination of both. You will be led by our experienced guides and accompanied by friendly Sherpas to the world's mightiest mountains through the spellbinding valleys, rhododendron forests and holy lakes of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang and off-the-beaten-track regions.

When to go

The best time to trek is from October to May. The first two months of the dry season (October and November) is the ideal period for trekking in Nepal. The air is freshly washed by the monsoon rains, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm. December, January and February are still good months for trekking but the cold can be bitter at high altitudes. March and May also offer better weather when trekkers can see superb wild flowers, particularly in Nepal's wonderful rhododendron forests. During the monsoon season (June-August) trekking is possible in the rain-shadow areas of north of the Himalaya like upper Mustang and upper Dolpo. These regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon.

Duration of the Trek

A trekking trip can be of any length you choose. Popular short treks are available around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, which only take one, two or three days to complete while longer treks lasting from a week to a month. It is even possible to combine a series of popular treks together and peak climbing for months on end.

Choosing a Trek

Please remember that occasionally bad weather, altitude and unfamiliar cultures can make extra demands. A sense of humor and determination are important attributes on any adventure holiday and on a trekking holiday it is important to enjoy walking. In order to help you in selecting a trek we have given each trek a grade, although this is only a simple guide. If you need help in deciding which trek is suitable, please call or send an email to us and we will be pleased to advi se you further.

Physical Fitness:

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put in a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hills. Good physical conditioning will certainly help maximize your enjoyment of your treks.

Planning a Trek

Nepal offers plenty of opportunity for treks lasting a day or less, though most are considerably longer. Around Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley you can complete the trek within two, three or four days but for the very popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks you have to allow three weeks.

Trek Grading System

Nepal, with its u ps and downs and zig-zag paths ,it is more appropriate to think in terms of hours spent in walking, rather than miles covered. This is what we use as a grading system. A typical day's walk lasts from five to seven hours & involves a typical of ascents & descents.

Easy treks involve up to 6 hours of walking a day, on good trails with plenty of time for sightseeing. Altitudes generally do not exceed 3500 meters. Anyone who enjoys regular exercise and is in god physical condition should easily cope with these treks.

Moderate treks involve walking for 6 to 8 hours a day in more remote country, reaching altitudes of approximately 4500 meters. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be much ascent and descent with the occasional difficult day. A hill walking background is advisable.

Strenuous treks are harder, suitable for regular hill walkers as they are generally more demanding any may involve 7 or 8-hour days, with altitudes up to 55 00 meters. You should be physically fit and appropriate preparation is essential. Some days may involve crossing a pass with up to 10 hours walking.
Style of Trekking

Teahouse Trek

It is a popular style of trek in the certain regions of Nepal where modest accommodations at country lodges and reasonable standard of food are easily available along the trails. Our porters carry clients' luggage and equipment and the guide looks after the accommodation at lodges and food along the trails. Hot drinks tea /coffee with breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening are served in the lodges. Lunch is provided en route between 11am and 12pm.

Full board camping trek

In this category of trek we offer all the necessary food and camping equipment for a private or larger group of travelers. Our guides, cook, porters or yaks take care of all the technical and logistical aspects of the trip. Everyday our staff will set the camp along the trails and our w ell-trained cooks prepare the western and Asian food with variety of choices. This option is the only choice for some of the more remote areas of Nepal such as Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, upper/lower Dolpo, Nar Phu valley, Round Dhaulagiri, Rolwaling, Makalu, Ganesh Himal and many other remote areas.

Altitude & Acclimatization:

Proper acclimatization is very important and our routes are planned specifically to allow a gradual gain in altitude with many of our treks having extra days to allow for acclimatization. By slowly gaining height we reap the benefits of a gradual gain in fitness and acclimatization. We offer advice about acclimatization and with the sensible approach we take on all of our treks, anyone who is fit and healthy should have few problems. On our climbing trips in Nepal and trekking trips in Tibet we carry a portable altitude chamber as an extra safety precaution.

Group Size

Group sizes are kept small, to reduce the impact on the environment and to enable us to provide a more personal service. The maximum Group size on most of our treks/tours is 16 and the minimum group size is 2.

High Himalaya Society Treks & Expedition provides some great information on a variety of Trekking, Hiking and Adventure activities in Nepal.

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The Aquatic Health Benefits of Spirulina Algae Including Enhanced Immune Function and High Digestiblity

SPIRULINA ALGAE, Plant, Algae, or bacteria??

Spirulina is a planktonic blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes and is rich in raw protein and seven major vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition.

Spirulina is different from other algae and is similar to bacteria in many ways, occupying a niche between plants and bacteria. Spirulina is similar to cyanobacteria in structure (spiral shape, unlike true plant plankton), which can be toxic. Spirulina Blue- Green algae are recognized by the body (fish in particular) as a bacterium, causing an increase in antibodies, which in turn increases disease resistance. Spirulina is not Chlorella (the blue-green algae harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon). Chlorella is a green micro-algae and does not have the same anti-viral, anti-cancer and immune stimulating properties of Spirulina. The Chlorella cell wall is made of indigestible cellulose, just like green grass, while the cell wall of Spirulina is made of complexed proteins and sugars.

Spirulina has a soft cell wall made of complex sugars and protein, and is different from most other algae in that it is more easily digested. Spirulina is also high in usable or digestible amino acids (the building blocks of proteins); proteins from cereal and soy are not as digestible by fish as the amino acids found in spirulina. An analogy used at a pet food seminar I attended was this: You can achieve the protein analysis on many pet foods with a used pair of leather shoes, but leather shoes contain little usable proteins.

AQUATIC HEALTH BENEFITS:
Improves Immune Function:

Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific studies of mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats and fish, Spirulina consistently improves immune system function. Scientists find Spirulina not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the animals bodys ability to generate new blood cells.

Spirulina aids in building red blood cells and stem cells:

Spirulina is rich in a brilliant blue polypeptide called Phycocyanin. Studies show that Phycocyanin affects the stem cells found in bone marrow. Stem cells are the production factory to both the white blood cells that make up the cellular immune system and red blood cells that oxygenate the body.

Spirulina Anti-Viral and Anti-Cancer abilities:

Calcium-Spirulan is a polymerized sugar molecule unique to Spirulina containing both Sulfur and Calcium (another important element often missing from many aquariums). In studies hamsters treated with this water soluble extract had better recovery rates when infected with what would be a lethal Herpes virus. This works because Calcium-Spirulan does not allow the virus to penetrate the cell membrane to infect the cell. The virus is stuck, unable to replicate. It is eventually eliminated by the body's natural defenses.

Several studies show Spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit cancers in humans, animals, and fish. Some forms of cancer are the result of damaged cell DNA out of control, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called Endonuclease which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. When these enzymes are deactivated by oxidation, radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go un-repaired and, cancer may develop. In vitro studies suggest the unique polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing experimental cancers in animals, report high levels of suppression of several important types of cancer.

Here is the general analysis of pure Spirulina Algae:

Protein: 55%- 70%

Carbohydrates: 15% - 25% (an excellent low ratio for fish)

Fats (lipids): 6% - 8%

Minerals: 6 -13%

Fiber: 8% - 10%

Natural Pigment Enhancers:

Phycocyanin (Blue): 14%

Chlorophyll (Green): 1%

Carotenoids (Orange/ Red): 47%

Important Trace Minerals (many of these are essential for proper electrolyte balance and osmotic function):

Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Germanium, Boron.

CONCLUSION;

As this pertains to fish food, you want to make sure you use a spirulina flake such as Spirulina 20 that has at least 10- 20% spirulina to attain all the health benefits. Spirumina is beneficial to all fish including carnivores that will benefit from the spirulina in the digestive tract of the fish they consume.

For my full article about spirulina:

Spirulina Algae; The aquatic health benefits for Tropical, Marine and Goldfish.

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