UF Health Podcasts

Safe Use of Veterinary Supplements: What Pet Owners Should Know Nov 01, 2024

These days, a variety of dietary supplements are available to complement traditional veterinary care. Veterinarians frequently recommend supplements for a variety of conditions in pets, from arthritis to skin health to digestive issues. With so many supplements on the market, what should pet owners keep in mind when discussing the use of supplements with their veterinarian? On this show, Dr. Erin Miscioscia, a clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine, will discuss the pros and cons of veterinary supplements and how to choose safe and effective supplements for your pets.

Go vegan to slow aging Oct 31, 2024

The fountain of youth may not exist, but veganism does. And a new study suggests that just two months spent on a vegan diet is enough to slow down the biological aging process.

Stanford University researchers studied 21 pairs of identical twins who followed either an omnivorous or vegan diet for eight weeks. Using identical twins allowed them to control for genetic factors and assess the impact of diet on biological aging without outside interference.

Participants were supplied meals for the first half of the study and made their own meals for the second half after receiving nutrition education. Participants also filled out health surveys to account for lifestyle changes.

Blood samples were collected at the study’s beginning, middle, and end. Researchers used advanced technology to analyze the samples and assess epigenetic age acceleration, a biochemical test that can be used to measure age based on DNA methylation, or a chemical reaction in DNA.

Increased DNA methylation has been linked to the aging process. Researchers also evaluated changes in immune cell composition and metabolic markers.

Their findings showed that those who followed a vegan diet had significant decreases in their epigenetic age and in the estimated biological age of organs like the heart and liver. Those who followed an omnivorous diet did not enjoy the same benefits.

This suggests that a plant-based diet has anti-aging perks that can kick in almost immediately.

In other words: We may not be able to cheat Father Time, but we might be able to use a vegan diet to turn back the clock while he’s not looking.

Environment plays role in teen brain development, study shows Oct 30, 2024

It’s a question as old as time: Nature or nurture?

When it comes to the malleable, hormone-driven teenage brain, new research suggests the environment in which that adolescent brain develops plays a big role during a time when 75 percent of mental health disorders first appear.

Researchers from Yale University turned to a series of complex algorithms to test their theories. They also used “manifold learning,” a new technique for finding structure in thick biomedical data, like MRI scans.

Whether it’s the neighborhood you grew up in or your own family, when it comes to your emotional and behavioral development, your experience in that environment may be just as important as how your brain processes information.

Using data from the National institutes of Health and others, researchers used MRI scans to analyze teens’ brain activity during emotional and cognitive processing to predict differences in reasoning and emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Notably, researchers saw a greater association of brain activity with mental health symptoms when the algorithms took the neighborhood or family environments into account. The more environmental factors were fed to the model, the better its representation turned out to be.

Ultimately, this finding reinforced what researchers already knew: It’s imperative to consider the environmental situations adolescents must navigate in conjunction with how their brains take in information from those environments.

Being a teenager is hard enough as it is. At least now, however, researchers have more advanced tools to help us understand what’s making teens tick.

Will healthy chocolate come to rule Halloween? Oct 29, 2024

What if your kid’s Halloween candy was healthier and better for the environment? Swiss researchers may have made that fantasy more viable with their creation of “whole-fruit chocolate.”

We all know chocolate is a guilty pleasure. The chocolate that fills trick-or-treaters buckets is high in sugar and saturated fat and contributes to obesity and heart disease. Cocoa production also poses a threat to the environment as deforestation leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

But researchers found a way to address these concerns, repurposing parts of the cocoa pod that are typically thrown away. Instead of just using cocoa beans, they also used the cocoa pod husk and pulp to form a gel which they mixed with the cocoa mass to create chocolate.

They call their technique “whole-fruit chocolate.”

The researchers found that using the discarded ingredients provided significant nutritional benefits. The gel, which makes up 20% of the researchers’ proposed chocolate formula, provides comparable sweetness while it lets them do away with sugar beets used in conventional chocolate.

The formula also boasts higher dietary fiber and less saturated fat.

Taste-testers found little difference between the taste of whole-fruit chocolate and conventional chocolate.

Researchers also found that large-scale production of this healthier chocolate could reduce global warming by decreasing land use.

It may take time for whole-fruit chocolate to become an Oct. 31 staple.

But if it does, perhaps you won’t need to be as concerned for your kids’ health — or their teeth — when they bring home a bucket of this new candy.

Stock market volatility associated with higher death rate Oct 28, 2024

Scientists are suggesting that we all might have a stake in the stock market even if we’ve never owned a share in any company.

Our very health might be impacted.

Chinese scientists found in a recent study that stock market volatility is associated with a higher death rate from cardiovascular illnesses like stroke or a heart attack.

The mortality risk is most pronounced when stocks go down, especially in a bear market. A look at Chinese death records between 2013 and 2019 found death from heart disease rises about 1%. Suicides rise by 1.77%.

While those percentages appear small, the numbers are not: There were 12.6 million deaths from heart attacks, stroke and suicide in the six-year span.

Losing money and seeing nest eggs diminish causes heart-taxing stress and depression.

The surprise is that mortality also ticks up to a lesser extent when the market rises. Researchers theorize that good news also makes the heart pound.

It’s important to note death records do not show who owned market shares. So, the risk is shared even by those who don’t know the stock market from the supermarket. That seems a tad unfair, like avoiding a rollercoaster because of a fear of heights only to have one drop on your head as you wait on an amusement park bench.

Unfortunately, market volatility affects society and the economy at large. Researchers believe this pendulum of angst and excitement might extend to any nation with a big market, including the United States.

Scientists suggest maintaining the right perspective on economic swings. Pay attention to your mental health. Keep your cool.

And perhaps avoid the financial news when feeling anxious.

Facial Recognition Goes Farmyard: AI’s New Frontier in Veterinary Care Oct 25, 2024

Veterinary pain management specialists who focus on anesthesia and analgesia are always looking for new ways to detect and minimize pain in animal patients undergoing anesthesia for a medical procedure. But what if they were able to predict ahead of time the level of pain anticipated? On this show, Dr. Ludovica Chiavaccini, a specialist in anesthesia and analgesia, will discuss an exciting new research project that uses deep learning modeling and video technology to analyze facial expression as a predictor of pain in domestic goats, and how such a tool could potentially benefit patient care for a variety of species in the future.

It’s never safe to smoke during pregnancy Oct 25, 2024

A persistent American myth holds that it can be safe to smoke during pregnancy if it’s just a tiny bit.

A new study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, however, reiterates that the number of cigarettes that can be safely lit by an expectant mother is easy to calculate.

It’s zero, zip, nada.

Researchers say it’s best to quit smoking before conception because any amount of smoking can cause harm to the baby. Even light smoking, defined as one to two cigarettes a day, can spell trouble for a fetus. Potential ills include premature birth, low birthweight, and developmental issues.

Unfortunately, 1 in 10 expectant mothers in the U.S. smoke.

Scientists also noted that the corollary to the myth that the first three months of pregnancy is the safest time to smoke is also hogwash.

Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits and is the cause of nearly a half-million preventable deaths each year in the United States, pregnant or not.

Cigarettes greatly increase the odds of numerous cancers, heart disease, lung ailments, eye disease, and even dental problems.

For this study, scientists reviewed data from more than 12 million births in the U.S. that qualified for inclusion. The mothers were asked how much they smoked. About 7% smoked in the first trimester and 6% in the second and third.

Moms across the smoking spectrum were shown to have a higher incidence of health problems for their babies than nonsmokers. The risk of harming the baby is higher still for mothers who smoked before pregnancy.

The lesson for all Americans is that smoking is incredibly dangerous, perhaps most so for the most vulnerable — newborns.

Could your dog or cat donate life-saving blood? Oct 24, 2024

Sometimes animals need blood transfusions just like people do — for blood loss, surgery or serious illnesses.
The North American Veterinary Blood Bank — or NAVBB — supplies blood to animal hospitals when they need it, and they’re always looking for donors. If you’re interested in volunteering your dog or cat as a donor, here are some requirements they must meet.
Both dogs and cats need to be between one and seven years of age and up to date on vaccinations. They can’t be aggressive or on medications for chronic illnesses, and they can’t have had a blood transfusion. Cats must live indoors and there are weight requirements for both dogs and cats.
You can find a full list of pet blood donor requirements at www.navbb.com.

Bird deaths from building crashes much higher than believed Oct 24, 2024

We’ve talked before about the millions of birds that die annually after crashing into buildings. However, the statistics have been off. Tragically, the more accurate count is in the hundreds of millions.
Up to now, bird fatalities have been tallied by the number of carcasses found at building sites. But a recent study found that fewer than 10% of birds die on impact, while many more — up to 40% — leave with ultimately fatal injuries. After the correct calculations, it’s estimated that over 1 billion birds die each year from building collisions in the United States alone.
This stresses the importance of constructing bird-friendly buildings — those with smaller expanses of glass and glass that’s less reflective.

Pets can overheat in car, even in cooler weather Oct 24, 2024

We may be done with hot weather, but it’s likely not done with us — or our pets. So, now’s not the time to let your guard down about pets in cars.
Even at a comfortable 70 degrees outside, it only takes 20 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 100 degrees — and pets with shortened flat muzzles or those that have recently exercised can get dangerously warm even quicker. And don’t assume that cracking the window helps much. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the interior of a car with a window cracked heats up at nearly the same rate as a closed car.
So, if you need to stop for a while with your pet in the car, take someone along who can sit there too, using the air conditioning as needed.

The life-altering importance of periocular surgery in pets Oct 24, 2024

In people, removing creases around the eyes is usually done via a cosmetic procedure dubbed a “nip and tuck.” But in animals, periocular surgery — or surgery around the eye — is usually an essential procedure performed to improve the animal’s quality of life.
Some dogs and cats’ eyelids roll inward, causing their eyelashes to rub against the eye’s surface. It’s an extremely painful condition that can permanently damage vision and lead to blindness.
Another common problem is “cherry eye,” which refers to inflamed glands bulging from the inner corner of the eyes. Drooping eyelids also affect certain canine breeds, preventing complete eye closure. In these cases, periocular surgery can alleviate pain and save the animal’s sight.

Disaster plans for small farm livestock Oct 24, 2024

It’s that time of year when hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding can batter small farms — but a disaster plan can help mitigate the dangers to livestock.
The first hazard is debris, which can cause serious physical injuries. After that, flood waters carrying bacteria, chemicals and other toxins can spread disease. High humidity means more germ-transmitting insects.
Livestock need to be moved to higher ground and given plenty of clean water and fresh feed — sometimes enough for several weeks. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps too.
You can find more tips in “Small Farm Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for Owners of Farm Animals,” a free booklet available online from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Now, fish can get the veterinary care they deserve Oct 24, 2024

There are 32,000 fish species in the world — that’s more than all other vertebrate species combined. So, it’s a good thing there are fish veterinarians to care for them. But how do they do it?
Care begins by analyzing the water quality, since most fish conditions can be traced to their environment.
Once a fish is netted, they’re placed in an exam tub containing sedative-laced water from their habitat. That reduces stress on the fish and allows a complete exam. Diagnostics may then include biopsies, X-rays, ultrasound or other tests. After diagnosis, treatment might involve medication or even surgery.
Fish may not look like dogs or cats, but their care has many similarities — including pet parents or caretakers devoted to them.

Good news for hyperthyroid cats Oct 24, 2024

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Felanorm [FEEL-ah-norm], the first generic form of methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism in cats.
Hyperthyroidism is common in cats over eight years old. It causes the body’s metabolism to rev up, resulting in weight loss in spite of a good appetite. Other signs can include increased drinking and urinating, vomiting, diarrhea and a poor coat.
Methimazole products approved for people are not safe and effective in cats. For now, Felanorm is one of two oral methimazole drugs approved for felines. The other is Felimazole [fell-IM-ah-zol], which was approved in 2009. Either drug must be prescribed by a veterinarian after diagnostic tests, and treated cats must be closely monitored.

Why air travel with pets is nerve-wracking Oct 24, 2024

Although the Department of Transportation reported only seven animal deaths out of over 188,000 animal flyers in 2022, that’s seven too many for their grieving pet parents.
The truth is air travel in cargo or the cabin can be risky for pets. Cargo travel is especially dicey during hot or cold weather. But cargo air pressurization is less precise than in the cabin, posing increased risks for pets with heart issues. And for pets with short muzzles and flattened faces, cargo travel is never recommended.
Even cabin travel can be uncertain, since owners may not be able to open carriers and aid pets when needed.
If you must fly with your pet, try to keep them with you at all times, and equip their carrier with plenty of water.

Why do some cats scratch so much? Oct 24, 2024

Cats are meant to use their claws, and that means scratching — which can be problematic when it comes at the expense of your furniture. So, what can you do?
To determine why some cats scratch more than others, researchers surveyed over 1,200 cat parents, asking about their daily life as well as their cats’ characteristics and scratching behavior. They found stress was the main reason for excessive scratching, and the presence of young children appeared to magnify it. Long periods of stimulation — like playing — and aggression are also likely to amplify scratching.
So, along with safe scratching materials, you can offer safe hiding spaces and shorter play periods that mimic hunting. Other stress reducers may help too.

What does it mean if a cat chatters? Oct 24, 2024

Is your cat a chatterbox? You may be able to translate your cat’s vocalizations, but chattering can be baffling to decipher.
If you’ve heard these characteristic feline chirps and twitters, chances are it’s when your buddy’s at the window staring at birds, squirrels or other critters. Feline chatters are similar to noises made by small prey animals, which could indicate they’re meant to fool prey. On the other hand, chattering might be an expression of excitement — or even frustration at not being able to get to their prey.
In any event, chattering is perfectly normal feline behavior. Just be careful if your cat does it when you’re playing — especially with prey-type toys — since their next move may be to pounce.

So-called wobbly cats can live happy lives Oct 24, 2024

We’ve likely all seen pets with disabilities and wondered if they can live happy lives. So, let’s talk about cats with cerebellar hypoplasia [sare-uh-BELL-er high-po-PLAY-zha], or CH [C-H] for short.
CH is a congenital condition caused by a viral infection in a pregnant cat, which is passed to her unborn kitten. The virus damages the part of the kitten’s brain that controls balance, resulting in jerky uncoordinated movements.
CH, sometimes called “wobbly cat syndrome,” is not infectious in the newborn, but there’s no cure for the damage. Still, it doesn’t have to affect the cat’s quality of life. Some CH cats are just a bit unsteady, while others can’t walk on their own. But even severely affected cats can live happily — if they get great care.

Sweet smells may boost memory Oct 24, 2024

Smell and memory have long seemed inextricably linked. It’s more than the way a certain aroma can trigger a strong, long-ago memory.

Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders involving the brain are often preceded by a loss of olfactory capacity. Scientists, for example, are today studying how the loss of the sense of smell with COVID-19 infection might be associated with reports of cognitive impairment from the coronavirus.

Could that connection be used therapeutically?

A study by University of California researchers says evidence shows it likely could be. Every night for two months, they wafted a fragrance through the bedrooms of older adults without cognitive impairment and found aromas had a dramatic impact on memory.

They saw a 226% increase in cognitive capacity, or memory, for those ages 60 to 85 who slept while a strong fragrance was pumped into their bedrooms. That’s compared with a control group exposed to weaker fragrances.

Imaging showed those with improved memory had stronger integrity in a brain pathway between the medial temporal lobe and the decision-making prefrontal cortex. This pathway often weakens as we grow older.

As one researcher notes, when our eyesight deteriorates as we grow older, we can get a prescription for new eyeglasses. Memory impairment, however, resists any easy fix.

While the study is relatively small and involved just 43 participants, the scientists believe it points to the possibility of developing aroma therapy to treat cognitive decline.

“Stop and smell the roses” might become more than a cliché. It could one day be doctor’s orders.

Oropouche virus can make you feel like a sloth Oct 23, 2024

You don’t want be as slow as a sloth in recognizing the symptoms of this virus.

The Oropouche [Orr-oh-pooch] virus, also known as “sloth fever,” has been reported in the United States. More than 8,000 cases have been confirmed this year, most of which originate from South America, where the virus is endemic.

Thus far, U.S. residents traveling from Cuba account for most of the domestic Oropouche cases. Florida leads the states in the number of cases.

The virus originates from a village in Trinidad and Tobago, where it was discovered in 1955. Since then, nearly a half-million cases have been diagnosed.

The virus spreads through insect bites, especially from biting midges, a type of tiny fly, and certain types of mosquitoes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent of people infected with Oropouche develop symptoms, which can include sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint stiffness. In rare cases, the disease infects the nervous system and causes meningitis and encephalitis.

The ongoing outbreak is spreading rapidly in countries native to the virus. Locally acquired cases have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. There is no evidence of local transmission in the U.S.

However, this year marks the first time that there have been reported deaths from the Oropouche virus, as well as the first time it’s been proven the disease can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Travelers headed to South America or the Caribbean should take special care, because so far, there are no preventive vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available for Oropouche.

Workplace rudeness can be deadly Oct 22, 2024

You’ve heard the saying “kill them with kindness.” Sadly, a modern version of that old saw might be “kill them with rudeness.”

New research finds that workplace sass not only hinders team productivity but can threaten lives.

A team led by researchers from Indiana University and the University of Florida conducted five studies to gauge how negative workplace interactions impact teams in corporate and medical settings.

In one study, 40 teams were asked to build a bridge out of newspaper and tape, with some subjected to rude comments as they worked.

In another, 24 teams took part in a medical scenario where they tried to save a simulated infant patient while an observer lobbed either neutral or negative comments.

The other studies were online simulations that asked participants to complete virtual team tasks while a rude or neutral observer weighed in.

Researchers used these undoubtedly annoying tactics to measure what is called Social Value Orientation, or the degree to which people put group interests above their own.

They found that rudeness triggered a defensive response, making the team less likely to share information and properly distribute work.

Wherever the negativity came from, researchers found that workplace rudeness consistently made people more self-centered and their team less productive.

Adding an element of danger, rudeness contributed to poor task execution, including lifesaving medical procedures.

So, the next time your team is under pressure and you’re tempted to offer a snarky zinger, remember that biting your tongue may hurt in the moment, but will pay off in the end.

Are we loving our pets to death? Oct 21, 2024

Do you love your pet? No need to answer … of course you do.

You cherish your pup’s greeting when returning from work. You appreciate the moments your cat shows affection by brushing against your leg.

We all want our pets healthy and happy. They make us happy, too. Interacting with them lowers our cortisol levels and blood pressure.

The American Pet Products Association says nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least one pet. That’s a 10% increase from the number of American households that owned pets in 1988.

Americans spent more than $136 billion on their pets in 2022. You combine that with the fact that we pamper our pets with customized nutrition and accessories, such as knapsack carriers and cat hotels, some animal welfare ethicists and veterinary scientists wonder whether we have gone too far.

The more we treat our furry friends like people, they argue, the more dependent they become on us.

What’s the harm? Well, the health risks for our pets can start in breeding and become behavioral as well. Look at the French bulldog. The breed experiences difficulties breathing, among other severe health problems.

Many of us overfeed them. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that about 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats are overweight.

Plus, as we bring our pets everywhere — restaurants, the grocery store, and in the car — they can experience separation anxiety and or act out.

And while head harnesses and electronic collars should keep your pets out of potential danger, they also limit freedom of expression and movement.

Remember, to ensure our own good health, we need to ensure theirs, too.

Eyes on the Prize: Advancing in Veterinary Technology Oct 18, 2024

Veterinary technicians, or nurses, are essential to veterinary hospitals and practices. Their roles are diverse, and career paths can vary widely. On this week’s Animal Airwaves-Live, Holly Kitchen, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) and veterinary technician specialist in ophthalmology (VTS), shares her career journey and insights into her specialization, along with some of the rewards unique to her profession.

Setting your tyke on the right nutritional path Oct 18, 2024

Is your newborn getting all the nutrients needed to grow? If you rely on baby food, the answer might surprise you.

According to research by the George Institute for Global Health in Australia, about 60% of packaged baby food sold in the United States does not meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization.

Using standards from the 2022 nutrient and promotion profile outlined by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, researchers found that 70% of commercialized infant food did not meet protein requirements and nearly half exceeded total sugar limits.

As your children grow, food choices are influenced by what they are exposed to. Experts say many foods marketed to children in the United States are high in sugar, fat, and preservatives while lacking essential nutrients. This results in an unhealthy diet for many.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that on average, children’s diets have almost twice as much sugar as recommended. And, many sugary foods are associated with a rise in illness in children.

This creates a greater need to put your little one on the right path. By choosing packaged food that promotes healthy growth and following recommended nutrient guidelines, you can help ensure your baby gets all the important nutrients.

After all, nutrient deficiencies can have a lasting negative impact. Choosing healthy foods for your child that are low in sugar and salt can prepare them for a lifetime of good eating habits.

Of course, you are your child’s best role model. Let them see you nibble on vegetables, fruit, or nuts, rather than something out of a box or bag.

Study suggests mosquitoes use infrared to find their next meal Oct 17, 2024

While a mosquito bite might be nothing but a fleeting nuisance for some, in many parts of the world, the buzzing pest poses a serious concern.

Mosquitoes are notorious for spreading deadly diseases, like malaria, which kills over 400,000 people each year. It’s no surprise mosquitoes have earned the title of the deadliest animal, along with the unofficial title of most irritating.

For over a century, scientists have studied how these tiny insects target their hosts. We’ve learned mosquitoes rely on a blend of cues: carbon dioxide from our breath, body odors, heat from our skin, and humidity. Yet, each cue on its own has limitations. For instance, mosquitoes have poor vision, and strong winds or rapid movement can disrupt their chemical tracking.

Enter the latest breakthrough from researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Their study reveals that mosquitoes have a previously unknown sense: infrared detection. Their research shows that mosquitoes use infrared radiation, emitted by sources at roughly human skin temperature, to double their host-seeking behavior when combined with CO2 and human odor.

The team found that infrared radiation enhances mosquitoes’ ability to find their targets from about 2.5 feet. The key to this discovery lies in the mosquitoes’ antennae, which contain specialized heat-sensing neurons.

By understanding how mosquitoes detect infrared, research may be able to develop better methods for controlling these flying fiends, and, by extension, reduce the spread of diseases they carry.

Not to mention how much they bug us.

Middle school is tough on most of us Oct 16, 2024

It lasts about three years but feels like 300. You’ll endure unspeakable terrors, like public speaking, group exercise and misperceiving your talents as a dancer … all while dodging pimples and acrid body odor. You won’t recognize yourself — or your friends. It happens to everyone.

It, friends, is middle school.

According to research from scientists at Florida Atlantic University, we know the harsh truth — those years are much harder on those perceived as unattractive or unathletic. Some of us still carry the unhappy memories.

The study included 580 middle school students between 10 and 13 years old. Participants were asked to pinpoint classmates who best fit a handful of descriptors, like athletic, attractive, and unpopular.

Students were also asked how often they felt lonely and how many times they drank alcohol to the point of intoxication during the past month.

Results indicated that those rated as low on the attractiveness and athletic scales experienced decreasing popularity over the course of a school year, which led to more loneliness and alcohol misuse. Notably, there were no differences between gender — or even location. The same pattern held in youth from a large metropolitan area in Florida as it did for a homogeneous sample from a small town in Lithuania.

The study’s authors offered suggestions for mitigating these effects in the classroom, like creating a supportive environment for everyone and emphasizing the importance of other traits.

But it seems even researchers agree — middle school can be a traumatic ordeal. Its saving grace? It’s temporary.

Avoiding red and processed meats may help prevent colorectal cancer Oct 15, 2024

Doctors in recent years have noticed an alarming trend: Colorectal cancer rates among younger people have nearly doubled.

Between 1995 and 2019, colorectal cancer diagnoses increased from 11 percent to 20 percent in people under 55 years old. That’s one in five individuals.

Scientists have been working to get to the bottom of this trend and a new Cleveland Clinic study may have uncovered a major factor in this uptick: diet.

Using artificial intelligence, researchers zeroed in on the gut microbiome as an important area to explore. What they discovered was a difference in the type and amount of metabolites present in younger versus older adults.

The higher levels of metabolites in younger adults point to the likelihood that they are overeating red meat and processed meats. The study’s authors are currently examining national datasets to confirm their findings.

The study illuminates the complicated relationship between the gut microbiome, diet, metabolism, and cancer.

The researchers said young people should be cognizant of their dietary choices. And making healthy food choices is something we can all do.

The study lays the groundwork for more study on how diet and drugs respond to the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer. Scientists hope they can create tests for measuring metabolite levels to determine whether a person is at higher risk for colorectal cancer.

While it’s easy enough to grab a burger or sub sandwich when we’re on the go, the science is clear: Avoid red and processed meat or eat them in moderation.

After all, it’s a lot easier to change one’s diet than it is to reset your microbiome.

Protect your teeth and gums with matcha Oct 14, 2024

When you reach into your bathroom cabinet for a swig of mouthwash, you probably wouldn’t expect to find matcha [maa-chuh] there.

But a new study has found that when used as a dental hygiene product, matcha can reduce the risk of gum disease caused by the growth of bacteria.

Matcha, a vibrant green tea powder, is known for its antioxidant properties. It’s popular in Japanese culture and has caught on in the West in teas, lattes, and even desserts.

But it’s more than a tasty treat. According to researchers from Qatar [cutter] University, matcha can benefit brain and heart health and even prevent the development of cancerous tumors.

Now, Japanese researchers have added dental health to the list of matcha’s benefits. The researchers placed 45 participants diagnosed with chronic gum disease, called periodontitis, into three groups. One group used a mouthwash with barley tea, one group used a mouthwash with an anti-inflammatory solution, and one group used a matcha mouthwash.

Those who used the matcha-based mouthwash saw a significant reduction in the levels of gum disease-causing bacteria in their saliva compared with the other groups, who saw little change.

The researchers also found that matcha inhibited the growth of these gum disease-causing bacteria in lab experiments.

Left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and has been associated with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

While commercial matcha mouthwashes aren’t widely available, there are several recipes online to make your own version. And you won’t even need a milk frother.

Venom Decoded: Unraveling the Mysteries of Coral Snake Bites Oct 11, 2024

Join us for a riveting episode of Animal Airwaves – Live! featuring Dr. Cory Woliver, an emergency and critical care expert at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Dr. Woliver delves into the lives of coral snakes, discussing what happens from an envenomation and what makes these snakes unique among venomous serpents. Dr. Woliver will also discuss his groundbreaking clinical trial, which is being used to treat dogs envenomated by coral snakes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain potentially life-saving knowledge about this elusive fossorial species and the latest advancement in treatment.

Hope more effective than mindfulness, study suggests Oct 11, 2024

Mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present in whatever moment you’re in, requires focusing attention on the present — without judgment, and with a gentle curiosity about what is going on around you.

Research has long touted this as something of a silver bullet we all can practice to reduce stress. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University suggest that hope may be just as effective, if not more so.

Specifically, their study showed that hope may better at helping employees manage stress and stay professionally engaged during periods of prolonged duress.

Researchers posited that, during tough patches, looking ahead to rosier times could be more effective than living in the moment.

For their study, researchers recruited more than 200 professional musicians from the organization MusiCares to take two surveys, one month apart, on their feelings related to hope and their state of mind during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by questions about work engagement and tensions.

The leisure and hospitality industries were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, with millions of jobs lost.

Using advanced statistical techniques, the researchers identified connections between hope, mindfulness, musicians’ personal well-being, and attitudes toward work.

When people were hopeful, as opposed to simply mindful, they were able to take more satisfaction with their lives at work while experiencing less distress.

Now, don’t take this wrong. Living in the moment, or mindfulness, has its place. But a light at the end of the tunnel may be the ticket to withstanding long stretches of workplace — or life — stress.

A sweet solution to promoting gut health Oct 10, 2024

Humans have had their hands in the proverbial honey jar for millennia.

There’s just something about the sticky sweetness, wonderful golden color, and rich flavor that keeps us coming back for more. Honey’s health benefits have long been explored, with evidence of honey being used for therapeutic purposes in ancient Greece and ancient Egypt.

Even after thousands of years, we are still discovering ways honey can benefit humans. Scientists also continue to better understand how important a healthy gut microbiome is in preventing chronic diseases, promoting mental health and aiding in a healthy immune system.

These two topics coalesced recently as a pair of new studies offered evidence that clover honey, when added to yogurt, can help promote gut health.

So, how does it work?

When we eat yogurt, live probiotic cultures contained in the food undertake a treacherous journey as they weather the harsh environments of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Many of these microscopic organisms will never reach their destination.

But researchers discovered that one to two teaspoons of clover honey, when added to a serving of yogurt, seemed to create a more hospitable environment for the probiotics, allowing more of them to make it safely to the gut.

The levels of enzymes, sugars, and antioxidants in clover honey seem to offer an added layer of protection for the probiotics. Researchers did point out that honey is an added sugar, so we should be mindful of how much of it we consume.

But all things considered, adding honey to a yogurt treat seems like a pretty sweet deal.

The color of relief Oct 09, 2024

What color is pain relief? A study from the University of Arizona in Tucson suggests green — at least when it comes to migraines.

Previously, researchers discovered that green light could lead to pain relief in laboratory rats. Now, researchers are exploring the healing hue as a preventive treatment for people who experience migraines.

A migraine is a headache of extreme intensity and can cause symptoms that interfere with daily activities, such as throbbing pain, intense nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

For some, a migraine can last for a couple hours. For others, it can be days.

Although pain relief can be found through some medications, people can experience unwanted side effects or minimal effectiveness.

Study participants fell into two categories: those who had episodic migraines, or up to 14 headache days per month, and chronic migraines, 15 or more headache days per month for three or more months.

At first, the participants spent one to two hours every day in a dark room with a white light strip, which served as a control condition. After 10 weeks of the white lighting, participants stopped for two weeks as part of a “washout” period.

Then, for another 10 weeks, participants spent one to two hours daily with a strip that emitted green light, at the same brightness level as the white. On average, the green light treatment resulted in fewer migraines experienced.

More study is needed to replicate the light’s effects in a larger participant pool and account for the placebo effect. But the early results could be a green light on the way to migraine relief.

Popular diabetes and obesity drugs not linked to higher suicide risk Oct 08, 2024

Those concerned about the effects of popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on their mental health may soon find peace of mind.

A new study suggests GLP-1RA drugs, a class of glucose-lowering drugs that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, may not cause increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in older adults.

Researchers from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy wanted to study the potential association between these drugs and increased suicidal thoughts and self-harm. This came after the European Medicines Agency made a statement about its review of the glucose-lowering drugs following anecdotal evidence of negative mental health impacts.

The Florida researchers studied Medicare data from over 21,000 adults ages 66 and older with Type 2 diabetes, no history of suicidal thoughts, and a treatment plan consisting of either the popular glucose-lowering drugs or less-popular versions.

They then used data from Medicare claims to compare the occurrence of suicidal behaviors among patients taking the popular GLP-1RA medications with similar patients with a prescription for other glucose-lowering drugs.

The researchers found that the use of GLP-1RA drugs did not cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Researchers found no difference in the risk of suicidal thoughts between those taking the popular glucose-lowering drugs and those taking less popular versions.

More research is needed to ensure the findings hold for younger populations, of course. But for now, it seems the popular weight-loss drugs aren’t the threat to mental health some believed them to be.

Flexibility to extend your life? It might not be a stretch. Oct 07, 2024

Want to add years to your life? Start by touching your toes — or at least give it a go.

New research suggests that increased flexibility might lower the risk of premature death among middle-aged adults.

Danish researchers studied over 3,000 adults between the ages of 46 and 65 who were part of an exercise study in Brazil. Researchers followed the participants for an average of 13 years and tracked their health and survival rates.

Participants were assigned a “Flexindex” [flex index] score based on their range of motion in 20 joint movements.

The researchers found that better flexibility had a significant positive impact on survival. Participants with higher Flexindex scores were less likely to die during the follow-up period compared with those who had lower scores, even after accounting for other factors, like age and body mass index.

The least flexible men in the study had a 21.2% chance of dying during the follow-up period, while that was true of just under 8% of the flexible men.

Women are more flexible, in general, the researchers noted. Those with lower flexibility scores had a 15.4% risk of dying during the study’s follow-up years, while that was true for just 2% of the most flexible women.

The researchers acknowledged their study doesn’t prove flexibility has a direct tie to longevity since poor flexibility could be linked to other health conditions.

Still, flexibility might be a helpful indicator, suggesting that flexibility training might be an important part of an exercise plan. So, the next time you hit the gym for some cardio or strength training, build in time for a good stretch after.

Archive: My Pet Ate What? Foreign Body Ingestion and How to Minimize Risk Oct 04, 2024

(Archive from July 28, 2023
https://podcasts.ufhealth.org/my-pet-ate-what-foreign-body-ingestion-and-how-to-minimize-risk-5/
Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal system. Cats often will ingest thread, wool, plant materials and small toys, among other things, and are similarly at risk for foreign body obstruction. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Ham will discuss what happens when something gets stuck and causes a foreign body obstruction, what treatments are needed and what pet owners can do to minimize risks associated with this problem, both inside and outside of the household.

Traumatic loss speeds biological aging, study finds Oct 04, 2024

Grief after losing a loved one may have a significant impact on your body, not just your brain. Or your aching heart.

A new study from Columbia University suggests that loss accelerates biological aging, even starting as early as your 30s.

Put simply, biological age refers to the age of your cells and functionality of your organs. It can be used to estimate how many chronological years you have left to live and how likely you are to develop a terminal illness.

In their study, researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to see what impact loss has on biological age. Nearly 4,000 participants were followed for 24 years from the time they were enrolled in 1994. Researchers studied reports of loss collected periodically from participant cohorts.

In the last phase of the study, participants’ blood samples were collected. Researchers assessed their biological age from blood DNA methylation levels using a variety of epigenetic clocks.

DNA methylation is a test used to detect chemical tags called methyl groups that attach to your DNA as you get older. Epigenetic clocks are tests that use methylation levels to measure biological age.

Results showed that 40% of the participants had experienced at least one loss of a close relative in adulthood. And those who experienced more losses consistently had a significantly higher biological age than those who did not.

Researchers said their findings highlight the need to ensure that vulnerable young people who experience great loss don’t suffer disproportionately.

In a nutshell: They want to separate a broken heart from a prematurely aging one.

Obese cats tell a tale Oct 03, 2024

Who knew a bunch of fat cats could teach us so much?

These chunky cats, however, might just help us shed the pounds.

Got an obese cat? You aren’t alone in overindulging your pet. Six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight. Cats don’t know better. Their humans feed them, after all, and have their own problems walking by the food bowl without stopping.

Researchers at The Ohio State University recently found that dieting cats undergo a significant change in the populations of bacteria in their gut. In fact, it’s thought to be like what happens in their people.

Now, it’s important to understand that a cat just doesn’t step on a scale or look in the mirror and decide they need to trim down to fit into that old collar they wore during their lean, stray years.

No, researchers put a group of the overweight, wannabe tigers on a calorie-restriction diet.

The cats dieted in phases for 12 weeks. Investigators tested the kitty litter poop to find out what bacteria live in their gut.

They found increased levels of a short-chain fatty acid that, in other mammals, is known to regulate appetite and reduce fat. It also offers protection against diabetes and obesity. As levels of the fatty acid rose, so too did levels of a certain bacteria linked to weight loss.

This work suggests the human gut might also be altered with therapeutics in overweight individuals. One idea is that probiotics might be found to help. Scientists are studying the question.

Now, don’t be fooled. If your cat insists on extra treats in the name of science — she’s probably just pulling your paw.

Body composition predicts disease risk Oct 02, 2024

Your body composition might predict your likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline later in life.

A new study suggests that fat and muscle distribution could be used to assess the risk of developing neurogenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The two neurodegenerative disease affect more than 60 million people.

Chinese researchers used data from the UK Biobank, one of the world’s largest health data sets, to study a range of body compositions and associated disease risk.

They followed more than 400,000 participants with no neurogenerative diseases for several years after they were recruited for the study.

After an average follow-up of nine years, more than 8,000 new cases of neurogenerative diseases were identified. Researchers said those with excess fat around the abdomen were at a greater risk for neurogenerative diseases.

Those with higher levels of belly fat were 13% more likely to develop conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s than those with lower levels. And higher arm fat made the risk 18% higher.

Body compositions with more muscle strength showed opposite results. Participants with greater muscle strength were 26% less likely to develop neurogenerative diseases than others.

Even after adjustments for other disease factors like diabetes and high blood pressure were made, the results held.

Perhaps it’s time to renew that gym membership, since the findings suggest improved body composition might be key to reducing neurogenerative disease risk. Stay fit to maintain your balance and preserve your memory?

Pardon the pun, but that seems like a no-brainer.

A park experience for every pooch Oct 01, 2024

Public dog parks aren’t the best places for every dog — like pooches who react fearfully or aggressively toward others. Now there may be other options for dogs to feel their oats while still feeling safe.
For example, the online app Sniffspot was created to connect dog parents with homeowners looking to rent out their private property. Rentals are available by the hour with fees based on the size of the area, its location and what it offers.
This app has nationwide listings by locale and has reportedly helped over 100,000 guests to date — but there may be similar services available out there as well. So now, overreactive dogs can get the benefits without the worries of outdoor off-leash time.

Many don’t trust AI when it comes to their health Oct 01, 2024

Doctors can rest easy, with the knowledge that artificial intelligence hasn’t replaced them yet.

A new study suggests that humans prefer medical advice from real people over AI, even if the advice is exactly the same.

German researchers conducted two studies to determine if feelings about digital medical advice changed, depending on its perceived source.

Both studies presented over 1,000 participants with case reports that addressed four medical topics: smoking cessation, colonoscopy, agoraphobia, and reflux disease.

Each report included a question with an appropriate response, simulating a scenario that might play out in a chat interface online. Responses were generated using ChatGPT and evaluated for accuracy by a certified physician, and included supplemental information.

Some participants were told the responses came from a human doctor. Some were told they were generated by AI. Others were told the responses were generated by AI but reviewed by a human doctor. The responses were identical across all groups.

Still, participants found the content they believed to be human-generated more reliable and more empathetic compared with the responses labeled as AI-generated, or AI-generated and human-approved.

Participants were also less likely to follow digital medical advice when they believed AI was involved in its creation.

The results show that while health care systems look for ways to care for more patients amid resource shortages, a level of distrust remains.

For now, it looks like while AI might be taking the world by storm, many people aren’t yet ready to trust it with their health.

Your face might hold clues about your health Sep 30, 2024

The face is the touchstone of our emotional world. A person’s collection of facial features helps define their identity and make a first impression.

In the future, it also might define health status.

Our mugs are not a uniform temperature where a nose or a cheek and jowl or lower lip are all similarly warm or cold. Instead, our faces emit patterns of heat, invisible to the world without a thermal scan.

A recent study by Chinese researchers used thermal facial scans of 2,800 people and found that heat distribution changes as we age. For example, the nose and cheeks cool as we get older. Meantime, the forehead and the skin around the eyes might warm up.

Scientists can use this heat map to estimate someone’s age. That isn’t really a big deal. We’ve got driver’s licenses and birth certificates for that. The more significant insight comes when a visage’s temperatures doesn’t match someone’s real age.

If a 40-year-old’s scan reveals a pattern resembling what would be expected in a 65-year-old’s countenance, that could spell trouble.

The researchers say the thermal scan could accurately predict some diseases with high accuracy. Their scanning model, which they call ThermoFace, has an excellent record of spotting diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. And it is often faster than other diagnostic techniques.

The researchers envision a day when the scans might be routine at a doctor’s visit, the way thermometers are today. Scans would be especially useful in remote areas where medical testing equipment is lacking.

So, not feeling well?

The diagnosis might be in your face.

Think twice before taming temper-tantrum with a tablet Sep 27, 2024

When your child is upset and on the verge of making a scene in the cereal aisle, it can be easy to fill their hands with a smartphone or tablet so you can keep filling your cart.

A new study, however, says this quick fix may hinder your child’s emotional development.

Canadian and Hungarian researchers followed 265 Canadian families with preschool-aged children for a year, looking at three aspects of self-regulation, a skill children develop in early childhood.

The researchers looked at anger management, or how a child handles feelings of anger and frustration; effortful control, the ability to focus and regulate behavior; and impulsivity, which is how quickly they act without thinking.

The families completed a questionnaire that assessed their media use, child behavior, and parenting stress at the start of the study and again a year later.

The results showed that greater use of devices as digital pacifiers had a negative effect on children’s self-regulation skills and prevented them from dealing with emotions on their own.

Parents who frequently used digital devices as a calming tool reported having children who struggled to manage their anger and exhibited less ability to focus and self-regulate.

Children with poor anger-management skills at the start of the study were more likely to have parents who were reliant on digital devices a year later, suggesting a cycle that further harms children’s long-term development.

In short: the next time your toddler throws a tantrum, think twice about handing them a device, unless you want to deal with an extra moody teen down the road. The grocery store will still be there tomorrow.

Debunking Pet Food Myths: The Truth About “Allergies” and Diet Sep 27, 2024

Is your furry friend constantly scratching or experiencing digestive issues? Join us on Animal Airwaves-Live as Dr. Richard Hill, a small animal internal medicine and nutrition specialist, dives into the complex world of pet food allergies and immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Hill will shed light on the misconceptions surrounding dietary allergies in dogs and cats, explain the importance of proper diet trials, and discuss why there are no quick fixes when it comes to identifying and managing food sensitivities.a

That ‘new-car smell’ poses danger Sep 26, 2024

Aside from the debt, getting a new car is loads of fun. Learning all its features. Feeling fancy when you drive it. And of course, delighting in that new-car aroma.

Its time-limited bouquet hits every time you buckle up, fooling you into thinking you absolutely will go years never sullying your ride with so much as a single wayward French fry.

New research may take away your zest for that new-car essence, however.

A study by researchers at Harvard and in Beijing finds that the volatile organic compounds, or VOCs [V-O-Cs], that create the new-car smell may pose significant health risks.

The scientists analyzed VOC emissions in a new car during summer. VOCs are gases emitted from products or processes. In cars, they come from materials like plastics, leather, and synthetic fibers.

Some are harmless, but others can cause health issues like headaches or irritated eyes, or more serious damage, like lung disease.

The study found that formaldehyde, which can cause cancer with repeated exposure, was the most prevalent VOC in the new car’s cabin. More than one-third of the readings exceeded China’s air-quality standards for car interiors.

Part of the problem lies not with the air, but with the temperature of the car’s interior surfaces. That’s why the new-car smell can be extra potent on a hot day.

Americans spend an average of 5.5% of our lives in our vehicles. So it’s helpful to understand the air-quality dangers lurking in this classic fragrance. The hope is that automakers can one day give us the aroma minus the toxins.

The new-car smell, after all, helps us forget a malodorous byproduct of the dealership experience: the new-car loan.

Eat prunes for strong bones Sep 25, 2024

Grandpa isn’t the only one who can benefit from eating prunes. A new study found that eating prunes improved bone health and lowered the risk of bone disease in postmenopausal women.

Researchers from U.S. universities found that those who routinely ate prunes maintained better bone density and strength than those who didn’t.

The scientists separated 235 postmenopausal women into three groups and followed them for one year. One group ate four to six prunes daily, another group ate 10 to 12 prunes daily, and the last group ate no prunes.

The study focused on postmenopausal women because they are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, a bone loss condition.

Bone density, bone strength, and bone geometry — which is the measurement of a bone’s dimensions, used to predict fracture risk — were assessed twice during the study.

The findings showed that long-term consumption of prunes protected the women against age-related declines in shin bone geometry and strength.

After a year, those who ate at least four to six prunes per day had maintained bone density, strength, and structure. That was especially true in cortical bone [kor-ti-kuhl], which forms the outer layer of long bones like the shin and makes up 80% of the skeleton.

Those who did not eat prunes saw a reduction in bone mass density and strength in the shin bone.

The researchers said prunes might be used as a treatment strategy to preserve bone strength and lower fracture risk. They recommended eating four to six a day to avoid prune burnout.

In a nutshell: Adding prunes to your daily menu can help your bones stay strong, so don’t write them off as just a nursing home snack.

Study suggests golden years eventually may be more robust Sep 24, 2024

Imagine yourself old. If you’re already old, just think of yourself as you are now.

But instead of how you feel or expect you would feel, envision older adulthood as a time your joints aren’t complaining. You need no walker because you’re not frail, so you haven’t broken any bones. Your eyesight and hearing? Imperfect, but not terrible.

How would that kind of old age grab you? Not so bad, eh?

A team of London researchers has made a finding they say signals that medicine in the future might keep us healthier as we age.

They recently published a study in which they “switched off” a protein called IL-11 [I-L 11] in mice, extending their healthy lifespan by nearly 25%.

They then treated 75-week-old mice — that’s roughly 55 in human years — by injecting an antibody to thwart IL-11’s effects.

The treatment largely freed the mice from dying of cancer and reduced the many diseases caused by fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and poor metabolism, all sure signs of aging. There were scant side effects.

After about age 55, humans produce more of the IL-11 protein. It’s been linked to muscle wasting, cardiac fibrosis, and frailty, among other things.

In the new study, the mice were given the anti-IL-11 drug from 75 weeks until their death. Males’ lives were extended by 22.4% and female lives by 25%. The mice lived an average 155 weeks, instead of 120.

Research is needed to gauge safety and effectiveness of the anti-IL-11 drugs for humans, of course.

But perhaps as our lifespans grow, more of us will live the adage that it’s not how old you are, it’s how you are, old.

Bowel movement frequency might be a signal of health status Sep 23, 2024

Your schedule of bowel movements can provide valuable insight into your health. Of course, when we talk schedule, it must be emphasized that no appointment is necessary for this activity.

It turns out that the frequency of those movements might say something about your well-being.

University of Washington scientists say in a new study that the frequency of these daily calls of nature impacts long-term health. Researchers say good health is associated with one to two poops a day.

Visiting the restroom too infrequently, maybe a few times a week for those with constipation, or going too often might pose physiological risks.

Indeed, researchers say one of their goals is to educate clinicians about the potential risks of not paying attention to bowel movement frequency. Many view irregularity as a mere nuisance.

The study collected data from 1,400 volunteers who reported their bathroom schedule and provided blood, genetic, and gut microbiome samples.

Being on either side of what we shall call the movement spectrum has deleterious effects. Constipation can lead the body to produce toxins that could weaken the kidneys. Longer-term diarrhea, on the other hand, threatens liver damage and inflammation. And other dangers lurk beyond.

Being regular as the sunrise is associated with a beneficial fiber-fermenting gut bacterium. People in the zone have a few things in common. They eat their fruits and vegetables. They also drink lots of water. And they exercise.

Now, nobody is saying you need to force it. You’ve got to go when you’ve got to go. But if the train isn’t running on time, have a chat with a doctor.

Keeping your kids safe online Sep 20, 2024

Imagine your child is walking through a mall, alone. Your little one passes shop after shop and person after person.

Of course, you hope your child won’t talk to strangers or give anyone their personal information. Or that no one encourages them to do something they shouldn’t.

Online life today is just as perilous for children as being alone in public. It is estimated that about 95% of teenagers and 40% of children between the ages of 8 and 12 use some form of social media, according to the White House’s Task Force on Kids Online Health and Safety.

Children build media habits at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics offer five Cs to help parents guide children as they do.

First, it is important to consider your child. How do they use social media and the internet? Is it a form of expression or does online life fuel anxiety or other negative emotions?

Think about the content. Research shows that content shapes whether kids have positive or negative relationships with media. Help your child understand when videos and games are violent, promote unrealistic standards, or emphasize sheer commercialism.

Communication is key and it is important to talk with your child.

Your child needs to be able to calm herself. Social media can elicit quick emotions and bad feelings. Coping techniques are necessary.

Lastly, depending on how much media your family uses and when, online life might be crowding out things your family cares about. Quiet time, outdoor fun, and other hobbies are better when shared.

So, put down your own smartphone, think through the five Cs, and keep your little influencer healthy and happy.

Beat the Heat: Protecting Pets from Heat Stroke Sep 20, 2024

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our beloved pets. Dr. Ronald Goncalves, an emergency medicine and critical care specialist, brings his expertise to Animal Airwaves-Live to discuss this potentially life-threatening condition. Heat stroke is a serious and often underestimated danger for animals, capable of causing severe organ damage or even death if not promptly addressed. Unlike humans, pets can’t easily regulate their body temperature or tell us when they’re overheating. Dr. Goncalves will explain why certain animals are more susceptible to heat stroke, how to recognize the early warning signs, and most importantly, what steps pet owners can take to prevent this emergency situation.

Want to feel better? Try going outside (again). Sep 19, 2024

At this point, everyone and their mother are begging you to go outside and spend time in nature. There’s decades’ worth of research to support it making you feel better, both mentally and physically.

Now, a research study is drilling down into the details to find that even as little as 10 minutes spent outside could help your mental health.

Published in Ecopsychology, this new analysis scoured three decades of research on how nature impacts mental health. From an initial pool of 14,168 studies, researchers homed in on 45 that involved almost 1,500 adults with diagnosed mental health conditions. These studies ranged from brief urban park visits to extended wilderness immersions.

The results? Well, according to the analyses, whether research participants spent just 10 minutes in a city park or several days in the wild, they reported experiencing positive mental health benefits. Some studies examined frequent short visits into nature, while others looked at longer, continuous exposure.

Notably, the analysis indicated that outdoor spaces based around water, like lakes and oceans, and camping and gardening activities, had the greatest positive effect. But all approaches, even urban nature, showed encouraging results. Additionally, nature’s positive effects appeared even greater for those diagnosed with mood disorders, including depression or bipolar disorder.

So, if the idea of a weeklong wilderness trek feels daunting, rest easy. A brief escape to a nearby park is a practical, low-cost option that could be just as beneficial — and you won’t need to bring toilet paper or bug spray.

You may want to go to Mars. Your kidneys don’t. Sep 18, 2024

Traveling by air on planet Earth is remarkably safe. The worst hazard on a flight might be the talkative passenger sitting next to you with the endless stories about their oh-so-clever dog. Want to see some pictures?

Mars, on the other hand, isn’t a short hop to Phoenix.

Not that we’re flying to the Red Planet just yet. Some influential people in the space industry, however, insist we could begin sending people to the planet within 20 years. But a new study led by researchers from London and the University of Florida indicates at least one casualty of the cosmos might be these essential organs: our kidneys.

The problem is the background cosmic radiation filling the vacuum of space.

This isn’t a huge issue on a relatively short rocket trip to the moon, or on a longer jaunt aboard the International Space Station. The danger, however, would be magnified in a seven- or eight-month Mars voyage.

The study examined biological samples from mammals that have visited the space station.

Investigators noticed that kidneys change in space. Kidney cells filtering waste out of the body begin to fail.

Excessive radiation is thought to be to blame. A high radiation dose isn’t beneficial to any part of the body. The kidneys, however, are very susceptible to this electromagnetic energy.

Scientists say Mars astronauts would need dialysis on the trip home and risk permanent kidney damage. Radiation might also endanger other organs and lead to cancer given the longer exposure.

Science will have to figure out a way to better protect our bodies before anyone signs a mortgage on that Mars villa with the killer view.

Try HIIT exercises to boost your brain Sep 17, 2024

Want to boost your brain? You’ll need to hit the gym. A new study shows that just a few months of high-intensity interval training exercises, also known as HIIT [hit], can increase brain function in older adults for years to come.

University of Queensland researchers studied 151 healthy people between the ages of 65 and 85 who were randomly assigned to low-, medium-, or high-intensity exercise interventions. Each intervention included 72 supervised exercise sessions that participants attended over six months.

The low-intensity exercises involved stretching, balance, range of motion, and relaxation tasks. The medium-intensity exercises included 30 minutes of treadmill walking. In the 25-minute high-intensity group, participants did four cycles of hard running followed by short rest breaks.

Each month during the study and for five years after, researchers collected blood samples and evaluated the performance of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Participants underwent MRI scans at the study’s beginning, middle, and end.

Results showed that only those enrolled in the HIIT group saw a significant improvement in brain function and an increase in functional connectivity, which gauges how parts of the brain interact. But they did not share the age-related decrease in brain volume observed in the low- and medium-intensity groups.

The best part? The benefits held for five years after the study, suggesting that short-term HIIT exercise can have long-term benefits.

So, pardon the pun, but don’t let your brain take a “hit” as you age. Work hard now and let your mind reap the benefits later.

Having difficulty hearing at home? Consider these options Sep 16, 2024

Can you hear me? Good. How about now? Even better.

We all enjoy an evening at home, relaxing with good company or a remote in hand and a favorite program on the telly. But sometimes, background noise can be too much, limiting your hearing and comprehension.

There are several ways to reduce noise and improve your experience.

Look around. Consider your noisiest appliances. Does your air conditioner cause a racket? Perhaps your dishwasher constantly rattles.

You might update your home’s interior to tamp down noise. Heavy curtains lessen sound reverberation. Carpets and rugs do, too.

If you struggle with banter when others are around, check the lighting. We glean information from facial expressions and body language. Increasing light with lamps or other fixtures help us read lips but also pick up nonverbal cues. Shadows can affect what we see, and, consequently, what we hear.

Some televisions accommodate hearing-impaired viewers with audio settings that enhance dialogue and lower the bass.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are available for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Since federal regulations changed for over-the-counter hearing aids in 2022, they’ve become a bit more affordable.

If you’re not sure how well you hear, see an audiologist. While nearly 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, only one-fifth of those who could benefit from hearing aids get them.

Aging happily requires staying engaged. That means keeping up with the conversation. Getting the joke. Sharing a funny story.

You can’t do those things if you can’t hear.

Study suggests green spaces positively affect growing kids Sep 13, 2024

Ever wondered if that park down the street could be benefiting your child’s health? A new study from researchers in Spain suggests it might be more important than you think.

Analyzing data from 35,000 children across eight countries, scientists noted a link between early exposure to green spaces and better lung function.

The research study examined green space exposure during two key periods: pregnancy and childhood. By using satellite images to measure vegetation around the children’s homes, the study tracked lung health via spirometry tests that measure how much air a child can exhale and how open their airways are.

The team measured something called forced vital capacity, the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking a deep breath. Then, to see how open the airways are, researchers measured the volume of air exhaled in the first second of forced breathing after a deep inhale.

The results? Children who lived near greener areas had significantly better lung function, including both the maximum amount exhaled and the volume of air exhaled in the first second.

Those farther from green spaces fared worse on the tests.

While the benefits of greener neighborhoods were observed across all socioeconomic groups, the effect was stronger for children from higher-income families. This could be because families with more resources often have easier access to safe, well-maintained green areas.

While it might be easy to overlook the importance of nearby parks, it turns out that those green spaces are good for health. So, the next time your children are hollering to go to a park, think of it as a healthy treat.

Visionary Care: Spotting Pet Eye Problems Early Sep 13, 2024

This week on Animal Airwaves, we’re focusing on your furry friend’s peepers! Join us as we welcome Dr. Bret Moore, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, who’ll share his expertise on recognizing and treating eye problems in pets. Dr. Moore will discuss why early detection is crucial for maintaining your pet’s vision and overall eye health. Learn about common signs of eye issues, when to seek veterinary care, and how prompt treatment can lead to better outcomes.

Food fight: How fruit may battle late-life depression Sep 12, 2024

While it may not be possible to always keep the doctor away, a new study offers strong evidence that consuming apples, berries, and other fruit can help keep antidepressants at bay.

With aging populations growing around the globe, depressive symptoms in older adults are also increasing. Specifically, many of these older adults face delayed cognitive processing, waning motivation, appetite loss, poor sleep, and increased fatigue.

Scientists in Singapore studied the dietary habits of nearly 14,000 adults there between the ages of 45 and 74 and over the course of about 20 years, controlling for other lifestyle factors such as sleep duration, smoking status, and physical activity.

Study participants who consumed at least three servings of fruit per day —compared with those who consumed less than one serving — reduced their likelihood of late-life depression by 21%.

Researchers looked at 14 of the most common fruits consumed in Singapore, including oranges, tangerines, bananas, papayas, watermelons, apples, and honeydew melon.

Fruit’s high levels of antioxidants and micronutrients, such as vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids — which reduce oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation — are believed to be the driving nutritional components in staving off depression later in life.

Vegetable consumption did not seem to have any impact on whether people developed late-life depressive symptoms. Enjoy relaying that to the veggie nag in your life.

The old saw about apples and doctors is a fine one, but perhaps it’s time for a modern, science-backed update: “Three apples a day keep the blues away.”

Fiber for the weight loss win Sep 11, 2024

In recent years, glucose-lowering drugs — originally prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes — have gained attention for their ability to kick-start weight loss. Simply starting one of these medications seems to help many shed pounds easily.

But what if similar results could be achieved by increasing your fiber intake?

A recent study indicates this might just be the case. But not any old fiber will do.

University of Arizona researchers observed evidence in mice that specifically, beta-glucan [beta-glue-can], a dietary fiber found in oats and barley, can mirror many of the weight loss benefits of drugs like Ozempic.

These drugs are effective weight loss tools because they mimic a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood-sugar levels. Beta-glucan from oats and barley also regulates appetite and blood sugar levels by causing the release of the same hormone into the gut microbiome.

The mice given a beta-glucan supplement showed reductions in weight gain and body fat along with improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Researchers believe these mice had a boost in energy expenditure, thanks to the beta-glucan.

This study adds to the growing body of research that points to the many benefits of dietary fiber, including constipation prevention, decreased risk of heart disease, and protection against inflammation.

For those considering medications to help them drop pounds: The research indicates that a smaller change, simply eating more beta-glucan rich foods, might be worth a try first. It’s certainly a less-expensive path to choose.

Bowl of oatmeal, anyone?

Doomscrolling can lead to existential crises, study suggests Sep 10, 2024

Ever caught yourself endlessly scrolling through troubling news and feeling defeated? Read a headline that left you needing to put your phone down and stare into space? Do you wonder how an endless supply of information is affecting you?

Well, you’re not the only one. A new study from Flinders University [Flin-drz] suggests that doomscrolling isn’t just a harmless habit — it might be reshaping how we view life itself. Findings suggest that routine, habitual consumption of negative news can lead to a profound shift in our outlook on humanity and the meaning we construct from our lives.

Researchers found that scrolling through negative or disturbing stories can result in a kind of vicarious trauma, or one where you experience negative psychological impacts without directly going through the trauma yourself.

In their study, the researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the United States, to better understand two culturally distinct groups and how they might respond to repeated negative news or stories. Participants reported how often they engaged in doomscrolling, their feelings about their existence, and their worldview — like whether the world is a fair place, and how they felt about humanity.

The results? Doomscrolling was linked to increased existential anxiety in both the American and Iranian groups.

Most days, we’re inundated, so it can be hard to keep tabs on how much time we spend consuming negative news. But this study, and pre-digital generations, remind us that taking breaks from social media and paying attention to our emotional well-being is crucial.

Crisis lifeline makes impact Sep 09, 2024

More than 10 million texts, calls, and chats in just two years.

The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which launched in July 2022, has had quite an impact.

In 2022, suicide deaths reached a record high in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change to a three-digit number, instead of its 10-digit predecessor, led to a 45% increase in people reaching out in the lifeline’s first month.

Mental health is a priority for many Americans. A recent poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 3 in 4 Americans say they are not content with mental health treatment in the United States.

When someone calls 9-8-8, the caller first hears a greeting message with options to connect with specialized services. They are then routed to a national network or local network crisis center. A trained crisis counselor answers the phone, works to understand the problem, and shares resources. Similarly, users can get care by texting 9-8-8, which has become an increasingly popular option, along with digital chats.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ hotline has made 110,000 contacts in Spanish and 475,000 with LGBTQI+ youth and young adults this year, the federal agency reports. About 20,000 videophone contacts were made in American Sign Language, and 1.2 million calls were answered by the Veterans Crisis Line through 9-8-8.

Studies show that speaking with a trained crisis counselor makes callers feel more hopeful while reducing feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide.

Ten million is just the start for a resource that saves lives every day. One text or phone call at a time.

Goodbye, beauty products. Hello, baby carrots. Sep 06, 2024

In the universe of healthy snacks, baby carrots might just be one of the trendiest. A favored snack among the younger set, even the family dog might love a few if your hot dog stash runs dry.

New research tells us that if you’re a young adult, these cutest of carrots could boost your skin, too.

A team from Samford University presented findings at a national gathering of nutritionists that suggest nibbling on carrots a few times a week — especially in conjunction with a multivitamin — can improve skin carotenoid levels.

Besides increasing immunity, higher skin carotenoid levels mean better antioxidant protection and lower risk for diseases like cancer and heart ailments. And carotenoids help protect skin against premature aging and hyperpigmentation from UV radiation, hormones, and acne.

The researchers randomly assigned 60 young adults to three groups. One group snacked on Granny Smith apple slices for a month, the second took a multivitamin with beta-carotene, and the third ate baby carrots plus the multivitamin.

The researchers used an instrument called a Veggie Meter to measure skin carotenoids, which create the bright colors in some fruits and vegetables.

The subjects who ate baby carrots saw their skin carotenoid scores rise by 10%. Those who took the multivitamin and ate baby carrots saw their scores go up more than 21%.

Those who ate apple slices saw no change in carotenoid levels. Nor did those who only took the multivitamin.

So, if you’d like nicer skin: Add carrots and a multivitamin to your menu.

Scientists say their research plate includes studying colorful sweet potatoes and green, leafy vegetables.

Pet Pain Decoded: How to Tell When Your Pet is Hurting Sep 06, 2024

Has your pet shown abnormal behavior lately, such as hiding or growling? Our animals can’t tell us when they’re hurting, and assessing pain in our pets can be difficult. It’s important that pet owners be tuned in to any changes in behavior, the way your pet stands, walks or even looks at you. On this show, Dr. Elizabeth Maxwell, a surgical oncology specialist, will discuss why pain assessment is so important and why contacting your veterinarian is critical if you suspect your pet is in pain. She’ll also discuss methods of pain management.

Are we better off without butter? Sep 05, 2024

As nutritional science has evolved over time, butter has passed in and out of favor with nutritionists and the public. At times butter has been touted for its nutritional value and that it may contribute to weight loss for those on a low-carb diet.

But butter is looked upon less favorably when its fat profile is examined. That’s because butter is high in saturated animal fats, which have been shown to contribute to cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

A recent study adds even more fuel to the argument that a diet rich in plant-based unsaturated fats beats out a diet heavy on butter and other saturated animal fats. The Chalmers University of Technology study takes previous work in this area a step further by analyzing fat in the blood using lipodomics, or finely detailed lipid measurements.

Individuals with a high multi-lipid score, called an MLS, have a healthy blood fat profile and tend to have a higher intake of unsaturated plant-based fats. These folks showed significantly lower risk for developing cardiometabolic diseases.

Those with a low MLS consumed a larger amount of saturated animal fats and were at greater risk for stroke, heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, and related conditions.

The study concluded that switching to a diet high in unsaturated plant fats — such as the Mediterranean diet — can indeed deliver notable health benefits.

While some may still reach for good old-fashioned butter at the grocery store, plant-based oils are more readily available than ever before.

Perhaps the news from the recent study can finally help many of us answer the age-old question: To butter, or not to butter?

Scientists work to unravel blushing Sep 03, 2024

You’re pouring yourself a cup of coffee while chatting up the new boss, and you get distracted — subsequently spilling it all over. You feel your face turn beet red, and it’s not the first time. After all, blushing is a universal part of the human experience.

Now, researchers are trying to understand why.

Using MRI scans to track brain activity, teams from the Netherlands and Italy are exploring the neural mechanisms behind blushing. Notably, the behavior is more than just a physical reaction; it’s tied to our brain’s response to social judgment, especially during adolescence.

To trigger a blushing response, the adolescent girls who participated in the study took part in two lab sessions. In the first, they sang challenging karaoke songs, and in the second, they watched videos of their own performances. Raising the stakes, researchers told them an audience would be watching their recordings.

Ultimately, the teens blushed more when viewing their own videos compared with others. Brain scans revealed that blushing was linked to increased activity in the cerebellum, known for its role in movement and coordination, and heightened activation in early visual areas. That suggests for these teens, seeing themselves on screen was something that dominated their attention.

The next area of study may include investigating how blushing works in even younger children, before they are as aware of their peers.

In the future, when you find yourself blushing, remember there’s a lot happening in your brain — and you’re in great, human species-wide company. In other words: It happens to all of us.

Cutting even a portion of processed meats can improve health Sep 02, 2024

You might be 10 slices of bacon away from a longer, healthier life. Yes, you heard that correctly.

Bacon has a rap sheet. It’s high in sodium and fat. While some sing its praises, many doctors are not in the choir. The World Health Organization calls the food a carcinogen.

University of Edinburgh scientists recently found that if Americans collectively cut back just 30% of their consumption of processed meats like sausage and bacon, it would have a profound impact on public health.

Yes, that percentage is the equivalent of 10 slices of bacon a week.

What would that do from a national perspective? Researchers estimate this reduction would lead to 353,000 fewer cases of Type 2 diabetes over a decade. Cardiovascular disease diagnoses would drop by more than 92,000, colorectal cancer by more than 50,000 cases. Thousands of deaths would be avoided.

The impact is even greater for those cutting unprocessed red meats.

The researchers used computer modeling to make these projections, aided by data from national health surveys.

Of course, bacon isn’t the only game in town when it comes to processed meats. Hot dogs, deli meats, chicken nuggets, and other foods could be flagged, too.

The study notes that restricting meat intake is not just good for your body. It’s good for the planet. A collective effort to reduce consumption will lessen the meat industry’s impact on climate change.

We can all squeeze out a health benefit by reducing our bad habits, even if we are unable to quit something entirely. In other words: It’s not great if you eat half the birthday cake at a sitting. But it’s still better than eating it all.

Equine Preventative Care: More Than Just Shots (archive from Oct. 19, 2023) Aug 30, 2024

Having your horse vaccinated routinely is important to ensure it stay protected against infectious diseases. However, each horse’s immune system is different, so horse owners should talk to their veterinarian about which immunization program makes the most sense for their animal. On this show, Dr. Martha Mallicote, an equine internal medicine specialist, will discuss the importance of vaccination as a part of routine health care for horses. She’ll also address why keeping your horse healthy involves more than just adhering to a vaccination protocol, and why good nutrition, deworming, pasture management and minimizing stress and overcrowding are also important factors.

Freezing blood oranges may help preserve properties, study suggests Aug 30, 2024

The blood orange is delicious, often expensive, and packed with nutrients that taste great. But unlike the more common citrus that thrives in the humid state of Florida, this pigmented fruit requires more consistent cold temperatures than are readily available in a state known for its sunshine and beaches.

Now, new University of Florida research is highlighting the potential health benefits of blood oranges, with a twist — titrating their nutrient density by storing them at a specific range of cool temperatures.

Specifically, scientists pinpointed that storing blood oranges between 40 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit carries the ability to enhance their antioxidant content while preserving crucial attributes like the fruit’s firmness, weight, and sugar content. The cool storage can even elevate the blood oranges’ levels of anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in red, blue, and purple fruits and veggies.

Importantly, a diet full of these compounds may help protect from inflammation and Type 2 diabetes — and this antioxidant typically develops when the fruit is exposed to cold temperatures between 46 and 59 degrees for at least 20 days. These conditions are rare in Florida’s subtropical climate, and part of the reason scientists are on the hunt for a solution.

In the future, research will pivot to emphasize the importance of tailored storage conditions to maximize the fruit’s nutritional value and market appeal — which would also help it flourish in other regions. While the blood orange is growing in popularity, they are typically grown in climates more arid than the subtropics.

Take a walk to reduce low back pain Aug 29, 2024

Low back pain is an often-chronic condition many accept as just a natural part of aging. But what if ditching low back pain was as simple as taking a walk? A new study suggests it might be.

Australian researchers recruited adults who had recently experienced an episode of lower back pain for at least 24 hours and who had no specific diagnosis. Participants were randomly assigned to a group that received intervention that included walking, education, and six physiotherapy sessions, or to a control group that received no treatment.

The researchers then tracked them for one to three years. Those assigned to the intervention participated in an individual walking program guided by a physical therapist and managed to ensure the walker stuck with the plan. Participants walked in their free time with a loose target of five 30-minute walks per week for six months.

Participants kept a walking diary and attended follow-up sessions with their physical therapist. They also learned more about pain science and how to reduce the risk of low back pain, as well as how to manage minor pain recurrences.

Results found that those who followed the plan saw a significant reduction in the recurrence of low back pain. Researchers also found the treatment to be more cost-effective for those receiving intervention compared with those who received no treatment.

An estimated 843 million people around the world will suffer from low back pain by 2050. Its debilitating effects take a toll mentally, physically, and financially.

Now, lacing up those sneakers may be all you need to find relief. Take a walk and tell your backache to take a hike.

Study suggests multivitamins’ effectiveness more myth than reality Aug 28, 2024

Millions of Americans regularly take multivitamins, accepting as fact that the dietary supplement can help them stay healthy and live longer.

Consumers reliably scoop them up at the drugstore or supermarket. One estimate pegs the value of the multivitamin market at more than $21 billion.

A new study, however, questions their usefulness.

National Cancer Institute researchers recently conducted one of the largest and longest studies of multivitamin effectiveness. The scientists tracked the health of nearly 400,000 healthy Americans for two decades, comparing a control group that didn’t take multivitamins with a group that did.

The study’s findings might be unsettling for anyone with a big bottle of these doctor’s helpers in the medicine cabinet.

Those who took the supplements daily experienced no lower risk of death from any case. Indeed, they appeared to have a slightly greater risk of mortality. It was just a tiny increase, but startling, nonetheless.

The researchers also saw no difference when controlling for a participant’s sex, dietary quality, and health behavior.

Some experts believe vitamins feed off human psychology. The lure of a pill that effortlessly boosts health is powerfully attractive. Got a bad diet? Take a pill. Even before this study, however, some nutritionists were doubtful this supposed elixir could substitute for the complex mix of natural nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. There are few shortcuts to good health.

Scientists say they cannot preclude the possibility of a benefit for adults.

So, eat your vegetables. They’re nature’s multivitamin.

New research points to solution for treadmill runners’ shin splints Aug 27, 2024

For those among us who prefer the steady thrum, pacing, and incline control of a treadmill (and the air conditioning that often comes with it), there can often be an unpleasant tax — shin splints.

Now, researchers from the University of Virginia Health System may be onto a treatment plan that protects against this pesky, but common, sports injury.

A recent study suggests that incorporating outdoor gait training alongside home exercises can improve running biomechanics, even on a treadmill.

Shin splints, a common ailment affecting 40% of runners, often start as lower leg tenderness that worsens with continued running, potentially leading to stress fractures for those unable to hang up their sneakers.

The study looked at treadmill runners from ages 18 to 45 who experienced lower leg pain. Participants underwent four weeks of outdoor gait training with vibrotactile feedback, which alerted them when their foot-ground contact time was excessive — a known contributor to shin splints.

This feedback helped participants adjust their stride to reduce impact. The results showed that those who received gait training not only improved their strength but made favorable adjustments in running mechanics, benefiting both outdoor and treadmill running. This finding suggests that outdoor gait training could be a valuable strategy for treadmill users seeking to run pain-free.

Besides reminding us that going outside remains a habit that is ultimately good for you, the study reiterates that there’s more than one way to achieve tip-top running comfort and performance … in a climate-cooled gym or the great outdoors.

Avoid the aggressive lone star tick Aug 26, 2024

Don’t mess with Texas. Not with its ticks, anyway.

The lone star tick, once found mostly in the southeastern United States, has been expanding its turf. They’re becoming more common in the Northeast, the Midwest, and even Canada.

While its bite isn’t as dangerous as that of the also-common blacklegged tick, which spreads Lyme disease, lone star ticks do cause plenty of health maladies, including ehrlichiosis [ur-luh-kee-ow-suhs], tularemia [too-lr-ee-mee-uh], southern tick-associated rash illness, and Heartland virus.

The adult female lone star tick has a white splotch on its back.

A lone star tick bite is less likely to cause illness than blacklegged ticks, but they’re certainly more likely to bite you. Entomologists say they are easily the more aggressive species.

A blacklegged tick often positions itself on a tall blade of grass or a branch and waits for a host (that’s you) to come walking by. But a lone star tick comes to find you. If you’re out in the woods or tall grass and still, the ticks sense the carbon dioxide you emit and head that way.

What is going on with these aggressive and turf-shifting ticks?

Scientists explain some of their expansion as a result of climate change. A warmer climate suits them, so that’s where they go. But studies also suggest that lone star ticks may be resettling in areas that once were their home.

If you’re going to be out in the woods, you need an effective insect repellent. Treating shoes or boots with permethrin can keep ticks from taking a hike up your leg. If you’ve been in the deep woods, an immediate shower and tick-check is a great idea.

If you live in suburbia, keep your yard mowed and clutter-free, and try to keep the deer out.

The Role of Veterinary Forensics in Criminal Justice (archive from March 2023) Aug 23, 2024

The successful identification of animal abuse and deaths caused by such abuse typically involves not just the veterinary forensic pathologist who can confirm the cause of death, but also representatives of various agencies and organizations ranging from animal shelters to law enforcement at multiple levels. On this show, Dr. Adam Stern, a veterinary forensic pathologist, will discuss the process through which successful prosecution of animal abusers typically occurs, and how members of the public can also play a role in bringing such abusers to justice.

Safe summer hikes and high heat Aug 22, 2024

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors, go hiking, and explore nature. Kids are out of school and vacation season is in full swing.

But so is the heat.

High temperatures are no joke and can make any hike dangerous — even deadly. Each year, multiple people die from heat exhaustion during hikes and hundreds more are rescued.

By taking a few safety precautions to heart, you can greatly reduce your chances of injury or death when hiking in hot temperatures.

Be prepared physically. If you know will be undertaking a long, strenuous hike, be confident that you are in good enough physical shape to complete the trek. You can acclimate to the heat by taking shorter, low-impact hikes in warm weather and gradually work up to more difficult hikes in hot weather.

Hikers should also know their sweat rate, which can be determined by weighing yourself before and after a hike. Experts say you shouldn’t lose more than 2% of your body weight during a hike.

Speaking of sweating — an abundant amount of water is critical in high temperatures. A water filter and electrolytes, in the form of tablets or drinks, can also help replace salt and minerals lost from perspiration.

Hikers should wear light, loose clothing to help prevent sunburn and keep body temperatures down. Experts recommend bringing a fully charged phone, extra battery, and a friend if possible.

It can be easy to underestimate just how risky a hike can be when temperatures soar. The reward doesn’t outweigh the risk.

And don’t ignore what your instinct tells you. If you think it’s too hot to hike, turn back. It is too hot to hike.

You may not need statins if you have high cholesterol Aug 21, 2024

For millions of Americans, eating oatmeal isn’t enough to lower cholesterol. Many leave the doctor’s office with a high cholesterol diagnosis and a statin prescription.

One study from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University reported that by 2019, 818 million people were prescribed statins. But perhaps that number may change.

As many as 40% fewer Americans need statins, a new JAMA Internal Medicine study found.

In 2023, the American Heart Association developed the Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events equations, known as PREVENT, to estimate atherosclerotic [ather-oh-skler-ottic] cardiovascular disease risk.

This was an update to the 2013 equations, which were criticized for overestimating risk.

The PREVENT equations were based on current populations and adjusted for statin use and kidney function. They removed race as a factor.

Researchers analyzed data from 3,785 adults between ages 40 and 75 without atherosclerosis who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from January 2017 to March 2020. Their 10-year risk of heart disease was estimated using the PREVENT equations and reviewed against earlier risk predictions.

Results showed that far fewer adults qualified for statin prescriptions under the updated equations. Researchers estimated that more than 17 million adults previously prescribed statins would no longer be eligible for them.

No word yet on whether statin guidelines might change to reflect the study’s results. But perhaps in the future, many of us can enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with our morning coffee, rather than swallow a pill.

Timing of high BP meds might influence effectiveness Aug 19, 2024

We all keep time to an internal cellular clock. Our circadian rhythms are tuned to the rotation of the Earth and its cycle of night and day. Still, our clocks aren’t all set to the same hour and minute.

Some scientists believe that the biological clock influences whether we are a morning person or a night owl. If you groan and swear at the morning alarm, perhaps you can blame this internal timepiece when you’re late for work and someone demands an explanation.

This is our chronotype. We’ve all got one.

Now, a team of international researchers has found that our chronotype might influence the effectiveness of blood pressure medication. Their work indicates that those diagnosed with hypertension might want to match the time they take prescriptions with their sleep schedule. Study findings suggest that doing so might be better for the heart.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t change your medication schedule without first checking with a physician.

The study tracked 5,000 people for several years, analyzing their blood pressure. Researchers also asked the participants for information about their chronotype.

Findings indicated that early birds were less likely to suffer a heart attack when they took their blood pressure medication in the morning, compared with the evening.

And conversely, night owls experienced heart attacks less often when they took their meds at night.

Physicians and pharmacists often recommend taking the pills in the morning, but some scientists have challenged that recommendation. This study could influence that debate. Scientists, however, say more study is needed before declaring that it’s time for a change.

CPR for Pets: New Guidelines to Save Lives Aug 16, 2024

When it comes to saving a pet’s life, every second counts. Recent updates to veterinary CPR guidelines are changing the way we approach emergency care for our furry friends. On this show, Dr. Jake Wolf, an emergency and critical care specialist, will discuss the latest advancements in pet CPR. As a key contributor to the RECOVER initiative’s 2024 CPR Guidelines, Dr. Wolf will share insights on improved chest compression techniques, safe breathing methods for cats and dogs, and critical updates in medication administration and defibrillation. Learn how these new standards are enhancing the quality of emergency care and improving survival rates for our beloved companions.

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