Archive for February, 2004

Mesothelioma Is An Incurable Cancer That Makes Lawyers Rich

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

Mesothelioma is a cancer which is linked to exposure to asbestos fibers in 70 to 80 percent of cases.

The National Cancer institute defines malignant mesothelioma as “a rare form of cancer…a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).”

It is one of the most deadly cancers known to man; the average life span of an afflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months.

Mesothelioma develops in approximately 3,000 United States citizens every year. Most of those diagnosed have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos, though a few have environmental or household contact. This cancer has an extremely long latency period; an exposure period of as little as one or two months can result in a mesothelioma up to 50 years later. Patients who had contact with asbestos as far back as the 1940s are now being diagnosed with this disease. In fact, the average time between exposure and the development of mesothelioma is 35-40 years.

When asbestos first came into use, its risks were unknown, and it was widely used as a fire-retardant material. Many people worked with this deadly substance, unaware that it would kill them several decades later. Workers such as bricklayers, insulaters, plasterers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, and other tradesmen were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis as it was contained in many insulation and construction materials.

Even occassional exposure to asbestos is a health risk, and there have been many cases of mesothelioma developing in patients who only had brief contact, such as wives of asbestos-exposed workers who washed their husbands’ overalls.

Due to the long latency period and vague, diffuse initial symptoms, there is often a delay in accurate diagnosis. As with many cancers, early symptoms can be mild and non-specific. Often patients present with only shortness of breath and a persistent cough; some show no symptoms at all in the initial stages, and the disease is first noticed on a routine chest X-ray. One early tell-tale sign is pleural effusion, a collection of fluid in the lungs. The right lung is affected 60% of the time, bilateral involvement being seen in 5% of cases. Less common initial complaints due to lung mesothelioma are fever, night sweats, weight loss, a raspy voice and facial swelling. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal symptoms such as pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia and swelling of the feet. As the disease progresses, patients often develop severe cachexia (wasting).

One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma, pleural effusion, is an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura, which covers the chest wall and diaphragm, and the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs. Both membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is removed via blood and lymph vessels, thus maintaining a balance. When more fluid is produced than can be absorbed, an effusion forms.

These effusions are called either transudates and exudates. A transudate is a clear fluid that forms not because the pleural surfaces are diseased, but because of an imbalance between the normal production and removal of the fluid. Often this is caused by congestive heart failure. An exudate, which contains many cells and proteins and is often cloudy in color, results from disease of the pleura itself, and is common to mesothelioma. To differentiate between a transudate or an exudate, a diagnostic thoracentesis, in which a needle or catheter is used to obtain a fluid sample, may be conducted.

As the volume of excess fluid increases, symptoms develop such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) , chest pain, or a non-productive dry cough. Heard through a stethoscope, normal breath sounds are muted, and tapping on the chest will reveal dull rather than hollow sounds.

A pleural effusion can be seen with a chest X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan. Since pleural effusions are often caused by congestive heart failure, the discovery of an effusion is not in itself immediately suggestive of a malignant process.

A histological examination of pleural fluid is negative in 85% of cases; a definitive diagnoses is more often is obtained by a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy of pleural tissue.

Symptomatic treatment of lung compression caused by effusion is accomplished by application of a sclerosing agent which eliminates the space between the lung and the chest cavity, a process called chemical pleurodesis. Talc is usually used, with a success rate of 95%. It can be administered either as a powder or as a slurry mixed with saline. A surgical team opens the chest wall, removes the effusion, then collapses the lung before applying the talc. Once the lung is fused to the chest wall, an effusion can no longer accumulate and compress the lung. This is strictly a palliative measure to improve the patient’s quality of life, and has no effect on the progression of the disease.

Attemps to cure mesothelioma utilize surgery to remove diseased tissue, combined with chemo and raiotherapy. Several new treatment modalities are currently being investigated. These include Photodynamic therapy, which uses light of particular frequencies to target and kill cancer cells which, compared to normal tissue, display increased uptake of photosensitizing drugs; immunotherapy, which fights the abnormal cells through stimulation of the body’s own immune system; and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, which is a radiation treatment that attempts to target just the malignancy, thus avoiding damage to adjacent healthy cells and tissue. In addition, some success has been acheived with the chemotherapeutic drug Alitma (pemetrexed). However, despite the number of clinical trials currently underway, as of the date of this article the prognosis for mesothelioma sufferers is still extremely poor.

Hunting for Quality Dog Breeders?

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

Dog breeding is a delicate process of mating two specimens from a similar breed to be able to develop offspring of the same, distinct and consistent qualities, which often include behavior and general characteristics.

Dog breeding is said to be a combination of art and science. A quality dog breeder must have knowledge both on the genetics of the specimens he breeds and the over-all health of his dogs. At any rate, he must have an in-depth knowledge of the breeding standards, which agree with the conditions for which each type of dog must be bred.

However, not all breeders conform to the set standards. Usually, they are those who are after the profit alone, with little concern on the over-all welfare of the dogs. These type of breeders are classified into two:

· Backyard breeders- small scale breeders, which conduct ignorant breeding practices.
· Puppy farms or puppy mills- are the big businesses, which operate in the same manner.

But size and motive alone are not really the substantial basis for quality breeding programs for there are those excellent dog breeders who run their own businesses at their barns, homes and backyards. And there are large businesses that have knowledgeable and efficient staffs of dog breeders with expertise on veterinary care.

According to some resources, one may identify a quality dog breeder through his program of breeding and his attitude towards breeding dogs. The following is complied to provide the standards of a quality dog breeder:

· An efficient dog breeder must sell directly to the pet owner or the buyer and not through pet shops and the likes.
· He must be able to show you the mother of the litter.
· A quality dog breeder breeds only from the best dogs, meaning the dogs have the exemplary characteristics both in performance and temperance.
· A dog breeder must be able to provide you with the certifications of the dog and x-ray, clearing the dog from dysplasia or hip crippling. If in case he was not able to provide you with these documents, then he must be able to tell you the reasons behind.
· A reputable dog breeder must at all times sell pet puppies under the contact of prohibiting the use of puppies for further breeding.
· A responsible dog breeder must be able to provide you with written materials concerning the developments and the essential needs of the puppy.
· A good dog breeder must be a member of a registered club or and he must observe obedience to the code of ethics of the institution.
· He must exercise responsibility over the well being of the dog he breeds.

The future of dog breeding
Cloning is now being exercised in dog breeding. Actually, the first cloned dog is named Snuppy. This aims to reproduce a genetic twin of a dog, having the same characteristics and properties. However, this practice is still expensive but research points out that it is achievable in the future. This eliminates the waiting period for buyers and may even customize the ability and performance of the dog breed. Meaning, they can replicate a dog champion and produce a new one on demand, which carries all the characteristics of the said dog.

Popular dog breeds
According to the American Kennel Club, the following are 2004′s most popular dog breeds listed from first to last:
· Labrador Retriever Breed
· Golden Retriever Breed
· German Shepherd Breed
· Beagle Breed
· Yorkshire Terrier Breed
· Dachshund Breed
· Boxer Breed
· Poodle Breed
· Shih Tzu Breed
· Chihuahua Breed

4. Dog Training: The Process of Making Your Dog Civilized

Dog training is correlative with educating dogs. This is done to adopt them with the social demands expected from them. Like for instance, they are expected to behave in the manner that man thinks is proper. However, some of which may be against their nature of behavior.

In effect, dog training was created because man acknowledged that certain dog behaviors may only manifest on specific conditions. An example of which is the dog behavior wherein they will only repeat the action if an affirmative reaction was attained on the trainer’s part. Conversely, if they were punished for such behavior, chances are that they will not repeat the same conduct. This principle is then combined with proper training methods to encourage the repetition of the desirable behavior.

Interestingly, dog training is at its prime if the dog is still aged six to eight weeks old. This stage is said to be the most ideal juncture for dog training. The theory in here is that puppies are not yet accustomed to reacting to its environment, this way you may still control the over-all behavior of your dog. Yet, this does not negate the fact that more matured dogs are non-trainable. In actuality, they are but as with many other animal species, it is more difficult to train them at this period.

Undergoing your pet to a regimen of dog training will recondition his system for eliminating misconduct and repeating desirable behaviors. In addition, this may also become a preparation to diminishing the future dog behavior problems.

House breaking is often an issue. This typically concerns dog bhavior problems on elimination of waste like defecating and urinating. Also, there are natural behaviors which may become a problem if the dog is not properly trained, examples of which are scenting of territories and ground digging.

Dog training is easiest when you successfully structured a specific environment wherein your dog will react in well-defined, affirmative ways. It is important that this environment is consistent to further guide the puppy into following specific orders. Also, this will prevent the confusion, thus quicker and more productive dog training.

For example, if you are consistent in rewarding your dog every time he achieves a desirable reaction to a specific command, then he will be able to identify his affirmative response with a treat. But if in case you missed for several times in giving him his reward, chances are he would hesitate following the orders.

In the whole process of dog training with your puppies, it is essential that you recognize the limitations of your pets. He does not have the endurance that most adult dogs posses. Allow him to rest at intervals to rejuvenate his used up energy, then proceed with the training. Also, it is possible that if the puppy gets tired with training, he may altogether lose interest in the routines. In addition to this, it is recommended that only mild methods must be employed for harsh training may distract the puppy’s learning and may destroy his confidence level.

There are certain institutions offering dog training, these are often termed as dog schools or dog academies. They train your dog for proper behaviors and they train you to train your dog. They may hone your dog’s skills using different training methods developed specifically for dog training while developing in you the fundamentals and techniques to serve as good foundation for you do it yourself dog training.

Should You Trust Online Sunglasses Dealers?

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

When it comes to online sunglasses dealers , can you really buy shades for deeply slashed prices without worry of being duped by faceless sellers?

In most instances, the answer is a resounding “yes”, but buyers are always warned to trust their instincts. If you come across the must have set of shades that are at a fantastic price, you may have just found an incredible deal.

However, keep in mind that most designer shades have imitations and copycats that emulate the style without the quality.

Some online sunglasses dealers you find hawking pseudo-designer shades at bargain basement prices are actually selling cheap imitations and making a fortune off of your misfortune.

How can you trust online sunglasses dealers?

The best way to ensure you are getting a great deal is to do your homework.

Know what questions to ask about the sunglasses and do not be afraid to ask questions upfront about imitations or fakes.

Also, check to see if these discount websites have any complaints lodged against them by disgruntled customers who have been sent poor quality shades instead of the real thing.

Furthermore, check competing sites to ensure that the sales advertised are actually a good deal.

Many popular websites that offer designer goodies at discount prices are liquidation sites that work to sell off excess stock at low prices.

Regardless where you choose to purchase your super shades, doing your homework before you buy will ensure you are not duped by paying top dollar for imitations or fakes.

Team Building – A Common Goal

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no ‘I’ in Team.” Team building has been a goal of the workplace for many years because of the numerous benefits it brings. Team building is a great way to have fun and energize coworkers, build and strengthen coworker and employer relationships, and improve productivity in the workforce.

With all these great benefits, it’s easy to see why developing collaboration in the office is usually one of the top five business priorities of an employer!

Being part of a great team sounds like fun – but what actually makes a team productive and worthwhile? Good teams share some common traits:

-Members depend on each other
-Each member believes that his or her opinion is important
-Every person has a role
-A safe environment exists that allows members to feel comfortable sharing ideas
-Members can move past setbacks and overcome challenges together
-An ability to effectively cooperate with each other to problem solve

Fortunately, establishing great teamwork in the workplace is not an impossible task. There are many activities and games that specialize in building cooperation and mutual dependence, such as icebreakers and scavenger hunts. In fact, many businesses provide these team building services to other businesses.

If you believe that your workplace could use a little group TLC, consider discussing further with your supervisor or even colleagues. Conduct some research on team building activities and locate service providers. Identify the personality of your workplace and decide which activity would best suit its needs.

While you’re seeking ways to team build as a group, also think of actions that you as an individual can take to promote collaboration.

For example, offer assistance with a task that a coworker appears to be struggling with, or at the next group meeting, ask for the opinion of a colleague who is normally quiet. Make an effort to practice open and honest communication with your coworkers. There are many opportunities available to demonstrate your commitment to working as a team.

Team building offers many benefits in the workplace that empower employees to create a work environment to which people want to belong; however, don’t let all the hard work overshadow the most important thing – team work is also about having fun!

So You Get the Cheap Travel to Mexico, What’s Next…

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

You finally received your tickets to Mexico at the cheapest price. You did it by researching and taking your time comparing and eliminating online and offline travel companies and agent one by one. You also got your desired hotel accommodation and itineraries that did not cost so much. Now, while you are packing your things and make your way to the airport, here are some of the things and necessary advises you should know before entry, upon entry, and while at the Mexico:

Before you leave, you should have with you a photo I.D. such as passport and driver’s license, your tourist card, and your proof of citizenship. Bringing a photo I.D. would save you a lot of trouble when you check in on the airport. It would make sure that your ticket and your identity match.

The tourist card is your gate pass to Mexico. It is given free of charge but should be surrendered when you leave the country. You can get it from your airline when you check-in or in the Mexican Immigration when you arrive the country. You must not lose it and must be included at your travel document. Loosing this card is not pretty good thing to happen but if it does, make sure you have copied the number. This would make the trouble a lot easier to deal with.

Proof of citizenship should be your birth certificate. If you are a married woman and posses a driver’s license of your maiden name, be sure to bring your birth certificate to match the license.

Upon arrival, go directly to the Mexican Immigration. Here, your tourist card is validated and proof of citizenship is inspected. You must sign and accomplish the customs declaration form. You should know what to declare and what are allowable to bring in the country. If you failed to declare any item that are not allowed you will be penalized.

Here are some of the allowable items you can bring; toiletries, footwear, and clothing that is in relation to your trip duration, reading material (magazine and books), used sports equipment, one VCR, one camera, one movie camera, films (up to 12 rolls), 3L of wine or alcohol (18 years up and up), 50 cigars or 400 cigarettes (18 years old and up), musical instrument, portable TV, and medicines with prescription.

While at Mexico you should obey the rules. If you plan to rent a car, there are lots of car rental companies in the country. It you are on a tight budget, rent a car before you arrive. Rental companies offer cheap rate if you reserve early. When you get involved in an accident, do not leave the place nor make any arrangements to other people. Contact your rental company for assistance. Do not argue.

Bring the right amount of money for the day. Although Mexico uses their Peso, most business establishments accept US dollars. But peso would still give you better price. Wear comfortable clothes, Mexico is typically warm during summer and a bit cold during winter. But it still depends of your location that depends on the altitude.

When dining, make sure you drink only bottled water. Wash the fruits first before eating. Peel if necessary.

When traveling by bus, take the first class rather than the second class. First class is air-conditioned with slight price difference with the second.

These are some of the things you need to know when you travel to Mexico. And to enjoy more your whole visit in the country: stay safe!

Sewing Machines for Children

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

Children love to make crafts and have fun making things. One way for children to do this is with their very own sewing machine. They can make creative items and learn something new while they do it. Children may not want to work on an adult sewing machine, so it may be a good idea to buy a child size machine. You can find these in many the department stores or toy stores in your area.

Sewing machines for children are safer for new beginners to use. The yare not as fast and they have special parts on them that are made just for children. The needles on toy sewing machines are plastic so that there is no chance that they will get hurt with them. Machines for children usually run on batteries and do not have a lot of power behind them. This means that the child has to go slow and there is no risk of sewing their finger together.

Most of the children sized sewing machines are smaller and move easily. They can be used almost anywhere and you can even take them on the go. This will keep your child busy and quiet when you are on vacation or taking long trips.

Children can create so many different things with their child size sewing machines. They can make anything from doll clothes to their very own clothes. They will have so much fun creating new things for their dolls and for them to wear.

A child and a parent can have so much fun together playing around with a sewing machine. Moms can teach their children new things with their sewing machine and it is a good way for moms and daughters to share special bonding time. Getting young girls started on a sewing machine now will get them ready for the years to come.

You can give young girls the practice and the skills that they will need for the future not only in school with classes like home economics but in life. They will have the knowledge of how to make many different items and they will be able to do patch work at the same time.

Your child will absolutely love to have a sewing machine and create her own products. Once they have all the skills that they need, they will be ready for an adult sewing machine and make even more exciting and beautiful creations.

Panic Attack Medication

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

Anxiety panic disorder commonly known as panic attacks, is the result of “repetitive stress injury”. As a reponse to stressful situations, like examinations, public speaking, worry of layoffs, up goes anxiety disorder.

We have heard that “For every action, there’s an equal reaction.” The foods you eat can have a significant effect when it comes to curbing panic attacks.

Diet for Panic Attack
In fact a selective balance diet is a natural panic attack medication. In this article, you will find means to prevent panic attack by means of controlling, avoiding, or reducing the foods that trigger such disorder. On the other hand, you will also be encouraged to consume more foods that minimize panic attacks, keeping in mind a well-balanced diet.

Panic attacks directly affect the nervous system; therefore, eat foods rich in the B vitamins because they have calming effects and can deliver nourishment for a healthy nervous system.

Under the B vitamin group of nutrients, Vitamin B12, Thiamin, and Niacin have direct bearing to keep your nervous system from being susceptible to panic attacks. In more ways than one, these nutrients can make you more prepared in warding off or in handling nervous disorders.

Keeping in mind a balanced diet based on the Food Pyramid Guide while putting more emphasis on the B vitamin complex, the following can serve as an ideal food group on your diet:

1.Consume twenty percent of meat, poultry, seafood (salmon, swordfish, tuna, clams, crab, mussels, and oyster), and products made from soybeans like tofu, eggs, and cheese.

2.Consume thirty to thirty-five percent of baked potato, broccoli, asparagus, peanuts, legumes, watermelon, and oranges.

3. Consume forty to forty-five percent of brown rice, whole grain cereal, pasta, wheat germ, oatmeal, and bread.

The above food groups which are rich in B vitamins serve as panic attack medication by maintaining a well-balanced nutrition regimen, there are three consumables that may aggravate anxiety disorders.

Alcohol is one of these substances. It raises hyperactivity in the nervous system and raises alertness. Being alert is not bad. However, alertness in the stressful level is like overacting in a stage play. Instead of doing good, it becomes annoying and may make you irritable. If alcohol cannot totally be avoided, the least you can do is to cut down your intake gradually until it reaches level zero. Some people tend to have secondary triggers of panic disorder when withdrawal from a substance is abrupt.

Caffeine triggers panic attacks because it is a stimulant. Just like alcohol, withdrawal from caffeine might spur a secondary anxiety panic in the form of shaky, irritated, and exhausted feelings. For coffee drinkers, try the decaffeinated variety. Gradually reduce the strength and cut the frequency in which you consume coffee and other caffeine-rich drinks like cola, tea, and chocolate.

The third substance to avoid is sugar. Sugar hardly contains any nutrients and is packed with calories. Just how is sugar related to panic attacks? Sugar makes a person hyperactive, thereby bringing emotional disturbances that may ultimately lead to panic attacks. Sugar also causes mood swings. Sugar combined with starches from the foods you eat leads to fermentation and breaks down to alcohol. As mentioned earlier, alcohol raises stress levels that can lead to panic attacks.

All in the best treatment for panic attack is maintaining a healthy eating habit is one of the prerequisites that contribute to a life free from panic attacks. Try your best to maintain a balanced diet even when you’re busy. Health should be your foremost priority.

Thank you for reading.

What Is True Fitness?

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

In today’s fast paced world, many people are overweight and are only looking for a quick fix – something that will easily and quickly cause them to lose those extra pounds and make them feel better about themselves. Believe me, I not only understand – but totally sympathize with everyone in this situation. Life comes at you fast, and once you get out of shape it is extremely easy to stay that way. And society doesn’t help either – fast food is extremely cheap and convenient. There is also a lot of pressure to lose weight (people unfairly judge overweight people, and TV and the newspaper are screaming at you all day about possible health risks). Along with these pressures there are thousands of different companies out there all trying to make a quick buck by selling you dieting products that may or may not work.

It’s all so very confusing and difficult – and doesn’t it seem like one long uphill battle? But I’m here to tell you that it’s not – and that’s where the idea of true fitness comes in.

True fitness is…

True fitness is not about losing weight because of society’s misplaced judgments – or trying to fit in with the “normal” thin crowd. True fitness is not about using some weight-loss products and losing only a few pounds for a few weeks – only to put it back on. True fitness IS about having a great deal of respect for yourself because of the unique and great person that you ARE.

True fitness is about looking good, having lots of energy all the time, feeling good about yourself, and taking care of yourself. It’s your body, treat it right and it works with you instead of against you! True fitness is about being your own person and doing things your own way – not conforming to a stupid Atkin’s Diet. True fitness is not about working out all the time or starving yourself. True fitness is about taking the time and effort to learn about proper nutrition and what exercises would work best for you in order to lose weight. True fitness is not a diet plan that will end in 3, 6, or 12 months from now – it’s about making subtle changes in your lifestyle because it is time to do things differently – because let’s face it, so far they have not been working. I promise you – these changes are easily made and once you make them and start living a healthier life – your increased energy, mood, self-respect, health, and overall quality of life will be so much better than eating that candy bar and feeling guilty about it.

So think about it – isn’t it time that you started actively changing things for the better? If you don’t, who will? Haven’t you watched enough TV or eaten enough junk food? There are so many better things in life out there just waiting for you to reach out and grab them! I hope you are as excited about the idea of true fitness as I am. This journey is not just about getting in better shape – but about getting in better shape because you respect yourself. This is a big change from most people’s mindset and once you make this shift – things will never be the same again. I hope you are inspired to jump on-board – truly. It is time to make a change for the better. You can do this – I know that you can; but now it’s time for you to not only understand that, but live it.

Before You Send Your Pet to a Dog Boarding Facility…

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

Often, you tend to become busy and simply cannot afford to have the sufficient time to spend with your pet. Or you are in vacation and may not tag your pet along with you. This in effect will become detrimental to your dog’s over-all well being as he may not be given the proper care and assistance he needs.

Dogs nowadays are no longer like their predecessors (the wild dog breeds). Unlike them, they need to be constantly taken care of and their maintenance is a must. Given that these two factors are lacking, the dog may become too unhealthy and susceptible to the variety of diseases that abounds.

However, dog boarding is now rising in popularity and is designed to provide your pet with sufficient care in case you are not on the look out to give him the companionship he needs. Or you are on

Instead of having your pal stay alone in your home, it is a better option if you would enter him in a dog boarding program. Wherein he’ll be properly taken care for and you will be assured of your peace of mind that your dog gets expert dog guardianship.

To assure that your dog gets the best standard a dog boarding program may give, compiled below are some guidelines that you may follow in evaluating a top-rate dog boarding facility:

Foremost, contact the dog boarding facility that you are interested of. Check for their availability. Particularly, there are certain dog boarding kennels that are fully booked during holidays and vacation periods. Additionally, ensure to it that if your pet needs special care you have them informed to the dog boarding staff so that his special needs maybe sufficiently addressed.

Once you are through with this, you can go further as to evaluate the facilities of the dog boarding kennels themselves. By this, you may visit or tour around the place. Depending on your own preference, you may visit them announced or unannounced, both ways may be appropriate as they have their own pro’s and con’s. Typically, an unannounced visit will provide you with a more realistic site of their dog boarding facilities but some may not accommodate you better by this. In most cases, most facilities require you to arrange an appointment.

Once you’re in there, be observant in checking out things. Check their facilities and equipment. The crates should be large enough for your pet and the dogs must be kept in separate cages as to prevent the stress of barking.

Check the food they fed to the dogs, some may allow you to bring in your own food. Also, take note if they have separate drinking bowls and the schedules for giving the animals their food. Also, see where the dog gets to exercise and who attends to them.

Additionally, it is best if you inquire for the policies of the dog boarding facility and their specific issues on health. Check if all dogs get to be immunized and what are their criteria before your dog gets accommodated.

It is with equal importance that the staff of the boarding facility has sufficient training whereas they can properly determine if the pets in their custody are becoming unhealthy or may be needing extra assistance. A veterinarian or two (depending on the volume of the dogs) must be at hand to extend professional check-ups and see also that they are certified.

Once these are all done and you are now ready to send your dog to the dog boarding kennel, allow some familiar things to come along with him like a dog toy or his usual blanket as to provide familiarity in the new place. Also, make you farewell short so he wont have hints that he will be left in the place for quite a time.

Homoeopathy For Bad Breath

Sunday, February 29th, 2004

The protein in the food debris are degraded by the anaerobic bacteria present in the mouth.Offenssive odor is produced due to release of some gases like hydrogen sulphide,skatol ect due to bacterial activity.Formation of a thin sticky membrane on the tongue favoures bacterial growth.Bactrera are also seen in the crypts of tonsils ,dental caries,dental pockets ect.Bad breath is associated with oral hygiene,caries,gingivitis,tonsillitis,tonsillar plaques,food habits,water intake ,tobacco chewing,stomach and liver diseases and ect.

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine introduced by a german physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann.Homoeopathy treats the diseased individual as a whole rather than treating diseased parts or organs.The physical,mental,emotional,social spheres of a person is considered for a permanent cure.This system believes that the diseases are caused due to the derangement of vital force which is an invisible power in every individual.In a healthy state the vital force maintains the equilibrium of mind body and soul .During this man will have normal sensations and functions.When the vital force gets affected there will be external manifestations in the form of signs and symptoms.The imbalance in the body functions makes a shelter for forign organisms(bacteria,viruses,fungi,protozoa ect) and allow them to proliferate &produce so called diseases.Homoeopathy believes thet the real desease comes before the bacteria & viruses,hence the root cause of the disease has to be treated for a permenent cure.The antibacterial and antiviral agents only remove the secondary causes mentioned above.

Diseases are produced by noxious morbific agents called Miasms which are dynamic influences which affect the vital force.There are mainly three miasms PSORA ,SYPHILIS&SYCOSIS. These three causes are accepted by other schools of medicine but called by different names. Psora causes functional disturbances, syphilis cause structural changes in the form of destructions and sycosis causes changes in the form of overgrowth.These three miasms can act individually or in combined form producing different disease conditions.

To treat bad breath with homoeopathic medicine is easy if correct remedy in suitable dose is given. In the homoeopathic medical repertory by Dr Robin Murphy there are 140 homoeopathic drugs mentioned for bad breath.So just giving one drug for bad breath may not give good result.To come to a correct remedial diagnosis we should have the symptomatology of the person .It is the total symptoms of a person which includes mental generals,physical generals,particular symptoms ect.Bad breath is considered as a physical general symptom .Eventhough it comes only from a part of the body it affects the whole individual.

Symptoms related with appetite,thirst,bowels ect are included in physical generals.
All signs and symptoms (mental&physical)of the person is taken in detail.Knowledge about past illneses,family history of diseases,food & bowel habits,relation to climatic changes and constitution ect are noted down in a systematic order.

Mental symptoms:

example: fear,anxiety,depression,anger,jealousy and ect….

Physical symptoms:

example: Body makeup,appetite,thirst,desires,aversions,bowels,urination,sleep,taste, nature of smell,discharges any abnormal sensations like pain, burning ,climatic changes,thermal relations, and ect….

Peculiar uncommon symptoms:

This is the speciality of homoeopathic system of medicine.For the selection of a suitable remedy these symptoms are very important. Common symptoms which are seen almost in all patients are least important.

particular/local signs&symptoms:

This include signs &symptoms related to body parts &organs.

example: Coating on the tongue,nature of mucus membrane of oral cavity, tonsils, gums, teeth, ulcers, discolourations ect are considered here.

Systemic & general physical examination:-

Bad breath can be due to various systemic and disorders.Hence all systems ( respiratory system ,digestive system,nervous system, cardio vascular system and ect )and parts from head to foot should be examined.

provisional disease diagnosis; Here probable diseases are diagnosed. In homoeopathy disease diagnosis is not that much important for the selection of a remedy,but needed for general management and to know the prognosis.

Investigations:

This includes lab investigations and other methods to find out any other major illnesses.

Final disease diagnosis:

After doing all investigations the disease is diagnosed.

Remedial diagnosis:

This is the most importnant part as far as homoeopathy is concerned. For this the selected symptoms are arranged in a systematic order on the basis of importance.
symptoms are analysed to find out the importance of each symptom for the selection of a remedy.Remedies are selected on the basis of similarity.[the basic principle of homoeopathy is 'similia similibus curenter' means like cures like.A medicine which can produce some symptoms in a healthy man can be used as a remedy to trea the similar symptoms in a diseased person.Each homoeopathic drug is proved on healthy human beings and the symptoms collected by this process(drug proving) is written in meteria medica.]

Suitable remedies are diagnosed by a process called repertorisation. Here books called repertories are used. Repertory is the index of symptoms of materia medica(books which contain the symptoms of drugs).Nowadays computer softwares are used for repertorisalion.By this process we will get the remedies covering maximum important symptom of the patient.

Amoung this group of remedies the most suitable remedy is selected by referring various books and history of the patient..The selected medicine is given in suitable potency & dose.

ANTI MIASMATIC TREATMENT:

The root cause of disease is miasms which should be eradicated using suitable anti miasmatic drugs.Every drug can eradicate the miasm if there is symptom similarity.there are anti psoric drugs,anti syphilitic drugs and anti sycotic drugs.After diagnosing the miasm suitable anti miasmatic drug has to be given to complete the cure.

[In homoeopathy medicines are prepared from different sources like minerals, plants, animals, toxins, diseased parts ect. Medicines are prepared from these substances by a special process called potentisation.Here the soluble substances are potentised by diluting with spirit and insoluble substances by grinding with sugar of milk.The crude drug substance is first mixed with a calculated quantity of spirit and water and kept for few days .From this mixture extract is taken and is called mother tincture(denoted as Q).From this mother tincture dilutions are prepared by potentisation.Potentisation is a mathematical process by which the quantity of original drug substance reduces but medicinal power increases. Depending upon the ratio of quantity of drug substance and vehicle(spirit or sugar of milk)there are different scales for this process.Each scale has got different potencies which indicate power of medicine.Example in decimal scale 3x,6x.12x ect.in centisimal scale there is 30c,200c ect,in LM poteny there are 0/1,0/2,0/3 ect.potency is written after the name of every medicine]

Same medicine is available in different potencies. Suitable potency is selected according to so many facters like sevearity,depth of disease,condition of the patient ,nature of disease ,type of symptoms,age of patient and ect.