Health YW

Archive for March, 2011

Growing a Healthy Coat

There are many factors that can affect a dog’s coat health and overall condition.  These are the dog’s overall health, parasites, allergies, disease, and nutrition. Protein is the major component of a dog’s skin and coat; hair alone is 95% protein.  Oils are also of major importance in maintaining a dog’s coat health.  First, all cell membranes are composed of both proteins and oils.  The complex linkages between these two chemicals regulate the passage of water, minerals, and nutrients in and out of cells.  The oils help retain body moisture, maintain suppleness in the skin surface, and contribute to the sheen of the dog’s coat.  Yet, protein remains the foundation of a dog’s skin and coat health just as it is for muscle.  All skin cells are replaced every 3-4 weeks in a normal dog.

Pet Nutrition The best coat begins from within.  A complete diet rich in essential amino acids and other key nutrients is the basis for good health and a beautiful coat.  In a normal, healthy dog, balance is the key. Deprivation, as well as excess levels of specific nutrients, can be detrimental to a dog’s coat health.  A deficiency of certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or fatty acids can result in canine skin problems.  Your dog itches and scratches and the coat damaging itch/scratch cycle begins.  Hair becomes lackluster, breaks, and thins.

Canine Skin/Coat Problems Parasites Internal and external parasites can play a damaging role in your dog’s skin and coat health.  Worms can deplete your pet’s nutritional supply from within.  Hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, which suck the blood from the lining of the intestines, can quickly deteriorate a dog’s coat health.  Protein loss would be similar symptoms to inadequate protein intake.

Dog Allergies Dog Allergies can also play a part in canine skin problems and dog coat health.  There are three main types of allergens: contact (such as flea saliva); inhaled (such as pollen, mold, dust); and food (ingredients).  Dogs do not react to allergies in the same way humans do.  They are not likely to sneeze or have runny noses.  Instead, you will see your dog itching and scratching, biting at their hind region, and licking or chewing at the pads of their feet.   If you see your dog scratching ears, tail, or anyplace they can reach, it may be signs of pet allergies.  If left untreated, it is likely that this will result in an inflammation of the pet’s skin, resulting in infection.  Dog allergy symptoms can also masquerade as, and perhaps lead to, ear infections, causing excessive wax build up and or your dog itching

Contact Dog Allergies The most common dog allergy is the result of fleabites. This is due to the dog becoming allergic to the saliva of the flea.  this reaction can occur after only one flea bite (once the dog has been previously exposed).  Many times, no fleas will be on the dog when the dog is examined, but intense biting and itching occurring near the tail is a dead giveaway.  There also may, or may not, be bumps on the dog’s skin causing the hair to have a raised appearance

Inhalant Dog Allergies Allergic reactions to inhaled substances begin to appear at 6-24 months of age.  Usually, the first experience coincides with pollination time.  However, seasonal patterns may change if the dog has become sensitive to dust or other materials.

Food Allergies

The most overlooked cause of dog allergies are food allergies.  Food allergic dogs develop sensitivity to a substance in their diet.  The most common allergens in dog food are: corn, whey, milk and beef.

Alex Brown is the Vice President of ALC Inovators, Inc.  ALC Inovators has been producing supplements to promote the health of dogs and cats for over twenty-five years. Along with the IN® Diet Supplement, ALC Inovators manufactures INhancerTM for dogs with hip and joint pain.  They can be found at www.inpetsupplements.com

There are a variety of different parks and gardens in Oxford, each with their own unique qualities and attractions. Oxford’s parks are well known for their children’s play areas and liveliness. Oxford’s gardens on the other hand, are known for their peaceful and natural surroundings. Some of Oxford’s lovely parks are:

Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park- This is one of Oxford’s largest parks. There are plenty of things to do at this particular park, for example, you can, use the children’s play areas, relax and read a book by the duck pond, admire the many flowers, use the ping pong table,  play golf and much more. Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park is open at all hours of the day.  

Bury Knowle Park- This park was opened in the 1930’s and now offers a variety of things to do, including, tennis courts, children’s play areas, miniature golf, and a refreshments area. This park is also open 24 hours a day so if you fancy a stroll late at night why don’t you pay a visit.

Hinksey Park- This park is situated just 15 minutes away from the city centre. Hinksey Park has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a play area, and a lake. In the park, there is also a kiosk, which offers ice cream and refreshments. The park is alive with plenty of wildlife, there are, zebra mussels, ducks, freshwater sponges, swans, grebes, geese and coots. For those people who like taking long walks, Hinksey Park is the ideal place. The park itself is open at all times during the day, however the car park is not. The car parks opens at 9.30am, however the closing times vary, depending on the month. This information will be available at the park.

Florence Park- This park is situated in East Oxford and is only a five minutes away from Cowley Road by walking. Public transport to and from the park is very good. There are many things to do at Florence Park, e.g., play tennis, mini golf, or even use the children’s play area. There is also a place to relax and get refreshment. This park opens at 8am each morning; however the closing times change throughout the year so keep an eye on the notice board.

South Park- This park is open at all times during the day. The park is very popular, for many reasons, some being, the fireworks displays, concerts and parades. There is something to do for all ages and genders. In the park, there is a fitness trail and a play area, so remember to take the children.

In Oxford there are many lovely gardens, one being, the Oxford Botanic Garden. This particular garden is open 7 days a week, however, is closed on Christmas Day, and Good Friday. Oxford Botanic Gardens has toilets, bike racks, a river and walking paths. Not far from the Garden is, restaurants, public transport and shops. At the Oxford Botanic Gardens, you can enjoy the amazing view of the lovely flower gardens.

In summer, the parks and gardens of Oxford really come to life. Come and visit Oxford and you will be sure to receive a lovely welcome.

Family comes first and so does their health. We all care for our family memebrs and it’s important to secure their health by buying the best mediclaim health insurance coverage that can meet the health related needs of your family. Mediclaim health insurance coverage comes with a variety of benefits to ensure your family’s wellbeing. If your major concern is availing cheap and quality health care services and coverage, we have perfect solutions for you.

The family health insurance services cover the entire health care expenses and long-term nursing or custodial care requirements. The most affordable mediclaim health insurance policies come with easy health care premiums these days. The health insurance coverage for families includes medical care and treatment of ailments and accidents. Some companies also feature critical illness cost within the mediclaim health insurance coverage. Diagnosis, lodging, surgery and ICU charges are covered by the family health insurance policies. Family health insurance plans also include benefits of tax exemption as stated under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

The leading health insurance companies today, offer affordable group health insurance and family health insurance coverage.  What’s more! In the time of ascending health care costs, mediclaim health insurance companies are charging easy premiums. Most of the famous health insurance companies offer a wide variety of floater plans ideal for the health care of families. Family floater plans are ideal to cover health care expenses for an entire family. This unique policy allows you to cover your family’s medical expenses under one umbrella. The sum insured remains fixed, while the premium keeps changing. Tax saving benefits is calculated on basis of the changing premium.

Apart from covering costs on illness and surgeries, the family floater health insurance includes coverage for emergencies arising out of acts of terrorism. Cashless facility comes to you across the network hospitals listed on your insurance company’s coverage list. As additional benefits, the floater plan offers you a 2-year continuous coverage with no change in premium in the second year.

Go through the rates and premiums of insurance policies online before you purchase a mediclaim health insurance plan for your family! Family health insurance plans offered by the various companies include coverage for emergency illness as well as regular health check up expenses. Premium discounts are offered for every claim free year. Some insurance companies offer you Standard, Exclusive and Premium Family health insurance coverage. These plans vary in premiums and coverage. You can select from health care premiums ranging between Rs 1 lac to Rs 10 lacs. This way you can make sure that you have chosen a best health plan for your family. Insure your family members and ensure peace of mind.