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Fresh Fruits

By Richard
06
Aug 2009

Fresh Fruits

Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce

When you’re grocery shopping, it’s easy to find labels and pick foods that help you reduce cholesterol and saturated fat, avoid antibiotics, or steer clear of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. But when it comes to pesticides, consumers have been left in the dark. Now there’s help.

The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce lists the 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables that are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides and those 12 fruits and vegetables that consistently have low levels of pesticides. If you are concerned about pesticides in your diet, the handy wallet card can help you choose produce that lowers exposure to pesticides for you and your family.

For the most contaminated items, we suggest substituting organically grown produce whenever possible. When this is not an option, we still recommend eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables but use this guide to buy those that typically have fewer pesticides.

Why Should You Care About Pesticides?

There is growing concern in the scientific community regarding the subtle ways in which small doses of pesticides affect people, especially during critical periods of fetal development and childhood when they can have long lasting adverse effects. Because the toxic effects of pesticides are worrisome, not well understood or in some cases completely unstudied, shoppers would be wise to minimize exposure to pesticides whenever possible.Will Washing and Peeling Help?

Nearly all of the data used to create these lists already considers how people typically wash and prepare produce (for example, apples are washed before testing, bananas are peeled). While washing and rinsing fresh produce may help reduce pesticide residues, it does not eliminate them. Peeling reduces exposures, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the peel. The best option is to eat a varied diet, wash all produce, and choose organic when possible to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Highest in Pesticides

These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides — buy these organic.

• Apples

• Bell Peppers

• Celery

• Cherries

• Grapes (imported)

• Nectarines

• Peaches

• Pears

• Potatoes

• Red Raspberries

• Spinach

• Strawberries

Lowest in Pesticides

These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables consistently have the lowest levels of pesticides.

• Asparagus

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Corn (sweet)

• Kiwi

• Mangos

• Onions

• Papaya

• Pineapples

• Peas (sweet)

Category: Doggie Prints  Leave a Comment

Pets and Poison

By Richard
06
Aug 2009
PETS AND POISONS
Common Household Items Can Be Poisonous To Pets
Presented by PetCare911
With permission from Dana Farbman, Senior
Manager of Client & Professional Relations
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
If your pet has come into contact with a potential toxin…
leave your computer and call your veterinarian immediately!
Or call the ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER
888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
$50 fee may be applied to credit card
Thousands of dogs and cats needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including pesticides, popular houseplants, medications and common foods. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the only animal poison control center in North America offers advice to pet owners about the many household products that can be dangerous and even deadly to their four-legged family member.
Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies and hand and foot warmers could be dangerous for your pet.
Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed/locked cabinets above the counter. Painkillers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.
Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your home. If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, sago palm or yew plant material by your pet can be fatal. Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily and some other lily species can cause kidney failure in cats.
Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
Be alert for antifreeze/coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal’s death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.
When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) if you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous.
Web Site Disclaimer:
This site is designed for informational and educational purposes only. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand.com does not warrant that the information is in every respect accurate. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comandand sub domains are not responsible for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies on its site or the results obtained from use of the information provided herein. Web site users are always encouraged to check and confirm the information with other sources and through direct professional contact.
Copyright © 1996-2009 www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand others as noted.
Pets and Poison

Common Household Items Can Be Poisonous To Pets
Presented by PetCare911
With permission from Dana Farbman, Senior
Manager of Client & Professional Relations
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
If your pet has come into contact with a potential toxin…
leave your computer and call your veterinarian immediately!
Or call the ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER
888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
$50 fee may be applied to credit card
Thousands of dogs and cats needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including pesticides, popular houseplants, medications and common foods. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the only animal poison control center in North America offers advice to pet owners about the many household products that can be dangerous and even deadly to their four-legged family member.
Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies and hand and foot warmers could be dangerous for your pet.
Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed/locked cabinets above the counter. Painkillers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.
Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your home. If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, sago palm or yew plant material by your pet can be fatal. Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily and some other lily species can cause kidney failure in cats.
Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
Be alert for antifreeze/coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal’s death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.
When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) if you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous.
Category: Doggie Prints  Leave a Comment

Hot Spots

By Richard
06
Aug 2009
Hot Spots
Background:
Hot spots, also known as acute moist pyoderma, are warm, painful, oozing patches of the skin which can appear very quickly (often in a single day). They generally form as a response to an initial irritant, such as a flea bite, a local allergic reaction, or other causes (ticks, burrs, mosquitoes, or heat). Dogs will bite or scratch at the skin, making it vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Dogs with heavy coats, such as Golden Retrievers, are more likely to develop these lesions because the fur traps moisture against the skin. More hot spots are likely to form in the spring and summer seasons, due to the increased prevalence of allergens in the environment and the complications of shedding.
Clinical Signs:
Hot spots can seem to appear quite suddenly. They can be located anywhere on the dog’s body, but are less likely to be found on the mid-back. More than one can appear at one time. The lesions are red, moist, oozing and sensitive to the touch.
Diagnosis:
Your veterinarian can diagnose hot spots on sight. However, a full physical examination will be required to identify any possible causes, such as fleas.
Treatment:
Hot spots are treated by clipping the hair around the sore, cleaning the area and treating with topical medications. The topical medication may contain antibiotics, drying agents or corticosteroids (for example, Gentocin spray). Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. In order to prevent additional trauma to the area, your veterinarian may fit your pet with an Elizabethan collar (funnel collar), or place bandages on your pet’s feet to avoid scratching trauma. Any predisposing conditions, such as a flea infestation, should also be treated appropriately.
Web Site Disclaimer:
This site is designed for informational and educational purposes only. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand.com does not warrant that the information is in every respect accurate. www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comandand sub domains are not responsible for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies on its site or the results obtained from use of the information provided herein. Web site users are always encouraged to check and confirm the information with other sources and through direct professional contact.
Copyright © 1996-2009 www.Bitlockers.com and www.whatfolder.comand others as noted
Hot Spots
Background:
Hot spots, also known as acute moist pyoderma, are warm, painful, oozing patches of the skin which can appear very quickly (often in a single day). They generally form as a response to an initial irritant, such as a flea bite, a local allergic reaction, or other causes (ticks, burrs, mosquitoes, or heat). Dogs will bite or scratch at the skin, making it vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Dogs with heavy coats, such as Golden Retrievers, are more likely to develop these lesions because the fur traps moisture against the skin. More hot spots are likely to form in the spring and summer seasons, due to the increased prevalence of allergens in the environment and the complications of shedding.
Clinical Signs:
Hot spots can seem to appear quite suddenly. They can be located anywhere on the dog’s body, but are less likely to be found on the mid-back. More than one can appear at one time. The lesions are red, moist, oozing and sensitive to the touch.
Diagnosis:
Your veterinarian can diagnose hot spots on sight. However, a full physical examination will be required to identify any possible causes, such as fleas.
Treatment:
Hot spots are treated by clipping the hair around the sore, cleaning the area and treating with topical medications. The topical medication may contain antibiotics, drying agents or corticosteroids (for example, Gentocin spray). Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. In order to prevent additional trauma to the area, your veterinarian may fit your pet with an Elizabethan collar (funnel collar), or place bandages on your pet’s feet to avoid scratching trauma. Any predisposing conditions, such as a flea infestation, should also be treated appropriately.
Category: Doggie Prints  Leave a Comment