They Are Finally Talking About IT Everywhere!

Well, it took a while, but you/we are finally seeing LOTS of information on the TDAP injection!

This is the injection older teens and adults should receive as a booster for the original Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccine many received as children. 

I was born before the DPT shot was around, and therefore missed out on the vaccinations against whooping cough. I found out just how serious this can be after contracting a case of it about a year ago.  The cough was downright debilitating and there were days when I lay on the couch thinking it owuld be easier just to give up and die!  I'm not kidding, this is rough stuff. 

So in spite of that fact that I have discussed this before, I am saying it yet again.  Go get your TDAP!  It will not only protect you, but if infants (those who are not old enough to have gotten their complete set of DPT shots) contract this disease it can be DEADLY!  It can also be deadly in older adults.

I don't know why it has taken so long for this information to share with the general public, but I am really glad to see it is finally out there.  It was a topic for discussion on the news here at noon in Ogden. 

I am afraid that some of the hype that has been circulated about the possible link between Autism and injections/vaccinations may cause us some very serious outbreaks of disease in the future.  There has been NO proven link between vaccinations and Autism. 

I am inclined to believe that Autism is more likely a result of an auto-immune response secondary to the increased use of pesticides, hormones and perservatives in the foods we consume.  I really advocate that whenever you can you should choose organics or "naturally grown" (a new designation for foods not grown using pesticides) fruits and vegetables as much as possible.  Stay away from Processed Foods and eat from the EDGE of the grocery store.  Eat raw when you can (washing the vegetables and fruits or peeling them if they are not organically grown).  Stay away from FAST FOODS people!  Feeding your kids from places which lead them to believe the only vegetable is french fries will not lead to healthy children or adults.

Protest the over-use of antibiotics and hormones!  And please, please protest against GMO's!  The food which God (or Mother Nature if you lean that way) provided for us doesn't need altering, and we have no idea what the long term effects of genetically altered food or animals may cause.

When you can eat WILD CAUGHT fish, preferably deep water fish (and not from the waters off China and Japan for obvious reasons).  Farm raised fish can have all kinds of disease problems and is fed hormones and other things to alter it.  Once again KEEP IT REAL and natural.  China is one of the most polluted countries in the world, and a lot of the fish from there contains very high levels of toxic metals/minerals. 

When you can support your local Farmer's Market. 

PEACE - LOVE & JOY

Linda

Taking Care of My Buddy

This is my little buddy.  Today was vaccination day, and he wasn't too happy about it.  He got all his vaccinations at once, a blood test, a fecal exam (thrill!) and his nails filed.  As usual however, he was so quiet and mellow.  He is a wonderful little friend.

It was a rather expensive morning...total cost for medications and vaccinations came to $195.  Yikes!  But that is the cost of keeping him healthy and free of parasites, and it is well worth it.

We have to go back soon to have his teeth cleaned...another $77, but just like people, problems with gums/teeth can cause other problems like kidney, heart, etc.  So I will drop him off one day and leave him while they clean his little chompers.

I am sharing all this because for those of you who don't yet have a dog or other pet, I want to remind you of the ongoing costs beside food and shelter.  I always get "rescue" animals, so I have never paid a huge price for my animals.  They have all been fantastic companions though.  But, if you have a dog or cat, it is IMPERATIVE that you get their yearly shots and vet visit.  Buddy also has grass allergies and I have to be careful not to let him get too excited about rolling around in the yard and rubbing his face in the grass!  Unfortunately, he loves doing just that and he sometimes needs an antihistamine to combat the runny nose and eyes that follow such a romp.

I also am a huge fan of the tablets you can obtain now for heartworm, flea and other parasite control.  They are flavored, chewable and one time a month easy!  If you are going to have a pet it is really important to be a responsible pet owner.  Check out that food you buy, and make sure that it is formulated for the size/type of dog you have.  You really can't "cheap out" and expect your dog to stay healthy.  The ingredients in your dog's diet are really important, and they need a variety of vitamins and minerals just like we do.  In spite of the fact that ALL doggies seem to just love "people food", most table scraps are not suitable for rover.  Oh, an occasional bite of lean chicken or other meat won't hurt, but regular feeding from the table is inadvisable.  It can also make the dog fat!!

So, besides giving your puppy hugs and pets and kindness, remember to take care of his/her medical needs just like you would a child.  They are completely dependent on you to take care of them properly.  Now go pet that puppy!

God Bless, Love-Peace-Joy!