You are here: Home / Archives for Deb Runyan
Subscribe to Deb's Feed

Bariatric Surgery: A Tool in the Battle of the Bulge

May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
weight loss diet waist

A look at the different types of bariatric surgeries available.

Everyone knows America is getting fatter. The obesity problem in our country has grown so much that many are calling it an epidemic. Diets are notorious for not working - we don't lose much, begin to eat normally again, and wham - we gain MORE weight. What can we do to win the fight against obesity? Diets? They seem to not work for most. Exercise? How many times has exercise been tried only to fail as well? Pills? Another option that seems to fail as soon as things go back to normal. One ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , ,

The Senior Years: For Your Feline Friends Too

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
older cat

Cats experience growing older too. Here are some common ailments and ways to help your senior feline friends.

One undeniable truth is that we all get a bit older each day. The same is true of our pets. Sadly, their life expectancy isn't nearly as long as ours and we lose them to the inevitable. Cats seemingly never age - they always appear athletic, always seem able to leap onto the counter - but don't let appearances fool you. Cats do indeed get older, and as they enter their senior years they suffer various declines including: Arthritis: Senior cats, like humans frequently suffer from the pain and ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: , , ,

Pet Owner or Animal Hoarder? Numbers Don’t Define

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Looking at the difference between a pet owner and a pet hoarder.

You know you've seen them ... shirts, mugs, bumper stickers ... all with a cute picture and the term Crazy Cat Lady (or Crazy Dog Lady). Cute indeed, and many of us are indeed “crazy” about our pets.  We may even have more than one, or more that one type. The big question is this – what is the exact number of pets that switches you from an avid pet lover into the dark realm of pet hoarder?  And is there a difference? Pet Owner vs Animal Hoarder There is indeed a difference. Pet ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: , , , ,

Torn Meniscus: Working Through the Treatment Options

March 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
knee pain

Learn the symptoms and treatment options for a torn meniscus.

As moms we play hard, participate in sports, and are generally pretty active! We know how to take care of our children when they suffer injuries, but what about ourselves? A torn meniscus is a common injury. Here we will discuss what to do if you recently hurt your knee and/or experience these symptoms: Swelling Pain and sensitivity to touch Feeling your knee is going to buckle on you Movement of the knee is difficult, possibly without full range of motion If you've experienced the ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , ,

Veggies: Can The Healthy Choice Make You Sick?

February 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
kid health fruit

More than half of all food borne illnesses are caused by plant foods. Learn how to properly prepare your fruits and vegetables.

We've all heard about the risks of handling raw meat - disinfect, wash everything, be careful or you'll get Salmonella or E-Coli. We're careful to cook meat thoroughly, and even restaurants have a warning on menus that state eating raw or under cooked eggs or meat can get you sick. After hearing all these dire warnings, it's amazing any of us even eat meat. Vegetables would be the healthier choice right? Wrong! Meat is not the cause of the majority of food borne illness - vegetables are. One ... Continue Reading

Filed Under: Health, Home & Food, Spiritual & Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Get Brushing: Pets Need Dental Care Too

January 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Avoid pet periodontal disease with these steps and warning signs.

Dogs and cats rarely get cavities, because they don't eat a diet high in sugar, however; they do suffer from periodontal disease. 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis. Gingivitis starts when saliva and bacteria mix and form plaque, which sticks to the teeth and hardens, resulting in calculus and tartar. It is very noticeable at this stage - swelling, inflammation and ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: ,

Heart Attack: Surprising Gender-Specific Differences

January 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
heart health

Learn the symptoms and statistics regarding heart health for women.

In the United States, heart attacks are the leading cause of death in both men and women, but there are surprising gender-specific differences not only in symptoms, but in death rates. Women are more likely to die from a heart attack. More than twice the number of women die from heart related medical issues than from all forms of cancer combined. A woman is more than ten times as likely to die from a heart attack than she is from breast cancer - and an astonishing 40% of women do not ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Health, Spiritual & Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Puppy For a Present? Things to Consider Before Buying a Pet for the Holidays

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
kitten gift holiday

Buying a pet for a present isn’t always a good idea. Here are some alternatives and things to consider.

"How much is that doggie in the window"... these oldie-but-goodie song lyrics conjures up the image of cute puppies in a pet store being purchased as a gift for a loved one. Great song, but the reality of buying a pet as a holiday gift is a bad idea. If you are planning on buying a new puppy or kitten for a loved one or friend, please reconsider.  There are several reasons not to give a pet as a gift. Time to Get Personal Many times when asked how someone chose their pet, the response ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: ,

Baked Pineapple: Perfect Holiday Side Dish or Dessert

November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
bakedpineapple

A baked pineapple recipe is the perfect alternative to pies this holiday season.

The winter holiday season is nearly here and visions of tables full of delicious food fill our minds. It seems as if our thoughts naturally turn to food as the days shorten, and the cold weather descends. Holiday dinners are usually of magnificent proportion - the kitchen smells wonderful as the various dishes cook and bake and their aroma fills the air. The turkey and ham, potatoes, vegetables, salads, rolls, and desserts cover the counters and table. Pineapple isn't usually thought of ... Continue Reading

Join the forum discussion on this post
Filed Under: Holidays, Home & Food, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Pancreatitis, A Common Holiday Danger for Pets

November 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
feed dog

Learn the symptoms of pet pancreatitis, and how to prevent it this holiday season.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a holiday of giving - giving thanks for all we have, giving turkey, gravy, pies and other goodies to family and friends. With the abundance of food, it's natural to want to show our love towards our cats and dogs by sharing some of the bounty. What better way to indulge our beloved pets than by sharing our food? Most "people" food is not harmful to our four-legged friends, but moderation is the key! Small amounts of turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and green beans ... Continue Reading

Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts