Here’s another update on my Hoya linearis collection from August 2023. I have one more update after this, in which I reveal the beautiful blooms which appeared on my longest Hoya linearis in September.
Author drstaceynaito
Is Raw Food Good For Cats?
My kitten Sumi at 10 months of age
Feeding raw food to cats and kittens is a topic of debate among veterinarians and pet owners. While some advocates believe in the benefits of a raw food diet for cats, it’s essential to consider both the potential advantages and risks associated with this feeding approach. When I got my cream European Burmese kitten Sumi, the breeder told me that she was accustomed to raw food, so after a few weeks, I acquiesced, looked up the specific brand of raw food, found a local distributor, and purchased the food. Luckily, my kitten and my junior cat (sable American Burmese Koji, who is 1-1/2 years old) both love the raw food, so they now get raw food every morning.
Here are some potential benefits of raw food for cats and kittens:
- Nutrient Density: Raw food diets can be formulated to closely mimic a cat’s natural prey diet, which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This can provide essential nutrients in a highly digestible form.
- Improved Coat and Skin Health: Some cat owners report that their pets on raw diets have shinier coats and healthier skin, which could be due to the higher levels of essential fatty acids found in some raw ingredients. This is definitely true for my cats, including my 14-year-old Tenshi, whose coat had been looking dull until he started eating a small amount of raw food each morning (I have to limit the amount due to his kidney disease). His coat is now thicker and has a sheen to it similar to what he used to have when he was young.
- Dental Health: Chewing on raw bones and meat can help maintain dental health by reducing tartar buildup and promoting natural tooth cleaning. I actually get a kick out of watching Koji and Sumi eat raw food, because their wild instincts kick in, and they chew pretty vigorously.
- Weight Management: Raw food diets may help with weight management, as they are generally low in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Allergy Management: Some cats with food allergies or sensitivities may benefit from a raw food diet because it allows for precise ingredient control, avoiding common allergens. Koji has some food allergies which I had discovered quite by accident, so it’s a relief to know that he has no issues with the raw food I feed him.
- Improved Digestion: Proponents of raw diets argue that these diets are easier to digest and can lead to fewer digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Since incorporating raw food into my cats’ diets, I have noticed that vomiting is extremely rare.
- Increased Hydration: Raw diets often contain a higher moisture content, which can help keep cats well-hydrated and reduce the risk of urinary tract problems.
My two-year-old, Koji
It’s important to note that there are also significant risks associated with feeding raw food to cats and kittens:
- Bacterial Contamination: Raw meat, especially poultry and fish, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can pose health risks to both cats and humans. However, the company from which I purchase raw food, Blue Ridge Beef, uses High Pressure Processing (HPP), a cold-water process that applies pressure on the food that fractures the cell walls of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, and Listeria Monocytogenes, killing them while leaving all nutrients intact. I also wash my hands before handling the food, and when I section out the 2-pound chubs, I use a sharp knife to cut the chub into medallions, wrap the medallions in plastic wrap, and then into a freezer bag to re-freeze until feeding time.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Formulating a balanced raw diet that meets all of a cat’s nutritional needs can be challenging. Deficiencies or excesses in essential nutrients can lead to health problems. For this reason, I still leave dry and freeze-dried kibble for my cats to graze on, and I also feed them commercial wet food for dinner to ensure a balanced diet.
- Parasites: Raw meat can contain parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which can be harmful to cats and can be transmitted to humans.
- Choking Hazards: Feeding bones can be risky, as cats may choke or suffer from intestinal blockages. However, I have noticed that Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix does not contain any large pieces of bone.
- Zoonotic Diseases: Cats on raw diets may be at increased risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.
- Cost and Time: Preparing and feeding a raw diet can be more time-consuming and expensive than commercial cat foods. I can’t imagine going through the hassle to make raw food for my cats, so I am thankful that I can purchase Blue Ridge Beef products which are almost completely hassle free. I will say that when I purchase a case of fifteen 2-pound chubs, I don’t look forward to tempering the chubs, cutting them into medallions, wrapping them and then placing them in bags, but I only do that every 5 months.
Before switching your cat or kitten to a raw food diet, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian who can provide guidance on whether it’s appropriate for your specific pet’s needs and help you formulate a balanced and safe diet. If you decide to feed a raw diet, it’s important to follow best practices for food safety to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and ensure your cat’s overall health and well-being.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures
Copyright: serezniy
I have a confession to make: Ever since 1990, I have been in the habit of storing a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures in my refrigerator. Though I very rarely indulge in the delectable nuggets, I am quite protective of my stash, so much so that when my best friend Diane discovered them during her visit this past June, I found myself nervously glancing at the number of treats she would grab each time. By the end of Diane’s visit, the entire 17.6 ounce bag was emptied, so I added Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures to my shopping list.
Many people don’t expect someone like me to stash chocolate morsels in my fridge, but it is something I have done for over 30 years, and I have no plans of putting this tendency to a halt. Also, since I indulge in maybe 3 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures every few months, I doubt that my consumption of these mini cups has a severe effect on my health.
For those of you who are curious about what is in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, here are the ingredients:
MILK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, CHOCOLATE, SKIM MILK, MILK FAT, LACTOSE, LECITHIN (SOY) PGPR), PEANUTS, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, SALT, TBHQ AND CITRIC ACID, TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS.
I recognize the fact that there are two controversial ingredients listed (PGPR and TBHQ), but again, I don’t eat these things very often.
Is there anyone else who shares an obsession with having Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures or some other chocolatey treat in their refrigerator?
Why Multi-Cat Households Are More Fun
Clockwise: Tenshi (14), Koji (2), and Sumi (9 months)
Having multiple cats in a household can be enriching and beneficial for both the cats and the humans involved. I can personally attest to this since I have always had more than one cat in my household since 1986, and can’t imagine my life without a gang of felines with whom to share my home. There are people I have known who have had one cat, and almost invariably, the singleton cat has proven to be antisocial, and in some cases, downright mean, while those who have at least two cats notice that their furry kids are friendlier and more curious.
Let’s explore the reasons in detail:
Social Interaction and Sense of Community:
- Cats are social animals, and living with other cats can fulfill their need for companionship and social interaction. In a multi-cat household, cats can engage in grooming, play, and cuddling with each other, which helps reduce loneliness and stress.
- Cats create their own little community, which can be heartwarming to witness. They may form close bonds, develop unique rituals, and even communicate with each other through body language, vocalizations, and scent marking.
My boys Koji and Tenshi
Hierarchy and Pecking Order:
- Multi-cat households often establish a hierarchy or pecking order, with dominant and submissive cats. This hierarchy can help reduce conflicts by establishing clear roles within the group. As an example, my senior boy Tenshi definitely has the upper hand on Koji, even though Koji is full of energy and prone to getting into mischief.
- Observing the cats’ interactions can be fascinating, as they negotiate and establish their positions within the household’s social structure. This dynamic can teach humans about animal behavior and social hierarchies.
Diverse Personalities:
- Cats, like humans, have diverse personalities. In a multi-cat household, you’re likely to see a wide range of personalities, from outgoing and playful to shy and reserved. In my household, there is a continuum, ranging from Shima who is the shyest by far, to Koji who has some timid moments, to Sumi whose fearless and diva personality makes her outgoing and demanding (but always on her terms), to Tenshi who is the biggest lovebug and a bundle of lap Velcro.
- These distinct personalities can provide entertainment and a deeper understanding of feline behavior. It’s fun to watch each cat’s unique quirks and habits.
Socialization and Training:
- Multi-cat households can help in socializing kittens or newly adopted cats. They can learn from the resident cats and adapt to household routines more easily.
- Older, more experienced cats can sometimes teach younger ones appropriate behavior and boundaries. Back in 2009, when I got Shima as a 3-week-old rescue, I noticed that she learned to run, purr, and play from the senior cat I had at that time.
Shima (14) and Sumi
Entertainment Value:
- Cats in multi-cat households often engage in playful and interactive behaviors with each other, such as chasing, wrestling, and play-fighting. These activities can be entertaining for both the cats and the humans in the household. There is no end to the amount of entertainment which I get from watching my cats horse around throughout the day, even if it means that certain items get knocked over during their sessions. My cats keep each other company, which is very important to me when I step out for social outings.
- Cats can also provide entertainment by watching their antics and observing their unique personalities. Their curiosity and playful nature can brighten up the home.
Reduced Boredom and Stress:
- Having multiple cats can help reduce boredom and stress for individual cats. They have companions to interact with when humans are not available.
- Cats can play with each other, which is mentally stimulating and physically engaging, reducing the risk of obesity and behavioral problems.
Human Benefits:
- For humans, a multi-cat household can be emotionally rewarding. The cats provide companionship, comfort, and entertainment, enhancing the overall quality of life.
- Multiple cats can also create a sense of purpose and responsibility for cat owners, as they must cater to the needs of a larger group.
While multi-cat households have many advantages, it’s essential to consider the potential challenges, such as introducing new cats carefully, providing enough resources (food, water, litter boxes, and scratching posts) for all cats, and monitoring for any signs of stress or conflicts. Proper care and attention can ensure a harmonious and happy environment for both the cats and the humans in the household.
The Evolution of IFBB Bikini Pros Since 2009
Sonya Gonzalez 2012, shot by Bill Comstock, Muscle and Fitness
Isa Pecini 2022, image from Fitness Volt
Introduction
Since its inception in 2009, the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) Bikini division has undergone remarkable transformation. What was once a relatively new category has now become one of the most popular and competitive segments in the world of bodybuilding. Over the years, the athletes competing in the IFBB Bikini Pro division have displayed an impressive evolution in terms of physique, presentation, overall aesthetic, and even competition attire. In this article, I will discuss the changes that have defined IFBB Bikini Pros from 2009 to 2023.
Physique Transformation
In the early days of the IFBB Bikini division, the emphasis was on a balanced, lean, and toned physique. As a bikini athlete who jumped onboard the competition circuit in 2009 (the inception year for the bikini division), I noticed that competitors who were too muscular or conditioned were urged to switch to the figure division. This was because bikini athletes were expected to have well-defined but not overly muscular physiques, maintaining a feminine appearance. Since then, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more sculpted and athletic look which is more muscular than ever, and rivals the look of figure competitors from earlier years. Today’s IFBB Bikini Pros display a much higher level of muscle development compared to those from my era (2009-2014), particularly in the shoulders, glutes, and legs, while still maintaining an overall feminine silhouette.
Training and Nutrition Advances
With the progression of sports science and nutritional knowledge, athletes have access to more effective training methods and specialized dietary plans. This has allowed IFBB Bikini Pros to achieve levels of conditioning and muscle development that were not as attainable in the early years of the division. Training techniques have become more sophisticated, with a greater focus on targeted muscle groups and tailored workout routines. In addition, judges have pushed for more muscularity as the division has evolved, placing greater pressure on bikini athletes to pack on muscle.
Posing and Presentation
Another notable evolution has been in the area of posing and stage presentation. In 2009, poses were simpler, with an emphasis on showcasing overall physique balance and grace. Today, IFBB Bikini Pros have refined their posing techniques to highlight full glutes, a well-shaped V-taper, well developed quads and hamstrings, and shapely delts. Although the art of stage presentation was always a crucial aspect of competition, posing is now much more polished, and it is even more imperative for athletes to exude confidence and charisma on stage while also presenting the most desirable physical characteristics of the division.
I remember how we used to pose onstage, with the front pose characterized by both legs straight, with one leg out to the side and slightly forward, with the opposite hip pushed towards the back of the stage. In stark contrast, the current front pose standard features feet and legs pointed towards one side, with the upper torso twisted at the waist so that the shoulders are squared towards the judges. You can see both types of poses in the images which are featured at the top of this blog post. The back pose has remained relatively unchanged, with the booty hiked up and the lower back arched. One posing feature which has been consistent throughout the years is the rear end pitched up and back, like a cat in heat. I will never forget how much my lower back would hurt after practicing posing or after a contest!
Suits and Competition Attire
The evolution of competition suits is another noteworthy aspect of the IFBB Bikini Pros’ journey. As the division gained popularity, athletes and designers began to experiment with different fabrics, cuts, and styles. Today, competition suits are more intricate and tailored to each athlete’s unique physique, often featuring embellishments, crystals, and personalized touches that enhance the overall presentation on stage. In 2009, suits tended to be simpler, with standard designs and limited embellishments. Each year, suit cuts evolved, with the bottoms getting skimpier and skimpier, resulting in the current suit bottom design, which is a daring V-shape, but not a thong.
Conclusion
The evolution of IFBB Bikini Pros from 2009 to 2023 reflects the dynamic nature of the sport and the dedication of the athletes involved. With advancements in training, nutrition, posing, and competition attire, the IFBB Bikini division has become a diverse and thriving segment of the bodybuilding world. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how the division continues to evolve, setting new standards of excellence in physique, presentation, and athleticism, while pushing the boundaries of competition attire.
Should Nurse Practitioners Be Called Doctors?
For this post, I am starting it off by copying and pasting an article by Art Caplan, who is from the Division of Medical Ethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. In this transcript, he discusses a lawsuit which three nurse practitioners filed in California. For those of you who would like to see the original post as well as the video, please click here.
Three NP’s With Doctorates Sue to Use ‘Doctor’ Title”; Ethicist Disagrees
Arthur L. Caplan, PhD
August 08, 2023
Hi. I’m Art Caplan. I’m at the Division of Medical Ethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. A lawsuit has been filed in California by three nurses. The nurses are arguing that because they have PhDs in clinically related fields of nursing and healthcare, they ought to be able to use the term “doctor” as a sign of respect for the work that they did to get a PhD.
That’s no insignificant amount of work. I have a PhD in a different area, but I know the kind of labor that it takes to complete that kind of a degree. I have no doubt that there are many advanced skills associated with having a PhD in one of those nursing areas that benefit patients.
The nurses say that California law, which currently restricts the use of the term “doctor” to MDs or DOs, ought to be expanded to recognize their PhD work. I don’t agree with this even though I certainly have nothing but respect for the work that nurses do, whether they have PhDs or not.
It seems to me that patients really come to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings distinguishing, if you will, between doctors (MDs and DOs) and nurses. They may have their ideas about what each of them do, and they may be wrong about what each of them do. I think the road to gaining respect for the work, the contributions, and even the importance of what nurses do is not to start to broaden the use of the term “doctor.”
Part of the reason I worry about that is that it’s a slippery slope. There may be others coming in who want to use that term. Some PhDs in bioethics may start to say, “Well, I’ve done a large amount of work in healthcare-related fields. Maybe I’d like to have that term used for me.” People in some of the more life science–oriented fields may do the same.
I don’t think heading down that road is the way to go. Instead, I would suggest that we try very hard to honor and recognize the work that all healthcare professionals do, including physical therapists, social workers, chaplains, doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and radiation technicians. When I have been in the hospital, I deeply respect all the work that those folks are trying to do to help me.
I don’t use the term “doctor” so much as the only person who’s worthy of respect or the only person who’s in charge. I use it just to distinguish between the set of skills, responsibilities, data collection, recommendation of therapy, and so on that, in my own head, correspond to different roles that people are doing.
Do nurses deserve more respect when they complete the difficult path to a PhD? Absolutely. My argument is simple. Let’s teach everyone who goes to the hospital. Let’s teach our students to respect everybody’s work, to respect the roles and professionalism that everybody tries to bring to the care of patients.
I don’t think having a battle over who really gets to use the word “doctor” is the best path forward because it still may lead to confusion. I think the path forward is learning to respect what all parties contribute in the care of patients.
I’m Art Caplan at the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine. Thanks for watching.
Now for my two cents…
I am in complete agreement with Art Caplan, and see absolutely no reason why these nurses who have PhD’s feel that they have the right to use the title of ‘doctor’ (due to the PhD designation and NOT MD or DO) and potentially confuse their patients. I firmly believe that unless someone who works in healthcare actually obtained an MD or a DO, that the individual has no right to insist on being referred to as ‘doctor’. If the title of ‘doctor’ is so important to someone who is interested in working in healthcare, then I suggest that the person attend and complete medical school and residency training just like I and countless others did. We put in the work, and we earned the doctor title.
Wisteria Strong
Wisteria is a beautiful vining plant which fascinates me, mostly because my surname means “among the wisteria”. However, I never knew how hardy wisteria was until very recently, so it holds even more symbolism for me now. The blossoms on a wisteria vine are absolutely gorgeous, but it turns out that the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) are invasive when planted in gardens and forests in the United States. Evidently, the root system of a wisteria plant can extend up to one mile, which means that wisteria vines in yards across a neighborhood are most likely from a single specimen.
Here is a great video explanation of what non-native wisteria plants do in U.S. soil:
If you live in the United States and are considering planting wisteria, you might want to consider American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), because it is far less aggressive than its Chinese or Japanese counterparts. Interestingly enough, the type of wisteria which is most commonly planted in American gardens is the Japanese version, and the wisteria plant which adorns the security gate where I live is the Japanese variety. That seems fitting for me, considering the meaning of my last name and the fact that it is a Japanese name!
When You Don’t Have Your Phone
We now live in an age in which we are so reliant on our cell phones that when they are misplaced, lost or stolen, it can be paralyzing. I know this feeling all too well now because my phone was stolen earlier this year, and I was without a phone for three days. I found myself reaching for my cell phone completely out of habit for the first few hours, then I began to resign myself to the fact that I didn’t have a mini-computer. I was forced to figure out other ways to navigate through my day, and it made me realize how much our phones provide for us. There was a 50th birthday celebration I had to attend the day after my phone was stolen, and luckily I had added the location which had been texted to me onto my Google calendar, so I was able to enter the address on my car navigation and get to the party without any issue. Otherwise, I would have had a devil of a time trying to reach my friend to get the address of the birthday venue.
Social media and other apps were a bit trickier for me to adapt to without a phone, since some apps only function through the mobile version and not the desktop version. I was also unable to post on Instagram Stories during the period in which I had no phone. As a result of being sans mobile phone, I spent an oddly peaceful and quiet weekend, uninterrupted by text messages, notifications from apps, or phone calls.
When I received my replacement phone, I was able to recover about 70% of the images and videos which were on my previous phone, mainly because I had a habit of uploading content onto my Dropbox account for backup. It was a completely different situation with my contacts, of which there were over 3,000. I discovered that Google drive had NOT backed up any of my contacts, so I was forced to look through email servers to recover some of the information and enter all of it manually onto my new device. Sadly, I was only able to recover just under 300 contacts.
It still surprises me how someone like me who grew up in an era before answering machines could be so dependent on a cell phone, as if it was a lifeline. I’m so old school that we had only one phone, a beige rotary dial phone, and I accepted the fact that if I called someone and there was no answer, the only thing I could do was call back at a later time. With a single phone line, and no call waiting back then, a friend calling in while my mom was blabbing with one of her work buddies would hear an annoying BEEP BEEP BEEP to indicate that the line was busy. Life was far less complicated back then.
Now that I am back up and running with a new cell phone, I have already settled into the feeling of security which having my phone around confers. Everything from ordering food to be delivered, to checking emails, to making mobile banking deposits, has become reestablished as my day-to-day pattern. People can call and leave a voicemail message if I am on the other line. These little computers have certainly become a necessity in this era!
Thoughts On Getting Older
In this video I talk about turning 57 this year, and all the physical ailments which have piled up and have complicated my day-to-day life.
Strength Training For The Blood Pressure Win
Copyright: nomadsoul1
A recent study involving close to 16,000 subjects which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine determined that strength training exercises like planks and squats were more effective than other forms of exercise in reducing blood pressure. This flies in the face of previous recommendations by cardiologists, which focused on cardiovascular aerobic exercise. To be fair to the study, the reductions in blood pressure from strength training exercises, were minor, averaging 8.24 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure readings, and 4 mm Hg for diastolic readings, but the reductions were indeed greater than aerobic exercise such as running, which reduced pressures by 4.49 mm Hg and 2.53 mm Hg on average. However, the study did point out that various forms of exercise were proven to be beneficial with respect to lowing blood pressure.
dr. stacey naito's blog 