Category Preventative Health

Is Raw Food Good For Cats?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Weight Management: Raw food diets may help with weight management, as they are generally low in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Parasites: Raw meat can contain parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which can be harmful to cats and can be transmitted to humans.
  4. 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.
  5. Zoonotic Diseases: Cats on raw diets may be at increased risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.
  6. 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.

Why Multi-Cat Households Are More Fun

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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.

Strength Training For The Blood Pressure Win

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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.

Hot Logic Mini XP Video Review on YouTube

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Check out the Hot Logic Mini XP, which has a built-in food storage compartment in addition to the fantastic food heating technology of the original Hot Logic Mini!

All you need is an electrical outlet (you can even use a car inverter and heat up meals while you drive). This is FANTASTIC for work, travel, trade shows, photo shoots, etc.

To order a Hot Logic Mini or Hot Logic Mini XP, go to the following link:

https://bit.ly/31aiDb2

Be sure to enter my code STACEYNAITO for 20% off your order!

How to Reach or Maintain a Healthy Weight in Your Senior Years

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Photo by Pixabay

Check out this wonderful and informative article by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com.

When we get older, maintaining a healthy weight can be a struggle. Our metabolism slows down, and it becomes more difficult to get enough exercise. Still, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. Critical aspects of your overall wellness, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk for diabetes can be affected, so staying a healthy weight can help you live longer. These tips courtesy of StaceyNaito.com will help you achieve your target for good health.

Get moving

One of the most important ways of losing or maintaining weight is exercise. Start slowly by walking around the block, learning tai chi, or trying a water aerobics class. If you’ve not been particularly active recently, talk to your doctor about finding a safe way to start an exercise routine. An occupational or physical therapist can help you determine your abilities, especially if you’ve suffered an illness or injury in the past. These resources are great starting points for seniors who want to adopt an exercise routine.

  • Look for ways to incorporate movement into your daily tasks.
  • Set a timer to remind you to stand up and move around a bit every hour.
  • Use the buddy system. Find a friend to walk or exercise with, for fun and accountability.
  • Mayo Clinic suggests parking farther away from the store, and enjoy the walk. Take the stairs when you can.
  • Seniors who are considering an assisted living situation should look for facilities that offer amenities like walking trails, gyms, and group fitness sessions. 

Watch what you eat

Be mindful of what you eat each day, in terms of ingredients and calorie count. Stick to whole foods as much as possible, and read food labels for processed products you buy. Avoid fatty meats, instead opting for fish, lean chicken, pork, or beef cuts. Protein is especially important for your diet, because it helps build up the calcium in your bones, so be sure you’re getting enough.  Having some protein with every meal and snack will keep you fuller for longer, which prevents you from overindulging on empty calories.

  • Greek yogurt is a great choice for a snack or part of a meal.  One serving has 17-18 grams of protein. 
  • Try ancient grains, such as teff, kamut, or quinoa.  These grains are healthy as they tend to be higher in protein, vitamins, and other nutrients, and are often lower in gluten..
  • Add some green peas to your salad, soup, or main dish.  They pack 8 grams of protein per cup, and bring other nutrients, as well as fiber to your diet.
  • Hummus is a tasty high protein dip for veggies. People trying to lose weight can enjoy it in moderation, and for those who need to gain weight, eating it more frequently is a great choice.

Get Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated no matter your age or fitness level, but as a senior citizen, you probably aren’t getting as much water as you need, especially if you’re active. Keeping a bottle of water with you can help you remember to sip throughout the day, and you can also add more water-dense foods to your diet to keep your bones, muscles, joints, and skin healthy.

  • Have a glass of water at certain times each day. In addition to helping you stay hydrated, it can also help prevent you from eating too much.
  • Remember that hot weather and high altitudes both increase your risk of dehydration, so increase your water intake when these conditions are affecting you.
  • Cleveland Clinic notes health issues that involve fever, vomiting, or diarrhea increase your need for water.
  • Ensure you’re drinking at least two liters of water every day.

Remember that your body is the only one you have, and you have to take care of it at every age. The more love you show your body by feeding and hydrating it well, and exercising, the more chances you’ll have for a longer, more comfortable life.

Dr. Stacey Naito of StaceyNaito.com offers customized meal plans, exercise regimens, and natural hormone balance to people who don’t want to compete but just want to lose weight, gain weight, or get toned. Contact Dr. Naito today to learn more! 

Healthy Profits: Tips for Starting a Health-Based Business

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By Camille Johnson of bereaver.com

Image by Pexels

With huge growth across health and fitness markets, now is the ideal time to take advantage and enter the field with a venture of your own. Social media and e-commerce have made it cheap and easy to get your best ideas out there, so it’s wise to take stock of your skillset and find the niche in the health sector that suits you best.

Business Ideas

  • Personal Training: With an uptick in the use of virtual meeting platforms, you don’t need to have a gym membership to successfully run a personal training business. Start by creating a website that allows clients to view your availability and schedule appointments with you. You can also offer nutrition plans and personalized workouts that will show them the value you bring to their efforts toward a healthy lifestyle. 
  • Health Products Store: Suppliers like Amazon have made it easy to start an online store without manufacturing any products yourself. With some research into which products are most in-demand, you can create a website that makes the purchasing process simple for health enthusiasts. 
  • Content Creation: Gaining an online following can open the door to sponsorships and paid partnerships. You can become a health influencer by posting satisfying content about meal preps, posting your workouts, and offering advice to your subscribers. It may also be helpful to live stream some of your content so you can engage with your audience in real time and gain a more comprehensive understanding of what they are looking for. 

Starting Your Business

Structure is a crucial part of any business, so it’s imperative to begin your efforts with a well-thought-out business plan. Be sure to include pertinent details such as your intention for day-to-day operations and the relevant staffing requirements. 

You’ll also need to ensure that you register your business with an appropriate structure according to your plans for growth, tax preferences, and hopes for attracting investors. A limited liability company, or LLC, is a great option for most first-time entrepreneurs, as it protects your personal assets from being liable in your business’s finances and offers tax advantages. You can learn how to start an LLC by reading up online, but it’s helpful to work with a service that ensures your paperwork is filed correctly so you’re legally compliant with the state.

Avoid taking on unnecessary costs while you’re getting started, as this will only make it more difficult to turn a profit and may leave you with unnecessary debt. Be sure to keep thorough records of business activity and a budget for expenditure. It may be helpful to contract the services of a professional lawyer or accountant who will help ensure that your business remains fully compliant with legislation.

Growing Your Business

Marketing is one of the most important aspects of growing a business, so it’s vital to monitor your marketing efforts and keep track of which strategies are bringing in the most revenue. Thankfully, there are a number of free online tools you can take advantage of to get started.

Starting a blog is also a great way to make sales as you gain the interest of readers. You could review specific products that are currently high in demand and compare them to similar offerings on the market. This will make it easier for customers to trust the quality of the brand and feel more confident in finalizing a purchase. 

You likely want to highlight achievements in your background on your blog, and offering a curriculum vitae is a great way to do that. You can use a template for a CV to customize your own online. You can put together an eye-catching and informative document for your potential customers.

Don’t be afraid to partner with other businesses and run social media campaigns and competitions that will increase your following and make potential customers aware of your offerings.

As you expand your business, it’s important to develop situational ePHI awareness to guard against potential data compromises. This is a necessity if your business interacts with protected medical data. Traditional cybersecurity may not be enough, so seek out solutions designed for healthcare.

There is an abundance of opportunities to start a successful health-based business without putting up too much money upfront. You simply need to find a solution that best fits your skills and interests, highlight your qualifications, and be ready to take operations online.

For nutrition and fitness products, figure contest prep, and personal training, visit StaceyNaito.com today!

The Acu-Hump Massage Tool

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I was recently given the opportunity to try a self-massage tool called the Acu-Hump, which is designed for home use by individuals who are suffering from back, hip and buttock issues. Generally speaking, I am definitely a fan of at-home self-massage devices, and am happy to promote any such products which not only are effective, but also easy to use. The Acu-Hump fits the bill on both counts. Now that I have used the device, I am now able to write a review here so that you can learn more about it and decide whether you might want to purchase one for your own use.

Let’s start with the general design of the Acu-Hump. The Acu-Hump is made of a slightly flexible polyurethane, and is rigid enough to support one’s body weight if someone sits on the device or lies on top of it during therapy. Granted, I’m only 126 pounds, but it certainly doesn’t feel like the Acu-Hump is in any danger of caving in on itself when I use it. There are 14 humps on the treatment surface which work like shiatsu or pressure point nubs, and they are extremely effective at causing a release of tight, tense muscles, just like a deep tissue massage from a professional masseuse. In addition, the gentle curved design of the Acu-Hump gently stretches the muscles which are being treated, whether you place the unit under your upper back, your hip, or your buttocks. Simply stated, if you like deep tissue massage like I do, you will LOVE the Acu-Hump.

I am very impressed by how effectively the Acu-Hump causes a myofascial release in any area it is used on, whether it is in the upper back (latissimus dorsi, trapezius), hips (piriformis, sacroiliac joints), or the buttocks (glutes, muscles which surround sciatic nerve). You can use the Acu-Hump daily if you want, since it will cause a wonderful reset of overused or tight postural back muscles and muscles in the buttocks. It’s great for everyone from those who sit at desk jobs all day, to people who stand or move around a lot, and it’s fantastic for athletes who pretty much live with muscle aches and pains.

The Acu-Hump is well designed, and the pressure points sit in excellent positions for just about anyone who uses it. It is also surprisingly lightweight for how durable it is, so it can be taken to the office, to sporting events, you name it. My favorite use for the device is to sit on it, because I always have pain in the muscles of my buttocks, but I also love using this on my upper back right below my shoulder blades, and I also love using it at my sacroiliac joints in my lower back to soften the tendons and to get some relief from stiffness and pain which I experience on occasion. It’s so versatile that you can use it on numerous areas to get a great stretch while also benefitting from the self-massage properties of the device.

The Acu-Hump is available on Amazon. For more information on the Acu-Hump, and to visit their website, please go to  https://www.acuhump.com

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I was given free product and compensation for my time to put together this informative blog post, but the opinions expressed here are truly my own.

6 Ways You Can Be Your Own Health Advocate

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Check out this fantastic article by  Julia Merrill of befriendyourdoc.org which will motivate you to take charge of your own health!

Image via Pexels

The word healthy is a broad term that covers a variety of topics. To ensure you are at your best, you have to be your own health advocate, and that means knowing what is going on with your health at all times. Start by considering these ways you can be your best and fight for your health.

1. Research Your Doctors

Think about the role your doctor plays and how important that is for your health. Use the weight of that role when researching new doctors. Research shows you should look into their educational background, their level of expertise, and what other patients say about them. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. That is a great place to start before you dig in deeper to learn more about the doctor’s experience.

2. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

A great way to take charge of your health is to start living a proactively healthy lifestyle. Start with eating better and getting physical exercise. If you are new on the health journey, try not to overdo it too quickly. Start by making small changes, such as eating more vegetables with every meal and going for walks. If you spend most of your time at work, get some physical activity by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can find small ways to incorporate activities that will keep your blood flowing.

3. Stay Organized

Keep your medical records organized by maintaining them yourself. You can use an online tool to quickly combine videos and keep all medical images in a single file by uploading them to your computer and merging them into one pdf. Then download the new file to keep on your laptop. Be sure to back the information up to a cloud-based server so you can access it from anywhere.

4. Speak Up at Appointments

Don’t be afraid to ask doctors questions, and don’t worry about whether your questions are silly. Doctors are paid to provide you with information that will benefit your health. The only way to access that information is to ask questions. This can also be a great way to vet doctors. A good doctor is happy to answer your questions and will go out of their way to provide you with answers. You don’t want a doctor that seems irritated or uncooperative when you have questions.

5. Be Vigilant About Your Medications

Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Some medicines are ineffective if you fail to finish the prescription, and some can take weeks to start working effectively. If you skip days or leave a few pills in the bottle, your medications may not work as they should.

6. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Keep in mind that mental health is just as important as physical health. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are struggling or have questions about your mental health. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral if you need to see a mental health professional, and remember there is no shame in having mental health issues. The majority of people struggle with them at some point in life.

Part of you being your own health advocate is doing things that make you uncomfortable, such as speaking up for yourself. However, the more you do it, the easier it will become. Remember how important your health is and you will always want to fight for it.