Normally, blood-brain barrier prevents this from happening
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الثلاثاء، 31 مايو 2016
Kids' Concussion Rates May Be Higher Than Thought
Study finds that most cases are first tended to at doctors' offices, not hospital ERs
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Slice & Dice Pro Knife Giveaway!
You could win a WUSTHOF® CLASSIC 16-Piece Cutlery Set worth $849.95—FREE! Enter Now.
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Sex-Transmitted Zika More Common Than Thought: WHO
Women planning to become pregnant should wait 8 weeks if they or partner live in areas where infections are occurring
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Scans: Brain Region Misfires in Depressed People
Contrary to previous thinking, the habenula is less active during unpleasant experiences
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Most Smokers Don't Stick With E-Cigarettes
'Vaping' only replaces tobacco use for a small group of people, study finds
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19 Tricks to Growing Perfect Roses
These simple tricks will have your garden exploding with gorgeous blooms.
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Heart Attack or Heartburn? Lifesaving Ways to Tell the Difference
It’s easy to confuse heartburn and heart attack
The term “heartburn” is misleading. It’s not related to your heart at all, but to your esophagus, the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. But because they’re neighbors in your body and they both hurt, it’s easy to confuse the two.
What is a heart attack?
If oxygen-rich blood is blocked from getting into a section of the heart, that section begins to die.
So what is heartburn?
That burning sensation of heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising up into your esophagus. This can cause chest pain that radiates to your neck, throat, or jaw. These are other symptoms of acid reflux to pay attention to.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
If you are suffering a heart attack, you will likely experience one or more of the following:
- Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Note: According to the American Heart Association, as with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and/or back or jaw pain.
How to tell if your pain is heartburn
“I tell my patients that if you belch and the symptoms go away, it probably isn’t related to your heart but to your esophagus,” Mary Ann Bauman, MD, medical director of women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Systems, said on the American Heart Association website. “But if you have shortness of breath or sweating, then it’s likely a heart-related issue.”
Hmm, I think it may be a heart attack. Now what?
“Don’t ‘tough out’ heart attack symptoms for more than five minutes,” advises the Mayo Clinic website. Seek medical attention immediately. Meanwhile, as soon as symptoms start, chew a full-strength uncoated aspirin and swallow with water. This can help prevent blood clotting and the damage it causes.
On second thought, it’s heartburn
If you’re tossing and turning from heartburn, WebMD suggests you:
- Sleep with your upper body elevated. Lying flat in bed makes it easy for stomach acids to flow up your esophagus, causing heartburn. Try putting the head of your bed on 4- to 6-inch blocks. Or you can sleep on a wedge-shaped pillow that’s at least 6 to 10 inches thick on one end. Don’t substitute regular pillows; they just raise your head, and not your entire upper body.
- Sleep on your left side. This position seems to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms better than the right side.
- Chew gum. Chewing gum encourages the production of saliva, which can soothe your esophagus and wash acid down into your stomach. Here are other natural remedies for heartburn to try.
Still confused?
If you’re not sure if it’s heartburn or a heart attack, play it safe and seek medical attention right away. It’s easy to confuse the two so let a doctor rule out the most severe possibility.
Sources: National Institute of Health, The American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, WebMD
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New Meat Labeling Offers More Protection
Warns consumers that mechanically tenderized beef can raise bacteria risk, so more careful cooking needed
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What Are Carb Blockers and Do They Work?
Carb blockers are a type of diet supplement. However, they work differently than most of the other weight loss pills on the market. They block carbs from being digested, apparently allowing you to eat carbs without (some) of the unwanted calories. But are they really as beneficial as they sound? This is a detailed review […] The article "What Are Carb Blockers and Do They Work?" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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Lifestyle May Be Key to Improving ADHD in Kids
Healthier habits related to exercise and diet could help many with the disorder, researcher says
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Surprising Trivia Behind America’s Most Iconic Foods
Separating myth from history: how Buffalo wings, hot dog buns, nachos, and more classic American foods came to be.
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9 Clever and Useful Bathroom Storage Tips
Make the best use of your limited bathroom space with these brilliant storage and organizing tips.
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Beat the Heat! Tricks to Stay Cool in the Summer
These clever, low-cost tricks will help you keep your cool when the weather's hot.
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10 Sickening Secrets of Processed Food Revealed
Have you eaten your fill of rubber today? How about cow bones?
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الاثنين، 30 مايو 2016
13 Easy Ways to Lose Water Weight (Fast and Safely)
The human body contains around 60% water, which plays a key role in all aspects of life (1). However, excess water retention (edema) is a common side effect of chronic inflammation (2). Also known as fluid retention, edema can be caused by food intolerances, poor diet, toxin exposure and diseases like kidney failure. Women may […] The article "13 Easy Ways to Lose Water Weight (Fast and Safely)" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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الأحد، 29 مايو 2016
12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. It is classified as an “adaptogen,” meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Aswhagandha also provides all sorts of other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can lower blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol, boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and […] The article "12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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السبت، 28 مايو 2016
11 Natural Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause begins in the late 40s or early 50s for most women. It usually lasts for a few years. During this time, at least two-thirds of women experience symptoms of menopause (1). These include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability and tiredness (1). In addition, menopausal women are at a higher risk of several […] The article "11 Natural Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Menopause" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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الجمعة، 27 مايو 2016
Experts Question Study Linking Cellphones, Cancer
Rodents exposed to phone radiation actually lived longer than unexposed animals, reviewers point out
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Smoking During Pregnancy and Schizophrenia Risk
Scientists measured evidence of exposure in the womb and found an association, but not proof
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It’s Mosquito Season: The 411 on Repellents
Mosquito repellents are safe, so you should use them. And there are more choices than ever. WebMD breaks down your options.
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Exploring Zika's Path Through the Placenta
Researchers find the virus can replicate in immune cells
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Officials: U.S. Superbug Resists All Antibiotics
Pennsylvania case suggests it's almost 'the end of the road' for these drugs
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10 Secrets of People Who Have Impeccable Homes (P.S. They’re Not Rich)
How they stop their dining-room table from becoming a catchall and the exact color upholstery they buy that hides their messes best.
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13 Ways to Get Organized With ADHD
Disorganization is a hallmark of ADHD—but a few simple tricks can help you calm your mind, clear the clutter, and organize your life.
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Fewer Inhaled Steroids OK for Asthmatic Kids?
Study suggests some kids don't need daily dosing, but one expert worries the strategy might have risks
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12 Food Hacks to Get Dinner on the Table Fast
These genius food prep tricks are your ticket to quick weeknight meals.
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How to Eat Coconut Oil, and How Much Per Day?
Coconut oil has some very impressive health benefits. It’s been shown to increase metabolism, reduce hunger and boost HDL (the “good”) cholesterol, to name a few. However, many people are confused about how much to take and how to eat it. This article explains how to include coconut oil in your diet and the optimal […] The article "How to Eat Coconut Oil, and How Much Per Day?" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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8 Epic Alexander Hamilton Facts They Don’t Mention in the Musical
The eerie secret behind the Burr-Hamilton duel, why Alex had trouble with birthers, and more fascinating facts that the musical left out.
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23 Tricks to Flatten Your Belly—Without a Lick of Exercise
The waistline is the top body part that both men and women say they are most self-conscious about. Here are simple ways to lose belly fat and get a flat stomach for good!
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FDA Approves Implant to Battle Opioid Addiction
Experts say steady dosing eliminates need to take medication daily to combat heroin, powerful painkillers
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9 Clear Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship
Breaking up isn’t just for lovers. If you've got toxic friends, parting ways could be the healthiest thing for you. Here are some red flags to watch out for.
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12 Tiny Ways to Make Your Spouse Feel Loved
Here are little ways happy couples constantly make each other feel appreciated.
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الخميس، 26 مايو 2016
Healthy Living May Offset Breast Cancer Gene Risk
Behavior may matter even more when your DNA is working against you, research shows
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How Often Should Your Pet See a Veterinarian?
Your four-legged friend needs wellness visits, too. Here's what to expect at each stage of life.
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The First 10 Ways a Professional Stager Would Pretty Up Your Home
Whether you're looking to sell or just want that "wow" factor, these home staging tips will improve every room.
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Hepatitis C Patients More Likely to Drink: Study
And researchers say alcohol can worsen the chronic liver condition
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What Doctors Aren't Telling Obese Young Adults
Too few warn patients of their risk for kidney disease, study says
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10 Signs You’re Headed For a Dental Emergency
When it comes to oral health, don't ignore these seemingly "small" problems as they can quickly turn into big, painful, expensive ones!
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California Supreme Court delivers important asbestos ruling
The California Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the plaintiff in an asbestos-related lawsuit. In today's post, we'll discuss The Court's opinion and how it could affect future products liability cases (not just those related to asbestos).
In 2011, a California man sued his former employer, the Johns-Manville Corporation, for the asbestos exposure that led him to develop mesothelioma. He also filed suit against the company that supplied raw asbestos to his employer, the Special Electric Company. In both cases, the plaintiff alleged, the companies had not adequately warned him of the dangers he was being exposed to in working with a particularly carcinogenic form of asbestos known as crocidolite.
When the case originally went to trial, the jury found that Johns-Manville was primarily liable, while SEC was considered 18 percent liable. Before the jury's ruling, however, SEC had already obtained summary judgment in its favor (basically absolving it of responsibility as a matter of law).
At issue in the case was the "sophisticated intermediary doctrine." This is the idea that a supplier of a dangerous product (asbestos in this case) can be released from its duty to warn end users (the plaintiff) if it sells the product to a "sufficiently sophisticated buyer" or provides adequate warnings to the intermediary (Johns-Manville).
An important element of the doctrine, according to the Supreme Court, is that the supplier must have some assurance that the sophisticated intermediary actually knows the full dangers and that it will pass that information along to the end user. SEC had originally invoked the sophisticated intermediary doctrine successfully. But the Court held that SEC failed to show that Johns-Manville knew of the particular dangers of crocidolite.
Although the average person reading about this case could get bogged down by legal minutia, the important takeaway message is simple. Manufacturers and suppliers of dangerous products have a duty to warn immediate buyers and end users unless they can be sure that the immediate buyers are aware of the dangers and will pass that information along.
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Some Experts Question Extent of U.S. Zika Threat
They say Gulf Coast states face risk, but most other states probably don't
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1.2 Million College Students Drink on Average Day
And over 700,000 use marijuana, government report says
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51 Favorite Facts You’ve Always Believed That Are Actually False
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New Puppy Checklist: 14 Things You Need to Buy for Your New Dog
These new dog supplies will help make sure your dog stays healthy and happy as she eases into her new home.
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What is Acesulfame Potassium, and is it Good or Bad For You?
People who are trying to lose weight often replace sugar with artificial sweeteners. One of the most common of those today is called acesulfame potassium. Like most sweeteners, it is controversial. Some people think it is safe, while others claim that it is harmful to your health and even causes weight gain (1). This is […] The article "What is Acesulfame Potassium, and is it Good or Bad For You?" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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9 Clear Signs You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Here's the deal with your upset tummy.
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30 Things Heart Doctors Do to Protect Their Own Hearts
Heart disease is the biggest killer in the United States, more than all cancers combined. Here, the heart health habits cardiologists follow to prevent heart problems for life.
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Frugal Tricks to Squeeze Every Last Drop Out of Tricky Containers
Get the most out of your toothpaste tube, ketchup bottle, mascara, and more.
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الأربعاء، 25 مايو 2016
A Moving Account of How One Mother Helped Her Adopted Son Accept His ‘Missing Piece’
I have always wanted to adopt, even when I was a child with a penchant for writing poetry instead of going out for recess. She looked to the stars / And wondered / Someday / Will I find my mother?
“Who is the little girl in your poem?” asked Miss Loros as I hovered beside her desk, where she was focused on correcting a pile of math quizzes.
“She’s an orphan,” I said. “Someday, I want to be the mother of orphans.”
“Then you’d be dead,” she pointed out, not taking her eyes off her flow of check and X marks.
At the end of fourth grade, while my mother was drying a wooden salad bowl with a dish towel, I made an announcement.
“Mommy, when I grow up, I’m going to adopt a hundred children, one from every country.” Two long, straight braids framed my face, and my orange gauze shirt was embroidered with flowers dotted with tiny silver mirrors.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” my mom said. She turned and placed her cool, damp fingers under my chin. “Even adopting one child would be a beautiful thing.”
So it was perhaps inevitable that after having two daughters, my husband, Yosef, and I decided to expand our family by looking abroad. In October 1999, I flew to Ethiopia and brought back ten-month-old Adar to our home in Newton, Massachusetts.
When Adar was a toddler, hiding wasn’t a way to vanish. It was a way to appear.
“Wayaz Adawi?” a tiny, disembodied voice called from behind the couch, signaling me to find him.
I put my hands on my hips, scanned the room, and wondered aloud, “Where IS Adari? In a drawer? No …on the bookshelf? No … ”
My heart stretched to bursting in its pull toward him: his soft cheek against mine, his arms surprisingly strong, his hands imprinting themselves on my shoulder blades, the kiss I will plant with a long mm-mwah on his silky forehead. This was his story of becoming my son.
He jumped out from behind the couch—a toddler Sammy Davis Jr. after a big number—huge smile, arms outstretched. I gotta be meeeee!
Cue the lights, the applause, the laughter, and that big hug. Here you are, our hug said to each other. Always here. Always mine.
“Mama, wayaz my tummy-mommy?” he asked, his nose against mine.
“I don’t know, sweetie,” I said, bracing myself, gathering my thoughts. “Sometimes I wonder about her too.”
Every night when he was four, Adar pulled the same book from his shelf, handed it to me, climbed onto his bed, and nestled under my arm, leaning into me.
“It was missing a piece,” I read to Adar from the book.
Even though he could not yet read, he turned each page at the right time. The illustrations prompted him to recite the prose along with me, word for word.
“And it was not happy. So it set off in search of its missing piece,” he said solemnly.
The Missing Piece, written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, is about a circle, drawn with sparse black lines on a white page, that has a missing piece the shape and relative size of a pizza slice. The circle goes on a journey in search of its missing piece, traveling through rain and snow and hot sun, finding pieces that either don’t fit or don’t want to be anyone’s missing piece.
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“How come it doesn’t want to be someone’s piece?” Adar asked.
“I don’t know,” I answered. Neither of us could understand not wanting to belong to someone.
Because it was incomplete, the circle moved slowly. As it plodded along, it smelled flowers, had a butterfly land on it, and noticed the world around it, all the while singing its song through a mouth formed by the errant pizza slice: “Oh, I’m looking for my missing piece, hi-dee-ho, here I go, looking for my missing piece.”
Adar took cover under my shirt. “Pretend I’m in your tummy,” he said.
He was small enough to fit his whole body under my loose top. He folded his arms and bent his knees to his chest, his eyes peering out at my throat as he carefully covered each toe with my shirt hem.
This was not our first time pretending I was pregnant with him. Often at bedtime, Adar would sit nestled under my T-shirt, look out through the stretched neckline, and whisper the command, “Pretend you’re walking.”
Lying supine on his bed under his warm, soft weight, I would move my feet as if strolling along the sidewalk. Peeking through my neckline, he’d again direct me. “Now you see someone you know.”
“Hi, how are you?” I said obligingly. “Oh, me? I’m fine. Just taking a walk with my baby in my tummy! OK, bye.”
“Now you’re walking again,” he’d say. “Now you see someone you know.”
“Hi, Auntie Laura. Yup, I’m just taking a walk with my baby in my tummy!”
“Can I really go inside your tummy?” Adar asked, his big eyes wide at my chin.
“You can pretend, but you can’t really go inside my tummy,” I explained.
“Why? What’s in there?” he demanded as if some sixth sense had set off internal alarms, flashing and wailing like the spacecraft in Aliens. His eyebrows scrunched in his telltale mix of concern and curiosity. Funny, Yosef and I had just been talking about having another birth child.
We lay smushed together on his single bed, his pile of storybooks stacked beside us on the green nightstand. In the soft light that glowed through a pale yellow lampshade, we looked at each other. I pulled his head onto my shoulder and kissed it.
“Mommy?”
“Mmm.”
“Who’s my tummy-mommy?”
“I don’t know,” I said quietly. My eyes welled with tears. Many times, I had begged God to let his mother know that her son, our son, was safe and loved. While my sorrow was genuine, it was also vain and indulgent, an illusion of redemption from my complicity in the world’s pain that played itself out all too sharply in another woman’s life—if she was still alive.
Oh, Adar. Your birth mother has taken her place in the long line of women who could save their children only by leaving them.
“Why? Nobody knows her?”
“Well, nobody we know knows her.”
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“Did my tummy-mommy keep me?” Adar continued.
“No,” I said gently as I slipped my arm under his upper back.
He adjusted his head onto my shoulder. “Did she nurse me?”
“I don’t know, sweetie.”
“Did it hurt my tummy-mommy when I was born?”
“Childbirth hurts for a while,” I said vaguely.
“Is she dead?”
She could be wondering the same of Adar right now. She must have feared his death.
Looking into my eyes, his face serious and thoughtful, Adar asked if his tummy-mommy was my friend Sally. Her brown skin might have prompted this theory.
“I grew in Sally’s tummy and then she brought me to Ethiopia and then Mommy came to get me,” he announced.
“No, sweetie,” I said, managing not to laugh. “Sally is not your tummy-mommy.”
“Maybe a lion ate me up and then pooped me out in Ethiopia.”
I laughed—poop is funny.
He looked at me gravely, and I bit the inside of my cheeks.
“One person we know met her,” he said.
“Really, honey?” I lifted my head to see his whole face. “Who was that?”
“Me. When I was born.”
“Oh, my God. You’re right, sweetie. You met her.” I pulled his blanket around him more snugly.
“But I don’t remember her,” he said quietly, lowering his gaze.
“Oh, my sweet boy,” I said, turning his face toward me and holding each cheek in my hands. “No one ever remembers when they were babies.”
There was no remembering for him, no recollection of a face or the anchor of a story. No who or what or how or why to understand his coming to be. And I had none of that to give him. I had only my own messy mosaic of stories—our family inside the unwieldy, unfolding narrative of the Jewish people—within which he could weave his life.
Appreciating mystery was the only way that I could honestly approach Adar’s origins. In this way, he was a portal to kedusha, the Hebrew word for holiness. “I will be what I will be” was God’s answer to Moses’ question, “Who are you?” Moses’ future was becoming known, even as his origins were unknown to him. How could he have remembered his mother, Yocheved, placing him in a basket she had lined with bitumen and pitch, the basket that would carry him on the river away from the Egyptian edict of death? How was she able to get her hands to obey her intention and let go of that basket? My deepest fears formed themselves into prayer, even when I was simply buckling my child into his car seat.
Moses’ cry carried beyond the hum and thrum of the river and pierced the conversation of Pharaoh’s daughter and her handmaids as they bathed. Thus, the grown daughter of Pharaoh “heard the cries of the child.” Tragically, Yocheved hid herself in order to save her son.
Perhaps Adar’s birth mother prepared him in a basket, wrapped and warm, protected from mosquitoes, sun, and rain. Perhaps she, like the woman who released Moses to the Nile’s flow, “stationed herself at a distance” to ensure his safety as long as she could. But Adar’s birth mother never got to “lift her eyes” to redemption, at least not with him.
She and I were a team, like Yocheved and Pharaoh’s daughter. Did Yocheved call out for her son after he was ensconced in Pharaoh’s palace? Did the daughter of Pharaoh, raising her beautiful, wise boy, ever cry for Yocheved’s loss?
Oh, Adar. Your birth mother has taken her place in the long line of women who could save their children only by leaving them. Our tapestry of stories has raw, ragged holes. And, now, a bedtime story.
I held him tightly, his head on my chest as we read aloud together. Toward the end, the circle finds its missing piece. Finally a complete circle, it gains momentum and rolls along so fast that it could not stop to talk to a worm or smell a flower, too fast for a butterfly to land.
Aha, the circle says, so that’s how it is, and gently sets the piece down.
Buy the book Casting Lots, Rabbi Susan Silverman’s story about raising her beautiful blended family.
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Migraine or Sinus Headache: What's the Difference?
WebMD talks to headache experts about the difference between migraines and sinus headaches.
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Common Abnormal Heart Rhythm Linked to Cancer Risk
But study only found an association and doesn't prove that atrial fibrillation causes cancer
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Medicare Drug-Pricing Experiment Stirs Opposition
A proposal to change the way Medicare pays for some drugs has set off intense reaction and lobbying — all tied to a common theme: How far should the government go in setting prices for prescription drugs?
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High-Salt Diets May Up Kidney Patients' Heart Risk
Study found higher odds for heart attack, stroke in people who consumed more sodium daily
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6 Common Dog Training Myths That Could Hurt Your Puppy
Myth: Dogs are domesticated wolves, so you need to establish yourself as pack leader
Truth: Dogs are not wolves, but unique animals predisposed to learn very advanced concepts from human beings. We likely first selectively bred today’s domestic dogs at least 15,000 years ago to cohabitate with us, provide companionship, and perform certain tasks such as hunting, herding, or alerting us when a stranger is near. To ignore the human influence in the domestic dog reflects a failure to acknowledge why the modern dog even exists at all. Yet many mainstream dog trainers seem to completely disregard this central point in favor of using methods that undermine the intelligence of our dogs.
Also, these trainers are basing their philosophy on an archaic understanding of wolf behavior that has been discredited by researchers who study wolves extensively. For instance, renowned wolf expert L. David Mech refuted the “alpha” wolf concept. When wolves are randomly placed in confinement together, they do fight for resources; however, that happens only when these animals are in a very unnatural environment. “Wolves in the wild—the wolves that our dogs descended from—get to the top of their pack merely by maturing, mating, and producing offspring,” says Mech. “In fact, leadership roles are simply parental roles. The pack is actually a family social structure, a lot like human families.”
Any training ideology that relies on your being a “pack leader” or an “alpha” instead of a loving parent to your dog is fundamentally flawed from day one.
Myth: Domination is the only way to get a dog to listen
Truth: Real teaching is about communication, not domination. Our goal when teaching a dog should be not to make a dog do something by forcing her into submission, but to make a dog want to do something. Trying to dominate your dog by yelling at her, flipping her on her back in an “alpha roll,” or using certain collars designed to create discomfort or pain will only greatly hinder both your relationship with your pet and the training process. Such training focuses on teaching what a dog shouldn’t do rather than what she should do. These tactics could even undermine your dog’s trust. Furthermore, your dog will not behave consistently when you take those special collars off or don’t use forceful methods.
On the other hand, positive training works with virtually any dog. In fact, if you have a dog with aggression issues, studies have shown that using forceful methods will likely make the behaviors worse. One study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior found that confrontational methods such as striking dogs, intimidating them, alpha rolls, and staring them down often led to an aggressive response. “When you use confrontational methods, you are just making yourself more threatening and increasing your dog’s motivation to use aggression against you,” explains Meghan Herron, DVM, lead author of the study and director of the Behavioral Medicine Clinic at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s like fighting fire with fire.”
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Myth: Once you use treats, your dog will never listen without them
Truth: Your dog will learn to listen without treats, but you’ll probably need to use them longer than you intuitively might think, possibly up to six months after she first learns a behavior. However, we’re talking about your dog knowing a skill completely. For her to do that, she’ll need a lot of repetition and have to practice under various circumstances. Say your dog sits for you when you are home alone even if you don’t give her a treat, but when you take her to a park where there are lots of distractions, she doesn’t. That’s because dogs don’t generalize well. In fact, the single biggest thing you can do to throw your dog off is to change her environment or other variables. When you do, you’ll need to reteach her that skill or trick in the new environment.
Once you think your dog knows a skill completely, don’t just cut out the treats cold turkey. Instead, follow the principle of intermittent reinforcement. Dogs really excel when you randomly reward. Perhaps give a treat for a particular behavior, then skip the treat the next two times your dog does it, and then treat three times in a row. Eventually your dog will learn to generalize the behavior without a treat.
Myth: Dogs can’t understand that much, so speak in very simple terms
Truth: Most trainers advise you to keep your phrasing very simple and limit your requests to one word at a time. There’s certainly validity to this when introducing a brand-new concept like “sit,” but there’s nothing wrong with evolving your language after the first few weeks of basic training. Of course, you can still use one-word requests, but saying “Sit down please,” “Have a seat,” or whatever else you want to say to your dog can actually help broaden her vocabulary. Research has clearly shown that dogs can have a huge vocabulary, comparable to a toddler’s. The average dog can learn at least 165 words, while highly intelligent dogs can learn 250 words, or even considerably more. (One Border Collie named Chaser holds the current known record, at more than 1,000 words!)
There’s no need to dumb down your grammar. If your dog is barking, for instance, you can abandon phrases such as “No bark!” Instead, use proper grammar by saying “Stop barking please,” and teach your dog your language as you would teach a young child. Feel free to speak in a way that comes naturally. You’ll be shocked by what your dog can understand. Can your dog read your mind? Here are 13 astonishing things your dog might know about you.
Myth: Only puppies can learn new things
Truth: This line of thinking has been around a long time: In 1534, an Englishman named John Fitzherbert wrote in The Boke of Husbandry, “The dogge must lerne it, whan he is a whelpe, or els it will not be: for it is harde to make an olde dogge to stoupe.” Translation: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Clichés often have a good bit of truth to them, but that’s definitely not the case here. Dogs love to learn at all ages, and you should always continue teaching them new tricks and concepts to keep them mentally stimulated. No offense to Mr. Fitzherbert, but don’t buy into this old idea for a second. Here are more fascinating facts about dogs you never knew.
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Myth: You can teach your dog only one thing at a time
Truth: Dogs are remarkably intelligent. Just like humans, your dog can process many concepts simultaneously. Of course, don’t expect your dog to master 10 tricks in one day. There’s a fine line between covering multiple concepts and confusing your dog. You’ll have to find that line with your own dog, but a general rule of thumb is between two and four simple tasks at a time.
Most importantly, don’t think you have to perfect a concept before moving on to the next one. Many people assume they need to, say, master housetraining before they move on to basic training, as though it’s sequential. Make sure that this is not your mindset. While you’re housetraining your dog, you should work on other basic skills. Dogs want to work with humans, and you speed up your dog’s learning teaching her multiple things.
More Ways to Raise the Perfect Dog for You
The new book Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is a groundbreaking, comprehensive guide that teaches people everything they need to know to raise and train their dogs. Learn more and buy the book here. Also, visit Zak George’s website at dogtrainingrevolution.com.
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Pot While Pregnant May Raise Premature Birth Risk
Experts' advice to expectant mothers on marijuana use is same as for alcohol and tobacco: Don't do it
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Most Americans Wouldn't Join a Clinical Trial
Only 40 percent had favorable view of these studies, but number rose when they received more info
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After Heart Attack, New Threat: Heart Failure
1 in 4 survivors develops this serious condition within 4 years, study finds
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Adult Smoking Rate Sees Largest Drop in 2 Decades
Adult Smoking Rate Sees Largest Drop in 2 Decades
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How Protein Shakes Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss. Getting enough can boost your metabolism, reduce your appetite and help you lose body fat without losing muscle. Protein shakes are an easy way to add more protein to your diet, and have been shown to help with weight loss. This article explains everything you need to […] The article "How Protein Shakes Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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How to Survive a Plane Crash, According to Science
The odds of being killed on a single airline flight are one in 4.7 million. While crash fatalities are at an all-time low, safe travelers are prepared for the worst. Remember these life-saving habits every time you fly.
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How Protein Shakes Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss. Getting enough can boost your metabolism, reduce your appetite and help you lose body fat without losing muscle. Protein shakes are an easy way to add more protein to your diet, and have been shown to help with weight loss. This article explains everything you need to […] The article "How Protein Shakes Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat" appeared first on http://ift.tt/1UKvwir
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The Most Important Factor in Choosing a Dog (Hint: It’s Not Breed)
Figuring out a dog’s energy level is the easiest way to categorize whether or not a dog is right for you. Of course, there are other factors you might think about such as size, puppy versus an adult, and a mixed breed versus a purebred. However, energy is certainly the most important one. For example, once an older couple came into one of my training classes with a toy breed dog who was off the charts with energy. I would rather have seen these people with a low-energy dog (even a mellow Border Collie!) than the little guy they came in with. It’s not that the breed was wrong for them, but the dog’s energy certainly was.
So, how do you choose a dog based on energy level? We’ll outline the different levels so you can figure out where a dog fits. However, keep in mind that when first meeting many dogs, their energy is likely to be very high due to the excitement of greeting someone new. Make sure you ask the breeder or shelter worker what the energy level of the prospective dog is like during his down time. Also, try to visit the dog multiple times to get a more complete sense of what his personality is like.
Low-Energy Dogs: Level One
Because these dogs lie around most of the time, they make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. These couch potatoes require a few short daily walks, and then they’re happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day. Low-energy dogs are not typically motivated to learn very advanced tasks, nor are they likely to be impressive athletes. However, they’ll likely make up for it in good behavior, and you won’t have to put in as much effort to train them as you would need to for a higher-energy dog.
How to spot a low-energy dog: Untrained low-energy dogs may wag their tails and come up to you, but they’re usually not the type to incessantly jump. Look for the dog who interacts with people and other dogs but does not engage in sustained, vigorous play. When considering a dog who seems to be low energy, first make sure that you rule out sickness or a recent change in the dog’s environment as the cause of his calmness. That way when you get home you won’t be in for any surprises, like finding out that the dog is actually a little Energizer bunny!
Medium-Energy Dogs: Level Two
These dogs are mellow most of the time, but they will have bursts of energy. They are great for the person who wants a hands-on role in training and teaching; medium-energy dogs are good at almost everything, though they may not be perfect at anything. If you want a dog to go running with or to play with at the park, but you’re not looking for exceptional physical talent, then one of these may be your best choice. Most people will do very well with a medium-energy dog.
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How to spot a medium-energy dog: When you first meet an untrained level two dog, you are likely to encounter some jumping. Don’t be turned off by this, as a dog who jumps or seems a bit pushy is simply a dog who wants to interact with you. Medium-energy dogs typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house, but they’ll calm down fairly naturally after five to 10 minutes without a ton of encouragement from you.
High-Energy Dogs: Level Three
Without regular exercise, high-energy dogs are always raring to go; they can play all day and night. Generally speaking, the more energy a dog has, the more teachable he is. You’d be shocked by what some level three dogs can learn: riding bikes, walking on their front paws, and leaping off docks without fear, to name a few. However, you’ve got to dedicate a lot of time to making sure these dogs get plenty of mental and physical exercise—if you don’t, all that pent-up energy can lead to destructive behaviors, and training can become very challenging. High-energy dogs are typically best for a person who has the time and motivation to commit to some serious training.
How to spot a high-energy dog: Look for the dog who runs up to you and jumps like crazy or insists that you play tug-of-war or fetch by constantly bringing you a toy. These dogs usually have a tail that wags at a hundred miles an hour. They may stare at you enthusiastically as though they’re saying, “Let’s play!” They seem to never tire and will engage with you as long as you’re willing. Put a lot of thought into whether or not a level three dog is right for you, as they are generally the highest maintenance of all dogs.
More Ways to Choose and Raise the Perfect Dog for You
The new book Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is a groundbreaking, comprehensive guide that teaches people everything they need to know to raise and train their dogs. Learn more and buy the book here. Also, visit Zak George’s website at dogtrainingrevolution.com.
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The Big Difference Between Weather and Climate (And 10 Other Nature Words Everyone Gets Wrong)
Weather vs. climate. Lake vs. pond. Swamp vs. marsh. With these simple tricks, you'll always know the difference between these nature words.
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Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes
45 professional groups say the procedure improves blood sugar control
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Late Dinners Won't Doom Kids to Obesity
Study found eating after 8 p.m. was not linked to increased risk for weight gain
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New Vision Issues Spotted in Zika-Infected Babies
Finding adds to growing understanding of damage virus causes in these infants, researchers say
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7 Simple Ways to Care for Your Summer Wardrobe
Exactly how to stop your sunglasses from stretching, fold your favorite airy sweater, and keep your whites as white as possible.
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18 Best Summertime Lemonade Recipes
Have the best lemonade stand on the block with refreshing recipes for this summer classic, including pink lemonade, fruit-flavored lemonades and lemonade recipes with real lemons.
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9 Items You Should Never Keep On Your Desk at Work
This is why you should get rid of your mountain of sticky notes, excessive number of pencils, and much, much more.
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Make Laundry Day More Bearable: 10 Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Considering that 100 years ago, doing the laundry involved some serious arm muscles, I feel pretty lucky to be able to toss clothes into a machine and have them come out clean. That said, keeping a busy household in fresh garments, sheets and towels isn’t always easy. For a smooth laundry day (and no more missing socks!), here are 10 tips and tricks. Try one or try them all. Also: stop making these laundry day mistakes.
1. Do laundry more often. This may be counterintuitive, but if you count laundry among your least favorite chores, it may be time to shake things up. If you’ve been saving up your laundry all week to do in one go, try dividing the task into smaller chunks throughout the week (for example, towels on Monday, sheets on Tuesday, clothes on Wednesday, delicates on Thursday).
Or, if you feel as though you’re always doing laundry, see if you can get away with cutting back to twice a week. If you have a large household, there may simply be no way of getting around doing tons of laundry. The tips that follow will make the work lighter, but remember that you can also use laundering as an excuse to take some downtime for yourself. Put on a podcast or audiobook, listen to music, or catch up on a favorite show while you wash, dry, and fold.
2. Do separate loads for each person. One of the more time-consuming parts of doing laundry is sorting out whose clothes are whose when they come out of the dryer. Avoid this issue entirely by giving each person their own laundry basket and only running one person’s clothes at a time. Of course, it won’t always work out this way, but trying to stick with a one-family-member-per-load policy can help cut down on folding frustration.
3. Use baskets to presort laundry. Who hasn’t experienced the dreaded laundry room floor pileup? This tends to happen while laundry is in progress and the person doing the laundry is attempting to get things sorted out—and it gets worse when the laundry is then left there to “finish later” for some indeterminate period of time. A simple solution is to use a three- or four-bin laundry sorter and toss clothes into the appropriate bin from the get-go.
4. Turn clothes right side out before folding. This is a habit that some people will pick up faster than others, but it can make a big difference in the speed with which you can fold a load of clothing. In a totally unscientific experiment, I found that I was able to fold a load of laundry in nearly half the time when the contents were all right side out to begin with.
5. Put socks in mesh bags. If trying to match socks from the laundry is your idea of hell, treat yourself to a few zippered mesh bags—they will change your life (at least when it comes to laundry). The idea is that each person puts his or her socks into a mesh bag, zips it up and tosses it in the laundry. When the bags come out of the dryer, the socks are all together and ready to be returned to their rightful owner. Still managed to lose a sock? Here are 88 genius uses for spare socks.
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6. Set out some helpful extras. A bowl for pocket change, a small wastebasket, and a stain removal chart are nice little extras to have on hand. Here are everyday items that can remove stains. Also consider keeping a stack of sticky notes and a pen nearby. You can use these to stick a reminder on the washer if you need to remove an item to air-dry.
7. Keep your washer fresh by leaving the door ajar after each load. Washing machines, especially the new high-efficiency models, have a very tight seal, which means that moisture trapped after running a load of laundry can’t escape, leading to mildew (and stinky smells). Prevent this problem by leaving the washer door open a crack after each load. Some new models come with a magnetic door latch for this purpose.
8. Hang totes for dry cleaning and delicates. Keep items that need dry cleaning or special treatment from getting mixed in with the regular laundry by dedicating a few big totes to this purpose. Tossing dry cleaning directly into a tote also means that it’s ready to grab and go when it gets full. Store the wire hangers that come back with your dry cleaning in the tote as well, and they’ll be in one place to return them.
9. Dedicate a space to dry delicates. Hand washing itself isn’t too difficult (and some new washing machines even include a hand-wash cycle), but figuring out where to dry delicate items can prove tricky. If you have the space, installing a permanent drying rack in the laundry room is a wonderful solution. If that isn’t possible, invest in a slim folding rack that can slide away when not in use. When choosing a rack, be sure to look for a model that includes space to dry items that need to lie flat (like sweaters). A mesh surface is ideal because it allows air to flow underneath.
10. Corral your supplies. Sure, you can decant your detergent into pretty jars if you like, but if you quickly want to make things look neat, tuck your necessary supplies inside a basket or plop them on a tray. This keeps them together in one accessible place and makes it easy to move everything aside to clean.
Get More Great Home Ideas from Houzz
Get Organized on Laundry Day With a New Hamper
Add Storage With New Wall Shelves
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9 Unexpected Reasons You’re Gassy
Cough syrup and poorly fitting dentures? Yep.
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الثلاثاء، 24 مايو 2016
Colon Cancer Rising in People Under 50
Incidence up more than 10 percent in 10 years among Americans, study finds
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Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes
45 professional groups say the procedure improves blood sugar control
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Balloon-in-a-Pill May Be New Weight-Loss Tool
Those using the device were nearly 7 percent lighter after six months
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Antidepressants Not Just for Depression Any More
Other uses include insomnia, pain and anxiety, researchers say
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Inexpensive Tricks to Erase the Wear and Tear on Your Home
Stop stressing over scratched furniture and squeaky stairs. These quick home improvements are cheap and effective.
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How to Opt Out of Basically Everything (from Funerals to Group Texts to Junk Mail)
From online advertising to going to your uncle’s funeral, you can get out of anything. Here’s how.
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Hormone May Be Linked to Teenage Obesity
Researchers suspect low levels of spexin might play contributing role
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Time to Drop 'No-Eating Rule' Before Colonoscopy?
Consuming limited amount of low-fiber food day before didn't disrupt procedure, study finds
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