A Guide on Natural Solutions For Life

The Natural Solution for a Healthy life
Himalayan precious stone salt is far better than conventional iodized salt. It has been used since ancient times and is scientifically proven to be best for health. It is naturally pure healthy salt and non-toxic in nature. It is far better than ordinary table and sea NACL due to these properties. Indeed, the Himalayan valuable asset is a natural solution for a healthy life.
Advantages of Natural Himalayan Salt

• Advancing the expanded assimilation limits of nourishment components inside the intestinal tract of human body
• Supporting vascular health
• Supporting solid respiratory capacity
• Bringing down rate of sinus issues, and advancing general sinus
• Diminishing spasms
• Expanding bone quality
• Actually advancing sound rest designs
• Making a solid charisma
• Advances kidney and nerve bladder working when contrasted with regular synthetically treated salt
• sack of Himalayan Crystal Salt

Table salt: "The Health Destroyer"
It is a common opinion that basic table NACL contains chemicals and even sugar! Salt is essential in all forms.
Comparison with other salts
Table salt is made out of 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals like iodine and sponges, and sugar. Regular one is dried at more than 1,200° Fahrenheit, a procedure which destroys a large portion of the common compound structures.
The table and cooking NACL is found in many homes, hotels, restaurants and arbitrary plants is non-healthy. It lacks essential minerals and contains harmful chemicals. Preparing salt transforms it into sodium chloride, an unnatural element the human body really sees as a dangerous trespasser! The body can't discard it in a characteristic, solid manner which can prompt bothering of the tissues, water maintenance and hypertension.
Diseases dues to common salt
Studies demonstrate that for every gram of table salt that you can't digest, your body will use more than twenty times the measure of cell water to kill the sodium chloride in synthetically treated salt. This can prompt cellulite, ailment, joint inflammation, gout, and also kidney and gallbladder stones. The normal American devours 5,000 mg of sodium chloride a day; the issue is serious and should be addressed logically and scientifically.
Conclusion
The natural solution for a healthy life comes from a healthy source that is, natural salt. This is the simplest and effective way to improve your fitness and make your dreams of living a healthy life come true. The usage is simple and quite effective. It is scientifically proven and tested.

How Functional Fitness Benefits Seniors

Functional fitness is all about teaching your body to handle real-life activities. It is a way of exercising that helps your body be strong in those areas that the body needs to be strong in your everyday life. This type of fitness can benefit anyone but can benefit seniors perhaps more than others.
The Idea Of Functional Fitness For Seniors
Functional fitness involves putting your body through the paces that are necessary for everyday life. As a senior, you can lift weights or use a weight lifting machine to strengthen certain muscles of your body to the exclusion of others and may find that you are strengthening certain muscles, which leaves a deficiency in others.
Without functional fitness, you can strengthen your arms in a biceps machine but still throw out your neck when reaching for something out of your reach or throw out your back while lifting your grandchild.
Seniors especially make the mistake of exercising their arms or legs in ways that may strengthen those muscles but avoid exercising their back, for example. This can lead to back trouble that could have been avoided if you had recognized that your arms and legs are intricately connected to your back and are useless without a strong core.
As a senior, you need to use all your muscles and joints in concert with one another and not just isolating out certain muscles to the exclusion of others.
Helping Your Muscles Work Together
Many seniors make the mistake of using weight machines or free weights while at the gym. They are isolating out certain muscle groups for strengthening, strengthening some muscles more than others. They may believe that to have a good biceps bulge is a sign of good health when their triceps muscles are not exercised at all. This means that the muscles cannot work together to do the everyday lifting and stretching that needs to be done as part of your regular day.
Everyday movement is not idealized. You don't lift or move things by isolating out your muscle groups and in fact, it takes a strong back, strong legs, and strong-arm muscles to move a box or carry groceries. If you isolate out a muscle group to the exclusion of all others, you can set yourself up for injury to those muscles you have neglected.
How To Make Functional Exercise Work For You
Functional exercise is all about integration of muscle parts. It is about showing the muscles how to work together to accomplish a task rather than isolating muscle groups that may be exercised out of proportion to the rest of your muscles.
If you like rowing machines, for example, think about the posture you are in when you do that exercise. Your back is stiff and your arms are bent repeatedly with your legs doing very little. This strengthens some muscles and not others.
A better activity is to use a free weight standing up. First, you bend over and strengthen your back in picking up the weight. Then you strengthen your legs by holding the weight with your entire body. Finally, put the weight in various motions around your body so that your latissimus dorsi muscles are activated, along with your biceps and triceps muscles. Even the small muscles of your hands are strengthened by holding the weight.
All your muscles are working in concert by that simple exercise. If you repeat it on the other side of your body, the muscles of your back, sides, legs, and arms are exercised for the other side of your body and you haven't missed any muscles in the process.
This type of exercise better mimics the regular activities you do every day and you will have fewer injuries because your muscles have learned to work in concert.
Balance And Control
Functional exercise is all about using your body to balance yourself while having control over your muscles. For seniors, it may mean skipping lifting weights completely and instead working on things like squats and lunges that use all your muscles and help your balance. You don't need bulging biceps to have good functional use of your body.
Can you stand on one foot for any amount of time without falling?
If you have questions about functional exercise, talk to a trainer about those exercises that will best mimic those things you are doing in everyday life. It is a different way to exercise that will keep you balanced, strong, and free of injury.

How to Gain Height Naturally

There are hundreds of tips on how to gain height - but sometimes you don't have hours on end to spend sifting through information in order to find the best information. We have spent countless hours sorting through all the height increasing tips and found you the best answers to the question how to gain height. First things first, you may think that taking the "wonder pills" that are advertised on early morning telly is the way to go however, if you do buy into these companies you will not find out how to gain height you will learn how to get ripped off instead you should do more natural things so you can gain height this is by eating well, having adequate sleep and doing stretching exercises - if you do these three things your body will produce Human Growth Hormone and this will lead to a massive increase in your height.
You may have heard that you should do resistance training if you want to lose weight but did you also know that resistance training is important too when you want to find out how to gain height. This little gem of information is a very important tip and one that you will only usually receive after purchasing an e-book but we thought we'd pass it on to you, as we know how important resistance training is to height gain. On top of doing resistance training at a high intensity it is important that you do some stretching exercises as you can gain height through stretching your spine.
How to gain height through nutrition? Well you can help your body grow by eating foods that promote growth and cutting down on the foods that stunt your growth. Just like your mother said when you were growing up that you needed to drink milk to get strong bones you need to drink milk to become tall too, include lots of protein and amino acids in your diet because these things will help you grow tall. However, on the flip side it is vital that you cut out foods that will stunt your growth this includes caffeine, alcohol and really fatty foods.
How to gain height through rest? Getting a good night's sleep is probably the most foolproof way of adding height without much effort this is because the highest level of Human Growth Hormone in released into your body while it is at rest. You need to sleep in a position that is good for your back and spine otherwise you will wake up with bad posture because you have bent your spine during the night. The best tip we can give you here is that you go out and purchase yourself a firm mattress and find the sleeping position that is most comfortable for you without putting pressure on your spine.
Let's recap on how to gain height. Pills and supplements do not work so never take them even if it's a last resort. Instead focus all your energy on the "big three" - exercise, nutrition and rest. Resistance training is great for the stimulation of Human Growth Hormone, you must also do stretching exercises as well because they stretch the spine and in turn make you grow taller. Nutrition is important - make sure you are eating foods that promote growth and stay away from foods that inhibit it. Finally, having a good sleep at night is extremely important because this is when your body produces optimum levels of Human Growth Hormone.

Health Equals Wealth

How you prioritize your health is the secret to long lasting wellness and overall quality of life. Do not sacrifice comfort for price when you buy workout gear such as shoes and proper breathable workout clothing. Just as you would buy your favorite pair of expensive jeans or t-shirts, do the same for your workout gear. Proper workout clothing and sneakers is one of the staples in the gym.
Not only should you consider more expensive workout apparel, improve your quality of sleep by investing in a better mattress. When you have been sleeping on the same old spring filled mattress for 10 plus years, it's time to get a new one. Good sleep is paramount to health and wellness and is key to whether you'll have a good or bad day. It's only logical you'll perform better on daily activities as well as the work place when you get a full 7-8 hours of sleep when you have the proper mattress in your home. Sure it might save money if you look to get that free mattress offered on Craigslist, but when you do, you are sacrificing your sleep patterns in the long run. As well as the chance of catching bed bugs! Don't buy cheap, buy big. Don't forget about buying the right pillow.
If you're female, experiment with purchasing chemical free beauty organic and cleaning products. You'll love yourself more for it big time. Buying cheaper health skin care products will be more detrimental to your skin as you do not know what kinds of chemicals are in these products. When you take the time to prioritize what you're wearing in the gym and on your skin, and what kind of bed you are sleeping at home, you are increasing the wealth of your health!
Another tip in increasing your success for better quality of life is prepping your meals for the day. Load up on groceries on the weekends, and prep your food the day before. You don't have to be a bodybuilder to do so as when you have all your meals ready for the day, you aren't racing out the door to the nearest fast food joint to feed your hunger. When you eat out majority of the time, the costs add up towards the end of the month. Sure you might think buying a $150 worth of groceries for the week might be pricey, but look at what you spend on lower quality foods such as fast food restaurants. Invest in the time to cook your meals before hand, and you'll save money over time.

Pick the Best Aquarium Maintenance the First Time

It doesn't matter where you work or what you do for a living, if you have pets such as marine life, there may be times when you are unable to take care of them properly. No matter how busy you get, you can't assume that your marine life will be able to sustain themselves while you are away. That is why there are aquarium maintenance services available. They can keep your tanks in great condition whenever you need them too.
The best way to improve how well your aquatic life is cared for while you are gone is to take the time to choose a great aquarium maintenance company. That means that you need to contact more than one company and find out what services they provide. Find out what products they use to clean your tanks and to help maintain the right ecological balance. Find out what kind of fish and other types of marine life they provide services for and which ones they don't. Find out what they hours of operation are and what their fees are for each service they provide. Don't forget to find out if there are any service commitments needed or if you are able to pick and choose when you call for the service to come out.
As you start to get information from various aquarium maintenance companies, you should start looking over the information and categorize them into to two groupings. Those groupings should be titled "most likely to use" and "least likely to use". The services that sound impressive so far should be checked to ensure they have the right credentials in the industry. Keep in mind that you are not only choosing a service that will be maintaining your fish tanks, you will be trusting them inside of your property. You can never be too sure about anyone or company until you do some research so you can know whom you are dealing with.
When it comes to hiring a good aquarium maintenance service, you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the company you have chosen. You need to know for certain that the service you have chosen is going to be mindful of your tanks and do their best to maintain them while you are away. You need a service that you can call on with short notice if a situation arises where you need to get away. If you have trouble choosing between two or more services, go online and start looking for reviews and opinions about these companies. You are looking for something that will help set these companies apart so that you can choose the most qualified one for the job. If necessary, ask some of your friends and family about who they hired and why. Don't take chances when it comes to your pets and marine life. Keep them healthy and happy by making sure they are properly cared for.

A Guide to Pregnant Goldfish and Newborn Fry

It is the pleasure of many goldfish owners to care for their young fry at some point in their lives. Properly caring for goldfish fry is crucial in all stages of their development and can begin with either a purchased mated pair or a single pregnant goldfish, however you may have even been surprised one day by discovering a tank full of eggs. Because goldfish eggs are so delicate, it is important to properly house them and remember not to neglect them so that any complications may be headed off.
How to Care for the Eggs
In order to protect your eggs once they have been laid, it is important to move them to a separate tank away from the mature goldfish. It is more difficult to transfer eggs from a larger tank simply because of the number of places where the eggs may be hidden, or as a result of a surprise spawning that would not otherwise have been planned out. In order to facilitate the developmental process, it is important to put the eggs in no more than six inches of water. Newborn fry that hatch in deeper water may have adverse side effects due to the increased pressure of the depth of the tank. In order to facilitate a faster hatching of the eggs, the tank water should remain around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Eggs that turn white should immediately be removed so that the remaining eggs are not harmed by the decomposing eggs. The remaining eggs can be damaged by these unfertilized eggs as the infection spreads among the clutch.
How Do You Feed Goldfish Fry?
After hatching, your fry will not eat for the first two days since they are still developing. When your fry finally begin to eat after two days of developing, they will do so with a voracious appetites. Fry will eat anything; some experts recommend feeding them portions of small brine shrimp, while others recommend allowing them to nibble on algae. One of the most detrimental things you can do to your fry is to not feed them enough. It is easier to properly portion food in a smaller tank because feeding fry in a larger tank means it is sometimes difficult for the fry to find the food in so much water. Overfeeding fry is a common way to ensure that they will get the sustenance they require, however this necessitates almost daily water changes to combat the pollution o the tank. Fewer fry require smaller spaces to live in, however with larger hatchings it is important to find extra space to put them in quickly so they can begin to develop properly. Within a couple of weeks the fry will outgrow their transfer tank, and will need to be moved to a larger aquarium where they can develop properly with enough room. Having goldfish fry is a common occurrence that most goldfish owners will experience at some point in their lives. In order to raise happy and healthy fry, you must first be educated and prepare your materials ahead of time to facilitate the hatching and developmental processes. Negligence and inexperience can result in losing an entire nest of eggs due to improper care and environmental factors, even for experienced breeders.

Upgrading From A Freshwater Aquarium To A Saltwater Aquarium

It seems eventually every successful freshwater aquarist thinks about moving on to a marine tank. It's easy to see why- the ocean's bounty is vast with all manner of interesting and often incredibly colorful creatures. But few actually go on to actually set up their first saltwater aquarium. They're held back by their concerns. These concerns would be perfectly valid were you to dive right in with little to no knowledge or strategy as happens far too often. But with the proper understanding and planning setting up your first saltwater aquarium can be much easier than you had hoped.
Cost
Probably the first consideration people contemplating a saltwater aquarium setup make is the cost. The perceived notion is that a marine tank will cost more than a freshwater tank of comparable size. Well, this notion is largely true. Even a no frills fish only saltwater aquarium requires more equipment to set up and has a higher operating cost than a basic freshwater tank and if you wish to keep corals the cost only goes higher. Of course that's not to say a freshwater tank can't be expensive either. A large planted setup could easily match a reef tank's costs. Really the cost of any setup is a result of the size and complexity more so than what it's meant to keep. Furthermore, no matter what type of tank you're running much of the equipment is the same. A freshwater setup can be converted to saltwater for a relatively low cost since you'll be reusing a lot of what you already have.
Difficulty
The next thing most aquarists looking to get into the marine aspect of the hobby consider is the difficulty. Put simply, successfully keeping a saltwater aquarium has a higher learning curve than an equivalent freshwater tank- it's why marine aquariums aren't recommended as a first foray into keeping fish. Everything there is to know to successfully keep a freshwater tank applies to a saltwater tank- plus more. The biggest hurdle is probably maintaining the water quality. The issue is it's more or less impossible to tell if something is wrong with the water at a glance. Detecting problems requires testing and retesting to see how things are changing over time. None of this is particularly difficult actually, but it does require some diligence for the owner to keep an eye on things. It's something many aquarists, old and new, slack on. Besides the water, another issue is the effort required in meeting the specific needs of the tank's inhabitants. Many marine creatures are less easygoing than their freshwater counterparts. They often have more specific dietary needs and figuring out how various species will interact is tricky. Of course the same could be said of the freshwater side of the hobby as well. On both sides there are plenty of species that are suited for the beginner who's still learning the ins and outs of managing their tank.
Water Changes
Maintenance for either type of setup is basically the same- cleaning the glass, vacuuming up debris, changing water, and so on. However, that last one, changing water, is a bit more complicated when it comes to marine tanks. The reason is of course the salt that needs to be mixed into the change water prior to the actual switch. Mixing up a fresh batch of saltwater isn't hard but it does take time a bit of effort to get the parameters just right meaning water changes have to be planned ahead, usually by about a day. By extension this also means you need to have enough space somewhere near the tank to mix this water and let it sit while the salt dissolves. Finally, water changes for a saltwater tank can be a bit messier, especially in the long run. Any water spilled from a freshwater tank will dry in time more or less. However, water spilled from a marine tank is full of salt and when it dries will leave that salt behind so wiping up any drips is a bit more of a concern.
Availability
One thing that might not immediately come to mind is the availability of both equipment as well as livestock from local sources. Pretty much anything you may want can be ordered online but this is always less than ideal. Not being able to check out things in person can be a problem and returns or exchanges are of course more of an issue. Furthermore, shipping live animals isn't exactly easy which translates to a higher cost and greater risk of receiving unhealthy specimens. It's definitely not a bad idea to see what's available locally prior to making the decision to set up a saltwater tank if cost is a factor. Do remember that many stores will be willing to order things you may want that aren't currently in stock, however.
If you take your time and do your research then setting up your first saltwater tank isn't as hard as it may seem. There is a fair bit to learn over what it takes to keep freshwater setup but, once it's up and running, the day to day effort required really isn't all that different. If you've been considering moving up to a saltwater tank and are aware of the changes it brings then it may be time to take the plunge.

How to Choose the Right LED Light for Your Aquarium

The latest way to light up an aquarium is with LED bulbs, both because of their longevity and small carbon footprint, and because of the wide variety of spectrum options and intensity now available in LED bulbs. Below are some tips on how to choose the right LED lighting for your particular aquarium setting.
Consider the Organisms You Support
The types of organisms you raise in your saltwater aquarium can help you determine what kind of LED lighting you need. For example, if you have clams, coral or some types of plants that grow at somewhat deeper ocean depths, these organisms have adapted to the blue and white wavelengths of light, and the choice of LED bulbs should reflect this.
For aquarium setups with vast amounts of plants, blue and red wavelengths are the most crucial for the plants to effectively photosynthesize and live healthy lives. But with LEDs, you can also literally have your cake and eat it, too, because they allow you to create a natural looking light that mimics both sunlight and moonlight, while providing your organisms what they need for a proper environment.
Choose the Color for the Effect You're Looking For
Once the light needs of your organisms are met, you get to play with a whole spectrum of colors, depending on the way you want to present your aquarium. For example, if you want a true realistic water shimmer in your aquarium, concentrate on white LED bulbs that give your setup an appearance of being in the sunlight.
LED lights in the blue spectrum, such as actinic LED bulbs, can really bring out the details and beauty of your living coral reef. LED lights that enhance the color of the water from the warmer end of the spectrum are very good for bringing out the best in livestock when all your aquarium holds is fish.
Other Considerations When Choosing LED Aquarium Lighting
In the case of LED lights for saltwater aquariums, the best rule of thumb is to buy the best system of lighting you can afford, and any LED lighting system you buy may have a hefty price tag. But the more expensive LED lighting modules can come with some very nice options.
For example, you can buy a setup that contains three full rows of full-spectrum LED bulbs. Because these bulbs are so small, you don't notice them as part of the whole aquarium experience, and their small size makes it easier to move them out of the way to work in your aquarium. Another option is an automatic timer that changes the LED bulb intensity to mirror an actual daytime/nighttime event, without you needing to remember to manually dim the lights.
One important consideration when choosing the correct LED lights is to calculate the amount of heat given off by the bulbs. LED lights emit much lower amounts of heat than the traditional fluorescent or Metal Halide bulbs, which means that LEDs do not contribute to the heating of the water. But the LED bulbs do release heat upward and out of the aquarium. The heat doesn't harm your aquarium organisms, but it can reduce the lifespan of your LED bulbs, so consider adding a fan if you plan on having a large array of LED lights in your saltwater aquarium.

5 Fish to Keep in Your Saltwater Aquarium

When it is your first saltwater aquarium, putting it together is definitely an overwhelming task. Since you do not have any idea on maintaining an aquarium, it is important that you learn a bit more about the fishes and invertebrates before buying a brand new one.
You would not want to buy a fish that will be too difficult to begin with. You also do not want a ugly fish that will just hang around in your tank taking up space and food.
In this article, we have a list of 5 fish that you will love to keep in your aquarium. I hope they will be helpful.
5 fish that you must keep in your saltwater aquarium

• Angel fish

Looking to add some color in your tank? Well, buy these beauties. Coral beauties, a type of dwarf angelfish, are great additions to any sort of salt water tank. Just remember to add some rocks where these beauties can hide.

• Butterfly fish

Butterfly fish is a type of marine fish. There are 120 species of the butterfly fish that are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. These fishes come in various colors, stripes or patterns and are mesmerizing to watch.

• Clown fish

Ever wanted a fish that you saw in the movie 'Finding Nemo'? Well you can. Clown fish are typically very bright, orange fish that have three white stripes, one at the head, middle and tail.

• Talbot's Damsel

Very vibrant in color, with a distinctive spot on its back, the Talbot's Damsel is somewhat aggressive to other fish species, especially as they age. Other than that, this species are easy to keep and live for a long time.

• Achilles tang

Although this fish a little more expensive and difficult to keep, Achilles tang is one of the most striking fishes for your aquarium. Since it swims continuously at a very high-speed, this fish needs a large tank with a good open space. If kept in a small tank, this fish will not feed and will die quickly. It feeds on herbivore die and needs a variety of foods.
Buying fish at your first sight is not a good idea. We recommend that you research a bit on livestock you want to pet and check whether they are compatible with each other or not.
Buying livestock for your new saltwater aquarium is not easy as a pie. You need to give a lot of your time in your research.

The Basics of Plumbing Your Aquarium

If you have any desire to move beyond goldfish and guppies and into the exciting world of saltwater reef aquariums, you are going to have to tackle the basics of plumbing your aquarium. Many of the invertebrates you work with in a reef aquarium require a strong flow of water running constantly through the setup. This water movement is critical for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as removing waste products produced by live coral and other creatures you may have in your aquarium.
Flexible Line and PVC
When considering the plumbing of your aquarium, you have a choice of setting your system up with flexible line or PVC piping. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Flexible line consists of rubber tubing, which can be bent into configurations much more easily than the solid plastic of PVC piping. This makes it convenient for plumbing small aquarium setups, where you don't have lots of room to work out the plumbing details. This ability to bend as you go also makes installing flexible tubing easier and faster than PVC piping, and it is also easier to replace the tubing if your aquarium system should suddenly spring a leak. To attach the tubing to your plumbing system, you will need to purchase clamps that are the same size as the tube.
On the flip side, the flexibility of tubing makes it more liable to kink, which can restrict water flow to your aquarium. This forces the return pump to work harder, thereby shortening the life of this piece of equipment. Another disadvantage is that most flexible line is transparent, which can create issues of organic growth inside the tube if it is exposed to light for very long.
For larger tanks and situations where high pressure is part of the system, PVC pipe is the best choice. PVC is made of rigid plastic, which doesn't kink and is much less likely to break. Because it comes in a variety of sizes, you can buy straight tee fittings, 45 degree elbows, and 90 degree elbows, and create a system that ranges from a drain and return loop all the way to a setup that includes multiple aquariums connected together by plumbing. Adding more plumbing to your system is an easy process with PVC pipe parts. Also, PVC pipe is opaque, so you avoid algae growth in your system.
One disadvantage to a plumbing system based on PVC piping is that the parts are usually glued together. Unless you created the system with several threaded connections screwed together, you will have to saw the piping apart whenever your plumbing has an issue. Another disadvantage to PVC pipe is its inflexibility. Sometimes the plumbing ends up sticking out more than flexible tubing, which can hug the aquarium and be tucked out of the way.
Other Plumbing Pieces
Besides pipes and connectors, you will need some other pieces in an aquarium plumbing job. For instance, good ball valves let you control the flow of water, or even shut the water off temporarily. A ball valve opens and shuts by means of a swing arm, which moves the half circle shaped plastic element inside the valve, increasing or reducing the amount of liquid that can move through the hole in the valve. A PVC ball valve operates without using any o-rings or washers, so it is less likely to wear out.
Another handy piece when you are doing your own plumbing is known as a union coupling. Also referred to as a union valve, it consists of three sections: female and male ends, plus an oversized nut that connects the two ends together. The union coupling is hand tightened, instead of being glued into place. Even better, this coupling gives you easy access to parts of your aquarium plumbing that require maintenance or cleaning, such as inline heaters and chillers, reactors, UV sterilizers, and that space between the return pump's outlet and the remaining plumbing.
Bulkhead slips are a necessary piece of equipment after you've drilled a hole in the walls of your aquarium to install more plumbing, because it transforms a hole in the glass to a location where you can attach plumbing to the glass. The bulkhead slip consists of two pieces of plastic that push together from each side of the glass. Gaskets at the union prevent the system from leaking. You can choose among three versions of bulkhead slips: slip to thread, thread to slip, and slip to slip.

Two Boy But One Body (Emotional Video)

Me on flight

5 Practical Tips to Help Your Overweight Dog!

The obesity epidemic is hitting humans hard, with more than 1/3 of adults in the US and UK clinically overweight or obese. Our pets are quickly following suit. Some experts blame processed commercial dog foods while others place the blame on heavy-handed feeding practices. Food is love, right? Wrong.
It's true that most of us over-feed our pets. We give snacks and treats as often as we can and give in to their begging behavior. Veterinarians may charge us with the task of helping our dog to lose weight, but many don't know how to begin. Let's take a look at some basics on how to put your overweight dog on a diet.

Tip #1: Visit to the Vet
If you're not sure what your pet's ideal weight should be for their age and breed, ask your veterinarian. A physical examination will help determine your pet's body condition score and level of obesity. The vet can then help you determine what kind of diet your dog needs to be on. Some veterinarians will offer nutritional counseling, providing you with a very specific meal plan, number of calories per day or prescription diet.
Tip #2: Measure the food
Commercial dog foods have published feeding instructions on the side of every bag of dry dog food. Some canned foods also have feeding recommendations. Feeding recommendations are based on current body weight.

Always remember that the recommended amount to feed is the DAILY RATION.

If you feed your dog twice a day, you must split the recommended amount in half. It is a common mistake for owners to read the bag and give that amount twice a day - essentially feeding twice as much as the dog needs. If you read the bag and realize that you have been overfeeding, go ahead and feed what is recommended. Your pet may begin to lose weight from this simple change alone. If your veterinarian recommends a certain amount, be sure to measure it out accurately using a standard imperial dry-measure cup or weight it out in grams.
Tip #3: No Snacking
It's thought that the French have one of the lowest rates of obesity in the world due to their cultural "ban" on snacking. Americans are the worst about eating all day long, snacking in between meals and eating more calories than we should. Many of us do the same for our dogs. Even if we have a "healthy" snack, such as an apple, we may give some of these extra calories to our patiently waiting pooch.
If you do give your dog treats or snacks, stick to low-calorie options and very small portions - no larger than your thumbnail 1-2 times daily. Also incorporate this treat as a reward during training or physical exercise. Your dog will simply be happy that you are giving them attention and affection, even if it is less food.
Tip #4: Begging Behavior
Don't give into the begging! This is one of the reasons that pet diet plans fail. When you cut out the snacks and reduce the amount of food that they are eating - sometimes they will beg for more. If you give in to this annoying habit, you are actually positively reinforcing the behavior - making them more likely to beg in the future!
Tip #5: No Table Food
If your dog eats the same way that you do, this can be the cause of their obesity. Many dogs don't eat commercial dog food and can suffer the ill effects of a high calorie 'human' diet. To remedy this, cut back on the table food very gradually, as going 'cold turkey' can cause annoying begging behavior. If your dog will only eat roast beef and boiled rice, mix it in with a high-quality canned dog food. As your dog gets used to the new textures and flavors, slowly phase out the 'human food.'
Eating a balanced diet will do wonders not only for the waistline but for their overall health as well. These tips should set you and your pudgy pooch up for dieting success. Always remember to discuss weight loss plans with your pet's veterinarian. 'Crash diets' and suddenly reducing calories can be stressful for you and your pet. Remember: slow and steady wins the race.

Holly and Hugo is an e-learning company which features courses for animal lovers and those planning to work with animals in the future.
Our courses have been created just for you, and since all study is completed online you can learn anywhere and at your own pace.

Horse Training: 7 Essential Steps for Safely Handling Your Horse's Feet

Handing your horse's feet regularly is necessary for his health and wellbeing. But did you know that how well your horse behaves about having his feet handled is also a sign of how much he trusts you?
It takes a huge amount of trust for your horse to be relaxed while having a foot held. As a flight animal your horse's natural instinct is to resist having his feet restricted in any way.
If your horse won't let you handle his feet or behaves badly when you try, it is not only frustrating it can also be dangerous.
Follow these tips if you are nervous about handling your horse's feet or if your horse has any of these or similar behaviours:

• refuses to lift his foot
• slams his foot down as soon as you pick it up
• leans his weight on you when you pick up his foot
• rears, strikes or kicks when you try to pick up a foot or touch his leg

Follow these tips to help your horse pick up his feet willingly and safely.
Set up for Success: Always work with your horse in a quiet area where you are both away from distractions so you can focus on each other. If you tie your horse, always use a quick release clip or not and have the tie long enough so his neck can be level.
Establish your personal space. Horses determine their place in the herd by who move who. Respectfully ask your horse to move out of your space. If your horse responds aggressively (biting, striking or kicking), get help from a professional horse trainer.
Build trust about being touched everywhere. Using a whip to extend your reach, stroke your horse gently starting on his withers and shoulder then down his front leg finishing by tapping the hoof. Next, stroke along his back, barrel, and croup then down his haunches and back legs tapping the hoof. Pay attention to your horse's body language. If he shows signs of stress, return to somewhere that he was comfortable until he relaxes again.
Balance matters. Your horse is balanced when he is standing with his feet square and under him. When he is standing square, ask him to shift his weight off the leg you want him to pick up. As he lifts the foot, support the fetlock and hoof with your cupped hand. Keep the foot lined up with the knee to avoid pulling on the shoulder, knee or fetlock. Gently lower the foot to the ground placing the toe down being careful not the drop it.
Prepare for picking and trimming. At first, only hold the foot up an inch or two for a second or two. Gradually increase the height and the length of time. When your horse comfortably holds his foot up for about 30 seconds, gently brush ad then tap the sole with your hand, a brush or a hoof pick.
Protect your back. When handling your horse's feet, keep your knees bent and your weight shifted slightly more over your outside leg (farthest from your horse). Stand close to your horse but be aware of where your feet are to avoid being stepped on. Your horse can't see your feet.
Quality is more important than quantity. The length of your sessions is less important than the quality of the experience for your horse. The goal is for him to be calmer at the end of the session than he was at the beginning.

The Bottom Line - The absolute best way to develop a true partnership with your horse is by building your confidence and trust in each other.

How to Prepare Your Cats for a New Kitten

It is often said that it is easier to introduce a dog to a cat than a kitten to a cat. This is because the dog won't be viewed as competition for resources, territory and affection in the way a kitten is. But this isn't to say that it can't be done successfully and here are a few tips.
Understanding your cat
Cats have a territory even if this constitutes the rooms in the house and the arrival of a new kitten can be seen as an infringement on this territory. One of the best tips when it comes to selecting a new kitten is to understand the personality of your existing cat and pick a kitten accordingly. For example, if your existing cat is nervous and shy, then don't purchase an overly confident kitten who could intimidate the cat and cause conflict. Try to get cats that have similar personalities in the hope that they will gel together.
Of course, this is difficult to do in some situations, such as from a shelter. You don't spend enough time with the kitten before adoption to get a feel for who they are. Then the other plan is to make sure you can separate the kitten from the cat while they settle in.
Kitten crate
The ideal of a kitten crate or box may sound harsh but it a good safe way to introduce an adult cat to the newcomer. This prevents fights that can lead to long term animosity and problems as well as possible short term injuries. Purchasing a cat crate to use for the kitten until things have settle down can be a worthwhile purchase.
Inside the crate needs to be their new food and water bowls, their own cat litter tray and their own toys. It is important these are all new and not taken from the other cat, as the smells will cause confusion. The cat will not like that the kitten has its things and the kitten may be afraid of something that smells of another cat and not use them.
First meeting
Once you bring the kitten home, don't introduce the cat to it straight away. Let it become familiar with its surroundings and limit it to the room where you have located the crate. Once the kitten has settled down, then pop it in the crate and open the door of the room. Make sure you are present when the cat first comes in and watch the reactions. It can be an idea to put a small box in the crate so the kitten can hide if it feels threatened and leave the door open so the cat can leave when they want to. Sometimes putting a small bowl of the cat's favourite food or treat in the room is a good idea as this immediately associates the kitten with something good in the cat's mind. Watch their interactions and once there is no signs of trouble, you can then let the kitten out of the box and monitor their reaction to one another. While they may never be best friends, most cats adapt to each other and live by happily ignoring the other.

The Basics of Cat Care

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a cat for the first time, already own a cat but just want to make sure you're doing everything right, or simply want to find out more about cats and their care requirements, it can be hard to know where to turn!
Everyone has their own unique ideas about the best way to care for our feline friends, so if you're having problems sorting the wheat from the chaff and want to make sure that the information you're reading is reliable and accurate, search no further; read on to learn more about the basics of good cat care, and where to go to improve your knowledge and understanding.
Responsible cat ownership
Before you make the commitment to take on a cat, you should be sure that you will be able to afford to care for it, and intend to own it and look after it appropriately for the duration of its hopefully long life.
You should review your home and surrounding area critically to ensure that it is a safe and suitable environment to bring a cat into, and also, ensure that if you rent or live in a leasehold apartment, you are permitted to keep cats within your home.
When you actually get your cat, you should take steps to make sure that your cat is not a nuisance or inconvenience to others, and also, that you spay or neuter them as soon as possible, if this has not already been done for you.
Veterinary care
All cats should be vaccinated against all of the core communicable feline diseases, and receive an annual booster and vet check every year. It is also important to be able to recognize other times when your cat may need to see a vet, such as if they become sick or injured. You will also need to budget for flea and worming treatments, and preventative care such as looking after your cat's teeth. Finally, you might want to consider insuring your cat, to help with the cost of any unexpected and potentially expensive veterinary treatments.
Feeding
Cats need to feed little and often, and so should be given free access to the appropriate food, and also clean, fresh water at all times. What you choose to feed your cat is up to you, and the like-for-like price of different cat foods can vary considerably across different ranges! When making your decision, you should take into account your cat's life stage and lifestyle when picking the right food, and you will also need to decide if you wish to feed wet food, dry food, or a combination of both. Wet and dry food each have their advantages and disadvantages, and no one can tell you what is best for your own cat! Make sure that the food that you feed to your cat is a complete food, rather than a supplementary one, as only a complete food will take care of all of your cat's nutritional requirements. Also, go easy on the treats; too many treats can soon cause your cat to pile on the pounds, which can lead to a whole range of potential health problems.
Understanding your cat
Cat communication is complex, and very different from that of humans! You will need to make sure that you understand the basics of cat communication, how to interpret your cat's moods and needs, and how to tell if something is wrong with your cat, such as if they are stressed or unhappy. You should also learn how to provide a safe, comfortable environment for your cat, which includes considerations such as where to locate their beds, food bowls and litter trays, how to make your cat feel secure, and how to recognize when they want to be left alone!
Enabling a natural lifestyle
Most cats are indoor/outdoor cats, meaning that they have a warm home to stay in when they want to, but also have free or regular access to the outside world. This will help your cat to live a natural lifestyle and manifest their natural behaviors, as well as helping to keep them both fit and entertained. In some cases, certain breeds of cats may do better with an indoor-only lifestyle, such as the very un-streetwise Ragdoll, or hairless cat breeds that are apt to get too cold in the winter, or get burnt in the summer. If this is the case with your cat, you will have to go a lot further when it comes to enabling a natural lifestyle for them, and keeping them entertained.
Life stages
The natural behavior of cats will change as they age, starting with a boisterous, fun-loving kitten who is into everything, through your calmer, adult cat, to the specific traits and care requirements of the feline old-timer. Learning to recognize what is normal and appropriate for your cat at every stage of their lives, and knowing how to provide this, is also essential information.
Troubleshooting
If your cat suddenly starts urinating in the house, clawing the furniture, acting aggressively or otherwise doing something out of the ordinary that indicates unhappiness or an underlying problem, you should learn how to recognize this, and develop a good understanding of the potential causes of problem behaviors and how they can be resolved.

How To Know Which Protein Powder Is Right For You

If you're trying to identify the top rated protein powders, it's hard to get a clear answer, as everyone has a different opinion. It isn't easy to compare two or more products, when they have been created for different purposes, like protein powders. How much extra protein you actually need must be considered when looking for the right product that can help you reach your goals for fitness and health. Also, in case you're interested, you should definitely have a look at the Shakeology meal replacement shake highly recommended.
Eggs are thought to be one of the most-perfect foods by many nutritionists. They have all of the essential amino acids, are low in fat and are very high in protein. There is a reason why you see some athletes put raw eggs in a blender with other ingredients and then drink it, and also having lots of eggs in their diet. Eggs give you lots of protein, but if you don't like eggs, use egg protein powder and the results will be the same. Although eggs are an animal product, they are not a dairy product, so they're appropriate for anyone who may be lactose intolerant. When you are looking for something to eat between meals to give you a lift, egg protein would be better than either whey protein or casein, because its absorption time is between the other two.
Taking protein powder to replace a meal is the choice of many people. These are protein shakes that you make with water, milk or juice along with a protein supplement. There are a variety of purposes for taking products for replacing your meals, but the main ones are improving performances or losing weight. You should keep in mind that the body has many nutritional requirements aside from protein, so it's not a good idea to rely entirely on supplements for your nourishment. Even if you are on a low carb diet, you still need a certain number of carbohydrates. Anytime you substitute a regular meal by using something like whey protein powders, then you need to also take a variety of minerals and vitamins.
Cutting down on eating beef is something people are doing, so as an alternative, you might want to consider beef protein. You might be interested in trying beef protein powder, but there are some things you should know before you do. If you are looking for protein powders, and are allergic to dairy products, a good high quality animal protein to take instead of either whey or casein, It is not the most efficient way to get protein, because beef has a low rating on the Biological Value scale, so even whey protein is better. If you're considering beef protein powder, you should also consider the source of the beef, as factory farmed beef contains many impurities and additives. When you don't have all of the information, things such as different protein powders might not make sense, but it will with further research. Once you find a protein powder that works for losing weight, you will find that to build muscles, you will need another kind. Depending on whether you can tolerate milk products, will determine if you can use whey products or need to find alternatives in hemp, soy, or rice proteins.

Goldfish Care - What a Wonderful Way to Teach Children

Life is fast paced. It is nice to actually stop and 'smell the roses' as the old saying goes. So busy rushing the children off to school, off to work, after school activities, soccer, dancing, piano lessons homework, dinner, bath, bed. Does that routine sound familiar?
Many of us are living a whirlwind with no time to just stop for a moment, take stock and look at what is really wonderful in this world. I've found a little time spent relaxing, sitting together with the children, just watching our goldfish each day rewarding.
I want the children to grow up understanding commitment. Trends and fads can easily take over every part of our lives, from the groceries we buy, the clothes we wear to the home we live in. The term 'disposable society' creeps into our vocabulary all too frequently.
Our young children have the job of feeding our goldfish. The feeding ritual itself is a lesson for children. Not only the commitment to feeding the fish daily, but they learn that variety is important to the health of the fish. Even goldfish need their fruit and vegetables. A little zucchini and peas helps to keep their bodies healthy, just like ours. Reinforcing the message of the importance of good nutrition.
They help with the weekly task of cleaning the fish tank. Being diligent with aquarium care and keeping the tank clean is vitally important to the health of the fish.
I love the deeper lessons our children are learning from taking care of their fish. Unlike cats & dogs these pets can't go to the door when they need to go outside or want to go for a walk. Goldfish are completely reliant on our diligence for their needs. If we let them down we possibly cut their lives short. Their lives are completely dependent on our care.
The great thing about goldfish is that they are relatively hardy, particularly the comet breed. These fish are very lively and add great color to the tank. The tails of the comet are ¾ the length of the body of the fish and so look magnificent when added to an aquarium.
Overcoming society's 'disposable' attitude can be difficult. Children are conditioned from a very early age to 'throw away' things that are used, or imperfect.
All too often a goldfish meets an untimely end and is disposed of down the toilet. With diligence, attention and a little knowledge this can often be avoided.
With care we can nurse our pet back to health. A small hospital tank can be set up to isolate and treat the sick fish. It's a rewarding experience to see the fish recover and go back to his home with the other fish.
We go to the computer and research together. Setting up a breeding tank, learning and watching the cycle of life is another important lesson in caring and nurturing.
Keeping goldfish is a way of instilling a caring attitude to nature. The lessons for our children are invaluable: commitment, responsibility, nature's live cycle and the importance of caring for life.
Apart from providing a wonderful addition to our home, these fish give our family so much more than the meagre attention and care needed for their survival.

AKHILESH KUMAR B.L.S.: Should You Get a Pet Rodent?

AKHILESH KUMAR B.L.S.: Should You Get a Pet Rodent?: Have you ever considered buying a pet rodent on impulse? You're in the pet store and there they are, inexpensive and cheerf...

AKHILESH KUMAR B.L.S.: How to Choose a Pet Bird

AKHILESH KUMAR B.L.S.: How to Choose a Pet Bird:   Pet birds are a cheerful addition to any home. Their chirping, cheerful songs enliven a room, and teaching a pet bird to talk can...

Should You Get a Pet Rodent?

Have you ever considered buying a pet rodent on impulse? You're in the pet store and there they are, inexpensive and cheerful, playfully scampering around their cages and running on their wheels. The health benefits of pet ownership are well known, and rodents can be terrific pets. Why wouldn't you want to buy a small pet right there on the spot, both for their benefit and your own?
Before you jump in, however, you should consider a number of factors about owning a pet rodent, whether it's a hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, rat, or mouse. These small pets are inexpensive to buy, but there additional costs involved in keeping them. They also require gentle attention and constant clean-up and care to ensure pet health. Depending on which type of rodent you choose, they may not live on your daily schedule. And if you buy more than one, you may wake up one day to find yourself the proud owner of many, many baby rodents.

6 Tips for Choosing a Pet Rodent
 
Factors that go into your decision to purchase a pet rodent — and the type of rodent you choose — include:

• Size. Guinea pigs and rats are larger, while mice, hamsters, and gerbils tend to be small in size.
• Number needed. Pet hamsters and mice tend to fight when kept with a companion, so it may be better to purchase just one. Gerbils, guinea pigs, and rats are social and thrive with companionship, particularly same-sex pairs. You should consider buying more than one of these species if you want a happy small pet.
• Attention and care. All pet rodents need some daily attention if they are to be socialized into your family. They should be handled or let out to play every day. But guinea pigs require even more attention than that. Because of their long fur, they need to be groomed regularly.
• Nocturnal or not? Pet hamsters and rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they'll be up playing when you're asleep and zonked out when you're awake. Gerbils, guinea pigs, and mice are more likely to be on your daytime schedule.
• Human interaction. Some pet rodents take to humans more readily than others. Guinea pigs and rats are much less likely to bite, while hamsters and mice tend to be more nervous around people.
• Lifespan. All pet rodents have a short lifespan compared to dogs, cats, and some other types of small pets. Mice live 1 to 3 years, hamsters and gerbils 2 to 3 years, rats 2 to 4 years, and guinea pigs 5 to 7 years. Keep this in mind when buying a pet rodent for a young child.

How to Care for and Feed Your Pet Rodent

Pet rodents have very specific needs if they're to be kept healthy and happy, including:

• Housing. You will need to purchase a cage, terrarium, or aquarium for your pet rodent. Rats and guinea pigs require larger cages than other species. Be sure to buy housing with a sturdy latch, as pet rodents often prove themselves escape artists. A modular enclosure with tubes connecting the different "rooms" can provide your pet rodent with entertainment. You also should stock their living space with plenty of toys and at least one exercise wheel. Lay down fresh hardwood shavings for bedding in their living space.
• Food. Most pet rodents eat pellets specifically formulated for their species. You also should supplement these pellets with fresh produce every day. Guinea pigs have even more specific food requirements, including fresh hay and vitamin C supplements. And don't forget to keep your pet's water fresh, changing it at least once a day.
• Chewing. All rodents love to chew. You need to provide them with safe materials to chew on. It's important for their physical and mental well-being.
• Cleaning. Pet rodents tend to excrete very strong-smelling urine, especially gerbils. You will need to replace bedding and clean out their enclosure at least once a week. Clean their food dish daily, and their water dish or bottle with every refill.

These small pets are adorable and can be sweet companions. Just be sure you know what you are getting into when you decide to bring one into your family.

How to Choose a Pet Bird

 

• Pet birds are a cheerful addition to any home. Their chirping, cheerful songs enliven a room, and teaching a pet bird to talk can be a fun and rewarding pastime. But before you plunge in, understand that there are some drawbacks to bird ownership. Pet birds can be very messy, need different types and amounts of pet bird food and, even though they are caged, require lots of care and attention to ensure optimal pet health.
  The Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that people interested in keeping a pet bird choose a type that has been selectively bred over time and is considered a domesticated animal. Some examples include:
  
  
• Canaries
• Finches
• Budgies (Parakeets)
• Cockatiels
• Lovebirds

You should avoid purchasing a wild bird species such as a parrot, macaw, cockatoo (not the same as a cockatiel), or toucan, according to the Humane Society. These birds belong outdoors in the wild, and keeping them indoors places a cruel limit on their lives. They also can be very messy and destructive.
4 Bird Selection Tips
These key criteria will help determine your small pet bird selection:

• Birds of a feather. Most pet birds do better when kept with a companion bird. These include finches, budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds. On the other hand, canaries like to be by themselves.
• Singing or speaking. Some types of budgies and cockatiels can learn to talk, if you spend enough time teaching them. Don’t expect anything but pretty chirps and tweets from the other breeds.
• Lifespan. Budgies live about six years on average, while cockatiels live to about five years and finches live around four to five years. However, individual pet birds can live much longer lives, perhaps 20 years or more.
• Personality. Pet birds can have a widely varied disposition, depending on the breed. Canaries are lovely singers, but they don’t like to be handled by humans and are, as noted, solitary birds. Finches also don’t enjoy human company, but do enjoy being kept with other finches. On the other hand, budgies and cockatiels are very cheerful, smart, and friendly and enjoy being doted on by humans.

Your Pet Bird Food and Care Guide

Pet birds require a lot of care to keep them happy and healthy. Some things to keep in mind include:

• The right cage. You should get the largest cage you can afford to give your pet bird plenty of room to fly. You also will need to set up the cage with perches, food and water dishes, and an assortment of toys. You may need to provide special items, depending on the breed of bird. Hook-billed birds like budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds need to chew, so you will need to provide chewable items for them. Lovebirds are nesting birds, and you should provide them a nest box.
• The right pet bird food. In general, domesticated birds can all be kept on commercial bird seed sold at stores, but you might want to consider a pelleted food formulated for your particular species. You also should offer them some fruits and vegetables daily. Keep a close eye on the food bowl — high-metabolism species like finches and canaries can starve to death in 24 to 48 hours if their food runs out.
• The right cleaning schedule. Birds make a mess, so you’ll need to thoroughly clean the cage at least once a week. Take out the cage’s tray and the perches for washing. Just prior to cleaning, give your birds a chance for bath time by placing a shallow dish of water on the bottom of the cage. Also keep food and water dishes clean — pet bird food dishes can fill with seed hulls, creating the illusion that there is food when there really isn’t. Discard old food and water and replace them with fresh supplies daily.
• The right amount of attention. Human-friendly pet bird species like budgies or cockatiels should be given attention for at least an hour every day. After you’ve gotten acquainted over a few weeks, you can begin hand taming these birds.

With some general knowledge and the realization that birds do require care, you can enjoy the many benefits of bringing a bird into your home.

7 Small Pets That Could Be Right for You

Pets can be great sources of companionship and comfort, and the health benefits of keeping a pet are well documented. Pet owners often experience increased self-esteem and reduced feelings of loneliness, and they may even gain physical health benefits such as lowered heart rate and blood pressure.
But maybe you aren’t up to the challenge and responsibility involved in owning a dog or cat. If that’s the case, don’t overlook the benefits of small pets! From pet birds and rabbits to ferrets and pet rodents, these guidelines can help you choose the best small pet based on personality and the level of care needed to safeguard its pet health.

Is a Rabbit Right for You?
Pros:

• Rabbits are social and friendly animals, and adapt very well to human companionship.
• They have one of the longer life spans of small pets, living between 7 to 10 years.
• Their floppy ears, soft fur, and wriggly noses make them popular with kids.

Cons:

• Companionship rabbits should be kept in the home, rather than in an outside coop or in a basement or garage. You will need room for a fairly large cage.
• Rabbits need daily handling and care to become socialized. You need to pet your rabbit regularly and let it out of its cage for at least an hour each day.
• Rabbits have a delicate digestive system and need a varied diet that includes fresh vegetables.
• Rabbits and small children do not go well together. Rabbits are skittish animals that need a quiet environment, and the quick movements of excited children could startle and stress them.

Let a Bird Brighten Your Life
Pros:

• Pet birds are colorful additions to any home, and you may find their tweeting and chirping to be charming.
• Pet birds can be kept in a cage in one area of your home, eliminating the potential for mess elsewhere.
• Many types of birds have been selectively bred for human ownership and adapt well to domestic life. These include finches, cockatiels, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds.

Cons:

• Many wild birds, such as toucans and parrots, belong in the wild and will not enjoy domestic life. They can be loud and destructive.
• Most birds are flock animals, so when purchasing certain species you really should get two in order for them to lead a happy life.
• A bird’s cage should be big enough for it to spread its wings fully and fly from one side to the other. Keep in mind that the cage will need to be cleaned regularly.

Keep a Hamster’s Schedule in Mind
Pros:

• Hamsters are a cuddly, friendly, and inquisitive type of pet rodent.
• Hamsters are relatively independent and self-entertaining and therefore don’t require the amount of attention that other small pets do. However, you will need to provide them with a variety of toys to enjoy.
• Hamsters are solitary creatures, so you only need to buy one.

Cons:

• Hamsters are nocturnal and won’t be awake for much of the time you are. They may also make some noise rattling around at night while you sleep.
• Hamsters must be handled gently or they could bite. Children under 8 might not possess the motor skills needed to handle a hamster correctly.
• Hamsters carry diseases like salmonella, so you should be sure to wash your hands after handling them.
• Hamsters only live 2.5 to 3 years, so be prepared to explain death if you purchase one as a pet for a young child.

Have Fun With Ferrets
Pros:

• Ferrets are engaging pets with a playful attitude and boundless energy.
• Ferrets enjoy a long life span, about 8 to 10 years.
• Ferrets can grow very cuddly as they get older, usually at 3 years of age or later.

Cons:

• You will need to “ferret-proof’ your home and supervise them when they are out of their cage, as their inquisitive nature can get them into trouble.
• You should not keep a ferret in a cage for long periods of time. They need to be out spending time with you when you are home.
• Ferrets can be pretty smelly, as their fur contains a natural musky odor.
• Ferrets require gentle handling and can bite if threatened or harmed.

Take a Gander at Guinea Pigs
Pros:

• Guinea pigs are considered the sweetest and most social of the pet rodents.
• Guinea pigs live 5 to 7 years, longer than hamsters.
• Guinea pigs can be kept in an open-topped pen rather than a cage, as there’s less chance they will try to climb out and escape.

Cons:

• Guinea pigs have long hair that will require grooming.
• They are herd animals — you should get at least two guinea pigs so they will have companionship.
• You will need to clean your guinea pig’s pen regularly.
• Like hamsters, guinea pigs carry salmonella and other diseases.

Choose a Chinchilla
Pros:

• Chinchillas are adorable pet rodents with soft fur, large ears, and bushy tails.
• Chinchillas live between 5 to 10 years.
• Chinchillas tend to be solitary and do not need a companion.
• They are usually clean and odorless, and friendly to humans.

Cons:

• Chinchillas can be easily startled and should be handled carefully. Also, patches of fur can come loose and slip off with rough handling.
• Chinchillas require dust baths once or twice weekly to maintain pet health. The dust — usually powdered volcanic ash — must be provided deep enough so your chinchilla can roll around in it.
• Chinchillas can be large and hard to handle.

Get Acquainted With Gerbils
Pros:

• Gerbils tend to be very clean pet rodents.
• Gerbils are independent and can keep themselves entertained for extended periods.
• Unlike hamsters, gerbils are not nocturnal. They will be up when you’re up.

Cons:

• Gerbils are smaller and can slip out of wire cages. You’ll need to purchase an aquarium in which to keep them.
• As with other pet rodents, gerbils must be treated gently or they can bite.
• You will need to clean your gerbil’s aquarium regularly. As desert animals, they tend to pass highly concentrated urine that can have a strong odor.
• Gerbils live for 3 to 4 years, so you may have to explain death if you have a young child.

There are plenty of pet alternatives to choose from, especially if you are more comfortable welcoming a small pet into your home.

The Process of Dog Grooming

Grooming can often be grueling and shocking if the dog has not become accustomed to the treatments. It is wise to start Fido on a regular grooming regimen when he is young and maintain that throughout his life. Although finding a dependable, gentle and loving groomer is the best way to secure a happy experience, it is not always easy. All groomers are different, but most of the processes are similar. Some will offer extra services and others will just do the basics. It is best to ask what is included for the price you will pay.

THE BATH
When you drop Fido at the groomer, he will likely be placed in a cage until it is his turn for a bath. He will almost always be washed in a tub and showered clean. The product your groomer uses is important, since there are so many on the market. It is good to research products your groomer uses and to be concerned about soap getting in the eyes, ears and nose.
BLOW DRYING
After the bath, the dog is either placed in a drying cage or is hand dried with a powerful blow drier. These driers are designed to lift the fur for easier shaving and to remove matting. They are generally the main cause of anxiety in dogs during the grooming process because they are very noisy and feel strange blowing out the fur. Holding the dog securely and safely is the best way to get him used to the noise and excitement of the drier. This will take several visits and becomes less stressful and more normal with time.
BRUSHING
Once the dog is dry, he will either be shaved or brushed. Brushing will remove any matting and distribute oils through the fur. This also takes some getting used to and should be done between visits to the groomer
SHAVING
Shaving your dog is harmless unless the dog is afraid of the clipper and tends to jump or wiggle excessively. The clippers can cut the fine skin of the dog and is another reason your dog should have regular visits to avoid building anxiety and fear of the process. Accidents are inevitable and staying calm will keep your dog calm as well.
CLIPPING NAILS
Most dogs don't enjoy having the toenails clipped, but it is necessary for the health of your dog. If he goes too long without having his nails trimmed, it can cause serious problem with his pads and ability to walk. Overgrown nails can curl around and grow back into the pad causing crippling and excruciating pain which could lead to a surgical procedure to remove them. Dogs who tend to dig and run often are more likely to wear their nails down naturally and may not need to be trimmed often. On average, an indoor dog needs the nails done every 6 to 8 weeks.
CLEANING EARS
Ear disorders keep veterinarians very busy. It is a common malady in all breeds. Proper ear care is essential in good health and takes little time and effort. Ask your groomer if this is part of the regular regimen.

Understanding the power of prayers

साठ सालों के विकास का सफ़र : क्या खोया, क्या पाया ?

शायद वृद्धावस्था में दिमाग खाली रहने के कारण भूत और वर्तमान के बीच भटकता रहता है. यही कारण है कि विगत दिनों से कई बार जीवन काल में आये बदलावों पर मन भटकता रहता है. बचपन से आज तक सामाजिक, आर्थिक व शैक्षणिक मूल्यों में बदलाव के साथ विकास का यह 60 सालों का सफ़र कितना कुछ अपने साथ लाया व कितना कुछ अपने साथ ले गया, इस पर प्राय: मन भटकता रहता है. 

इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं है कि पिछले सात दशकों में भारत ने प्रशंसनीय प्रगति की है. शिक्षा, सुख-सुविधा के साधन, उपचार की उपलब्धता, कमाने के अवसर, संचार माध्यम तथा मनोरंजन के साधनों का तेजी से विस्तार एक बहुत बड़ी उपलब्धि है. 

लोगों के आर्थिक विकास और क्रय शक्ति में वृद्धि से आज भारत विकासशील देशों में अग्रिम पंक्ति में खड़ा है. आने वाले बीस से पच्चीस वर्षों में भविष्य का अध्ययन करने वाले विद्वान भारत को जापान व अमेरिका से सम्पन्नता में आगे निकल जाने की भविष्यवाणी करने लगे हैं. सभी भारतीयों को देश की इस उपलब्धि पर गर्व महसूस होना चाहिए. 

किन्तु विकास के इस सफ़र में हमने क्या खोया है ? इस पर लोगों का ध्यान शायद बहुत कम ही जाता है. मेरे अनुसार सबसे महत्वपूर्ण पांच मनुष्यता के आधार मूल्य जो हमने इस विकास यात्रा में गवाएं हैं, वे इस उपलब्धि को बौना बनाने के लिए पर्याप्त हैं. 

1. संतोष : हमारे मनीषीयों ने संतोष को परम धन की संज्ञा दी है. किन्तु प्रबंधन विशेषज्ञों ने प्रगति के लिए इसे बाधक बतलाकर लोगों को भौतिकवाद की ओर इस प्रकार दौड़ने के लिए मजबूर कर दिया कि इतना कुछ पा लेने के पश्चात् भी और पाने की लालसा खत्म ही नहीं होती. इस अतृप्त लालसा का ही परिणाम है कि लोगों का सुख चैन गायब हो गया है. पहले जहाँ एक सब्जी रोटी खाकर मन तृप्त हो जाता था, आज कुछ भी खाने से पहले यह सोचना पड़ता है कि इसका सेहत पर क्या असर होगा. अधिक कमाने के फेर में आज लोग मिलावट, बेईमानी, लूट, धोखेबाजी, भ्रष्टाचार आदि को जायज मानने लगे हैं. वैसे देखा जाए तो हम बाजारवाद के मायाजाल में जकड़ दिए गए हैं. परिणाम स्वरुप अधिकतर लोग मानसिक तनाव से जनित बीमारियों जैसे रक्तचाप व मधुमेह से जूझ रहे हैं. संक्षेप में कहा जाए तो हम आज पहले की अपेक्षा अधिक गरीब ही हुये हैं, क्योंकि आज हम पैसों की भूख ज्यादा महसूस करते हैं. 

2. समाज : मनुष्य खुद को सामाजिक प्राणी मानकर गर्व महसूस करता है. सामाजिक होने का मतलब समाज के अन्य लोगों के प्रति संवेदनशील होना है. मुझे अच्छी तरह याद है कि बचपन में पूरा मोहल्ला एक परिवार की तरह रहता था. सभी परिवारों में एक पारदर्शिता व अपनापन था. हम बच्चे लोग आसपास के सभी लोगों को भैया, दीदी, काकाजी, ताईजी आदि संबोधनों से ना सिर्फ बुलाते थे बल्कि मान भी देते थे. हम बच्चों से कभी कोई गलती हो जाती थी तो मोहल्ले का कोई भी बड़ा व्यक्ति अधिकार से डांट देता था. डांट में छुपे स्नेह के कारण बुरा मानने का तो सवाल ही पैदा नहीं था. यह अपनापन सिर्फ मोहल्ले तक ही सीमित नहीं था बल्कि उस समय के सामाजिक बंधन का स्थानीय प्रतिरूप था. इस मजबूत सामाजिक बंधन का ही परिणाम था कि लोग गलत काम करने से डरते थे. अपनी समस्या को बांटने के लिए कई विकल्प थे इसलिए मानसिक तनाव जनित बीमारी कभी सुनने में नहीं आती थी. बढ़ते भोगवाद व सीमित परिवार की सोच ने इस सामजिक बंधन को आज इतना कमजोर कर दिया है कि बाहरी व्यक्ति तो दूर घर के किसी बड़े व्यक्ति को भी आज किसी को टोकने में डर लगता है कि बुरा ना मान जाए. सामाजिक बंधन के कमजोर होने के साथ ही लोगों के व्यवहार में आज एक स्वच्छंदता व उच्श्रंखलता दिखाई देती है. निंदनीय कार्य व दुष्कर्म भी आज लोग नि:सहाय से देखकर चुप रह जाते हैं. 

3. सच्चाई : हमारे मनीषीयों ने सच्चाई को सबसे अधिक महत्त्व दिया है. सीधे शब्दों में सच्चाई अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ है. सच्चाई का पालन करने वाले सरल ह्रदय लोग होते हैं. आजकल हर कोई एक दूसरे से प्रतिस्पर्धा में लगा हुआ है, चाहे वह बच्चों की शिक्षा हो, सुख-सुविधा के साधन जुटाने की बात हो अथवा धन कमाने की दौड़. इस प्रतियोगिता में हर कोई सिर्फ आगे निकलना चाहता है. इस चाह में अंतरात्मा को कुचल डाला है. लोग दूसरों से आगे निकलने के लिए कुछ भी कर सकते हैं. विकास की इस चाहत ने समाज में एक ऐसी बीमारी फैला दी है, जिसका इलाज फ़िलहाल किसी के पास नहीं है. 

4. सम्मान : बड़ों व अथितियों का सम्मान करना हमारी संस्कृति का एक गौरवशाली अंग रहा है. बचपन से ही बच्चों को सवेरे उठकर घर में बड़ों के पैर छूकर आशीर्वाद लेना सिखाया जाता था. आशीर्वाद लेते समय पूरा झुककर पैरों को छूना पड़ता था. यह एक प्रकार के व्यायाम से कम नहीं था. साथ ही बड़े लोग जो सहज भाव से आशीष वचन बोलते थे वे मनोबल को बढ़ाने वाले होते थे. प्यार व सम्मान की यही डोर परिवार व समाज को बांधे रखती थी. बिखरते परिवार व जीवन की व्यस्तता ने इस परंपरा को लगभग समाप्त ही कर दिया है. ऐसा नहीं है कि बच्चे आजकल बड़ों के पैर नहीं छूते हैं. लेकिन झुकने में कष्ट अधिक सम्मान कम झलकता है. यह प्रथा आज सिर्फ एक दिखावा बनकर रह गयी है वह भी सिर्फ गिनेचुने लोगों तक सीमित. अथिति तो आजकल पहले से सूचित करके ही आ सकते हैं. कई अवसरों पर बोझ समझकर झेल लिए जाते हैं व कई अवसरों पर बहाने बनाकर टाल दिए जाते हैं. अनजान व्यक्ति को तो आजकल घर में बैठाकर पानी पिलाने से भी डर लगता है. भरोसे की इस कमी ने समाज में एक बिखराव पैदा कर दिया है. जिसके दुष्परिणाम हम सभी जानते हैं. 

5. संवेदना : दूसरों के प्रति संवेदनशील होना एक स्वस्थ समाज की पहचान है. मुझे बचपन की बातें आज तक अच्छी तरह याद हैं. दया, ममता, स्नेह आदि भावनाओं को हमारे मनीषियों ने मानवता का अभिन्न अंग माना है. ऐसा नहीं है कि आज ये भावनाएं लोगों में नहीं है. हम आज भी लोगों में ये भावनाएं देख सकते हैं. किन्तु इनका दायरा प्राय: अपने परिवार, नजदीकी मित्रों और सम्बन्धियों तक ही सीमित रह गया है. इन भावनाओं को डर, अविश्वास, असुरक्षा और स्वार्थ ने काफ़ी हद तक दबा दिया है. किसी अपरिचित व्यक्ति की मुसीबत में सहायता करने से हम लोग सामान्यतः कतराने लगे हैं. शायद यही कारण है कि जो अपराध पहले रात में चोरी छिपे किये जाते थे, आजकल खुलेआम दिन-दहाड़े हो रहे हैं. 

मैं यह बिल्कुल नहीं कहना चाह रहा हूँ कि आजकल सब कुछ गलत हो रहा है. आज का युवा अधिक बुद्धिमान, सृजनशील, मेहनती व खुली मानसिकता वाला है. किन्तु वृहद परिप्रेक्ष्य में मानव मूल्यों में गिरावट साफ़ नज़र आती है. ऐसा भी नहीं है कि ये मूल्य लुप्तप्राय: ही हो गए हैं, किन्तु इस सत्य को नकारा नहीं जा सकता कि पहले की अपेक्षा बहुत अल्प मात्रा में देखने को मिलते हैं. इस पर हमारे आर्थिक विकास का कितना योगदान है इस पर बहस की जा सकती है.

नवरात्रा के नौ संकल्प

नवरात्रा शुरू हो गए हैं. इन नौ दिनों में आप नारी शक्ति और देवी के नौ रूपों की पूजा करेंगे, नौ दिनों तक अखंड ज्योत जलाएंगे, अच्छी बात. माँ के सम्मान में नौ दिनों तक गरबा, आरती, डांडिया करेंगे, अच्छी बात. नौ दिनों तक उपवास, व्रत, फलाहार आदि करेंगे, नंगे पाँव रहेंगे, अच्छी बात. नौ ही दिन माँ को नए-नए प्रसादों का भोग लगायेंगे, ज्वारे उगायेंगे, प्रतिदिन मंदिर जायेंगे, जल चढ़ाएंगे, माँ का विशेष श्रृंगार करेंगे, कन्यायों की पूजा करेंगे, उन्हें भोजन कराएँगे, नए-नए उपहार देंगे, वह भी अच्छी बात. जप, तप, पूजा, पाठ, भक्ति, आराधना जो कुछ भी आप करेंगे, सब कुछ अच्छी बात. 

बस मेरे कुछ सवालों का जवाब दीजिये. पूजा हम उन्हीं की करते हैं ना जिनका हम आदर और सम्मान करते हैं. तो फिर अपनी हर समस्या के लिए देवी की उपासना करने वाले इस भारतीय समाज में कन्या के जन्म को अभिशाप क्यों माना जाता है ? क्यों शक्ति के उस अंश को कोख में ही मार डाला जाता है ? क्यों एक ओर आप शक्ति के जिस स्वरुप की पूजा करते हैं वहीँ दूसरी ओर उसे सम्मान, अधिकार और बराबरी का दर्जा भी नहीं दे पाते ? क्यों हर रोज अख़बार हाथ में उठाते ही ना जाने कितनी मासूमों की चीखों और चीत्कारों से घर गूंजने लगता है ? क्यों नारी को संकीर्ण सोच, कुप्रथाओं, भेदभाव, अपमान, दूसरे दर्जे का मनुष्य समझे जाने, तिरस्कार, तानों, छेड़छाड़, मार-पिटाई जैसे क्रूर व्यवहार से रूबरू होना पड़ता है ? दहेज़, शिक्षा और नौकरी पर मनमाने प्रतिबन्ध, बलात्कार, तेजाब डालना, डायन घोषित कर मारना-पीटना, मासिक चक्र के समय अपवित्र समझा जाना, सिर्फ देह समझा जाना, पराया धन मानना, गालियाँ, भद्दे-फुहड़ मजाक, और भी ना जाने क्या-क्या. कितना कहूँ, क्या-क्या बताऊँ ?

अगर हम सच में नवरात्रा मनाना चाहते हैं तो आज से और अभी से ये नौ संकल्प लें, हमारा नवरात्रा मनाना सार्थक हो जाएगा, और इससे अच्छी बात और कोई होगी नहीं. 

• पहला संकल्प कन्या भ्रूण हत्या जैसे क्रूर विचार की हत्या का. कोख में बेटी की हत्या जैसे महापाप के प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष रूप से कभी भी भागीदार नहीं बनने का. अपने बेटे और बेटी में भेदभाव नहीं करने का. समय की मांग भी यही है कि बेटे और बेटी की परवरिश एक जैसे की जाए. समान प्यार, समान अधिकारों के साथ ही घर और बाहर की सभी जिम्मेदारियों में उन्हें समान रूप से भागीदार बनाया जाए. 
• दूसरा संकल्प दहेज़ ना देने और ना लेने का. बेटियों को अपनी संपत्ति में बराबर का भागीदार बनाने का, और विवाह को व्यापार और सौदे में ना बदलने का. 
• तीसरा संकल्प अपनी झूठी शान, इज्जत और अहम् के त्याग का. जिसकी वजह से बेटी को प्यार करने की इजाजत नहीं. अपना मनपसंद जीवन साथी चुनने का अधिकार नहीं. 
• चौथा संकल्प अपनी माँ और पत्नी को सम्मान और बराबरी का दर्जा देने का. स्वार्थ वश, मोह वश या किसी भी कारण से किसी एक की उपेक्षा ना हो इसका खयाल होना चाहिए. 
• पाँचवा संकल्प हर ऐसे कार्य की तिलांजलि का जिसमें अंधविश्वासों के नाम पर कभी नारी को अपवित्र समझा जाता है तो कभी अकेली, विधवा, परितक्यता को चुड़ैल या डायन बताकर उसका बलात्कार और मारपीट की जाती है. 
• छठा संकल्प नारी को सिर्फ देह समझकर यौन उत्पीड़न, छेड़छाड़, बलात्कार, फूहड़ टिप्पणियाँ, तंज, अश्लील इशारों, तेजाब डालना जैसी कलुषित मानसिकता और वृतियों के त्याग का. नारी को एक इंसान समझकर उसके साथ इंसानों से व्यवहार का. 
• सातवाँ संकल्प नारी को आज़ादी देने का. पर्दा प्रथा, बुरका, सिन्दूर, बिछिया, मंगल सूत्र जैसे प्रतिबन्ध और विवाह के प्रतीक सिर्फ नारी के लिए ही क्यों ? 
• आठवाँ संकल्प नारी को वह सहजता भरा वातावरण उपलब्ध करवाने का जिसमें वह दिन हो या रात, किसी के साथ हो या अकेले बेफिक्र होकर कहीं भी आ जा सकें. अपने कार्य स्थल पर बिना किसी भय के काम कर सके. 
• नौवां संकल्प नारी के प्रति प्यार और सम्मान का. उसके त्याग, समर्पण, सहनशीलता, ममत्व और स्नेह का मूल्य समझने का. उसके प्रति किसी भी तरह के शोषण, अत्याचार और हिंसा के परित्याग का, और इन सभी संकल्पों को याद रखने का. 

नवरात्रा के इन दिनों में माँ के प्रति श्रद्धा और सम्मान का इससे अच्छा और क्या तरीका हो सकता है ? हमें देवी नहीं बनना है, हमें बस एक इंसान समझकर इंसानों की तरह बराबरी और न्यायोचित व्यवहार चाहिए. क्या ले सकते हैं आप ये संकल्प ? क्या दे सकते हैं हमें अपनी पहचान, आज़ादी और अस्तित्व ?