Antibiotics were once seen as miracle medicines. They vanquished diseases that were responsible for the deaths of millions of people and protected the population from infections. When the first generation of antibiotic users was marveling at the abilities of these miracle medicines, they couldn't possibly have predicted the current antibiotic problems.
Today, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are causing death in people and animals around the world. Bacteria that produce an enzyme called Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) are of special concern. This enzyme causes bacteria to be resistant to antibiotics, making them extremely difficult to control and kill.
In fact, this type of bacteria has been referred to as more dangerous than Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The number of patients infected with ESBL bacteria is rapidly rising. Recorded cases have risen approximately 50 percent in just the last year.
With all of this news on our minds every day, many of us are looking for the best way to stay healthy. Avoiding illness and infections can be the easiest way to protect yourself from long-term complications such as antibiotic-resistant infections.
How do you accomplish life-long good health and protect yourself from future diseases? Most experts agree that maintaining a healthy weight is the best path to long-lasting health. Since over 60 percent of Americans and 50 percent of Canadians are considered overweight, it's clear that many of us need to make a change toward healthier living.
Even a moderate weight loss of 10 to 15 percent can lead to increased health and an improved immune system. Weight loss enables your body to focus on fighting off infections. An overweight body spends much of its time trying to counteract the ill effects of too much fat and sugar in the diet. Abdominal fat loss is especially helpful for long-term health, since abdominal fat has been named as a precursor to heart problems.
Being overweight causes toxins to be stored in the body. These toxins can make you feel sluggish, sick and fuzzy-headed. They may even lead to further weight gain and diseases in the future. Although it can be very difficult to do, the best way to combat this general sluggishness is to work on moderate weight loss. When the amount of fat in your body is reduced, the toxins are released and your system is free to focus on keeping your immune system healthy.
So many diets are in the news and on the Internet today that choosing one can be very confusing. Some of the most popular are the 3 Day Diet, 4 Fat Idiot Loss and the 5 Factor Diet. All of these diets have varying degrees of effectiveness for the people who follow them. The best way to choose a diet for weight loss is to read the details and imagine yourself following this eating and exercise plan for life.
If you can picture yourself following these rules for the long term, then chances are the diet will be effective for you. For lasting weight loss, you should be able to adhere to a way of eating not just for a few weeks, but for life.
The link between weight loss and the prevention of disease is one that has been proven time and time again in scientific studies. A person attaining and maintaining a healthy weight will have far fewer instances of illness and a much reduced need for antibiotics and other medical interventions.
By cutting down on our need for antibiotics, we can help to slow the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ease the burden on our health care system. We can also enjoy the knowledge that antibiotics will be more effective in instances when we truly need them.
Dogs need different diets as they age. Puppies usually require larger amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates than an adult dog. Their bodies are going through tremendous growth in a short amount of time and so dog food rich in these items are very important.
However, different dog breeds require different amounts of calcium, protein, and fat. It's been found that puppies of larger breeds need less protein and grow at a healthier rate on adult dog food because it doesn't promote the fast growth that puppy food does.
Dog breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards can grow at phenomenal rates, some gaining 100 pounds in months. When bones grow too fast they become less dense and more porous, leaving the dog more vulnerable to degenerative conditions.
In some areas puppy food is available specifically for different breed sizes. It's recommended that owners talk to their vet about what dog food is best for their puppy.
Feeding schedules are different for the age and the size of the animal. Small-breed puppies such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas may not get the energy they need unless they are fed 3-4 times a day for the first few months.
There are special formulas for small breeds. They typically come in smaller kibble so it's easier for the dog to eat, as well as being higher in nutrition so the dog gets the necessary energy they need for their higher metabolism.
Extra calories are needed by dog athletes and working dogs to provide the energy they need each day. There are custom-made formulas that contain a high percentage of calories from protein and fat.
Elderly dogs have completely different needs than puppies, younger dogs and working dogs. They need less protein while at the same time the protein needs to be easily assimilated into the body and easily digestible. Too much protein can lead to burdening the renal structures and may damage the kidneys.
Arthritis, heart disease and other age-related conditions could mean less exercise and so less food. However, senior dogs that remain active, have a healthy weight, and are free from serious health problems don't necessarily need a senior diet.
Some senior diets have reduced protein levels. But healthy seniors need sufficient protein to help maintain muscle mass. Owners need to check with their dog's vet to determine the best formula and the correct amount for their elderly dog.
A stage that some female dogs go through is the pregnancy stage. This requires a different diet and schedule. Females in the pregnancy stage require a balanced nutrition with proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.
Later, when they are nursing the puppies, they need enough calcium so the bones of the puppies will be strong.
As your dog advances through each stage it's necessary to check how your dog is doing. If there is a change in weight, mobility, coat quality, or any other health aspect in your dog you need to discuss it with your vet. It is possible that your dog needs a change in diet.
Carol Stack has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Fishing and Fitness. Carol Stack enjoys writing articles about dogs. She lives with her husband, children, four dogs and seven cats in the United States. Carol and her daughter Christy have been working on a web site especially for dog lovers. Tips and information about. Carol Stack's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.