Anticipating baby’s arrival may even make parents-to-be reconsider the family pet. How will Fido get along with your bundle of joy?

A new study shows furry friends actually may benefit baby. Researchers writing in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy say living with a dog or cat indoors during the first year of life can significantly reduce a kid’s chances of becoming allergic to these animals during childhood.

The researchers studied nearly 600 children from birth. Based on information provided by the tots and their parents, the scientists concluded that boys who lived with a dog at home in the first year of life were about half as likely to be allergic to dogs at 18. The same held true for babies of either gender born by C-section. Eighteen-year-olds who lived with indoor cats in infancy were less likely to be allergic to felines.

The investigators said it’s unclear why some groups were affected more significantly than others by living with dogs, or why cats seemed to provide greater protection against future allergies. But they did offer a theory on why pets may lessen a child’s propensity for animal allergies. Indoor pets increase the variety of microorganisms in the home. Exposure to a variety of germs at an early age seems to prime the immune system to cope better with many materials throughout life. But sheltered immune systems can react negatively to unfamiliar microbes.

So you can breathe a sigh of relief, pet owners. As long as your fluffy friends have kid- compatible temperaments, they may help, not harm, your baby.

Know every late-night talk show … and the infomercials that follow them?

Do your mortal enemies include the alarm clock, too-chipper morning radio hosts and those pesky rays of sunshine that creep through your windows and assault your eyes?

Then, yep … you’re a night owl.

But a new study may have you questioning your late-night ways. Researchers in Brazil have found that night people tend to have outlooks a tad on the dark side, sort of like the black coffee they gulp to wake up in the morning.

The study examined about two-hundred people and showed that the average night owl tends to go to bed about an hour later than the average early bird. Despite this slim difference, night owls had three times more symptoms of depression than those who hit the sack earlier.

But trading in your night owl credentials to become a certified early bird may not be the only solution. Falling asleep sometime between these two extremes may actually be your best bet. According to the study, people who fell into this category were five times less likely to exhibit symptoms of depression than late-nighters.

Of course, researchers don’t actually know if later bedtimes lead to depression. Depressed people often struggle with sleep, which could skew research results.

If you’re a night owl looking to hit the hay a little earlier, there are a few tips to help you squeeze in a few more Z’s. First off, avoid watching TV or staring at your phone before bed. Second, stave off caffeinated beverages too close to bedtime. Studies have also shown that getting up at the same time everyday can help you fall asleep easier at night.

Who knows? Your bedtime could be a product of genetics, too. Perhaps, some people are meant to worship the sun while others are built for the nightlife.

Carbs will be carbs at any time of day, but according to new research, how our bodies respond to sugar and other substances varies greatly. Findings show that the time of a meal may be just as important to weight loss as the calories consumed.

Investigators worked with 420 adults who were enrolled in a 20-week weight loss treatment program. Individuals were placed into one of two groups by their own choosing — early eaters, who ate lunch as a main meal anytime before 3 p.m., and late eaters, who consumed lunch after 3 p.m.

After four months, the researchers found that early-eaters lost significantly more weight than late-eaters, and recorded a much quicker rate of weight-loss. Published in the International Journal of Obesity, the first-of-its kind study also showed that late-eaters had a lower estimated insulin sensitivity, which is a risk factor associated with diabetes.

The timing of smaller meals did not affect weight loss. However, the late eaters did consume fewer calories during breakfast and were more likely to skip breakfast altogether, perhaps leaving them more hungry and more likely to consume added calories during the rest of the day.

In examining the participants’ weight loss, the researchers also looked at other possible mitigating factors, like total calorie intake, exercise and sleep patterns. Even when taking these into account, the findings were unchanged, suggesting that the timing of the main meal was indeed a key and independent factor in weight loss success.

Based on the findings, the researchers suggested that health care providers continue to promote healthy eating patterns via diet and exercise. But they also suggest putting a little thought into when dinner happens and not just what is on the plate.

With the advent of television and the easy access to popular culture through multimedia, people — women more often than men — have become accustomed to looking at themselves through the lens of society. That is, they’ve learned to view their bodies as objects of beauty rather than beings of strength and vitality. To test this theory, researchers at the University of London asked 50 female students between the ages of 18 and 27 to listen to their heartbeats. Those who could count the beats with more accuracy were more likely to appreciate their body for its health and function rather than its appearance.

So if you need a boost of self-esteem, shift your focus away from the way your body looks to the amazing way it functions. It’s a living, breathing being — and it’s the only one you’ve got — so show it some love.

Take time to marvel at your lungs that breathe life into you every second of the day, even when you’re asleep. Wonder at the way your skin protects the vital organs, tissues and veins lying just under its surface. Don’t think of your thighs as too thick — just look at how far they carry you. Don’t stress about the things you can’t change, like your height. Obsessing over what you perceive as flaws can only fuel the self-loathing fire. Change the way you see yourself and worry less about what the rest of the world sees. Do your best, forget the rest and be sure to love your body.

Proposed changes to nutrition labels could require food packagers to reveal the calorie count and other information for entire containers of foods, not just ideal serving sizes.

The reason for the proposed changes is simple: In the universe of food and nutrition, serving size matters.

The FDA is responding to recent research that shows consumers often miscalculate the calories and other nutrition content of items that technically contain more than one serving but are generally gobbled down in one sitting.

The agency is eyeing two possible solutions: a second column of nutritional facts that lists total package info alongside the numbers for one serving size, or a new set of numbers that simply gives info for the entire package.

An online study that presented more than 9,000 participants with fictitious nutrition labels found that people can better calculate their calories if given information for entire packages.

Researchers are also looking at other minor changes to the labels, such as getting rid of the number that details how many calories come from fat, or perhaps enlarging the font size for the total number of calories.

The nutrition facts label was introduced just 20 years ago, but today grocery shoppers nationwide depend on its accuracy. And even as growing numbers of people use the labels to make smart purchases, Americans’ waistlines continue to grow.

The new labels could help remind consumers that good things come in small packages, big packages can contain too much of a good thing.

A study of more than 5,000 worker bees ages 25 to 65 collected health information for six years. Those with the lowest wages were more likely to suffer hypertension than workers with the highest earnings. The link was especially notable among women and people between the ages of 25 to 44, which didn’t surprise researchers since these groups typically make less money than others. Hypertension-inducing wages were found to be 17 dollars an hour or less, which equates to about forty-seven thousand dollars a year with inflation.

The simple, yet sad explanation is that some people gauge their social worth by how much they earn. Low wages also make everyday living a hassle. But you don’t have to let your paycheck define your outlook on life.

Remember which parts of your job fulfill you and give you purpose. Distance yourself from negative nellies and surround yourself with positive people. Let yourself lean on your peers for moral support when times get tough. Seek out the good stuff that happens in the office, whether it’s a compliment from a coworker or free pizza Friday.

Reorganize your desk into a space you’re happy to spend time in. Post pictures of past vacations, pets or family members. Listen to relaxing music. Take a walk outside to enjoy some fresh air when the office gets too stuffy. And never underestimate the power of a mental health day. Work doesn’t have to be a burden on your wallet and your health.

Science has extensively studied what causes a partnership to fail, but this study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign sought what makes it last. The study investigated the habits of more than 12,000 participants across 35 studies and found five factors that reliably made up a good relationship: openness, positivity, assurance, shared tasks and a shared social network.

Openness was defined as mutual comfort in talking about feelings. Positivity is behaving cheerfully toward your partner in daily interactions. Assurance is demonstrating commitment to your significant other and the relationship. Shared tasks means sharing chores and tasks equally. A shared social network is embracing your partner’s family and friends, and vice versa.

Another essential ingredient for a strong relationship is a sense of self-identity. You should be able to “be you” separate from your partner’s feelings toward you. Your relationship should be a secure base from which both partners are able to explore individual goals, hobbies and interests. Because no relationship is perfect, effective and constructive management of conflict is also a critical component.

And above all, so is trust. Beyond trusting your honey not to stray, trust builds intimacy. Every relationship is different, but these bricks all make up a bond built to last. Oh, and flowers “just because” every once in a while don’t hurt, either.

The study found that even if both labels read the same calorie count, green-colored labels were consistently identified as healthier options among a group of about 150 participants. Green labels also increase perceived health benefits among consumers who concern themselves with healthy eating.

The study suggests that the color of labels can affect whether people perceive food as healthy more than the actual nutritional information listed on the label does. The best way to avoid falling victim to this effective marketing technique is simple though: Just read the labels.

For example, try to avoid foods that have coloring in them. Caramel coloring is not delicious or nutritious. It’s also crucial to look at serving size and realistically adjust the nutritional value to what your personal serving size will be. For some of us, one tablespoon of peanut butter just isn’t enough for a sandwich … but if more than suggested is served expect higher calorie numbers too.

Another important aspect on nutritional labels is the sodium count. It is recommended that one person consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium each day. Foods with high trans fat levels are also a concern. Instead of trans fat, look for foods with natural fats. Skim the nutritional label and look for a small and concise ingredients list that includes no more than two words you cannot pronounce.

Reading nutritional labels and buying food doesn’t have to be science but it shouldn’t be a game of gimmick either. So don’t be fooled by that green wrapper, those Thin Mints are not healthy for you.

Just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the large study involved tracking the health of more than 85,000 newborns over a six-year period. Initially, the moms were also queried about their diets and their use of vitamins and supplements during pregnancy.

After six years, the researchers found that 270 of the children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Fifty-six of the children had Asperger syndrome; 114 were diagnosed with autism; and another 100 had an unspecified autism disorder.

The investigators then looked at the mothers’ medical histories, especially their vitamin consumption. Careful analysis revealed that among those mothers who took a folic acid supplement, point-ten percent of their children were diagnosed with autism compared to point-twenty one percent of children whose mothers didn’t take folic acid. This translates to a whopping 39 percent lowered risk for autism disorders among children whose moms took folic acid.

The effects of folic acid, which is found in green leafy vegetables and liver, could not be determined for Asperger syndrome or unspecified autism disorders because too few people were diagnosed with these conditions … but the benefits for reducing the incidence of autism was clear.

Furthermore, analysis showed that folic acid seemed to work even if not taken until early pregnancy. Pregnant or hoping to get pregnant? Reserachers say start taking folic acid as early as you can and consult your health practitioner for a proper dosage.

But a healthy diet can also aid with kicking one of the unhealthiest habits of all: smoking.

Nearly one-fifth of Americans still smoke cigarettes. And even though smoking rates continue to decline in the United States, the discovery of a correlation between more vegetables and less smoking might help just a few more smokers kick the habit.

New research shows that a diet rich in fruits and veggies can help people stop smoking — and also remain smoke-free for longer.

According to the study, fruits and veggies seem to be a common denominator in smoking cessation: Consuming more of them helps smokers cut back regardless of their age, gender, race, education level or household income.

And in this instance, more is better. For those in the study who still smoked, the more fruits and veggies they consumed, the fewer cigarettes they smoked. They also tended to wait longer to smoke the first cigarette of the day if they ate more fruits and vegetables.

Why the correlation between smoking and a good diet? No clear answer exists. Perhaps the healthy diet makes smokers less nicotine-dependent, or maybe the high fiber content of the fruits and veggies makes them feel more full.

And garden-grown foods aren’t exactly the type of fare that make people want to reach for a cigarette. A hearty steak, a morning cup of joe or a late-night beer might prompt a puff. Sauteed wilted spinach probably won’t.

So go ahead, have another drag on a carrot. It can’t hurt.

Past studies have shown the correlation between mindless eating and a distinct lack of interest in exercise, with endless hours of sitting on the couch. And now research shows that being a couch potato may cause other physical problems as well.

Appearing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the recent study analyzed the diet and exercise habits of almost 200 men ages 18 to 22. Participants were also asked to provide sperm samples.

The investigators found that men who watched television for 20 hours per week had about a 45 percent lower sperm count than those who watched very little or no TV.

Exercise also seemed to be a mitigating factor. Men who worked out for 15 or more hours each week had a 73 percent higher sperm count than those who averaged five or less hours a week hitting the treadmill.

Despite these findings, the researchers acknowledged that the lowered sperm counts did not mean that couch potato men would not be able to father children. Rather, they said the study showed that reasonable exercise could alter a man’s physiology enough to help improve testicular health.

And researchers say reasonable is the key word. Previous studies have shown that too much vigor in a workout can also be dangerous and affect semen concentrations in a negative way as well.

Given that too much exercise or too little exercise might be detrimental, the best advice is to use moderation in any workout regimen … or in any plans to be a couch potato.

Interestingly, the Yale study of more than 4,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 84 did not find a similar link between exposure to these chemicals and osteoporosis in men.

It’s not the first research to unearth the adverse effects of such chemicals. Previous studies found that contact with P-F-Cs could contribute to a higher risk for premature menopause in women, higher levels of bad cholesterol in men and women, and decreased effectiveness of vaccinations in children. It’s not clear why these substances affect women more, but it probably has something to do with their profound influence on hormones.

And it’s hard to avoid the chemicals because they lurk virtually everywhere in our environment — including in food packaging, cookware, bedding, upholstery and clothes, like waterproof rain gear and stain shields. P-F-Cs accumulate in our bodies and remain there for years.

But you can take steps to be a smart shopper and steer clear of products with oily packaging, like pizza boxes and microwaveable popcorn bags. Pass up personal care products with fluoro or perfluoro in the label. Don’t use cookware with Teflon coating, or take care not to let it heat above four hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Become a meticulous label-reader and you could cut down on your exposure to these dangerous chemicals. Oh, and have hubby do the dishes.

Research shows people who consume sweetened beverages such as fruit drinks, sweetened iced tea and soda — especially diet soda — are more likely to suffer from depression.

A recent study tracked the favorite sugary and artificially sweetened drinks of more than 250,000 people over 10 years. The findings were more bitter than sweet: People who drank more than four cans of soda daily were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression than people who didn’t drink soda.

Other sugary drinks left a bad taste, too. The likelihood for fruit juice drinkers to be diagnosed with depression was 38 percent higher than in people who did not drink sweetened beverages.

The most downer drink of them all was diet soda, which outpaced juice, regular soda and iced tea for its connection to depression.

Not all beverages were bad news. Four cups of coffee per day actually lowered the risk of depression by about 10 percent.

The study offered no reasons for what might be behind the uplifting effects of coffee, but one explanation might be found in its abundant antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Even before this study, diet soda was already causing indigestion in some health research circles. Although more research is needed, one recent study linked it to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. And the nutrition habits of diet soda drinkers are already known to be worse than the general population.

So what should you gulp down to be happy, not to mention healthy? Water. Even slight amounts of dehydration has been shown to make people more negative and fatigued and less focused.

Feeling down? A simple glass of water may just brighten your mood.

Celiac disease is a condition in which foods that contain the protein called gluten damage the lining of the small intestine. Gluten is found in wheat and related grains, like barley, rye and triticale. It sounds counterintuitive, but the study, published in the journal Pediatrics found that this small window of opportunity might help a baby develop a tolerance to the protein.

The researchers compared two groups of children: one born during a time when celiac diagnoses increased fourfold, and another when it decreased by about the same amount. Those born after 1996, when doctors recommended gluten be introduced at four months, had a 25 percent lower risk of celiac disease than those born in 1982. At that time, the benchmark was 6 months old.

It’s a good idea to introduce gluten while breastfeeding because it’s been proven to stimulate healthy bacteria growth in the gut. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics says infants who start eating gluten when they’re breastfeeding have a 52 percent decreased risk of getting celiac disease.

Celiac disease occurs in about 1 percent of the population and is usually passed on genetically. If your baby does develop celiac disease despite your best efforts, a few signs include gas and bloating, changes in bowel movements, weight loss, lethargy and weakness on most days. If left untreated, your child could get very sick. But life without gluten is not a life sentenced to tasteless food — gluten-free products abound.

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that defend and heal cells from damage caused by free radicals. They can bolster the body’s defense against everything from the common cold to cancer.

The Harvard study investigated the antioxidant-eating habits of more than 5,000 people in the Netherlands who were at least 50, and tracked whether they had suffered a stroke in the past 14 years. The study found no connection between the level of antioxidants consumed … but a similar study conducted in Italy suggested otherwise. The key could be what types of antioxidants you ingest. The question is, does the level of total antioxidants indicate stroke and dementia risk, regardless of what types of foods you eat?

Coffee or tea consumption contributed to almost 90 percent of the inconsistency in antioxidant levels among the Dutch subjects, whereas Italians got most of theirs from eating fruits and vegetables. Other studies have suggested that indeed eating plenty of greens, roots and fruits helps prevent an array of diseases and conditions. The typical Dutch diet includes mostly meat, dairy, coffee and tea, but amping up veggie intake could be beneficial.

The three main antioxidants are beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C. You’ll find them in carrots, asparagus, kale, broccoli, mango, papaya … and the list goes on. Just fill your plate with the rainbow and you can’t go wrong.

Scientists observed that despite a lifetime of bites and scrapes, an alligator’s wounds never become infected, even in their naturally swampy, bacteria-filled habitat. The evolutionary advantage of a super-sized immune system is obvious, but the researchers wanted to know how and why the alligators’ defenses worked so well. They drew blood from alligators and mixed the serum with twenty-three different species of bacteria. The outcome was lopsided: ‘Gators twenty-three, bacteria zero. Some unknown protein molecule in the reptiles’ blood kept the bacteria at bay.

They also found that the alligator immune system worked in a unique way. Whereas humans acquire disease-fighting antibodies by exposure to bacteria, viruses and fungi, alligators are born with an innate immunity to ward off harmful microbes. Alligators appear to have a stronger immune system too. Of the twenty-three bacterial species in the study defeated by the alligator blood, the human immune system can fend off only eight.

Scientists hope to isolate and identify the protein in the alligator immune system and use them to fight stubborn infections in humans, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and diabetic foot ulcers.

The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology-In Practice, found passengers who engaged in eight mitigating factors were less likely to report an allergic reaction.

These eight behaviors include: requesting accommodations; requesting a peanut/tree nut-free meal; wiping the tray table with a commercial wipe; avoiding use of airline pillows; avoiding use of airline blankets; requesting a peanut/tree nut-free buffer zone; requesting other passengers not consume peanut/tree nut-containing products; or just avoiding airline-provided food altogether.

More than thirty-two hundred people from 11 countries completed an online survey about their flying experiences for the study. Researchers found that only 349 people experienced allergic reactions while flying and using these precautions.

Of course, part of avoiding an allergic reaction is always being prepared for one. So follow steps to minimize risk. Always have a plan and make sure the people you are with most are aware of your allergies and what to do if you have a reaction. If you choose to treat allergic reactions with medications or injections, make sure to always have those on hand.

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful for people with food allergies. With proper planning and preparation, you can easily manage your allergies and navigating the airport.

But have a plan in place first. Be sure everyone at home is invested in adding a cat to your clan. Then choose a cat with a personality that jibes with your family’s style. If your home isn’t cat-crowded, you may even consider adopting two cats instead of one.

Having supplies like kitty litter and toys in place by the time your cat arrives will let you hit the ground running. Kitty-proof your home by moving wires and string, chemicals, pesticides, and small objects out of harm’s way. Choose a cat-friendly veterinarian and schedule a new-pet visit for a few days after the homecoming.

Then take time introducing your cat to the new people and places that will become part of his or her routine.

Mocha was brought to the hospital with complete muscle rigidity and a 110-degree fever. She couldn’t stand or open her mouth to eat. Mocha was diagnosed with tetanus, a disease caused by a bacterial neurotoxin. Tetanus is so rare in dogs and cats that pets aren’t vaccinated against it.

After nearly 14 days of intensive treatment, Mocha’s muscles began to relax. Weeks of intensive physical therapy then helped reset her muscle function. Mocha was discharged after 1 month in the hospital.

Thanks to the care provided by the UF Small Animal Hospital’s veterinary team, Mocha triumphed over tetanus and hasn’t looked back. Watching her play today, you can’t see a trace of her harrowing ordeal.

But when it counts, do you have trouble remembering the questions you wanted to ask? The following queries are a good place to start.

Which vaccinations are necessary for your pet? Along the same lines, what parasite preventives should you use and when? Is a specific diet recommended? And how much should you feed? If you have a paunchy pooch or a chubby cat, is a weight-loss plan in order? What about training tips for your young or manners-challenged pet? And what should you be doing for your special senior?

Knowing the questions to ask can help take the worry out of pet parenting.

Smelly diarrhea is the primary clinical sign, but some cats also strain and have inflamed bottoms. Parasites passed in the stool infect other cats that lick their paws or fur after contacting contaminated surfaces. Kittens are most vulnerable, but cats of any age can be infected. Some adult cats carry and shed the parasite without showing clinical signs for years or at all, while others suffer chronically from diarrhea.

If your kitty has long-term digestive woes, your veterinarian can help with diagnosis and treatment. You can work on blocking the infectious cycle by frequently cleaning and disinfecting litter boxes as well as vetting and quarantining new cats.

Food scraps can become spoiled or even toxic. Along with these leftovers, animals eat packaging that obstructs the digestive tract. A critter reaching into a container to nibble might be unable to remove its head and can suffocate, starve or overheat. And plastic six-pack rings can get caught around a muzzle or neck and prevent an animal from eating, drinking or defending itself.

But there are ways to help. Rinse containers and replace lids before discarding. If lids are gone, crush or cut up containers. Likewise, cut apart six-pack holders. Opt for products with minimal packaging, and return plastic bags to stores.

Talk trash to your family and friends too, and bring them onboard.

Like other reptiles, turtles carry Salmonella as part of their normal bacterial population. Salmonella is not dangerous to a natural host, but it can cause serious infections in people who touch reptiles or contaminated surfaces. Those most at risk are children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and anyone with a decreased ability to fight disease.

So are turtles taboo as pets? If your home includes a young child, elderly person, or immunocompromised individual, the answer is probably yes. If you’re good to go, wash your hands and contaminated surfaces after handling, and don’t let your turtle contact food or food-prep areas. Bathing your turtle in the kitchen sink or bathtub is another no-no.

Don’t gamble on a shell game. Be sure a turtle is right for you before bringing one home.

But there’s practically no tougher tissue in the body. Think of the forces involved in hopping, alone. The Achilles tendon handles hundreds of pounds as it bridges the bones of the heel and the calf muscle.

Imagine the strain it receives during explosive athletic activities. Much of the time it is as reliable as a steel cable, even during gymnastics, sprints, and dashes to the end zone. But even the toughest material can be pushed to the limit.

The Achilles tendon is no exception, especially at the start of explosive movements, when it is most vulnerable. If it tears, healing can be a difficult process. Injuries sometimes require surgery and can take a year to get better.

The problem is each time the calf muscle contracts or relaxes, the tendon is stretched, compounding the damage. It doesn’t help that the area does not receive nearly as much oxygen-rich blood to promote healing as its neighbor calf muscle.

Now, on top of all that, researchers in Denmark think they have discovered a new reason why it takes so long for Achilles injuries to heal.

They studied the Achilles tendons of people who lived in the early 1960s, when nuclear weapons testing created a spike of a radioactive atom called carbon-14 in the atmosphere … which registered in the tissues of living things.

Decades later, the carbon-14 signatures found in study subjects’ tendons had not changed, almost as if the building blocks of the tendons hibernate in comparison with other body tissues.

The scientists think if there were a way to wake up the tendon’s sleeping regenerative cells, it could speed the recovery process … and healing the Achilles’ heel might not be so tough after all.

All goats carry barber pole worms. The challenge is preventing the worms from tipping the scales. Drug resistance is rampant, and no new drugs are on the horizon. So these days, parasite control depends as much on environmental measures as pharmaceutical ones.

Infected goats pass barber pole worm larvae in manure. Since these young worms can’t climb well, passage to other goats can be stymied by allowing animals to browse on tall plants instead of graze on pasture. Reducing the number of goats per acre can also help as can feeding a nutritious supplemental diet to boost immunity.

Your veterinarian can offer other strategies to keep up with these wily worms.

Normally, the ACL stabilizes the knee by connecting the back of the thigh bone to the front of the shin bone. With an ACL injury, signs can range from subtle to profound lameness.

Labrador retrievers, poodles, bichon frises [bē-SHAWN frē-ZAY], German shepherds, Rottweilers and golden retrievers are most prone to ACL injury. Paunchy pooches and erratic exercisers are also at increased risk.

Physical exam and X-ray findings help your veterinarian diagnose a torn ACL. With small dogs, rest and anti-inflammatory medications may provide sufficient treatment, but large dogs usually need surgical repair. With any dog, surgical stabilization is the best bet to prevent further joint problems.

So don’t take a knee. Be proactive with lameness.

Tent caterpillars hatch from egg masses on wild cherry, crabapple and related trees then build webbed nests in trunk forks before eventually falling to the ground. Pregnant mares that inadvertently eat caterpillars while grazing are likely to abort their foals. This Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome was identified only after Kentucky lost one-third of its spring foals to these callous crawlers in 2002.

Brown egg masses can sometimes be found on tree branches before caterpillars hatch and swarm in the early spring in Florida and late spring to early summer in northern states. Safe pesticides can be used to kill eggs before caterpillars have a chance to wreak havoc.

All parts of the Sago palm, found inside houses and out in yards, are toxic, particularly the seeds. In fact, eating just a seed or two can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure. Ingested yew also packs a powerful wallop, causing disastrous neurologic and cardiac symptoms. Another strong toxin, produced by the castor bean plant, produces neurologic and gastrointestinal problems. An animal munching on either pothos [pō-thäs] or schefflera [she-flƏ-rƏ], both common houseplants, can suffer from oral irritation and swelling along with digestive tract woes. Even nibbling on English ivy can result in drooling, abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.

So take stock, and keep your pet clear of these toxic traps.

Resistance isn’t a problem with the newest flea products. Instead, the number one reason for stubborn flea infestations is incorrect use of products by pet parents.

Many over-the-counter products were developed decades ago and knock out only a small portion of your pet’s fleas. Newer products kill almost all fleas on your pet within one day and get rid of both adult fleas and eggs. All furry pets in your household should be treated with a pet-safe product. Even if you can’t see fleas, routinely treat your pets as directed by your veterinarian. And remember that any flea control program includes treating your house and yard too.

A little scratching beneath the surface can boost the fight against fleas.

The study, published in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, defined binge drinking as five or more drinks at a time, but the C-D-C also recommends no more than one drink a day for women. Twenty-two percent of high school girls reported binging, and the rate increased with household income.

The worst that may happen some nights could be a lost wallet or a night in jail. But the study showed that binge drinking accounted for half of deaths and years of potential life lost in the years 2001 to 2005. Excess alcohol also contributes to cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. For women who hope to have children someday, too many nights of getting sloshed could impact menstrual cycles, fertility and your future fetus’ health — even if you stop drinking during pregnancy. It could even cause brain shrinkage and memory loss. What’s more, women are more susceptible than men to this unfortunate side effect. They are also more sensitive to alcohol overall.

But you don’t have to turn into a teetotaler just yet — moderation is key to enjoying alcohol in a healthy way. Know your limit and practice pacing yourself. Make sure you drink a glass of water between every beverage. Start slow and sip only a little at a time. Choose light beers, white wines or vodka, which have the least amount of alcohol compared with other brews and spirits. Cheers to that!

The study of more than 200,000 people revealed that those who guzzled more than four servings of diet soda a day suffered a 30 percent higher risk of depression than those who abstained from the stuff. People who sipped regular soda saw just a 22 percent increased risk.

Curiously, drinking coffee was linked with a 10 percent lessened risk of depression. Scientists say more research is needed, but the study adds to a growing body of science that says artificially sweetened beverages contribute to a slew of health problems in addition to depression.

Depression can be caused by a multitude of demons, from a chemical imbalance in the brain to plain old genetics. Women are in fact twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, perhaps due to hormonal changes and imbalances. Older people, such as those in the study, are also at a higher risk. Stress, trauma, certain medications and health conditions can also trigger despair.

Some symptoms of depression include trouble sleeping, chest pains, chronic fatigue, achy joints, changes in appetite and irritability. If any of the above sound like you — and you’re craving sweets — don’t be ashamed to see a doctor. It’s important to know that depression is not your fault. With proper care, it can be treated.

It may sound like a parlor trick, but health researchers in Brazil followed men and women aged 51 to 80 to see whether a simple sit-and-rise test could serve as a predictor of their long-term health.

While cardiovascular fitness is useful for predicting long-term health, additional ways to determine the health trajectory of older adults could be useful, especially because of the growing numbers of people around the world who are moving through middle age and into their senior years.

A possible prognostic is a sit-and-rise test, in which participants are simply asked to sit down on the floor, then to stand up using as little support as possible.

The activity is an indicator of strength, balance and flexibility … physical commodities that fall in short supply as we age.

Researchers gave the test to more than 2,000 people. If volunteers accomplished the task without using any support, they received 10 points … five for sitting and five for standing.

But a point was taken away for each support they used to sit and stand … for example, a hand, two hands, a knee, and so on.

When researchers circled back after six years to see how the patients fared, they discovered each additional support the volunteers used during the test was associated with a lower chance of survival.

It could be that people who have a low score are more likely to be at risk for falls, which is a significant cause of disability and death in older people.

The researchers say they did not take into account accidents or illnesses that might have beset the patients, and that the sit-and-rise test is far from the final word for gauging longevity.

But it may provide a quick glimpse at an important health metric. And that is a useful trick indeed.

Well-rested and less-stressed people, on the other hand, were found to be less sensitive to sound after being exposed to a stressful situation. Scientists describe this reaction as “shutting their ears,” a typical defense to stress. Women in particular felt the difference. What’s also interesting is that the subjects noted no difference in sounds before being exposed to stress.

Stress can affect your body and senses in some other unexpected ways. It can cause canker and cold sores, teeth grinding and gum disease. It can contribute to poor eating habits and overall hygiene. It can make stomach problems, acne, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma worse. Anxiety dampens libido and decreases fertility.

But stress doesn’t have to spell misery — certain techniques and strategies can help you manage the way you react to life’s little surprises. Remember that not everything is in your control and try to keep a positive attitude. Learn to say “no” and create limits and boundaries. Value your time and others will follow suit. Learn to be assertive rather than aggressive when others broach your boundaries, and express your feelings rather than withdrawing or lashing out. And of course, exercise does wonders to combat stress and help life sound a little less loud.

And on the battlefield of parenting, fewer lines are drawn as fiercely as the one between those who believe in responding instantly to an infant’s cries and those who advocate allowing a baby to cry without parental intervention.

A new study from Temple University won’t do much to soften those battle lines, but it will provide more arsenal for the cry-it-out camp.

Most babies, researchers found, can sleep through the night by age 6 months. Those who can’t were more likely to be boys and breastfed, and their playtime hours were affected, too: The babies tended to be more irritable and easily distracted than infants who slept through the night.

The mothers of these babies, meanwhile, were more likely to be depressed.

The findings left the psychologists behind the study with some big questions: Are depressed mothers more likely to have babies who have trouble sleeping, or does a persistently waking baby tend to lead to depression in moms?

Either way, researchers have a few suggestions for parents. First, put the baby to bed at a regular time every night. Second, allow them to fall asleep on their own, as opposed to nursing or cuddling them to sleep.

Finally — and this is the tough part, and the most controversial — don’t respond to every cry. Babies, like grownups, go through cycles in their sleep, and not every awakening requires parental intervention.

In other words, this research suggests, let a baby learn to comfort himself, for crying out loud.

And that just might help an infant move from crying like a baby … to sleeping like one.

People with sickle cell anemia have red blood cells shaped like crescents, or sickles, that tend to break apart, die early and clump together. All this makes for poor blood flow, low red blood cell count and possible organ damage.

Sickle cell trait occurs when a person gets the sickle cell gene from one parent, but not from both. Inheriting two genes causes sickle cell anemia, which is much more common.

People with sickle cell trait normally don’t suffer from symptoms, so they may not even know they have it. But certain situations can bring out its dangerous side. Extreme physical exertion may cause dehydration and low oxygen levels for a person with sickle cell trait. In these cases, blood cells take on the sickle shape, stopping blood flow and causing oxygen depletion throughout the body.

That’s pretty serious. In fact, according to the National Athletic Trainers Association, sickle cell trait is the third most common cause of non-traumatic sports deaths. Only heart conditions and heatstroke top it.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is concerned enough about sickle cell trait to require screening for anyone who plays Division 1 or 2 sports. Division 3 representatives recently voted to adopt the requirement, too. Athletes with the trait can still compete … and many do so safely … but their coaches and trainers should watch them closely for signs of trouble.

If sickle cell diseases run in your family, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested for sickle cell trait. It’s better to know and be prepared than to be caught by surprise in a crisis.

Wondering what’s so great about this mysterious food … and well, what is is exactly? When cooked, quinoa looks like small chunks of rice with a light and fluffy texture. Quinoa is a member of the same plant family as spinach, but because of how it’s commonly consumed, it’s categorized with wheat, barley and rye. Quinoa has plenty of fiber, minerals and vitamins. It is high in fat content, providing heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fat. It’s also protein-packed, which makes it a popular meat-alternative with vegans and vegetarians.

Quinoa can be eaten both hot and cold. It is a substitute for rice, barley or couscous in salads and side dishes. Quinoa cooks in about 15 minutes. Bring water to a boil, add the quinoa and simmer until it’s light and fluffy. A good rule of measurement is two cups of water for every cup of quinoa.

If you’re interested in making quinoa part of your regular diet, there are a few simple recipes you can follow, or you can use it as a side dish to any meal.

For breakfast, top a bowl of cooked quinoa with fruit. For lunch, add vegetables and a salad dressing. For dinner, mix it up with lean meat or fish and roasted vegetables.

Pick up a bag of quinoa the next time you’re at a grocery store or spot it on a restaurant menu. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy this superpowered food.

Don’t worry, there’s no need for any brows to wrinkle in revulsion. We are referring to a temporary malady that many of us have experienced … pruney fingers.

When digits are repeatedly dipped and dunked, it is not uncommon to see fissures form in the fingertips.

It is not harmful, but it is odd-looking. And it turns out that there may be an evolutionary reason for it.

Ever see how a tire stays in contact with wet pavement, channeling water through grooves in the rubber?

Scientists think the same thing could be happening with our fingers and toes … the wrinkling effect actually provides tread for gripping.

Evolutionary biologists at Newcastle University in England tested how quickly people with wrinkled and unwrinkled fingers could move wet and dry marbles.

If the marbles were dry, it didn’t matter, people were equally fast.

But if they were moving wet marbles, people with wrinkled fingers were about 12 percent quicker.

Scientists speculate this phenomenon may have evolved in our toes, to help us rise on two feet from all fours. It no doubt came in handy for foraging for food in streams and rivers.

The next step for researchers is to look at other species with wrinkling ability and find out how it’s worked out for them.

As for the question about why our fingers and toes aren’t permanently pruned, scientists aren’t sure.

But the answer might be as close as the nearest hot tub. Soggy, furrowed feet aren’t usually A-list qualities on the dating circuit.

But the fact is, pruney appendages really aren’t gross at all. Evolutionarily speaking, they’re pretty groovy.

But as with any tool, the Internet can also have a dangerous side, unlocking an unmonitored planet where strangers may appear to be friendly when they are in fact less than sincere.

In a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the journal Pediatrics, almost one-third of teenage girls reported meeting face to face with someone they had become acquainted with only online.

Investigators worked with 250 young women ages 14 to 17 and monitored their online and offline activity for one year. About half the girls had recorded histories of either neglect or abuse, while the other half had no such background.

Parents were also involved and were asked to summarize their children’s everyday routines, as well as make mention of any Internet monitoring systems they used.

Sixteen months later, researchers asked the teens to report on any meetings with individuals they had met during the preceding year via the Internet. They found that almost one-third of the girls had in-person get-togethers after initial Internet contact.

Researchers also discovered that those girls with a history of neglect or sexual abuse were likely to post images and verbiage online that could be viewed as sexually overt and provocative … setting the stage for a potentially dangerous rendezvous.

From the parents’ end, software-monitoring systems did not seem to reduce stranger contact … however, more involved, hands-on parenting did.

Researchers noted that although most teen Internet interactions are completely benign, if even 1 percent risk the health and welfare of a child, that is 1 percent too many.

A study from the Harvard School of Public Health looked at the eating habits of more than 1 million people, one thousand of whom had A-L-S. Beta-carotene and lutein in particular were found to be effective in squashing A-L-S risk. Foods like sweet potatoes, carrots and squash are rich in beta-carotene, while lutein is found in spinach and kale.

Those who ate the most veggies with these compounds were also more apt to exercise more, have a higher education level and consume more vitamin C. The carotenoid effect was even stronger among those who never lit up, since smoking can affect carotenoid levels.

Scientists don’t know the cause of A-L-S, but it is very rare and occurs in less than two in 100,000 people. The first sign is numbness in one leg or arm and progresses to muscle twitching, difficulty using hands and performing everyday tasks as well as problems with speaking, eating, swallowing and breathing. The good news is physical, occupational and speech therapy can help make the most of your abilities. Adaptive equipment like handrails and canes can help you stay mobile. Certain medicines can help relieve some symptoms.

Although scientists don’t know the causes of A-L-S, a daily dose of carotenoid-rich veggies cannot hurt. It may just help you avoid A-L-S altogether … and stay healthy and strong.

The researchers looked at more than 400 people following a weight loss program for 20 weeks. Both groups ate similar foods and amount of calories, burned comparable numbers of calories and slept almost the same hours every night. But those who ate lunch later also skipped breakfast more frequently than early eaters and were less successful in losing weight.

The study could lend credence to the dietary advice to “Eat like a king for breakfast, like a prince for lunch and like a pauper for dinner.” Eating later delays and disrupts the fast between dinner and breakfast. And since you’re typically less active in the evening, any calories consumed aren’t expended. In fact, one study from Northwestern University published in the journal Obesity found that eating at night contributed to twice as much weight gain — even when total calories consumed throughout the day were the same.

Others say it’s the total number of calories, not when you eat them that matters. So a small snack at night shouldn’t be a big deal. But dietitians say it’s still best to eat 90 percent of your calories before 8 p.m.

Get into the habit of eating breakfast and you’ll set yourself up for success for the rest of the day. A healthful breakfast helps keep blood sugar levels steady and prevents overeating at lunch. Aim for a balanced lunch of lean protein like grilled chicken or cold cuts and whole grains. Set a reminder at your desk if you must and make eating lunch a priority.

You’ve heard it before and now the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has gone as far as to prove that breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day. The researchers discovered that children who eat breakfast on an almost daily basis have significantly higher verbal and performance IQ test scores than children who forego food in the morning.

The study looked at about twelve-hundred 6-year-olds in China, where breakfast is highly valued. Children who did not eat breakfast on a regular basis had IQs that were about 4.6 points lower than children who almost always ate breakfast.

So why is breakfast so important? The researchers found that the morning meal actually serves kids in two ways: nutritionally and socially.

After a whole night of fasting, breakfast supplies “fuel” to the brain and the social interaction at breakfast time with family members may promote brain development, too.

At the ripe young age of 6, a child’s cognitive ability is rapidly developing.

Breakfast is important but it’s equally important to fuel your kids with quality breakfast foods. So ditch that sugary cereal and go for oatmeal instead. Fruits are another easy, nutritious and delicious breakfast option.

Whole grains are low in sugar and higher in protein and fiber. Fruits are high in fiber and vitamins, too. Try incorporating both grains and fruits into one meal for a balanced breakfast.

Getting your kids to sit down for breakfast can be a challenge, but it’s an important task to master. Not only does breakfast make them feel better throughout the day but it can also make them smarter.

So feed your kids and yourself breakfast every day. It’s a no-brainer.

Have you ever wished your utensils would stop you from overeating? If you have, look into purchasing a new high-tech fork. The HAPIfork (happy-fork) monitors how fast you eat your food. The fork’s built-in sensors measure the number of times you put the fork in your mouth, how many seconds pass between each serving and how long it takes you to empty your plate. If you eat too fast, the fork vibrates and flashes lights at you. The fork will cost about $100 when it hits the market this spring. The company is working on a high-tech spoon, too.

You use your iPhone to buy Starbucks, browse Facebook and take photos, so why don’t you use it to force yourself to work out, too? The new app GymPact promises to force you into working out by charging your credit card if you don’t. So how does it work? You offer up your card, and it gets charged if you don’t check-in at the gym for at least 30 minutes. The money collected is proportionately given to those who fulfilled their gym promises. The app is free.

Are you tired of waking up to the blare of your alarm clock when you’re fast asleep? The SleepTracker watch promises to be a nicer alarm clock by monitoring your sleep stages through the night and using the data to wake you up at a stage where you’ll feel refreshed for the day instead of miserable. Although you set a time to be woken up, the alarm may go off a few minutes sooner if you’re in a lighter sleeping stage. The watch costs $149 and is available in both black and white.

These new technologies can improve your life, so give them a try. You may be surprised by how much better you feel.

Green burials are cheaper, more organic and better for the environment than standard burials — yet most people have never heard of them.

Green burials allow the body to decompose naturally, without the standard use of embalming fluid, which can seep into soil and groundwater. In a green burial, a simple shroud or biodegradable casket replaces the traditional coffin.

Many green burials start at about $2,000, while the average cost of a traditional funeral is around $8,000. Cremation is less expensive, but it too has an environmental impact. Cremation burns fossil fuels and emits 5,000 pounds of mercury from our dental fillings alone each year.

Many funeral homes now offer eco-friendly alternatives, and an increasing number of cemeteries across the country are exclusively green. The latter are often set in a preserve or a park. Many even opt to plant a tree instead of using a regular headstone. (Pause)

The team behind the Infinity Burial Project sees green burial as simply the beginning. Green burial doesn’t address the existing environmental toxins in our bodies, which we filter and store throughout our lifetimes, and which seep into the earth to continue the cycle. The project is working on a burial suit seeded with mushrooms that could decompose those toxins. If successful, the suits would turn dead tissue into clean compost.

Years from now, our traditional funerals may look very different than they do today. But for now, a green burial helps to ensure your last impact on the world is a positive one.

Gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye, really rubs some people the wrong way. People with celiac disease suffer damage to the small intestine every time they eat or drink something that contains it. The damage can lead to malnourishment, digestive problems, decreased appetite, excess or too little weight and other problems.

Other people have a sensitivity to gluten and report gastrointestinal maladies, fatigue and headaches when they ingest it. Experts say these people don’t seem to sustain intestinal damage from gluten.

The most effective remedy for these conditions is a diet free of gluten. That means avoiding mainstream pizza, pasta, bread, baked goods, some condiments, beer and lots of other products.

Scientists are trying to give these people a break by developing a pill that would enable them to consume gluten with less backlash. Ideally, it would work like existing pills that alleviate problems for people who are lactose-intolerant and have trouble with dairy. Such pills help a person digest lactose, a component of all dairy foods.

There are several scientific teams working on the gluten-busting pill, each with its own approach. One strategy, perhaps the most interesting, is built on an enzyme scientists found in bacteria living in hot springs in Japan. A modified version of the enzyme dismantles the protein. The scientists hope it will do the same inside a human gut, although that hasn’t been tested yet.

At least one expert in celiac disease says the pills would not totally solve the problem. People who took one probably could eat a bit of food with gluten without negative results, but not a large amount.

For someone with celiac disease who wants to enjoy one or two of their favorite chocolate chip cookies, that might be just enough relief.

It seems that it’s all about the bran. To make refined flour, the main ingredient of white bread, manufacturers start with the whole wheat berry, which consists of three parts — the bran, the germ and the endosperm — and remove the two most nutritious parts: the bran and the germ.

As a result, white bread is stripped of the elements that contain the largest amount of protein, fiber and minerals, making it less nutritious and less filling. But bran, otherwise known as the tough, fibrous outer layer of the wheat kernel, also contains ferulic (fuh-RULE-ick) acid. Ferulic acid blocks production of a molecule that gives white bread its familiar, fresh-baked smell.

In fact, the researchers found that after the crusts of white and wheat bread were baked, frozen, ground and distilled, the two gave off chemicals with very different smells. The white bread crust smelled of flowers, corn chips and caramel, while the wheat gave off malty, earthy smells. It seems the traditional baked smell is a significant factor for people making choices in the bread aisle.

But it’s not just the baked smell of white bread that so many people prefer. Refined flour translates into a softer texture and a milder, less bitter flavor. To combat this, some manufacturers add more salt and sugar to their whole grain products, which counterbalances the healthfulness of the bread. So the next time you’re picking out a whole wheat loaf, be sure you’re really getting the healthier alternative.

Past studies have shown that housing, climate and social and cultural factors in different latitudes can affect those populations’ exposure to allergens. But this is the first to explore the link between U-V rays and allergies and asthma.

Another recent study found that the 10 worst cities for allergies include places as geographically diverse as Louisville, Kentucky, San Antonio, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Every year, about 40 million people are affected by allergies. They can be brought on by tree, grass and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mite and cockroach allergens, and of course, pet dander.

But spring doesn’t have to spell sniffle season. Nasal sprays, inhalants and oral over-the-counter antihistamines can ease allergies. And contrary to rumors, antihistamines are not addictive … but their potency can diminish over a few months. Try switching brands if your symptoms persist. Also, O-T-C decongestants aren’t the best for allergies since they’re meant to be taken on a short-term basis.

Allergy shots taken periodically can keep symptoms to a sane level. Keep an eye on pollen counts, avoid the outdoors on particularly high pollen days, and consider wearing a mask if you must embark outdoors. To keep life bearable indoors, consider installing a HEPA filter in your home, too. And if your allergies are really bad, you may want to reconsider that big move to the equator.

Energy drinks are flavored beverages containing high quantities of caffeine as well as other additives. They’re as common as a can of soda and now available in just as many locations. This causes a concern as most cans contain 100 to 500 milligrams of caffeine. By contrast, a 12-ounce serving of soda contains 50 milligrams.

In order to evaluate the medical consequences linked with consuming energy drinks, researchers chose to analyze data from DAWN, the Drug Abuse Warning Network, a public health surveillance system that tracks drug-related emergency department visits in the United States. Statistics from a four-year period revealed a nearly 100 percent increase in emergency room visits due to energy drink-related mishaps, from about 10,000 visits in 2007 to almost 21,000 visits in 2011. Men were more likely than women to visit the emergency room because of the drinks, but the number of energy drink-related visits doubled for both sexes.

Researchers also found that while there were more patients aged 18 to 39 than in other age groups, visits for those over 40 increased by almost 300 percent during the four-year analysis.

Given past reports by groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the inherent dangers of caffeine consumption, the researchers suggested further warnings may be beneficial regarding energy drinks and how they are marketed.

Most people want a little spring in their step, but the extra bounce may come at too steep a cost.

Low blood sugar can cause disorientation, delayed reaction and even unconsciousness. Coupled with impaired vision and numbness in the feet, the symptoms of low blood sugar can be a recipe for disaster. Even less severe symptoms like blurry vision, sweating or fatigue can be cause for concern. And according to a study from the Royal Infirmary of Scotland, although 87 percent of diabetics stashed a source of carbohydrates in their car, 60 percent didn’t check their blood sugar levels before driving.

If you have diabetes and are about to hit the road, doctors advise that you eat something sugary, wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. In addition to keeping carbs in the car, following a healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels. Avoiding spikes in blood sugar and maintaining steady levels throughout the day helps keep diabetes in control. Foods and beverages consisting of sugar, carbs and starches are typically the types to avoid — alcohol included. Fit in 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily and eat at regular times throughout the day.

And despite common belief, you don’t have to deny yourself dessert — sugar in moderation is OK. Just be sure to substitute your indulgence for another carb or starch in your meal. For example, skip bread at dinner. It’s the total number of carbs that counts at the end of the day.

Keeping blood sugar in control can keep you and others safe and healthy.

Noise can become dangerous when its duration, frequency or intensity is too extreme. Those types of sounds — the constant whir of power equipment in a woodworking shop, for instance, or the sudden, acute blast of a nearby explosion — can cause noise-induced hearing loss.

But a recent lab breakthrough has brought scientists closer to reversing the type of hearing loss caused by exposure to noise that is just too much.

Noise can damage sound-sensing hair cells in the inner ears. These hair cells cannot regenerate themselves in humans — or in any mammal. But birds and fish can create new sound-sensing hair cells as needed, and scientists have been searching for years for a way to bring humans that same capability.

The theory goes that hearing will improve when newly generated hair cells replace the ones damaged by loud noises.

The Harvard Medical School team that took on this challenge recently has answered that question: Yes, the mammals used in this experiment did regenerate hair cells in the inner ear. And, yes, those new sound-sensing cells also helped them recover some of their lost hearing.

The researchers gave lab mice with noise-induced deafness a drug that blocked a cellular pathway in the inner ear. When the mice received the drug, the pathway was blocked — and different types of cells near the ear’s cochlea, called surrounding cells, transformed themselves into hair cells.

And with that, the mice recovered some of their hearing.

Scientists hope further research will provide a bonafide method for reversing deafness in some of the 250 million people around the world who have suffered hearing loss. And that’s an outcome worth making some noise about.

The scientists studied two groups of cats, both belonging to people who worked during the day and returned home at night. One group lived in smaller abodes and stayed close to their owners, while the other group lived a more feral existence both indoor and outdoor. They also slept outside at night. The cats in the first group eventually reflected the lives of their owners, even using the bathroom at the same time as them. Cats also tend to adopt the personalities of their people, becoming shy, outgoing, friendly or arrogant. On the other hand, the freewheeling felines who slept outside at night started behaving more like feral cats with more independent inclinations.

Likewise, there is some credence to the idea that humans fall into two categories: cat people or dog people. A University of Texas at Austin study found that self-described dog people typically exhibit extroversion, friendliness and conscientiousness. Cat people usually rank higher in neuroticism and openness to experiences.

So despite their perceived standoffishness, you can in fact influence your cat’s behavior. Practice productive play by encouraging your kitty to play with toys rather than your hands or furniture. Provide entertainment with a fish tank or T-V during the day. And to make sure you can get some sleep at night, play with and feed your kitty right before bed. You’ll be on the same schedule in no time.

Since 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has used the island as a secure location to investigate bioterrorism. To replace this aging facility and meet rigorous demands for defense of American agriculture and food, a new site called the National Bio and Agro-Defense facility will be located in Manhattan, Kansas.

Construction on the 500,000-square-foot complex is expected to begin this year, with an estimated operational date of 2018. Approximately 50,000 square feet of the new site will be devoted to laboratories designated biosafety level four, the highest level of protective containment.

A goal? To keep the nation’s food, and the people who eat it, safe.

Minis tend to have problems with obesity, because some owners feed them like a larger horse and exercise them like a house pet. Dental problems are also common due to crowding of teeth in a petite head. Mini mares can have difficulty giving birth as foals try to pass through the small pelvic canal. Another difference between regular horses and smaller steeds is hyperlipemia [hy‐per‐li‐pe‐mi‐a]. If a Mini doesn’t eat much for just 24 hours, fat starts to break down and move to the liver for energy production. The result can be fat-saturated blood and life-threatening liver damage.

Minis are small but mighty, with gentle hearts. Just be sure you’re aware of their special health concerns before bringing one home.

Veterinarians with very specific training perform animal acupuncture. They carefully insert needles at acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. That stimulates both circulation and the nervous system, leading to the release of chemicals that reduce inflammation and pain. Muscles become relaxed at the acupuncture points and in other areas of the body.

Veterinary acupuncture can be especially helpful for animals experiencing pain and inflammation from conditions such as cancer, arthritis, trauma and degenerative joint disease. Bonus: It won’t interfere with medications or supplements and doesn’t cause any nasty side effects.

For suffering animals, acupuncture gets straight to the point: relief!

Lungworms are parasites that infect cats and cause labored breathing and coughing. They are different than heartworms, which also infect cats’ lungs. Without treatment, a lungworm infection can lead to weight loss, pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

A cat becomes infected by eating prey or drinking water that contains young lungworms, or larvae [LAR-vay]. From the digestive tract, the larvae travel to the lungs where they mature and lay eggs. As the eggs are coughed up, the infection spreads to other cats.

Lungworm infections can be treated, and the prognosis is surprisingly good if there are no secondary infections. But the best strategy is still to prevent infection by keeping your free-wheelin’ feline inside.

He may be suffering from a puzzling condition called neuropathic pain. It results from damage to the nerves or spinal cord due to injury or disease.

One example is phantom pain some pets experience after an amputation. They “feel” pain from a leg that’s gone. For others, spinal cord damage may cause pain in parts of the body that are not actually harmed.

Because pets can’t describe it, neuropathic pain is tough to diagnose. Affected animals may yelp when a spot is touched, limp, chew at a specific area or have skin spasms. If your pet shows any of these signs, it’s time to ask your veterinarian to help find the source and provide relief.

Take lionfish, for example: not a problem in their native Pacific Ocean. Once they began appearing off the Florida coast, likely after release from aquariums, lionfish became nuisances. They compete for food with species depleted by commercial fishing and dine on fish that keep reef-destroying algae in check. Parasites leave them alone, and their spikes keep predators away. Consequently, the population of lionfish has exploded in the Caribbean, up the east coast of the United States and into South American waters.

Don’t make an ecological error. Look for another hobbyist or an aquarium shop to take your fishy friends.

Even a small nail can lead to big problems. Call your veterinarian right away, then fight your instinct to remove the nail. If the nail has penetrated a bone, joint or tendon sheath, your horse needs aggressive care and probably surgery. The nail will appear on an x-ray image, showing how the extent of the damage. While awaiting the veterinarian, try to prevent your horse from walking on the injured foot. If the nail is long, cut it flush to the hoof. Then, wrap your horse’s foot with a bandage until the veterinarian arrives. And always make sure your horse is up to date on tetanus vaccinations.

Keeping these things in mind will help you nail this emergency.

Lilies are kryptonite to cats, and ingesting even tiny amounts can cause fatal kidney damage. Munching on any part of an azalea, rhododendron, amaryllis or chrysanthemum can cause animals to drool, vomit, have diarrhea and experience neurologic problems. In severe cases, toxins from those plants can be fatal. Similarly, consuming oleander or kalanchoe [kal-lan-KOE-ee] can cause digestive system irritation and life-threatening heart problems. With tulips or narcissus, only the bulbs are poisonous, but they can damage the digestive, cardiac and neurologic systems.

Time is of the essence if you think your pet has nibbled a toxic plant. Call the veterinary clinic right away to ask what you can do, then take your pet in as soon as possible.

Asthma is among the world’s most common diseases, with about 25 million sufferers in America alone. Studies have long indicated the correlation between exposure to certain chemicals and the onset of the disease. Now, evidence shows that asthma is also more likely to occur among workers in professions where contact with these toxic elements is common.

A study just published in The Annals of Occupational Hygiene tracked the health of more than 13,000 adults for a period of 10 years. During that time, 479 of the participants were diagnosed with asthma.

After looking at gender and profession, the researchers found that 7 percent of the women’s cases were correlated to the workplace while that number jumped to 14 percent among men.

Furthermore, the study showed that certain professions were much more likely to lead to asthma, including painting, office cleaning, plumbing and hairstyling. Workers in these industries were much more likely to contract asthma as they were exposed to a variety of poisons in the solutions they handled. Even health care workers and social service providers were singled out due to excessive exposure to detergents and the latex in gloves. People who were exposed to certain epoxies found in glue, varnish and foam plastic were the most likely of all to come down with asthma.

While the researchers did not issue specific warnings for workers to renounce their professions, the hope is that more stringent workplace safety measures will be put in place to limit exposure to dangerous chemicals.

After all, everyone deserves to breathe easy.

Bloat is also called gastric dilatation-volvulus [dill-ah-TA-shun VAHL-vue-luss], or G-D-V. It starts when a dog’s stomach swells with food or gas and gets much worse when the stomach twists and causes an obstruction.

A dog with G-D-V is often agitated, retching and pained with a swollen abdomen. In severe cases, dogs collapse. Big dogs with deep chests, like Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and German Shepherds, are most at risk, but even small breeds can develop G-D-V.

Bloated dogs need emergency medical stabilization prior to surgery that will reposition and secure the stomach. With immediate treatment, the survival rate for G-D-V approaches 80 percent. That starts by knowing the signs of this deadly problem, because every minute counts.

Mosquitoes carrying immature heartworms, or larvae, can inject them into both cats and dogs through a bite. The larvae make their way to a cat’s lungs, where they cause some nasty inflammation. Affected kitties often gag, cough, pant and work hard to breathe. But in other cats, the only signs of heartworm disease may be lethargy, anorexia, weight loss or vomiting.

Heartworm disease is less common in cats than in dogs, so it is often misdiagnosed as a more common cat problem, such as asthma or allergic bronchitis. The disease in cats can be tough to treat, so prevention is key. And since both outdoor and indoor kitties are at risk of infection, ask your vet about heartworm prevention for your cat.

The University of Florida is one of only a few veterinary schools in the United States that provide the highest quality veterinary care for nontraditional pets, wildlife and zoo animals. That includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and even invertebrates, such as spiders and scorpions.

One of the greatest challenges for the specialists, residents and students on the service is the sheer number of species they treat. Considering mammals alone, a patient may be a hamster or ferret one day or a large carnivore or primate the next.

So if you have what some would call a peculiar pet, the UF Zoo Med Service may be your stop for veterinary care.

A new dog or cat requires time, attention and training, for both the pet and the child. If children aren’t yet up to the task, it may be best to wait a bit or consider a smaller pet that is easier to care for, like a hamster.

Before you decide, read up on pet care needs, using reliable websites and reference books … and talk to your vet.

It may be tough to resist the cute furball napping near the checkout. But remember that all pets require a commitment of time, love and respect. Being better prepared will mean a happier family, both human and animal.

A new study from McGill University in Canada had more than 100 people with high cholesterol eat two servings of probiotics a day. Nine weeks later, their L-D-L or “bad” cholesterol levels were 12 percent lower than those who took the placebo. Total cholesterol dropped 9 percent while H-D-L or “good” cholesterol and blood triglycerides were unchanged. The yummy yogurt also reduced cholesterol esters by 6 percent. Cholesterol esters are a derivative of cholesterol itself but are still considered a type of fat.

So how does strained dairy impact cholesterol? Scientists believe the bacterium lactobacillus can lower cholesterol levels by breaking up molecules known as bile salts, thereby reducing absorption of cholesterol in the gut. And all it took was 200 milligrams a day, much less than the amount of soluble fiber or other supplements required to achieve the same effect.

Unpasteurized sauerkraut and Korean kimchi, which are fermented vegetables, also contain probiotics along with a slew of immunity-boosting vitamins. Miso soup, made from fermented soybean pastes, is packed with probiotics, too, and can take a bite out of appetite. Soft cheese, sourdough bread, buttermilk, tempeh and sour pickles also pack a punch. Kefir (kuh-FEAR) and acidophilus are drinkable forms of the fermented fat-fighter. However and whatever you eat, be sure to pick probiotics to cut cholesterol.

Well, brace yourself, because what you are about to hear may make you gulp.

In clinical experiments, patients with brain diseases and inflammatory bowel disorders are swallowing thousands of whipworm eggs taken from the intestines of pigs.

Once these eggs reach the patients’ intestines, they hatch into worms. The body naturally eliminates these creepy crawlers after about a week, and the treatment is repeated.

Meanwhile, researchers in Britain plan to administer parasitic hookworms to multiple sclerosis patients via topical patches.

The worms will burrow into the volunteers’ arms and cause infections that will be prolonged for about nine months, after which the volunteers will be “de-wormed.”

The hope is these deliberate infestations of parasitic worms … technically called helminthic (hell-MIN-thick) therapy … will reboot the patients’ immune systems, creating a helpful, anti-inflammatory effect that could be useful against a range of diseases, such as M.S. and Crohn’s disease.

Why these wormy interventions are helpful is mysterious, though.

Scientists speculate people who grow up in modern, hygienic conditions don’t come in contact with as many germs as earlier generations did. Their immune systems go into hyperdrive at the slightest threat, and their bodies become ravaged by friendly fire, explaining the rise in autoimmune problems such as diabetes and allergies.

Another explanation says we’ve lost touch with the ancient germs we evolved with, which again pushed our internal ecosystems out of balance.

Whatever the reason, growing evidence shows helminthic therapy may be helpful, similar to how the bacteria in yogurt aid digestion.

Of course, more research is needed before worms win a place in the dairy section of the local grocery store.

But according to the research, this just isn’t true … especially for women. Even women who smoke just one cigarette a day are more at risk for cardiac problems than those who don’t light up.

Past studies have shown that cigarette smoking is a definite risk factor for unexpected cardiac death, but until now, the extent of these risks among apparently healthy women was an unknown.

A large study recently published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology tracked the health of more than 100,000 U.S. nurses, ages 30 to 55, over a 30-year period. Three hundred-and-fifty-one of these women died of sudden cardiac death during the study.

When the investigators accounted for other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history of heart disease, they found that those who smoked were more than twice as likely to die suddenly as those who never smoked, and for every five years of continued smoking, that risk rose 8 percent.

Even for light smokers, there was a two-fold increase in risk of sudden cardiac death.

But the study also gave hope to those who quit, with results showing that for those who stopped smoking for 20 years or more, the risk of sudden cardiac death fell to that of someone who had never smoked at all.

The researchers say these findings are important because they show that smoking just a couple of cigarettes a day could still seriously affect someone’s future health by increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. Women shouldn’t delay quitting until the occurrence of heart disease but rather preempt that coronary event by giving up cigarettes in the first place.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office calls elderly financial abuse an epidemic that undermines the health of older Americans. It estimates that older adults were defrauded out of at least $2.9 billion in 2010, forcing tax-supported safety nets to step in to cover the cost of their health care.

Now, new research is showing for the first time that age-related changes in the brain may leave older adults particularly vulnerable to fraud.

In a University of California, Los Angeles study, two dozen young volunteers between 20 and 42 and more than 100 adults who were 55 or older were hooked up to sophisticated brain scanners and shown pictures of faces.

Some of the faces were normal and sincere.

Others were more like Snidely Whiplash from Dudley Do-Right, with averted eyes, forced smiles and unnatural head tilts intended to trigger suspicion … although none of them actually twirled a handlebar moustache.

When younger volunteers saw a smarmy face, an area of their brains associated with emotional reactions and gut instincts lit up. The same region in older adults was dark.

Younger adults far more readily identified the untrustworthy faces, while older adults tended to view most of the faces as trustworthy … even the suspicious ones.

Both groups rated trustworthy and neutral faces about the same.

Researchers aren’t sure whether older people pay less attention to facial clues, or whether their brains can’t process the warning signals.

But knowing why people increasingly view dishonest faces as trustworthy as they get older may be useful in the development of strategies for healthy cognitive aging.

And even though it’s not going to earn any parenting accolades, reaching for a fatty, salty snack can be the response guaranteed to satiate a child’s never-waning appetite. But the results of a new study suggest that a healthier snack can be not only lower in calories, but also just as likely to satisfy.

A Cornell University study tested 200 elementary school students divided into several groups that were given different types of snacks. Some ate chips, some vegetables, some cheese, and some a combination of cheese and vegetables. And all the kids were invited to enjoy their snacks while watching an hour of TV.

The result: The children who munched on the cheese-and-veggie combo ate 72 percent fewer calories than those who snacked on potato chips. The cheese-and-veggie kids also reported satisfaction rates as high as children who munched chips.

Was it the crunch of the vegetables that made them so satisfying? The fun of eating them with the cheese? Or maybe that the veggies and cheese took longer to eat than potato chips?

Perhaps. But the important message of the study is that eating healthier, low-calorie foods can satisfy a child’s craving for snacks.

This study isn’t the only one trying to crack the code of how to get children to eat their vegetables.

Another study found that 8- to 11-year-olds ate about one-third more vegetables when they were given creative marketing names such as “X-Ray Carrots” and “Power Punch Broccoli.”

And recent research in Spain calculated that children were 80 percent more likely to eat their vegetables when allowed to choose their own.

So now that we know more answers to the age-old question of how to get children to eat their vegetables, the new question is: Can parents learn how to reach for something healthy and not just something convenient?

Researchers say the number of young people who develop shingles has increased six-fold … and they’re not sure why. Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the virus responsible for chicken pox. The virus, herpes zoster, becomes dormant in the body after a case of chicken pox. Shingles develops if the virus becomes active again.

Anyone who ever had chicken pox can get shingles, but people usually develop the condition when they’re over the age of 60. But the number of new cases in young people, especially college kids, has got researchers alarmed. If you have your first case of shingles at 20, there’s a higher chance of recurrence over the next 60 or 70 years. In fact, some researchers actually say there’s a higher chance shingles will recur than occur in the first place.

There is a vaccine to prevent shingles if you’ve had chicken pox, but it’s only recommended for people who are at least 60 years old. If you’ve had chicken pox as a child and aren’t old enough for the vaccine, managing stress may help lower the chance of shingles. Researchers say high stress combined with low immunity appears to trigger the condition.

Shingles is not contagious, but you should not touch anyone’s rash or blister if they suspect they have shingles. People who come in contact with shingles and did not have chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccine as children could develop a case of chicken pox.

As more people receive the chicken pox vaccine, the number of new shingles cases is expected to decrease. So if you’ve never had chicken pox, it may be time to check with your doctor about getting vaccinated.

Research has shown that pollution causes developmental delays in children, but the effect seems to span generations. The study looked at memory test results of more than 15,000 men and women over the age of 50. The researchers then compared the results with the E-P-A’s annual average level of fine air particulate matter. Every 10-point increase in air pollution exposure was connected to a one-third point drop in the memory test score. Although that doesn’t sound like a lot, it actually equates to three years in aging.

Air pollution cause problems when the particles are inhaled into the lungs and even the brain. It’s especially aggravating to those with heart and lung disease, who often require hospital and emergency room visits even after just short-term exposures of 24 hours or less. Exposure of a year or more can lead to respiratory disease.

The 10 most polluted cities in 2012 were Bakersfield, Hanford, Los Angeles, Visalia and Fresno in California, as well as Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville and Philadelphia. The good news is that if you live in one of these contaminated locales, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure. Don’t exercise outdoors and limit exertion when pollution levels are high. Drive with the air-recirculating button on when commuting. Fit your home with filters to reduce particles inside, too. Limiting the use of wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and candles can keep air cleaner, too. A little foresight and planning can keep your lungs, heart and brain pollution-free.

In the world of food allergies, peanuts lead the pack, with shrimp and eggs trailing as a distant second and third.

About six out of every thousand people are so sensitive to peanuts their only recourse is to avoid them altogether … or face severe reactions.

Hives and itching are the least of the symptoms. At the extreme end, anaphylaxis can cause the throat to swell and blood pressure to plummet. It could kill.

The problem is peanuts are used in a variety of food-processing facilities and are common ingredients in soups, sauces, cereals, salads, desserts and candy. Peanut butter allegedly tastes great with chocolate. And it is very hard to avoid.

Now, in carefully supervised conditions, researchers are exposing people with peanut allergies to tiny amounts of peanut powder underneath their tongues in an effort to desensitize them.

The goal of therapy is not to introduce people to the pleasures of peanuts, but to protect them from becoming deathly ill in case they are accidentally exposed.

Because peanut allergies are so dangerous, great care is taken to tailor a tolerable dose.

After 44 weeks of daily therapy, 14 of the 20 participants could tolerate 10 times more peanut powder than they could when they started.

After 68 weeks, gains for the volunteers taking the immunotherapy were even higher, with minor side effects, such as itching inside the mouth.

Doctors from National Jewish Health in Denver and the University of North Carolina led the study.

But take heed, the treatment is far from being ready for prime time and definitely should not be experimented with at home because of the risks.

If you are allergic, remember, peanuts are dangerous … in or out of a nutshell.

And so, in search of measurements for the emotion that can’t be bought and can barely be defined, medical researchers don’t monitor the pursuit of happiness, but rather the pursuit of “life satisfaction.”

Not surprisingly, exercise seems to play a role in how satisfied people are with their lives — so much so that researchers at Penn State recently determined that if you’re having a bad day, adding just a few minutes of physical activity can turn your mood around.

But what, precisely, explains the link between exercise and life satisfaction, or even a great mood?

Recent research suggests that human beings are genetically engineered to enjoy exercise. A University of Arizona researcher headed a team that examined whether other mammals experience the “runner’s high” that is well-known in humans.

The good mood humans experience after exertion is caused by endocannabinoids, the chemicals present in the reward centers of the brain. Researchers found that after brisk treadmill runs, humans and dogs register higher levels of the chemical, while ferrets — whose bodies are not built for running — did not.

The resulting hypothesis: The positive emotions humans feel after a run might have evolved to encourage our hunter-gatherer ancestors to run for their food.

It appears that humans need about 20 minutes of moderately intense running to bring on the chemical change. For couch potatoes simply exercising a time or two might not cut it, though. You have to build up the ability to maintain the right intensity.

After that, getting hooked on a feeling, to quote one song, just might lead to more satisfaction, to quote another.