No one can say what a return to normalcy will look like, how long it will take to get there or if normal like 2019 is even achievable. New York Times Emily Bazelon moderated a panel discussion to seek answers and weigh morality. Five experts talked about the principles and values that will determine the choices. SOURCE: New York Times, April 10, 2020. Link. In the longer … [Read more...]
Check the tone of your message before hitting send
Did you just send THAT? When we are working remotely and stress levels are high, it’s easy to miscommunicate. Even well-intentioned messages can be misconstrued. The authors share tips for avoiding digital misnomers. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 27, 2020. Link. Most digital miscommunication happens because we don’t have access to the non-verbal cues, including … [Read more...]
Fomites, pets, and transmission
Information and risk messaging about pet-to-human transmission may change as more information is collected. For now, there is no evidence that pets can serve as fomites for SARS-CoV-2. However, measures to prevent a pet becoming a fomite are important. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April 8, 2020. Link. Also see: COVID-19 in animals: Living systematic review, Worms & … [Read more...]
Be present. It’s important.
Being present is truly important. We are all running around in this crazy life, with crazy schedules, kids, work, self-care and fun. We run through our to-dos, zip through our achievements and hurry around the routines. Source: Lander Company, April 6, 2020. Link. The coolest new way I just discovered was tattoos!! Not real ones but safe, temporary ones. Now, every time I … [Read more...]
Getting outside from inside and more
Explore is a unique multimedia curator and home of the world’s largest live nature network. In addition to more than 250 original films and 30,000 photographs, there are countless live feeds. We can see puppies in a whelping room in Maryland, cat rescues in Los Angeles and eagles on their nest in northeast Iowa. You will find these feeds interesting, a welcome distraction or … [Read more...]
10,000 steps a day is B.S., say experts
Social distancing efforts restrict some from hitting their daily steps goals. New research shows you can walk less and still rake in the health benefits. Here’s the information, so you can determine what’s right for you. Source: Prevention, April 3, 2020. Link. 7,500 is the lowest number of steps with the highest level of health benefits, making it an ideal daily goal. Any … [Read more...]
Nubian goats, America’s favorite dairy breed (includes video)
Small ruminants are gaining in popularity with commercial producers and hobbyists. Goats are favorites for 4-H projects, as well. Nubian goat milk is especially suited to cheese production. Nubians are also considered a good meat goat. Tamsin Cooper shares the history and profiles today’s Nubian dual-purpose goats. Source: Backyard Goats, April 4, 2020. Link. Most Nubians … [Read more...]
Floating horses’ teeth. Needed or not?
David Ramey, DVM, presents the pros and cons of teeth floating in horses. Getting a horse’s mouth examined periodically, to look for signs of oral disease is a good idea. Floating a horse’s teeth once in a while probably isn’t a bad idea either. But need? Well, that’s a subject for a good bit of discussion.” – David Ramey, DVM Source: Horse Network, April 3, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Feed pets for optimal dental health
One of the most important ways to improve dental health is to feed dogs and cats the correct diet writes Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT. She reviews the effects diets have on dental health and addressing some erroneous beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, the consumption of dry food does not provide enough mechanical abrasion to prevent the development of plaque and dental … [Read more...]
Collar or harness — which is best?
Andrea Gronwald provides a comprehensive discussion of collars and harnesses. She shares how, when and why to use them. Pet owners will appreciate the guidance. Share this on social media and in newsletters with assurances that fashionable designs of each style are available. 😉 Source: Animal Wellness, April 2, 2020. Link. . . . collars are best used for identification … [Read more...]
Puppy socialization when sheltered in place
Socialization for new puppies and for newly adopted dogs is critical to help them adapt to their surroundings. Mary Schwager shares ideas for exposing puppies and dogs to new things, even while social distancing. Source: Dogster, April 3, 2020. Link. When you help a dog through difficult things using clear criteria and communication, they learn to trust and believe in you. … [Read more...]
Clean and disinfect horse barns the right way
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares valuable information about horse barn cleanup in the face of an equine disease outbreak and in the context of everyday stable maintenance. It is a timely article for horse owners to consider as spring arrives and barn activities increase. Source: Horse and Rider, November 27, 2019. Link. Recent studies indicate equine influenza virus can be spread as … [Read more...]
Before I die
Most of us don’t think about death, except in times of crisis and we are living in one of those times. The Covid-19 pandemic is a reminder that we can die at any time. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. It’s hard to not think about death when we are bombarded with daily updates of the coronavirus death toll. But what better time for each of us to consider what we are doing … [Read more...]
Crisis management and leadership
Addressing the urgent needs of the present is the work of management. You need to make immediate choices and allocate resources. The pace is fast, and actions are decisive. Leading, by contrast, involves guiding people to the best possible eventual outcome over this arc of time. Your focus needs to be on what is likely to come next and readying to meet it. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
What scientists know about immunity and the novel coronavirus
It is too early to tell how well humans will mount effective antibodies, writes Katherine J. Wu. She shares information on challenges to immune development, viral replication and antigenic drift. If nothing else, her article is a decent review of virology and the challenges of protection. Source: Smithsonian, March 30, 2020. Link. Complicating matters further is the biology … [Read more...]
Social distancing algorithms for veterinary teams
Six feet may not be enough, according to recent CDC information < link >. So, what are veterinary teams to do when essential services need to be performed? Social distancing algorithms have been developed for companion animal practices’ interactions to help prevent fomite transfer between pet owners and team members. It’s not perfect, but like so many prevention efforts, … [Read more...]
Coronavirus on its way
Just because you’ve not seen it yet, doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. If you’re in the wait and see group, this resource may change your mind. With few geographic exceptions, coronavirus is on the way to your location. Disease modelers at the University of Texas at Austin simulated the spread of the outbreak in every United States county to determine the most likely … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccinations essential! Lyme, Lepto, FELV situational.
Michael J. Watts, DVM speaks to vaccinations and their essential status during the pandemic. His comments about rabies vaccines are spot on. Backyard pets frequently encounter wildlife, so leptospirosis, Lyme and feline leukemia vaccines may be essential for some pets. Kennel cough vaccines are important to keep current for pets being boarded. Source: Culpeper Star-Exponent, … [Read more...]
H-E-B shows what crisis planning should be
H-E-B, the famed Texas grocery chain founded in 1905, has steadfastly served customers through tornadoes and hurricanes, thanks to crisis planning unmatched by its rivals. This foundational ethos is a key component of the company’s pandemic and influenza planning it started in 2005 and has refined since. Texas Monthly reporters talked with employees, executives and customers to … [Read more...]
Calculus was invented during a school break
Unless you hated advanced mathematics, Cal Newport’s post about a productive school break is good news. He shares the history of a 23-year-old Isaac Newton retreating from school in 1666 due to the black plague. It was during that break that Newton invented calculus. Who knows what kids and parents at home might create together? Source: Cal Newton, March 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Digitization affects our happiness, health, and wisdom
Food for thought Technologies fueling our media consumption are outpacing the rate of scientific inquiry, making real or verifiable effects hard to understand and perhaps harder study appropriately, share these authors. They express concerns and assert a call to action to establish new disciplines about media. American adults now spend over 11 hours per day listening to, … [Read more...]
Opinion – Meditate on the go to relieve stress
After seven minutes in a prompt tree and on-hold time, the on-hold message suggested I try the company’s website. I hung up and surfed the website for the answer to my question. Twenty-five minutes later, I was back on hold waiting for a live person. During that hold time, I stumbled on this meditate on-the-go article. Like the 15 second TV spots by CALM, Avik Chanda shares … [Read more...]
The 7 Habits of highly effective salespeople
Steven Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, inspired a huge audience in the 1990s. During that period, Randy Illig learned how the 7 Habits thinking applied to salespersons. He shares how the 7 Habits can help achieve greater sales effectiveness. With how we engage with customers in turmoil, focusing on basics can help maintain account … [Read more...]
Battling bacteria with their natural enemy: a virus
Not all viruses create pandemic consequences. Lacey Newlin shares the progress on using bacteriophages to attack bacteria and the possibility of phages as antibiotic alternatives. . . . about half of the bacteria on this planet are killed by bacteriophages every two days.” - Hari Shankar Kotturi, PhD. Source: High Plains Journal, March 20, 2020. Link. Divya Jaroni, PhD, whose … [Read more...]
Electric fencing benefits goat keeping
Along with baby chicks and rabbits, some farm stores offer goats during Easter. Traditional fencing has its challenges. Electric netting fencing is a good option for keeping goats in and predators out. Source: Backyard Goats, August 23, 2019. Link. Potential owners often ask about goat fencing. Goats can be impressive escape artists. Give a goat a mountain and it will most … [Read more...]
Equine depression is real
Long-term exposure to inescapable or repeated stressors can lead to depression for horses, according to a French study published in 2016 < link >. Justine Harrison revisited it. She examines some of the causes, lists signs to watch for, and give tips on how to help alleviate equine depression. The study focused on two elements: the spontaneous expression of “behavioral … [Read more...]
Addressing coprophagia
Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons, most of which signal an underlying issue. Dog owners with poop eaters devour information and tips to stop this disgusting behavior. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, discusses the whys of coprophagia and ways to stop the behavior. Source: PetMD. Link. Also see: Why do dogs eat poop? Animal Health Digest, August 31, 2016. … [Read more...]
Safety reminder about home appliances and animals in the home
We’re home more now. Chris Doscher reminds us that appliances can pose risks for pets in the home. Putting some simple precautions in place will ensure they stay safe. Including family members in the safety checks is also important. Source: Animal Wellness, March 4, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good reminder to share on social media or in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Baby chick demand could spell trouble
There is a pandemic-caused rush to buy baby chicks during these shelter-in-place weeks, according to the New York Times. Many are first-time owners, which raises concerns about improper care, cruelty and disease risks. People making last-minute decisions to raise chickens may not know what they’re getting into. . .” Source: New York Times, March 28, 2020. Link. New chicken … [Read more...]
Make uncomfortable the norm
It seems as if we’re stuck inside the movie, Contagion, and are far from seeing the credits roll. Take heart in that what’s happening in the world now is not a new movie, but a re-release. Our challenge comes in how we approach life when the movie is over. Because life is changing quickly and will change again. Source: Purpose Unlimited, Link. Life is a continuous … [Read more...]