Yesterday was the official Independence Day we celebrate. July 4th means many things to our country’s men, women and families. Baxter Black, DVM, is an icon <link>. He is a cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and entertainer of the agricultural masses. Baxter shared his perspectives on July 4th and the American Flag in the videos we’ve shared here. Photo by … [Read more...]
The immune system and the pathogenesis of depression
The discovery of “why” is part of many animal health pros’ scientific makeup. We investigate to understand and then study more to be sure we understand. For several months, our industry has been focused on suicide and its underpinnings, including depression. This article references studies that have shown a link between chronic immune responses and the development and presence … [Read more...]
Smithsonian exhibit shows viral vulnerability
The “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” exhibit <link> in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History explains the perfect storm that we’ve brought upon ourselves: The more of the planet humans take over, the more we inadvertently make it a viral paradise, and a dangerous place for us to live. The exhibit shows that our vulnerability to viral infection depends on … [Read more...]
Don’t break the chain, the science behind lasting change
Do you remember your New Year’s resolution? Did you keep it? Aytekin Tank writes about how to keep your changes moving forward. He quotes what Jerry Seinfeld once said about his writing work. “Don’t break the chain.” “He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain … [Read more...]
Opinion: Generation Z; Chasing butterflies
If you spent any time trying to understand millennials, then this article series will bring perspective about the next generation, Gen Z. The series focuses on brand practitioners, but since each of us manages our own brand, some of the information applies to every animal health pro. The authors compare Gen Z metaphorically to a butterfly. Some are in a state of metamorphosis … [Read more...]
Create a motivating environment
At some point, every leader has dealt with a person or worse, a group of people, who has lost motivation. It is frustrating. As much as we’ve been there ourselves, sometimes it’s hard to empathize with others who are disengaged from work and are unproductive as a result. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 22, 2018. Link. Despite these difficulties, it is possible for … [Read more...]
Developing leaders properly critical to success
Leadership matters! Most people at least implicitly understand this basic concept. People who have studied, and practiced leadership understand it at a deeper level. Developing and selecting individuals for positions of authority is one of the most important responsibilities of today’s leaders. Source: General Leadership, August 6, 2014. Link. The ability to be steady and … [Read more...]
Vacation – just do it
Right now is a good time to plan some well-deserved time away from the office. The team at the Muse pulled together some vacation-related articles to help you get ready for time off—and even return to work feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to tackle anything. Source: The Muse, June 21, 2018. 6 really good reasons you should stop what you're doing and plan a vacation. … [Read more...]
Email is stressful, but not that time consuming
A recent study showed the average professional spends 4.1 hours per day responding to work messages, says Dorie Clark, who undertook a project to determine why email seemed so burdensome. She shares three important lessons learned from the process, which may be valuable as you think about how to make the time you spend on email more efficient: Each “yes” leads to more … [Read more...]
Muscle through grunt work with the right mind
Everyone has grunt work. It’s those repetitious, uninspiring tasks that can often be boring and exhausting. Mary Carlomagno says there are three major emotional obstacles that stand in the way of muscling through the grunt work: How we feel about what we are doing, which places us in a judgmental, often unpleasant state. We wait for perfect conditions to begin, such as … [Read more...]
Veterinary professionals share concerns in Veterinary Confessionals Project
The Veterinary Confessionals Project (Link) allows veterinary professionals to express themselves freely, without being judged, and encourages creativity and solidarity within the veterinary community. The DVM 360 staff assembled some of the secrets veterinarians and team members have shared via the project. Sometimes I feel like a way better vet than a mom or wife. :( Most … [Read more...]
Enjoy your failure
For many of us, graduation is barely visible in our rearview mirror. Those inspiring words spoken at graduation ceremonies are an even more distant memories. However, the occasional reflection back will clarify our vision moving forward. So, here is graduation reflection to consider as you tackle your next challenge. Source: GeorgiaPol.com, June 4, 2018. Link. In the end, … [Read more...]
Few domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly. More are needed.
An abusive relationship is tough, no matter the circumstances. Imagine having to choose between fleeing one with your pet or leaving it behind to an unknown fate. More domestic violence shelters are slowly opening their doors to victims and pets, yet only 3 percent do so currently. Construction is underway in New York City for the country’s first shelter custom-built for … [Read more...]
HR and the #MeToo movement
We believed this topic required a longer post than normal. Workplace sexual harassment is not new and efforts to stamp it out have not made much of an impact. One analysis indicates “much of the training done over the last 30 years has not worked as a prevention tool—it’s been too focused on simply avoiding legal liability.” Human Resource Executive® reached out to five of … [Read more...]
Women can overcome being interrupted and talked over
Women are interrupted twice as often as men in meetings, writes Eleanor Beaton. She provides seven tips for women to get their voice heard: Interrupt back. Sit in the power seat Speak in shorter sentences Get feedback on your meeting style Cultivate allies Take credit Make direct eye contact and lean in Source: Inc., June 6, 2018. Link. No one likes … [Read more...]
When hungry becomes hangry
There’s no question we are obsessed with food. We track what we eat, avoid eating, eat irregularly, eat like mice or eat like a ravenous dog. When we get hungry, we sometimes get grumpy, which leads to becoming hangry. Many people feel more irritable, annoyed, or negative when hungry – an experience colloquially called being “hangry.” The idea that hunger affects our feelings … [Read more...]
Quarter horse history emphasizes one type of horse
Quarter horse enthusiasts will enjoy the history, debates and stories in this two-part article. The discussion unfolds in 1950. Source: AQHA Journal, June 8, 2018. Link. There has never been but one type of Quarter Horse since the breed’s inception so many years ago. That description is lost through the various interpretations. But there was a time, not so many years ago, … [Read more...]
The Phoenix Zoo: Diverse care for a diverse population (video)
For many veterinarians, zoo animals were part of their original dreams of becoming an animal doctor. It is at zoos that we encounter rare species, learn of captive populations held to preserve genetics and see species that pique our curiosities. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened. This diverse population … [Read more...]
Never ignore these depression symptoms
Suicide and depression have garnered worthwhile attention in animal health media lately. Mainstream media is now inundated with suicide and depression information following the high-profile deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. Depression is the leading risk factor for suicide. It's also the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World … [Read more...]
When traditional goal setting doesn’t work
A goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-sensitive. This is right in most cases. However, in some cases you could spend all your time in the goal-setting process while the market passes you by. So, consider these ideas when you need a non-traditional approach. Source: Fast Company, June 4, 2018. Link. Instead of focusing on changing your habit … [Read more...]
What a dog can teach us about customer service
Customers, prospects and their companions are not compliance issues that need to be corrected based on arbitrary rules. Nor are employees. In fact, excellent customer service and happy employees go hand in hand. You simply don’t get one without the other. Ask Charlie Mitchell. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. The station manager could have turned his encounter with Charlie … [Read more...]
Protect yourself from mosquito, tick and other bug bites (video)
The CDC reports the rate of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases has tripled over the past decade. Share this video on websites, social media and in targeted e-blasts. Include a pet message as well. Source: NBC News, June 8, 2018. Link. The video shares 5 tips for protecting yourself from bugs: Cover up Use insect repellent Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug … [Read more...]
Take Your Pet to Work Week starts June 18
Take Your Pet to Work Week kicks off June 18. The event with Take your Cat to Work Day™ on Monday and ends Friday with Take Your Dog to Work Day®. Pet Sitters International has a free toolkit filled with tips and promotions to help celebrate the week. Plus, the website offers all the social media information you could want. Source: Pet Sitters International. Link. May 23, … [Read more...]
Benefits, flexibility help retain employees
A recent Harris Poll of 800 employed adults affirms that lifestyle fit is key to attracting and retaining employees. About half of those surveyed would leave their job for a position with benefits that fit their needs, including more paid time off, enhanced healthcare coverage and a more generous 401(k) plan. Forty-two percent of participants said they would quit if another … [Read more...]
5 mindsets that contribute to poor results
John R. Stoker discusses five specific mindsets may cause you and others to behave in unproductive ways that diminish results and stifle your ability to work well with others: To be right, not wrong To be respected, not disrespected To be in control, not out of control To be appreciated, not unappreciated To be safe, not unsafe Source: SmartBrief, April 30, … [Read more...]
Hormones by the numbers
Amanda Radke addresses myths surrounding beef and hormones. This information is well-referenced and realistic. Use it to reeducate yourself and share it with consumers who blame animal-based protein for hormonal problems. Source: BEEF, May 8, 2018. Link. A pre-pubescent girl would have to eat 10.7 steers’ worth of beef and a pre-pubescent boy would need to 8.2 steers’ worth … [Read more...]
AAHA’s Indispensable Associate Initiative: Vital skills for new veterinarians (includes video)
Some things aren’t taught in veterinary school. Since its pilot in 2014, this educational program has been attended by 477 associate veterinarians. The objectives are to gain key skills needed to contribute to a successful practice while also being healthier, savvier and more fulfilled in their veterinary career. Source: AAHA Red, May 14, 2018. Link. This one-day seminar … [Read more...]
Don’t confuse empathy and kindness
Kindness is certainly a quality to be admired and the world would be a better place if we were kinder to one another. However, there are many situations when being kind is the most unproductive, disrespectful and frankly, the unkindest thing you can do to another human being. Source: Fast Company, May 23, 2018. Link. Here’s what empathy is: It’s putting yourself in someone … [Read more...]
Quiz: Controlling Pathogen-Specific Infection
See how you do with this seven-question quiz that may challenge your knowledge of infectious disease prevention. Common scenarios are presented as encountered in small animal practice and shelters. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, March 2018. Link. Veterinary personnel are obligated to take reasonable precautions to mitigate foreseeable risks associated with infectious … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for cleaning fans
Dan Veeneman offers tips cleaning large ventilation fans in dairy operations. His advice can also be applied to any ventilation fan on the farm, in shops or at home. Source: Progressive Dairyman, May 16, 2018. Link. Keeping fans, curtains, inlets and baffles clean will go a long way in extending the life of your ventilation equipment. Fans will lose up to 30 percent of … [Read more...]