Other pet poisons
Although the recent contamination of many commercial pet foods is cause for concern, so is the potential for toxic poisoning through “people” food. Following are foods that are hazardous to your pets, says Steven Hansen of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in the May issue of Family Circle:
* Chocolate: It contains a caffeine-like stimulant that can affect the heart and central nervous system of dogs and cats.
* Candy or gum containing Xylitol: This sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure in dogs.
* Grapes or raisins: These can cause a dog’s kidneys to fail within 48 hours.
* Onions: This vegetable can break down a dog or cat’s red blood cells, preventing them from carrying oxygen.
* Moldy or spoiled foods: A toxic byproduct of mold on things like cheese can interfere with the normal nervous system functions of cats and dogs.
* Salt: Because it changes how the body holds fluids, salt can trigger swelling in the brains of dogs and cats.
Guy time a lifesaver
If you haven’t scheduled buddy time with your male friends lately, give them a call and go have a beer or play some hoops. Spending guy time can be a lifesaver, say medical experts in the May issue of Best Life.
As men in their mid-30s through 50s develop their careers, marry, move and sometimes divorce, they slowly leave behind the strong male friendships they had in their youth. This often results in loneliness and — yes — putting their health at risk. Here are some reasons why continued male bonding is important:
* Your injuries will heal faster and you’ll be more immune to the effects of stress on your health if you have good male friendships, says Redford Williams, director of the Behavioral Medicine Research Center at Duke University.
* Social support through guy time could lower your risk for coronary heart disease, notes James Blumenthal, professor of medical psychology at Duke.
* Masculine self-image and self-esteem among men is affirmed through their male friends, says Chloe E. Bird, a senior sociologist with the Rand Corp., a non-profit group dedicated to problem-solving.
* Male friends allow you to open up discussions about parenting, marital, health and other issues that may concern you, adds Jean Bonhomme, co-founder and president of the National Black Men’s Health Network.
Asthma screening
If you’re wheezing and coughing, you could have asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease. In May and June, several free asthma screenings will be sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
The screenings will include a written questionnaire, a breathing test and physician consultation.
Here are some dates and locations:
* Wednesday, Health Education Center in the Chicago Ridge Mall, 9500 S. Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge (call 708-423-5774 for times).
* 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19, Whole Foods, 201 63rd St., Willowbrook.
* 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20, Century Shopping Centre, 2828 N. Clark St., Chicago.
* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23, Chicago Ridge Mall, 9500 S. Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge.
* 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 2, Kishwaukee Hospital Health Fair, 626 Bethany Rd., DeKalb.
Cheap health care
Free and low-cost health services can be found on several Web sites, notes a report from the AARP Bulletin in the May 1 issue of Bottom Line Personal.
For free cancer screening, go to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. For free kidney screening, go to the National Kidney Foundation at www. kidney.org/news/keep/index .cfm. For free vision screening and recycled glasses for those in need, go to the Lions Clubs International, www.lionsclubs .org.
If you’re looking for a low-cost medical clinic, find one in your area through the Bureau of Primary Health Care, ask.hrsa .gov/pc.
