Dr. Anna presents "3UP for 4-H!"

This past Thursday evening, Dr. Anna had the pleasure of speaking to a 4-H group in Burton, Ohio.  Since she was invited to spread the One Health message, Dr. Anna kicked off the presentation with the importance of the 3UP’s and how it supports One Health.

For those of you who are not familiar with the 3UP’s, I will get you up to speed.  In order to keep animals, people and environments healthy, we must follow three simple steps that most of us already practice on a daily basis.

1. Vet Up!  Take your pet(s) for routine health exams.  This will keep them up to date on vaccines and parasite control.
2. Pick Up!  Help keep the environment clean by picking up after your pet.
3. Wash Up!  30 seconds will do – Just sing the alphabet a time or two.  Washing with soap and water will get rid of bacteria, parasites, and other ”bugs” that could be harmful to you.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3 and will keep you and your loved ones healthier!  The 4-H group couldn’t have agreed more after hearing Dr. Anna’s presentation.  Most of the group didn’t know that their animals could make them sick, so everyone was more than ready to start utilizing the 3UP’s!

We had many questions from the youngsters in the group and were inspired to know that a few of them were interested in pursuing a career in the veterinary field.  After hearing Dr. Anna’s words of wisdom, we hope they will continue their quest and share our message along the way.

If you are interested in learning more about One Health and the 3UP’s, please visit our website or call 216.586.4VET (4838) to learn more.

Dr. Anna informed seniors about the 3UP's for keeping them and pets healthy.

One Health love was definitely in the air this past Valentine’s Day when Dr. Anna and I took our show on the road to speak to the community of Akron.  Thanks to our gracious host Chambrel at Montrose, we were able to spread the message of One Health, through the presentation, “Keeping Pets and Seniors Healthy.”  This event was open to the public and we had an excellent turn-out of Chambrel residents and other members of the Akron community.

Amanda discusses services provided to cats (and dogs got their fair air time, too)

Dr. Anna emphasized how practicing the 3UP’s daily can keep them healthy, and I explained how the services we offer through Vets On Wheels can keep their pets healthy.  This concept seemed to resonate very well with the group and we have the survey feedback to prove it!  One resident said she was so thankful that this type of service was being offered and was going to refer us to her relatives.  Another resident said the presentation was very informative and offered to spread our message.   And to top it all off, we also received quite a few donations to keep the Vets On Wheels program moving full steam ahead!

We can’t thank the staff at Chambrel enough for inviting us to share the One Health message and we hope to return soon to provide veterinary services for the residents of Akron.  If you are interested in hosting a One Health educational seminar or learning more about Vets On Wheels, please contact 216.586.4VET (4838) or visit our website.  We look forward to spreading the One Health love in your town!

Now don’t get me wrong. There are many great products out there that can improve our health (or that of our pets). But warning bells went off when I heard the following about the product.

• This product is not approved by the FDA
• This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.
• This product is good for your health and for any number of medical conditions you may have (even after the above two bullet items were stated).

Why does this concern me? I am trained as a scientist in genetics, veterinary medicine, and cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that afflicts people but not thought to afflict animals) by educational facilities with a strong history of training students in these disciplines. In my training, I became an expert in the lung, the cells in and around the lung, the immune system, infectious diseases that can attack the lung (viruses, bacteria, fungi), molecules in and around cells that impact lung health, and products that have been scientifically proven to be beneficial for lung health in cystic fibrosis patients.

I have proven my scientific expertise in the above areas by being an author of many published peer-reviewed articles that have been cited in PubMed (it cites the most credible of scientific manuscripts) including one published in a premier scientific journal called the “Journal of Clinical Investigations.” It is common to work with colleagues to strengthen the collective expertise and I took full advantage of that with a collaborative team mentality. My team worked with numerous companies- large and small- whose scientists designed novel compounds or delivery systems with a view to improve the lives of patients. These needed to go through the rigorous FDA process. So I know a enough about how new therapies go from the scientific workbench to the patient to know when to pay attention to marketing and sales claims. I can’t say I’m 100% immune to them as a patient, but I have a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to anything that claims to be the next best product for health on the planet.

So when I reviewed the marketing materials that came with the product my friend showed me, I looked for the common red flags in addition to the ones mentioned above and found them. These were:

• It was clear the intent was to sell the product directly to the consumer without getting advice from a medical doctor
• They claimed the product was 100% safe; even water or air can be toxic under the right circumstances
• They did not reveal what the ingredients in the product were, though they did do a great job directly avoiding the question
• The scientists on their scientific advisory body had no expertise in the field that would make sense for the product they were selling
• The “studies” they cited were not found in PubMed, the leading search engine for peer-reviewed scientific journals that are crucial for understanding whether a product can cure, treat, or prevent disease using the scientific process
• They stated that the FDA process was not needed to prove safety since the body naturally makes these products; the body makes all kinds of things and not all of them are ones I’d want to take – urine and feces, for instance, but I think that’s obvious
• They strongly infer that the product can treat, cure, or prevent almost any disease
• Many if not all people affiliated with the product could benefit financially from product sales, and so could you! This is a huge financial conflict-of-interest issue.

After 3 hours of research on the product and the people behind the product, I did not know what was in the product exactly, I didn’t know if the product would be of help or harm to me, and I didn’t trust the people directly behind the product to tell me the whole truth. So I think you know that I won’t be rushing out to buy the product, even if they’d offer me my money back after using it all (for me or my loved ones). However, I could only be potentially harming me, my loved ones, and my bank account balance if I did get the product.

But what I found scary in their marketing materials was the following:

• They cited a lot of credible science, and even wrote a small booklet making the subject matter understandable to the general public.
• They are great at marketing a product.
• They can manipulate a lot of well-meaning people – including physicians and other health care professionals – that this is the greatest product on the planet based on using their scientific citations as proof that their snake oil can cure what ails anyone.

Oops. Did I  say snake oil? Guess the cat’s out of the bag!

Kidding aside, I’d like to circle back to the FDA, otherwise known as the Food and Drug Administration. Their job is to make sure that products, even those used in animals, have been tested to “diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases” and therefore places a huge burden on those who want to develop new products. The process is very expensive, time consuming, and filled with red tape. That’s why people and companies do everything possible to avoid the need to go through the FDA.

So while the product my friend recommended could be generally regarded as safe – such as water and air – and do no more harm than help relieve me of my cash, it’s unlikely I’ll try it until I know more about it. But if I want to, for instance, drink tea that claims to help me feel better, I’ll only drink it if I like the taste. Otherwise, I just think of it as another snake oil claim.

If, on the other hand, I want a product that I trust can help cure, treat, or prevent disease, I will look for those products that have been approved by the FDA and discuss it with my doctor before I take it.

Have a question about a product that makes claims about improving health? Try checking out the FDA web page for consumers first.

Wishing you and yours One Health wellness,

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012 starting promptly at 10 am.

Where:

Why: To find out how to make a One Health difference in your community

Who should get involved: Anyone interested in helping keep animals, people, and environments healthy

General kinds of volunteer opportunities available:

• Working directly with animals (veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and students; must be 18 years or older for your safety)
• Working near animals (assist pet owners with check-in and check-out, ensure veterinary team has food and beverages during breaks, etc.)
• Working for the animals (marketing, fundraising, writing, etc.)

Caution: Those people who want to work with or near animals for the Vets On Wheels program need to be aware that…

1. Allergic reactions can occur in people as a result of being near animals (e.g. runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, etc.)
2. Part of the veterinary services involve collecting blood samples, handling fecal and urine samples, giving shots (vaccinations), expressing anal glands, clipping toenails, and giving medications to animals, as needed.
3. The recommended veterinary procedures are for the health and safety of the pet, and the other animals and people who get near them.
4. Animals may bite, scratch and express their bodily fluids, when you least expect it.
5. Animals don’t always want veterinary procedures to be done to them and avoid them (see note above about biting, scratching, etc), so they must be restrained appropriately for everyone’s health and safety.
6. You must dress appropriately for your safety and that of others; a dress code will be discussed and enforced.

Note: If any of the above activities may be a problem for you, then please do not volunteer for a position that involves activities that are a known problem for you.

There’s limited space, so please let us know if you plan on coming.

We hope to see you there!

My husband Ned enjoying a relaxing time in his favorite chair with our cat Oreo

For some Valentine’s Day is filled with dread. That day when single people feel left out, for couples who are experiencing rough patches, for those not wanting to get trapped in the commercialization that demeans this day, or for those not knowing how to express love in a meaningful way. And for others it’s the perfect time to connect with a loved one in a special place.

If you look at Valentine’s Day as a day as an excuse to sit and remember all that you love in life- not just about romantic love- then it can take on a whole new meaning. A One Health meaning. What do I mean about that?

Let me take you on the journey I have taken since I left veterinary school. Soon after graduation I had a whole new life before me; I began my career, got married, had two beautiful girls, and pets at home. It seemed like I had it all. But slowly, I realized I was losing all those relationships I had built up in my school years- my connection to classmates, friends, animals, sports, and places I enjoyed. And funny enough, this new One Health career path has allowed me to connect and/or reconnect with all the pets, people, and places I love(d).

Now I take the time to connect with friends and family (albeit mostly through Facebook or e-mail), post pictures of pets, people, and places I may otherwise lose on my computer (I got the blue screen of death once and lost many pictures of my children when they were young and oh so adorable), help keep the house clean once a week, and view the world in a One Health way connecting the dots between my health, that of the people and animals around me, and the places where we/they all intersect.

So what does this have to do with Valentine’s Day? It’s coming up of course, and I have a loving family and One Health is keeping me connected. But there were many times that weren’t so great, and it was made ever more poignant on Valentine’s Day.

So this is what helped me during those not-so-great times when I didn’t have a special someone in my life, family was far away, I didn’t have a pet, or have a special place to go. I reflected on what made me happy in the past and reached out to reconnect to get that feeling back. You can try what I did like this:

• Volunteering your time can be rewarding, lead to a meaningful job, be an opportunity to meet people with similar interests, and to gain new experiences and skills
• Animals are never judgmental- they don’t care how much money you make or what you look like; consider getting a pet you can manage or volunteering to help animals
• Spend time in a place you love by yourself, with someone else (furry or otherwise), or in a large throng of people to lift your spirits
• Donate to a cause that gives you the warm fuzzy feeling that you are making a difference in the world, like supporting One Health work
• Treasure a remembrance of loved one or good times past

So on Valentine’s Day, think about how you can spend it in a meaningful, One Health way.

If you like a remembrance such as a keepsake gift, these shopping opportunities can also make a One Health difference- you get something meaningful for you or a loved one, the artist can make a living, and we can help keep animals, people, and environments healthy.

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day using a One Health perspective?

Dr. Anna

Valentine’s Day for me is not just about romantic love, it’s about those relationships we cherish with others. What better way to express that love than to wear a remembrance of a pet or animal we love? I gave my kids a matching set of earrings and necklaces some time ago and they just love them!

So this is the deal:

Artist Merry Rosenfield of The Magic Zoo jewelry is generously donating 17% of anything you purchase on her site during the month of February to celebrate One Health. Click on her beautiful handcrafted animal jewelry to find your favorite pet or animal design!

Never heard of The Magic Zoo?!? Well let me tell you about her.

I met Merry Rosenfield, master creator at The Magic Zoo, at a veterinary-related continuing education event several years ago. She is so friendly, generous, and an amazing artist. She knows just how to capture the essence of any animal species. She must have them all- her store is a veritable Noah’s Ark of animals. I’m sure you can find your favorite animal in her vast collection of species.

The other thing I love about her unique items is how affordable they are. There are many great items under $50 (there’s a great set of cat earrings for $10), but there are also other stunning pieces if there’s something special you need.

So get shopping and help a great cause- all at the same time. How great is that?!?

Understandably, all transactions that occur as a result of this amazing opportunity are between the shopper and The Magic Zoo. Any comments, questions, or concerns with their products or services need to be raised with The Magic Zoo. The van Bakeren Foundation is not responsible for any transaction made between the shopper and The Magic Zoo.

If you are interested in attending this event, please see this flyer for details. Don’t miss out on this special event!  We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Pizzuli draws blood from a dog to test for heartworm disease.

Last Wednesday, the Vets On Wheels team traveled to Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village, Ohio to provide veterinary services for the residents.  We were welcomed by eager residents and appreciative staff, which helped to start our day off right.  After setting up a small room with all of our supplies and equipment, we were ready to start seeing patients! Dr. Pizzuli and I began the day with a few feline nail trims, met some wonderful residents along the way, and ended our afternoon with two very loyal service dogs, in need of their yearly check-up.  We saw a total of 7 animals and formed new relationships with the residents of Knickerbocker Apartments.

Since this was my first event with Vets On Wheels, we thought it would be great to get the residents’ feedback on the services we provided.  I am happy to report that they were more than pleased with our team and loved the convenience of us coming to them!  One resident said she was very thankful we came to her apartment since she had difficulty getting her cat into a carrier.  Turns out the cat loved the convenience, too!  He was more relaxed since he felt comfortable in his home and was a model patient, which made our job much easier.

Knickerbocker resident and her beloved cat

It was a lovely morning spent with a great group of residents and their furry companions.  We are excited to add Knickerbocker Apartments to our client list and hope the next event is in your neck of the woods!  If you are interested in Vets On Wheels providing veterinary care in your community, please call (216) 586-4VET (4838) or e-mail me.

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, look no further than volunteering.  What other way can you help others and help yourself?  Studies show that volunteering is not only beneficial to others, but good for your own health, too!

So, go ahead, make your New Year’s resolution to volunteer.  If you enjoy working with animals and people, then you have found your first stop on the path of altruism.  The Vets On Wheels team is in need of passionate, dedicated volunteers to help us continue the mission of The van Bakeren Foundation into 2012.  If you are interested in volunteering for Vets On Wheels or other volunteer opportunities, please visit our web page for ways to help our organization. Or contact us today at 216.920.3051 or e-mail me.

We look forward to meeting you in the New Year!