Billy, my cat, is sick. He has urinary tract infection so he has been having difficulty peeing. When he tries, blood comes out. There are bloody spots all over the floor. He vomited several times a couple of days ago and he’s too sick to eat or even drink. We have to hand-feed him. For a sick kitty, he puts up quite a fight. Andrew, my husband, has the battle scars to prove it.

It’s all our fault that Billy’s ill. Cats are fussy about cleanliness, and can make themselves ill simply by refusing to use the litter box when it’s not clean enough for them. The cat litter should have been changed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but we were so busy with the festivities that we waited longer than we should have to put in fresh litter. We were so caught up that we didn’t even notice that Billy had been having trouble relieving himself.

It breaks our hearts to see Billy so weak, and in pain, now. He’s so weak that he’s been soiling himself, so he’s often wet with urine. Cats hate to be dirty, so this must be so revolting for Billy. Of course, we wipe him clean several times a day. Poor baby.

Every time something like this happens, I am reminded that it could have been prevented. Had I taken more care, had I not been lazy, or procrastinated, had I been more observant, had I not been complacent …. You know how it goes.

Let’s try our best to make 2010 a safe and healthy year for our loved ones and ourselves. Don’t let a slip-up cause you grief. Be blessed!

Posted: December 31st, 2009 under Enemies To Health, Health Basics 101, Safe Homes.
Comments: none

I don’t believe it. I was looking forward to seeing some old family friends in the next few days at their annual Christmas party. These friends are an extended, loving family and their parties are famous for fabulous food, gorgeous Christmas decorations and interesting guests. Children, dogs and adults alike wander through the sprawling house, filling the place with happy sounds of play and conversation.

This year we expected more of the same except, of course, some heads would be a little grayer and the children would be a little taller. We will gather together again, indeed, this week, but not to celebrate Christmas. We’ll be gathering for the funeral of the family’s only child, a 10-year old boy. Tragically, he died of a heart attack during the weekend, while on a family holiday. He had been an active, boisterous child, with no apparent health problems. Everyone’s still in shock. How could a seemingly healthy child die of cardiac arrest?

A couple of years ago, some relatives also lost their only son. He was 20 years old, physically fit and a competitive sportsman. In fact, he had been competing with his team in a rowing competition overseas when their boat capsized when they had completed the race and were making their way to shore. Four other young men drowned together with him. Had they followed the safety rules which included waiting to be towed back to the banks of the river, rather than attempting to navigate the unfamiliar, raging river themselves, they might still be alive today.

We still don’t know what caused our friends’ 10-year old boy to have a heart attack. Perhaps the strain of mountain-climbing was just too much for his little body to bear. There must have been some warning signs that he was unwell. Perhaps he was pushed to take on more than he could handle. Of course, we’ll never ask our friends’ these questions. They loved their son dearly and they’re already drowning in guilt.

We can do our best to eat healthily and exercise regularly, but all our efforts will come to naught if we’re complacent. Let’s always take precautions wherever we are, especially when engaging in potentially dangerous activity in unfamiliar territory. Let’s not ignore that strange growth on the body. Let’s always heed warning signs, including the still, small voice within us which sometimes causes us to feel uneasy about something we’re about to do. Let’s never fail to ask God for protection for ourselves as well as our loved ones. I bless my husband in the name of Jesus every time he leaves our home, and pray for his wellbeing. Whenever any of my family members travel, I always pray for their protection.

Let’s never make the mistake of taking what we have for granted. Complacency can kill.

Posted: December 21st, 2009 under Enemies To Health, Safe Homes.
Comments: none

My good friend, Isaac, and I do not see eye to eye when it comes to what constitutes healthy diets and practices. He feels that it’s alright to eat, use and do almost anything as God loves us and will not allow any harm to come to us. I don’t disagree with him but I believe that God has given us brains for a reason. Would you go out in the snow without warm clothing, eat your fruit and vegetables without washing them first, or shower with engine degreaser?

If you were offered two glasses of sparkling mineral water, one comprising pure mineral water and the other comprising mineral water with just one drop of drainwater added, which one would you choose to drink? Isn’t it obvious which glass most people would go for? When you think about it, really, one drop of drainwater probably wouldn’t kill you but, given a choice, you wouldn’t touch that glass with a ten-foot pole when you know it’s contaminated.

So why do consumers keep buying food contaminated with toxins like pesticides, hormones and fungicides? Why do they use personal care and household products which are contaminated with carcinogens and other harmful chemicals? We’re exposing ourselves to the equivalent, or worse, of drainwater everytime we put these poisons in or on our bodies.

People are getting sicker and dying longer, rather than LIVING longer. Is it any surprise? Wouldn’t you rather spend a little more to protect your health now, rather than spend a lot later on expensive medical treatment?

No toxins or carcinogens for me, thanks. Care for some in your beverage or food, or perhaps in your shampoo, toothpaste, moisturiser or dishwashing detergent?

Posted: June 12th, 2009 under Enemies To Health, Health Basics 101, Safe Homes, Toxins & Pollutants.
Comments: none