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ZOONOTIC DISEASE,
CATCH IT ON
FOX NEWS
February, 2008 – Fox News Channel interviewed an
emergency room physician who warned that e-coli and other bacteria can
be caught from our pets. The doctor explained the risk of “bacterial
colonization” between family members and their pets.
It was pointed out that dogs track bacteria in on their feet but so
what? So do people and unlike dogs, we don’t “wash” our shoes.
The doctor mentioned a study that found some of the same bacteria in the
family pet as was believed responsible for a higher incidence of human
urinary tract infections.
Allowing the pet to kiss family members was discouraged. Have you ever
told that to your Golden Retriever?
In fairness to the pets, it was also pointed out that humans have oral
bacteria that cause tooth decay. Children are not born with it. They get
it from their parents, not their pets.
There are in fact very few contagious diseases transmitted between
animals and humans. 40 million pet owners can’t be wrong.
C’mon Fox News. Next time interview a pet-owning veterinarian!
Stella Starr |
Corn Syrup, Obesity and
Diabetes
 Our pets may be on a fast
track to obesity and diabetes. Scores of prepared foods are saturated
with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) including many pet foods. Since
HFCS or corn gluten is used as humectants, can we be sure which foods
actually contain these ingredients? Could these foods in turn, be
promoting a whole new product market for overweight dogs and cats?
Recent reports from the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that two out of three
Americans are overweight, and almost five are obese. Many pets are
overweight and canine diabetes is on the rise. Could the statistics for
overweight pets soon be just as bad?
The American Chemical Society, a nonprofit
chartered by the U.S. Congress, supported a link to diabetes. Fox News
tactfully reported, “Some researchers have suggested that high-fructose
corn syrup may contribute to an increased risk of diabetes, as well as
obesity.” Such study results are quickly disputed by the food industry.
A TV program about HFCS got my attention a few years ago. HFCS was
believed to cause immediate production of insulin, sending some to fat
storage cells, and causing cravings for more.
After losing 32 pounds in 2 months, while having smoothies with soy
protein for lunch, I recalled a site for Harvard University Medical
papers indicating that soy protein turns off sugar cravings. Clearly, I
had craved foods rich in HFCS. Now avoiding it, I keep soy protein on
hand for times when I eat foods that bring on HFCS cravings.
Now the food industry is adding new fibers to fix the problems with
corn. Extractable from 36,000 plants, these fibers will not make food
tastier. Side effects will result, but HFCS and corn will stay. It is
important to read labels. Colon problems, even for pets, may be
traceable directly to these new fibers.
While many consumers think
that the pet food industry and the makers of our own foods should just
take out the suspect
ingredients, it doesn’t seem to be happening. Take a look at all
the low fat foods, weight loss products, and drugs related to losing
weight or treating diabetes. It is likely that these products represent
a tremendous amount of consumer spending.
Could it be that pet foods are headed in the same direction? This may
mean that your pet’s health could take a backseat
to the development of new markets for diet pet foods and pet drugs.
by Nel Liquorman
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