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Sept/Oct 2010

Dear Doc Side Vet - I just adopted a cat and wanted to know if I Should feed her canned or dry food? My friend says dry is better for their teeth? -Kim, Canton

Dear Kim -

Actually, Kim, it has never been proven that dry dog food helps to prevent dental disease.

It’s important, whgen deciding on a diet for your pet, to consider what is most “natural” for the species.  Cats are originally desert animals.  They are carnivores and have diminished thirst.  Therefore, they must satisfy their meat and water requirements from their food. They are not meant to eat diets with high carbohydrates. Dry diets are too high in carbohydrates and too low in water content. So, we strongly recommend canned food for your cat.  However, be careful when transitioning to a canned food diet to make the change slowly and gradually. - Deborah Tierney, DVM

As professional dog trainers, we do not recommend retractable leashes for a number of reasons.  There is a distinct lack of firm control.  If dropped, the casing can spook or even harm the dog as it retracts from a distance away.  Rope burns are not uncommon.  The dog never learns to walk on a loose leash because this lead by its nature provides constant light tension, thereby, actually teaching the dog to pull.  Ironically, people buy this leash because their dog already pulls ahead on walks.

The most functional leash for dog handling should be sturdy and 5-6 feet long, depending on the relative height of the handler versus that of the dog.  For example, a tall person walking a miniature Daschund needs a longer leash.  This allows the dog freedom during casual walks, but can easily be looped in the hand to give firm and close control when needed.

We recommend leather leashes, which can last the lifetime of the dog, are essentially weatherproof and don’t fray or bind on the hands like nylon or cotton leads.  The thickness of the leather and the size of the snap should be selected according to the weight and/or strength of the dog.

A minimal investment in quality equipment can make a big difference in behavior and manners on all your walks.
Pauline Houliaras is a resident of Canton, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and co-owner of Doghouse Girls, a local dog walking, training and pet sitting service.  www.doghousegirls.com

Eco-Consults | Let’s look at why dog waste is harmful.  Dog feces contain up to 23 million bacteria per gram.  These “coliforms” typically live in the gut, but when accidentally ingested by humans can cause gastrointestinal illness, serious kidney disorders, and even death.  In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies pet waste similarly to oil and toxic chemicals.  When mixed into waterways, dog feces promote overgrowth of algae.  This causes declines in light and oxygen levels in the water, which leads to the death of plant and animal species in the water.  The waste from 100 canine companions over three days could temporarily create 20 square miles of this water wasteland!

About 40% of Americans do not pick up after their dog, and sometimes it seems like all of those 40% live in the city.  For those who live with a backyard, composting is a safe and effective solution.  There are also private companies that specialize in picking up dog feces (e.g. www.doodycalls.com).  For those who enjoy city living, options are more limited.  While using pet waste as a bio-fuel may seem attractive, it is unlikely to be a fiscal reality in Baltimore, due to tight budget constraints.  Try to encourage your neighbors to pick up after their pets, and keep the area in front of your own house clean of dog waste for sanitary reasons (even if you do not have a pet).  Most importantly, for those of us who enjoy furry friends at home, pick up after your pet!

EcoConsults will answer your environmental questions. Send your questions to Meghan at green@charmedmag.com. FIND MORE ECO-TIPS @ www.charmedmag.com/local-biz/goin-green/

Meghan Lockman has a Masters of Science in Environmental Management from Vanderbilt Univers ity and a Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University. she i s owner of EcoConsults, a local EcoConsult ing firm.  www.ecoconsults.com 

Simply put – do something different today – choose an exercise you would not normally choose.

I hear some women tell me, “I just want to lose weight. I don’t want to build muscles. I just use the elliptical machine or walk on the treadmill.” Yes, you will lose weight – both fat and muscle. Guess what? The only thing left will be skin and bones.

If you lose muscle while losing weight, your metabolism will slow down making it easier to regain the fat you lost. If you retain or gain muscle while losing fat, your metabolism will maintain or increase and make it harder to put on fat. It will also make your body more esthetically pleasing – unless you are going for the Ally McBeal look.

So, get off the treadmill and find a group exercise class that has you pushing some weight around – either your own weight or a dumbbell or a punching bag. Join in a TRX class. Try Yoga. Have a trainer teach you some resistance routines that engage as many muscles as possible.

You don’t need to become a “weight lifter,” although some women do enjoy that perfectly healthy challenge. I am talking about the strenuous use of lots of muscles in motion. You will raise your heart rate, increase your energy and strength, and build a fat burning metabolism.  And, you look  and feel great!

I have seen women change their look from shapeless arms and legs and overweight middles to a strong shapely core and aesthetically sculptured arms and legs. I have seen food go from enemy or obsession to a natural enjoyment.

Change requires change. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Let yourself explore what your body can do and you can change what it can be.

Frank Groves i s the General Manager at Canton Club Health & Fitness and has also been a Cert ified Personal Trainer for 13 years.

The cast of entrepreneurs and philanthropists hope to inspire 70,000 companies to change the lives of approximately 700,000 living in the city and more than 2.7 million in the greater area.  The cast of seven includes: Brad “Young Gun” Bergersen - owner of 24k Brokers; Ken “The Kennector” Rochon - owner of Absolute Entertainment and Perfect Networker; A.J. “The Coach” Ali - writer, producer, actor and holistic wellness expert; Steve “The Godfather” de Castro - CEO of Big Steaks Management (Ruth’s Chris, etc.); William “Peaches” Peach - residential realtor and real estate investor; Vince “The Closer” Sharps - owner of Columbia-based Graphic Press printing; Brian “B-Money” Jarosinski - wealth manager, model, former pro baseball player.

Each episode begins with the Good Fellas at one of Steve de Castro’s restaurants, talking about and watching video of a family in need in Baltimore.  The Good Fellas move into action, enlisting the help of local companies, celebrities, city leaders and ordinary people.  The community participates in a fundraising event and the family is blessed with their needs met and more.

“It’s a chance for viewers to not only watch reality TV, but also to participate in the outcome of the show, and the city.  It truly is the next generation of television and I’m proud to be a part of something so special.” - A.J. Ali

During the civil rights movement in the sixties, people would say, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”  Be a part of the solution.  (call-out) Join the movement for the premier charity VIP event on September 23 from 6 – 10pm at Pier V. The Rock the Pier event will be filmed and part of the first episode, with proceeds benefiting Living Classrooms. Purchase tickets at www.goodfellasofbaltimore.com.

GOODFELLAS
www.goodfellasofbaltimore.com

From kitchens to home offices and everything in between, Emily works one on one with clients to tackle clutter and implement functional and space-efficient organizing systems.  De-cluttering and organizing your existing square footage can delay or eliminate the need to invest in a larger house, plus you’ll have more time and space to enjoy city living.  Contact Tidy Life today to start living smarter in your space!

TIDY LIFE LLC
443.438.4129 . [www.mytidylife.com]

The Rowhouse Grille’s upstairs lounge with 24 ft. ceilings, an original fireplace and granite bar can accommodate 25 guests, and offers an additional dining room for 30, making it a great venue for a private party.  Patrick Dahlgren and Joseph Flynn welcome you to visit and enjoy casual and upscale dining in Federal Hill.

THE ROWHOUSE GRILLE
1400 Light Street- Federal Hill – 443.438.7289 – www.therowhousegrille.com

Traditions by Pamela | 2216 Boston Street – Canton – 410.675.2444

The following 5 tips are proven to make a difference.  Apply them to your life and you will support your child to become (in time) a healthy eater, and relieve yourself of the stress and worry that has so many parents dreading meal time.

Tip #1: Don’t Force It
Force feeding is counter-productive.  Even the “you have to take just one bite” rule ultimately works against you.  Your child ultimately controls whether or not she eats something. To try to take that control away through the threat of disapproval or even punishment breeds resentment. You will lose, and so will your child! If you are experiencing power struggles around food, call off the war. 

Tip #2: Apply “The Division of Responsibility”
Nutritionist Ellyn Satter broke the code for feeding children in the modern era, and her simple solution is called “The Division of Responsibility.”  As the parent, you are responsible for when your child eats (a consistent rhythm of meals and snacks is best) and for providing healthy, appealing options.  Your child decides whether or not she will eat at all, and if so, what and how much. 

“The Division of Responsibility” means giving your child the right to skip a meal, while keeping your boundaries for when the next scheduled feeding time is (not giving into nagging for snacks).  It also means providing a number of healthy options for your child to choose from, and letting her choose freely what she will eat (from those healthy options).  Educate her about the benefits of each food group, then surrender control, and trust that her body will guide her to what is needed.   She may eat only strawberries at one meal, but you can count on her craving fats and proteins for the next meal.

Tip #3: Lead By Example
Critical to your child’s success as an eater (or any other area of life) is your modeling of behaviors and attitudes.  Your child naturally wants to be like you, and to master all the core human behaviors.  She observes all that you do and picks up on your energy and attitudes.

How consistent are you with feeding yourself well?  Do you have a pleasurable, healthy and consistent relationship with food?  Do you snack or emotionally eat? Do you skip meals? Are you bored with your healthy food choices? Do you and other adults disagree or fight about food?  If you have any food hang ups, consider that you could quickly break-free, benefitting you and your family.

Tip#4: Family Meals
Many families feed their children at separate times from the adults. Of course, babies and infants will need to eat more frequently and on their own schedule, but there comes a time when the child should be invited to the table with the family.  Here your child is taught that feeding is a time to relax, connect, enjoy, and refuel.  It is not always so easy to implement in this day and age, but it will make a world of difference in so many ways.

Tip #5: Play with Food
It’s helpful to know that children must be exposed to new foods multiple times before they will feel comfortable enough to try it, chew it, swallow it and then want more.  Stressing, badgering, forcing, pushing interrupt this natural process of familiarization. 
The most effective way to accelerate this process comes from the research based curriculum of Dr. Antonia Demas of the Food Studies Institute.   Dr. Demas has proven that children will eat whole foods- even greens, beans, and whole grains – when exposed to these foods through fun, pressure-free, hands-on experience. 

Schedule play dates for your children and their friends.  Prepare simple healthy dishes that are attractive and unique.  Use cooking as a way to teach math, science, manners, teamwork, history, diversity, geography and more.

The most important thing is to give yourself and your child a break.  You want to do the best for your child.  Your child also wants to do the best for you. If you are inspired to make changes, make sure you are supported to do so in the most enjoyable and stress-free way. Apply these changes in a gradual way, and you and your family be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

The Baltimore Health Coach can support you and prioritize your next steps.  Mention this article to receive 50% of  a 50-minute family nutrition strategy session. www.BaltimoreHealthCoach.com

Lucas Seipp-Williams, CHC is the Director of Baltimore Health Coach.  He supports busy people to boost their energy, balance their weight and optimize their health through individualized nutrition and lifestyle programs.  Lucas is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and Food Studies Institute.