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Prosthetic for Pet Llama

• May 14 , 2012
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We tend to forget that our pets often need more than just simple grooming and basic care. Some pets require medical care that is far more extensive.

In Newcastle, California, Trish and Chuck Brandt-Robuck have been the proud owners of Bella, their pet llama, for many years. Although llamas are not common pets in the United States, they are very loyal and dependable animals. They also require open space for walking and climbing.

Two years ago, Bella, who was 10 at the time, was romping in the area when she caught her right rear leg in a gopher hole. She experienced severe injuries to the leg. The owners tried to treat the injured limb but severe infection set in. They turned to the local veterinarians who were left with no choice but amputation of the infected leg.

Bella attempted to remain mobile but was unable to do so adequately. She eventually became depressed and refused to stand at all. The distressed owners were afraid that they would be forced to put her down until they consulted with prosthetist Michael Carlson of the Hanger Clinic.

Michael designed a special prosthetic leg for Bella. The project took more than 3 months. But, today, the 12 year old llama is walking once again and even setting out on the occasional short run.
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Chaim Katz

Overweight Doctors Limit Advice

• March 22 , 2012
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A recent edition of the online medical journal Obesity released the results of a survey conducted amongst physicians and medical practitioners regarding weight related advice to patients.

In a random study conducted with 498 doctors, the study found that overweight doctors are less likely to discuss diet and exercise with their patients, as well as not diagnose obesity.

In medical terminology, an individual is classified as overweight when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 25 to 29.9. A BMI of 35 or higher is considered as obesity.

The study found that almost all doctors discuss weight and diet with obese patients. But, when treating overweight patients, 27% of physicians discussed diets with their patients unless the doctors themselves had a BMI that was higher than normal. Only 16% of overweight doctors discuss dieting with overweight patients. A mere 37 percent of overweight doctors strongly believed that they were competent even to offer advice about eating and exercise, compared with 53 percent of normal-weight physicians.

In a case of “the pot calling the kettle black,” some reviews of the article asked if similar surveys should be conducted with doctors who smoke or drink alcohol frequently.

By Chaim Katz

Regulating School Vending Machines

• March 20 , 2012
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With new guidelines and regulations on the way to school lunch programs across the country, the Obama administration is not restricting its involvement to lunchtime. The goal of the administration is to address the problem of childhood obesity. The United States has the highest rate of childhood obesity on the planet, with 1 of every 5 children being classified as obese. With students eating anywhere from 19 to 50 percent of their daily food intake in school, the administration is taking their war on waistlines to the hallowed halls of education.

Administration officials are hoping to pass guidelines that would regulate the products sold in schools’ vending machines. Similarly, schools would be prohibited from selling candy and other junk foods in school-operated stores or programs.

Some of these regulations may face strong opposition, both from retailers and schools. Many schools rely upon annual candy drives to raise funds for sports, music and other extra-curricular activities. A study by the National Academy of Sciences estimates that about $2.3 billion worth of snack foods and beverages are sold annually in schools nationwide.

Many educators feel that the goal of reducing obesity through improved eating habits cannot change overnight. Remove potato chips from the vending machine and they’ll be purchased elsewhere. But, a compromise seems to be developing whereby the nutritional aspects of vending machine products will be improved (less sugar, fats, and salt). Junk food won’t disappear overnight but it will be less fattening.

By Chaim Katz