The answer is yes, and yes!  There are a variety of intestinal parasites, including worms, though you may never see them in your dog’s (or cat’s) feces.  There are also single-celled parasites that cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. In Pocatello, we most commonly see roundworm infections―in fact, 90% of puppies younger than 3 months of age have them.  We also regularly see tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia, some hookworms, and occasional whipworms.  About half of the parasites we diagnose may be transmitted to people.  Some parasites cause devastating damage in humans, including blindness in children, so prevention, screening, and treatment for parasites are vitally important.  Dogs and cats with a stool that appears normal should have a fecal test for parasites at least annually, since most pet parasite infections don’t cause any outward symptoms.  A pet with stools that appear abnormal should have a fecal test promptly.  Ask your veterinarian about intestinal parasites in your pet.  You may avoid harm to your family!

It seems that nearly everyone I see in my office is depressed and they know they are depressed.  Depression has its roots in several areas, but a frequent cause of depression can be pain or lack of quality sleep.  I treat booth pain and sleep disturbances. Patients in constant pain usually also have poor quality sleep and therefore have  two potential causes of depression. Sleeping next to a person who is snoring loudly can also lead to depression.  whatever the cause of poor quality sleep it can lead to depression.  More than half of the diagnosed sleep apnea patients are not effectively treated.  Most of the sleep apnea patients are provided a C-PAP air pressure machine and mask that most of them do not use.  There is a more acceptable alternative!  I provide an oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea and improved sleep for both the patient and the partner. Patient compliance is great & treatment effectiveness is very high.  Call The TMJ Sleep Center for free information concerning sleep apnea, snoring, migraine headaches, TMJ, headaches, or related subjects.   Call 234-PAIN, drdwight@thetmjcenter.com

The ZYTO scan is unlike any other.  There are other Zyto Scans out there that can quickly scan you and get a reading, but this one is much more detailed and very accurate. A ZytoScan is a non-invasive stress assessment of your body.  You simply put your hand on the Zyto Hand Cradle which is attached to the computer.  The Zyto Scan program works by biocommunication with your body.  It runs 100’s of tests, 2 tests per second.  The program sends out digital/virtual stressors.  Your body responds by Galvanic Skin Response.  Your body’s responses are then recorded and charted.  You receive a detailed 16-17 page report of your body’s stressors:  bacterial, viral, fungal, allergies, heavy metals, pesticides, other chemicals, and more.  At the time of the scan, you need to request an allergy and chemical sensitivity test as it will scan for specific allergies.  The cost is included with the scan. You will walk away knowing what you’re allergic to.  But rest assured, you will come away with a CUSTOMIZED NUTRITIONAL PROTOCOL that will balance out those stressors. It is worth getting a Zyto Full-Body Health Scan.  ZYTO takes the guess work out of personal wellness by allowing you to find out what is stressing your body long before any disease develops, and then recommending how to bring you into balance using the highest quality, all-natural nutritional supplements.  If you are already experiencing illness, it will also help by uncovering the actual underlying causes, not merely treating the symptoms.  If you have any concerns about what is going on inside your body and the best way to optimize your current and long-term wellness, the ZYTO will give you the real answers you seek. This will save you time, money, and possibly your very life.  And if that is not a win-win offer, I know what is!

Summer is an extremely important time to be aware of wound care to control the amount of scarring that occurs. We tend to see more lacerations (cuts) during the summer months when people are more active, and many also take advantage of vacations to have procedures done whether cosmetic or functional. In our office we work with face incisions and scars which is where the answer will be directed. During the initial healing period a crust will try to form on the incision or cut. It is important to prevent this as scars tend to fill in the area covered by crusting. Usually a wet wash cloth is sufficient to clean the area gently. Most incisions also benefit from antibiotic ointment for the first week to keep the area clean and prevent minor infections. After the sutures are removed, there is generally redness in the area and the skin and underlying tissues will continue to heal over the next several months. During this time it is important to protect the scar from the sun for at least 6 months to avoid pigmentation. Most scars also benefit from massaging the area a few times a day which is where lotions or oils provide most of their benefit as it is massaged in to the skin. We also recommend silicone preparations which are sold by the bandages and antibiotic ointments but these require consistent use for approximately 2 months for most people. It is important to understand that all incisions and deep cuts heal with a scar, but we can significantly improve the appearance as they heal and often times the scar will seem to disappear.

Advertising should be based entirely on service.  Offer wanted information.  Cite the advantages to users.  Perhaps offer a sample, or to buy the first package, or to send something on approval, so the customer may prove the claims without any cost or risk.  Until next time remember…Marketing Matters.

When we’re not mindful of our eating, we often don’t remember the food let alone the taste, aroma, texture, etc. Join us for our next class starting on Wed. July 20 to learn how to find balance within yourself – and thus more peace and balance with your food. We’ll practice meditation, visualization, pressure points, and chakra balancing. Rigid rules are eventually broken. Try making peace with food. Call 233-0593.

36 pounds!!!  While hefty kitties can be a source of amusement, the unfortunate truth is that obesity causes many health problems, and the incidence of obesity in cats in on the rise.  Heavy cats have a much higher incidence of diabetes, which takes much effort to manage.  Does your cat seem a bit well-insulated?  Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian today to have your cat’s body condition evaluated, and discuss weight management.
In the event you do need to evacuate, NEVER leave your pets behind.  For more information, see www.uan.org <http://www.uan.org> .

Under Idaho Law, the custody order governs the time that each parent has physical custody of their children.  Most Custody Orders provide where each parent will have the children for extended summer visitation to accommodate vacation plan for that parent.  If you are not able to reach an agreement to either switch time, you may petition the Court to either enforce or modify the custody order to include this accommodation.  We recommend that you consult with a good family law attorney as to your specific situation.  Remember that a general informational series is not a substitute for actual legal representation.

I see patients daily that have been referred to me by other doctors for treatment.  Many of the patients begin the new patient interview by stating that they have TMJ. TMJ is the acronym for the name of the jaw joint which is the TemporoMandibular Joint.  Yes, it is a little bit of a tongue twister you will have to admit.  One can quickly see why we call the jaw joint the TMJ rather than saying temporomandibularjoint.  The TMJ is a joint not a condition.  Saying I have TMJ is like saying I have knee or neck, or naming some other part of the body.  Saying I have knee does not give any information of the condition.  I would hope you have two knees, ankles, and TMJs; but, naming the joint does not give any information concerning the condition such as sprained, fractured,dislocated, arthritic degeneration, torn meniscus, torn ligaments etc. Proper treatment begins with proper diagnosis.  The treatment must be specific for the diagnosed condition, and one specific treatment does fit all conditions.  The most frequent question I am askedby individuals is “how do I treat TMJ?”  My reply is always “What is the diagnosis?”  It always amazes me that so little isunderstood by others as to the numerous conditions than can exist in the jaw joint just as any other joint in the body.  For a specific  ICD-9 CM diagnosis of your jaw joint (TMJ) call The TMJ Sleep Center concerning sleep apnea, snoring, migraine headaches, TMJ, headaches, or related subjects call 234-PAIN, drdwight@thetmjcenter.com