Health

Gallstones have become quite a common condition, and it’s one of those conditions that affect anyone, young or old (but it is more common as you get older, of course). The gallbladder is an organ that keeps bile, and we need bile to help us digest our food. If it is not in optimum condition, it may form fragments, which can be tiny (smaller than a rice grain) or big (some have been known to reach the size of a golf ball!). So if you have gallstones, the biggest question is: Is surgery necessary? Perhaps you don’t have any symptoms – for now – but bear in mind that it will not go away by itself. In fact, the chance is good that it will become bigger or may develop some complications later on. So what should you do about your gallstones, and why (and when) is gallstone surgery necessary? Here is some advice from the experts.

The basics: what you need to know

As mentioned, if you have been diagnosed with gallstones, know that they will not go away. If your gallstones begin to cause an obstruction or hurt you in any way (or you experience any other symptoms), it’s best to remove the gallbladder, which will involve either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. The surgery performed by a gallstones London expert (like a surgeon from the London Surgical Group) is referred to as a cholecystectomy. The good news is that it is one of the – if not the – most common and popular types of surgeries performed anywhere in the world today. Around 80 per cent of those who have gallstones will end up needing surgery, anyway – as confirmed by the Londonsurgicalgroup.co.uk, who have done their share of gallbladder surgeries.

Do you need it?

Now, after reading the basics, your biggest question remains: do you need it? To tell you honestly, if the gallstones don’t give you any cause for alarm – in short, if they don’t come with any symptoms – you probably won’t need to undergo surgery. But once a gallstone gets into a bile duct, this is known as a ‘gallbladder attack’ – and it is accompanied by a piercing, intense pain in the abdomen that can be as long as a few hours, then you most probably need surgery.

Also, if you suffer from a blood disorder like sickle cell (or any other blood disorder), you may be advised by your surgeon to undergo surgery, just as a precautionary measure, even if there are no symptoms.

But here’s where it gets tricky – if gallstones are not treated, they can lead to complications or more severe issues such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), or cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts).

What you can expect before surgery

Before your surgeon recommends surgery, they will do a few tests to determine how the gallstones are affecting your health and well-being. They may, for instance, perform a blood examination, an ultrasound, an MRI HIDA scan, or endoscopic ultrasonography.

If you don’t opt for surgery

If you choose not to undergo surgery, you may be able to manage the symptoms on your own by making a change in lifestyle and diet, including staying away from fatty and oily foods. But this won’t prevent a gallbladder attack. If you cannot have surgery, you can take medication to help dissolve the gallstones, but this may take months, even years – and the gallstones can always return.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing support for Australians with a disability. It is designed to provide people with the necessary support to live an ordinary life, participate in the community and achieve their goals.

Selectability a NDIS manager in Townsville says the NDIS provides funding for a range of services and supports that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each participant. These services and supports can include:

• personal care and daily living assistance
• transport and equipment
• home modifications
• therapies
• short-term accommodation

The NDIS is funded by the Australian Government and administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). It is available to eligible Australians aged under 65 years who have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.

It is a needs-based scheme that aims to provide people with disabilities the support they need to live an ordinary life. The NDIS also has a strong focus on inclusion and community participation.

There are four main objectives of the NDIS:

1. To provide people with disabilities with the support they need to live an ordinary life

2. To promote inclusion and social participation

3. To build capacity within the disability sector

4. To provide affordable and sustainable funding for disability services.

The NDIS is based on the following principles:

1. Choice and control – people with disabilities should have choice and control over the supports and services they receive

2. Inclusion – people with disabilities should be included in the mainstream community

3. Individualised support – supports and services should be tailored to meet the individual needs of each person

4. Capacity building – the focus should be on building the capacity of people with disabilities, their families and carers, so they can take an active role in their communities

5. Natural support networks – family, friends and carers play a vital role in supporting people with disabilities, and this should be recognised and supported

6. Early intervention – early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for people with disabilities

7. Whole-of-life approach – the NDIS takes a whole-of-life approach, supporting people from birth to old age

8. Person-centred approach – the NDIS adopts a person-centred approach, which means that each person’s individual goals and aspirations are at the centre of their support plan

9. Strength-based approach – the NDIS takes a strength-based approach, which recognises that people with disabilities have strengths, skills and abilities that can be built upon

10. Gradual increase in independence – the NDIS supports people to gradually increase their independence over time.

For more information on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it’s role and how you might fit into it visit the NDIS website to find out more.

 

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is “the only profession that helps people across their lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.”

 

In other words, Townsville occupational therapists help people participate in the activities of daily living. This may include simple tasks such as dressing and grooming, cooking and eating, or using the bathroom. It can also involve more complex tasks such as getting a job, caring for a family, or driving a car.

 

While many people think of occupational therapy as something that is only for children or adults with disabilities, it is actually a profession that can benefit people lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).

 

Occupational therapists work with patients who have a wide range of conditions, from physical impairments to mental health disorders. They may also work with people who are recovering from injuries, such as car accidents or stroke.

 

Most occupational therapists have at least a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Some also have a doctorate in occupational therapy. To become an occupational therapist, you must first complete an accredited occupational therapy program. Once you have completed the educational requirements, you must then pass a national certification examination to earn the title of “occupational therapist” and be licensed to practice in your state.

 

Occupational therapists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. They may also work in community health centres, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and other care facilities. In some cases, occupational therapists may also provide home-based services.

 

Occupational therapists typically work with patients who have physical, developmental, mental, or emotional disabilities. They help these individuals develop or regain the skills needed to perform everyday activities. Occupational therapists may also work with people who are recovering from an injury or illness.

 

The duties of an occupational therapist vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, common tasks include conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and providing direct therapy to patients.

 

There are many reasons why someone might see an occupational therapist. Maybe you’ve been injured and can’t do your usual activities. Or perhaps you have a chronic health condition that’s starting to interfere with your ability to take care of yourself or do the things you love.

 

No matter what your situation is, if you’re having trouble with daily tasks due to a physical, mental, or emotional issue, occupational therapy may be able to help.

 

Occupational therapists are trained to help people regain independence and improve their quality of life. They can teach you new ways to do everyday activities, provide adaptive equipment recommendations, and help you manage your pain.

As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your employees. One way to do this is to provide training for health and safety representatives (HSRs).

HSR training helps employees to identify and control risks in the workplace. It also provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively represent their fellow workers on health and safety matters.

The most effective HSR training programs are those that are tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. However, there are some basic elements that all HSR training programs should include.

This simple guide outlines what you need to consider when developing a health and safety representative training program for your workplace.

1. Define the scope of the training program

When it comes to Health and Safety Representative Training, defining the scope of the training is essential. After all, you want to make sure that everyone who attends the training knows what they need to know in order to be an effective Health and Safety Representative.

Without a clear scope, the training could end up being too broad or too narrow. And neither of those scenarios is ideal. A broad training might leave attendees feeling overwhelmed, while a narrow training might not cover all of the important topics.

So take the time to define the scope of your Health and Safety Representative Training before getting started. That way, you can be sure that everyone who attends will come away with the knowledge they need to be an effective Health and Safety Representative.

2. Identify the learning objectives

Once you have defined the scope of the training program, you need to identify the learning objectives. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

When it comes to health and safety in the workplace, representatives need to be up-to-date on the latest information. By understanding the learning objectives of Health and Safety Representatives, they can be sure that they are providing accurate and timely information to employees. Additionally, this knowledge can help representatives better advocate for changes in policy or procedure that could improve worker safety.

3. Select a suitable delivery method

There are many different ways to deliver HSR training. The most common methods include face-to-face training, e-learning courses, and webinars.

4. Develop the training content

Once you have selected a delivery method, you need to develop the training content. This should be based on the learning objectives you have defined.

5. Deliver the training

The final step is to deliver the training to your employees. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as face-to-face training, e-learning courses, or webinars.

6. Evaluate the training program

Once the training has been delivered, you should evaluate the effectiveness of the program. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

Developing a health and safety representative training program is an important part of ensuring the safety of your employees. By following these simple steps, you can create a program that will help your employees to effectively represent their fellow workers on health and safety matters.

Dry needling is a treatment that involves inserting a thin needle into the skin to target trigger points, or knots that form when muscles become tense or tight. This type of treatment can provide relief from pain, muscle spasms, and tension headaches.

While dry needling may sound similar to acupuncture, the two techniques are quite different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. Dry needling Sydney is a relatively new treatment that is based on modern Western medicine principles.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatments, dry needling may be worth considering. Here’s everything you need to know about this type of treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Dry Needling?

Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

– Chronic pain

– Muscle spasms

– Tension headaches

– Tennis elbow

– Golfer’s elbow

– Carpal tunnel syndrome

This type of treatment can also be used to relieve pain in specific areas, such as the lower back, neck, or shoulder. In addition to providing relief from pain, dry needling can also improve range of motion and increase blood flow to the treated area.

What Are the Risks of Dry Needling?

Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and certified practitioner. The most common side effects are minor and include bruising, bleeding, and soreness at the needle site.

In rare cases, dry needling can cause more serious side effects, such as:

– Infection

– Nerve damage

– Muscle damage

– Organ puncture

As with any medical treatment, there are always risks involved. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of dry needling with your doctor before undergoing treatment.

How Is Dry Needling Performed?

Typically inserted into the skin at a depth of 1-2 inches. The number of needles used will depend on the condition being treated and the size of the area being treated.

Dry needling is usually performed on an outpatient basis and doesn’t require any downtime. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

What Are the Results of Dry Needling?

Most people who undergo dry needling treatment experience immediate relief from their symptoms. However, some people may need more than one treatment session to achieve optimal results.

Dry needling is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatments, be sure to discuss dry needling with your doctor.

For more information on dry needling and other alternative treatments, be sure to check out our blog. We offer a wide variety of articles on all thing’s health and wellness!

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and self-defence system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It was developed from Kodokan judo in the early 20th century by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, George, and Hélio Gracie. Jiu-jitsu is pronounced “jujutsu” and means “gentle art”.

The main goal of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is to control an opponent through joint locks and chokes without the use of strikes, allowing a smaller person to defend themselves against a larger adversary. The Gracie family developed their own system of jiu-jitsu called “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu” or “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world and is practiced by people of all ages, sizes, and genders. It is an effective self-defence art, a fun and challenging sport, and a great way to get in shape. Whether you want to compete, learn self-defence, or just get fit, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Townsville lessons have something to offer everyone.

There are many benefits to taking Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Here are just a few:

1. You will learn self-defence.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an extremely effective self-defence system. The techniques you will learn in class can be used to defend yourself in a variety of situations, both standing and on the ground. You will also learn how to avoid getting into dangerous situations in the first place.

2. You will get in shape.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a great workout. You will burn calories, build muscle, and increase your stamina and flexibility. Jiu-jitsu is also a great way to relieve stress.

3. You will make new friends.

Jiu-jitsu is a great way to meet new people and make friends. The jiu-jitsu community is friendly and welcoming, and you will quickly find yourself part of a close-knit group of like-minded people.

4. You will challenge yourself mentally and physically.

Jiu-jitsu is both a mental and physical game. You will have to use your mind to solve complex problems on the ground, and your body to execute the techniques. This will challenge you in ways you never thought possible and help you grow as a person.

5. You will have fun.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a lot of fun! It is a great way to relieve stress, meet new people, and get in shape. You will quickly find yourself addicted to the challenge and excitement of jiu-jitsu.

If you are looking for a fun and challenging way to get in shape, learn self-defence, and make new friends, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the perfect activity for you. There are classes available for all levels of experience, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

Disability support workers provide care and assistance to people with physical, intellectual and mental disabilities. They help their clients with everyday tasks like eating, dressing and bathing, as well as providing emotional support.

Disability Support Workers provide day-to-day care and support for people with disabilities. This can include helping with everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower, eating and drinking, going to the toilet, and moving around. They also provide emotional support and guidance, and can help with things like communication, education and socialisation. Disability Support Workers typically work in shifts, which means they may work early mornings, late nights, weekends or public holidays.

There are a few different ways that you can become qualified to work as a Disability Support Worker. One way is to complete a Certificate 3 or Certificate 4 in Disability Studies. Alternatively, you can also become qualified by completing a social work degree which will typically include coursework relevant to disability support. Finally, you could also undertake on-the-job training with a registered training organisation. Whichever route you choose, it is important that you have the appropriate qualifications and experience to provide high-quality support to people with disabilities.

Disability Support Workers are employed in a wide range of settings, including group homes, residential care facilities, day programs, and community support services. They may also be self-employed.

Their primary responsibility is to provide support and assistance to people with disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible. This may include assisting with activities of daily living, providing transportation, participating in leisure and recreational activities, and supporting individualized goals and objectives.

Disability Support Workers must have a strong commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. They must also be able to work effectively as part of a team, as well as independently. excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain confidentiality.

While most Disability Support Workers have at least a high school diploma, some jobs may require post-secondary education or certification. In some cases, on-the-job training may be provided. Most provinces and territories regulate the profession of Disability Support Worker.

Disability Support Workers typically work full time, but part-time and casual positions are also available. Some workers may be required to work evenings and weekends, as well as being on call. Overtime may also be required.

Working as a disability support worker can be extremely rewarding. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life, and to see the positive impact that your help can have. It can be challenging at times, but it’s also a hugely satisfying career. If you’re looking for a role that is both challenging and rewarding, then disability support work could be the perfect fit for you.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment for a number of skin conditions. With the use of LED lights, cells are stimulated through deep near-infrared light waves to promote healing. Despite what some might say, the proper use of red light therapy is a perfectly safe procedure that you can do daily.

Once upon a time, you could only go out to spas to get red light therapy done. Nowadays you can do it from the comfort of your own home. To understand how red light therapy works, we’ll need to step back in time to 1903, before LED lights were even invented. This article will cover some of the history behind red light therapy, then go into how it works, what the benefits behind red light therapy are, and some general tips on how to get the most out of it.

A brief history of light wave therapy

A Scandinavian scientist by the name of Niels Ryberg Finsen had a disease known as Niemann-Pick disease, a debilitating disease that causes anemia, and extreme tiredness. Finsen found that days spent sunbaking would make him feel stronger, so he turned to researching light waves as a method of treatment for diseases. This method is known as phototherapy. With phototherapy, in 1893 he began treatment for smallpox, and in 1895 advanced his research for treating lupus.

During experiments involving the use of refractive rays from the sun, he was able to demonstrate that it had a stimulating effect on tissue, but would eventually result in tissue damage (sunburn). Nonetheless with controlled, and lower-level rays of light, Finsen was able to prove that light waves are effective in treating tissue-damaging diseases such as lupus and skin damage such as scars and pockmarks.

Finsen’s methods eventually gained so much traction in the medical field that a Finsen Institute was erected for the treatment of skin related diseases and damage using phototherapy. This was a monumental discovery for the time, and he was rewarded for his efforts with a Nobel Prize in 1903.

How does red light therapy work?

Within our bodies we have cells known as mitochondria. Mitochondria supply our bodies with energy, and we are able to stimulate and strengthen our cells with light waves. The problem found with light waves, as Fensen reported, is that despite their healing agents for under the skin, they can damage the surface layer.

It has been found that red light therapy is a lot less damaging than laser surgery, as that leaves burn marks, and can damage the skin. The idea behind laser surgery is that the damage done by the laser induces a state of repair within the cells. Red light therapy instead directly stimulates cells for growth without the need for damage, so it’s a much less invasive and painless experience compared to other light therapy methods.

Red light works because it has a lower level of heat than most colours on the spectrum, yet is strong enough to illuminate deep into the skin tissue. The red light then stimulates the Mitochondrions we mentioned before, and other cells within our body so they can begin the repair work.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

It’s been proven that red light therapy using mito wellness mini red light therapy panel is a method of treating tissue damage and even vitalising hair growth. It goes further than that though, as there are multiple benefits to red light therapy. Keep in mind that red light therapy shouldn’t be used as a primary method for treating anything, and without the consent of a doctor. It’s been shown that red light therapy has the subsequent benefits:

• Tissue repair: This is the main one, as spoken of before, red light panel therapy allows cells to do extensive repair to any previous damage done to the skin, such as scars, stretch lines, pockmarks, and even wrinkles.
• Wound healing: Open wounds can be slightly repaired with red light therapy, but this doesn’t mean it should be used as a primary method for healing wounds. Stick to going to the doctor for serious wounds. But, in saying that, with red light therapy smaller, slow healing wounds, such as ulcers can be stimulated to heal faster.
• Cancer treatment: Some cases of cancer have been found to be treated with red light therapy, by stimulating cells to heal and regrow previously damaged cells.
• Pain relief: Pains from stiffness and even arthritis can be relieved through the usage of red light therapy.

Some final tips for red light therapy

Before we leave, we’ll give you some tips so you can get the most out of your red light therapy treatment.

1. Be consistent: It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose track or interest in something if you don’t see instantaneous results. Remember, this will be a relatively slow process, but worth it, so keep at it around 3-4 times a week to ensure you’re activating the cells often enough.
2. Clothing: You don’t want to be wearing any kind of clothing or jewellery over the skin you’re targeting whilst going through the therapy, as it won’t allow the light waves to penetrate deeply enough into your skin.
3. Make sure to use the device correctly: If you have a home kit, make sure you’re following the instructions as closely as possible. It’s easy to get absent minded and stray too far or too close to the device, and lose track of time. Keep within a 15-30 cm range, and generally run your sessions for 10-20 minutes.
4. Keep hydrated: Not only is it a good idea to keep hydrated for your health, but cells also work better whilst they’re hydrated, as they use the energy gained from hydration.
5. Keep track of progress: Much like going to the gym, it’s a great idea to keep track of how your progress is going. Tracking progress is a great way to keep motivated, as you can see how far you’ve come. Keep a record of photos, so you can see the changes and compare them with the originals.

That’ll be it for the lesson on red light therapy. An interesting method of therapy that has roots all the way back to the late 1800s because a man got curious. Remember to keep at it, and track how you’re going. Don’t use it in excessive amounts, and don’t use it for any kind of treatment for illness without approval from a doctor.

 

Dogs have evolved in parallel to humans, and over the thousands of years we’ve owned man’s best friend, their body has changed to live alongside us.

But not only have our dogs changed with us, but how we look after ourselves influences our furry friends too.

Recently the rise of keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets has gone from little-known food regimes to big business. In tandem with this, grain-free and gluten-free diets have become popular for our pets because how we view human health and nutrition influences what we think is healthy for our furry friends too.

But is a gluten-free diet necessary for dogs or even beneficial for our furry friends? Here’s the low-down of what gluten-free dog food is and guidance on whether or not it’s good for your dog.

Gluten-free dog food: What you need to know

What is gluten-free dog food?

Gluten is a sticky protein found in some grains and cereals, including wheat and barley.

Gluten-free dog food is one that’s made using a recipe that avoids these gluten-containing grains.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that gluten-free food is free from all grains because many grains, including rice, are actually gluten-free.

Grain-free dog food vs gluten-free dog food

Grains is an umbrella term for all the different cereals we humans grow including wheat, rice, barley, oats, rye, corn, spelt, quinoa, and a few others.

Although some people use grain-free and gluten-free interchangeably, it’s not correct because many grains don’t contain gluten. So, some grains like wheat, barley and rye include gluten, but grains such as brown rice don’t.

That means grain-free food should also be gluten-free, but gluten-free dog food is not necessarily grain-free.

Meanwhile, “cereal-free” is basically interchangeable with “grain-free”.

Grain-free dog food was launched in the mid to late 1990s because many dogs were suffering from allergies.

Most dog allergies are caused by proteins, and the most common tend to be chicken, beef, lamb, and wheat. Since gluten is a kind of protein, it’s possible that your dog could develop an allergy to it, the same as any other ingredient.

Gluten-free is a much more recent phenomenon, partly because of the prevalence of grain-free diets and the rise of gluten-free diets in humans. Anytime humans follow a food trend, it often reflects on how we feed our pets.

Grain-free and gluten-free doesn’t mean low carbohydrate

Many owners opt for grain-free and gluten-free dog food to try and lower the number of cereals and carbohydrates their dog is eating.

Traditional kibble is high in carbohydrates because the dough needs a high starch content to bind together. Some recipes of dog food might use “fillers” and create food with a high amount of carbohydrates and lower amounts of protein because this is typically the cheapest way to make dog food.

However, this imbalance of high carbs to low protein is true of many poor-quality dog foods, not just those with grain and gluten in.

For example, a grain or gluten-free dog food could bulk their protein levels with pea protein and bulk out the food with high amounts of carbohydrates from potatoes or legumes. That’s why the quality of ingredients is the most important factor in finding the best dog food.

Grain-free and gluten-free food can still be high in carbohydrates, it will just be provided by alternative ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and legumes.

Additionally, many grain-free and gluten-free dog food recipes are still kibble, which means they’re probably high in carbs still and they might not be the best quality diet for your dog.

Although it’s recommended that dogs eat less carbs than what’s in many kibble recipes, they still need some carbohydrates in their diet to be healthy and active.

Do dogs need carbohydrates?

Dogs are omnivores, just like humans, and they are at their happiest and healthiest when they eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of protein, some carbs, and lots of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.

Not all carbohydrates are made equal though. Complex carbs like brown rice are slow-releasing, long-lasting, and more nutritious than simple ones, like sugar. Meanwhile, simple carbs can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, hyperactivity, and lethargy when energy levels dip.

Complex carbohydrates have a host of benefits including:

· They help your dog to feel full.

· They provide many important nutrients.

· They provide long-lasting energy so your dog’s active all day.

· They provide slow-releasing energy, so there are fewer blood sugar spikes or hyperactive episodes.

· They aid digestion and keep bowel movements regular.

Although simple carbohydrates aren’t bad, they’re the ones we usually associate with “fillers” and junk food because they provide little nutrition other than glucose and short-lived energy.

The sugars in some simple carbs can lead to tooth decay and hyperactivity, and if a dog eats too many for an extended period of time, it could put them at risk of diabetes.

Is gluten bad for dogs: Do dogs need gluten-free food?

Although millions of humans have celiac disease and require a gluten-free diet, dogs aren’t affected by celiac disease.

In fact, only two breeds of dog are known to have inherited gluten sensitivities (although this is still very rare even within those breeds).

Some Irish Setters can inherit a condition called ‘gluten-sensitive enteropathy’, which is similar to celiac disease in humans.

A small number of Border Terrier can suffer from canine epileptoid cramping syndrome, which studies have found is affected by gluten. These terriers can see improvements in their condition if fed a gluten-free diet.

As well as the small group of these breeds with inherited gluten sensitivities, individual dogs could develop gluten sensitivity. However, gluten sensitivity in dogs is extremely rare, and your dog is far more likely to be allergic to chicken or beef.

Do dogs need to be gluten-free?

In general, there’s no necessity to avoid gluten for dogs. It’s actually far more important to make sure your dog is eating a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients.

That being said, following a gluten-free diet would mean no wheat in your dog’s food, which is one of the cheaper grains and it isn’t as nutritious as complex carbohydrates.

Complex carbs like brown rice are nutritious, provide dietary fibre, are very easy for dogs to digest, and they’re fantastic for keeping a dog’s digestive tract healthy and bowel movements regular.

If your dog does have a sensitivity or an allergy, knowing exactly what goes into their food or a tailored diet will help to manage their condition and avoid flare-ups.

Signs and symptoms of a gluten sensitivity

The signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity in dogs are similar to the symptoms of any dietary allergy or intolerance. These include:

● Vomiting after meals

● Diarrhoea

● Flatulence

● Loss of appetite

● Weight loss

● Poor coat condition

● Itchy, sensitive skin

● Dermatitis

● Chronic or repeated ear infections

As stated, these symptoms are generic and true to almost any allergy or intolerance, not just a gluten sensitivity.

If you notice your dog is suffering from these symptoms, you must talk to your vet. They can help you figure out if there’s anything in the environment causing your dog’s symptoms and guide you through an elimination diet to see if any foods are triggering your dog’s upset. Don’t just assume that their symptoms are caused by gluten or grains.

What’s best for your dog?

The most important thing to look for in dog food is that it provides complete nutrition and uses high-quality natural ingredients.

Many vets and nutritionists will advise that high-quality ingredients matter more than whether or not a food is grain-free or gluten-free. But it happens that all Pure Pet Food recipes are gluten-free anyway, using high-quality, natural ingredients, like meat, fruit and plenty of vibrant vegetables. Some Pure recipes include a little helping of brown rice to provide a complex carbohydrate, fibre and to keep the dinners balanced.

Although brown rice is gluten-free anyway, Pure also make grain-free recipes too if your pup is a little sensitive to grains. After all, each tasty recipe is tailored to your dog’s individual needs to make sure they’re getting the best nutrition possible.

So, if your dog is sensitive to grains, not just gluten, your recipes will be grain-free and include plenty of complex carbohydrates from fruit and veggies instead to ensure everything is balanced.

And if your pooch has any other allergies or sensitivities, the recipes can be tailored further to suit their needs and avoid any triggering ingredients.

Recap: Do dogs need gluten-free dog food?

Grains and gluten aren’t bad for dogs, and they can provide a lot of nutritional value. But just like any ingredient in your dog’s dinner, the quality of the grains and gluten in their food can vary, and they could be imbalanced in low-quality or budget dog foods.

Complex carbohydrates are great for your dog, providing long-lasting energy, fibre, and nutrients. However, simple carbs (and too many carbs in general) can contribute to weight gain and obesity, having a negative impact on your dog’s overall health.

It’s always a good idea to know exactly what goes into your dog’s food, and to pick food that includes only the best, natural, tasty ingredients so your dog gets complete, delicious nutrition every single day. Pure Pet Food is packed with real, natural ingredients, no hidden nasties or weird surprises. It’s just wholesome, honest food.

Your dog’s Pure dinners will also be tailored to their individual needs and only use a few ingredients, like chicken, brown rice, and carrots. That means you’ll always know exactly what your pooch is eating and you can easily avoid any allergens while providing a healthy, balanced diet for your dog that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

 

Like any marginalized group of people, the LGBTQIA community has its fair share of struggles when it comes to matters like equal rights, access to health services, job opportunities, and having a voice in issues that impact them more than others. The acronym “LGBTQIA” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. And there’s often a “plus” symbol added to include other gender identities, such as nonbinary or gender nonconforming. Unfortunately, the reality is that society has a long way to go when it comes to creating inclusive laws, equal opportunities, and ensuring that the health care needs of people in the LGBTQIA community are met. For a closer look at health care and the issues currently facing LGBTQIA individuals, read on.

Does the LGBTQIA community have equal access to care?

The LGBTQIA community has been coming out proud for years. And for the past few decades, the community has grown increasingly more vocal about facing discrimination and legal inequalities. While many people would like to think that recent legislation and new legal rights mean the same treatment for people both in and out of the LGBTQ community, the truth is that there’s still a long way to go when it comes to securing equal rights for this marginalized group.

Change can begin with knowing the facts. While it’s helpful to be a supportive ally, it’s even more important to understand the current issues this community faces. Too often, heterosexual cisgender people make the mistake of assuming that because they, personally, don’t have any issue with other people’s LGBTQIA identities that society and its systems don’t either. Sadly, this isn’t the truth. The reality is that people in this community have trouble accessing some of the most basic levels of health services.

For example, an LGBTQIA person could be struggling with their identity and seek the help of a licensed professional about coming out. A licensed therapist will likely have the training to help, but a general practitioner may not understand the daily stigma that queer people of color or asexual people feel in the workplace. While general practitioners might sign off on surgeries or hormone treatments or arrange for a family therapy session, their personal biases could inevitably impact treatment. While access to care could appear the same, in this case, equal access to helpful care is compromised until all qualified professionals are on board.

How are advocates working for change?

Because the general public has a long way to go when it comes to understanding inclusivity, gender norms, perceptions, and LGBTQIA people’s needs, more and more students are seeking degrees like a

bachelor of public health to help spread awareness and advocate for change. By informing the public and talking about inequality when it comes to health services, communities can work toward better legislation and even more inclusive reform.

What health care issues are specific to the community?

Health issues for the LGBTQ community extend well past coming out. For many, the ability to afford hormones or seek mental health treatment to deal with depression, or bullying isn’t accessible. This group is at higher risk of self-harm due to inequity within the care system, especially when it comes to the needs of the LGBTQ population. Thankfully, there are now resources like With Therapy that make services more accessible.

Being an ally can be key to helping individuals navigate the difficult circumstances they face every day. On top of supporting the LGBT community to advocate for equal rights, another great way to get involved is to do your own learning and listen to the community’s needs. Being welcoming to new ideas, showing interest in public health, and getting involved are all great ways to stand up for change and help improve the accessibility of health services for all.