| How to Check Cats for Worms Posted: 27 May 2016 05:00 PM PDT Whether they live exclusively indoors or spend time outside, pet cats may become host to internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.[1] Kittens often pick up worms from the mother in her milk, while adult cats pick up worms by accidentally eating worm eggs or eating vermin infested with worms. Because it is relatively easy for a cat to acquire worms, it is a good idea to know the warning signs so you can seek veterinary treatment for the problem early on.[2] Untreated, worms can cause symptoms such as a dull coat or a potbelly, but it is rare they make a cat seriously unwell. Getting rid of worms is relatively easy with the correct worming medication,[3] and with a little knowledge, it's also easy to determine if your cat might have worms. - Look for changes to the cat's coat. A cat's fur is usually lustrous, but if your cat has worms, its coat might become dull or flat looking.[4]
- This can occur because of dehydration or poor absorption of nutrients resulting from the parasite infection.[5]
- Check your cat's gums. A healthy cat has pink gums, much like our own. If your cat's gums are pale or white, this could be a sign that it is anemic. A common explanation for this can be a parasite infection.[6]
- To check your cat's gums, sit him or her in your lap or next to you, gently grasp the cat's head in your hands, under the jaw and behind the ears. Use your fingertips to lift the flap of the cat's upper lip so that the gums above the teeth are exposed.[7]
- If the gums are pale, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
- Examine your cat's feces. If your cat uses a litter box, it is easy to keep an eye on its feces. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Dark, tarry stools may indicate blood loss from where hookworms attached themselves to the wall of the intestine.[8]
- Diarrhea can occur because worms also take up space within the gut and interfere with digestion.[9]
- If your cat has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or if you see fresh blood or dark tarry stools, seek veterinary help.
- Watch for vomiting. Vomiting is common among cats. If it occurs frequently, however, your cat should see the vet, as this may be a sign of worms or some other health problem.[10]
- Worms can cause vomiting either by blocking the outflow to the stomach or by irritating the stomach lining.[11]
- Pay attention to how much your cat eats. A high worm burden is usually associated with a loss of appetite.[12]
- This is due to a number of factors such as inflammation of the bowel lining, stomach ache, and the physical space the worms take up within the bowel.[13]
- Look for changes in the shape of your cats body. Cats with a lot of worms may develop a potbelly, causing the abdominal area look swollen.[14]
- Like vomiting, this is a general symptom and can happen for a variety of reasons, but this sign is sufficient to warrant a trip to the vet, whatever the underlying cause.[15]
- Notice signs of lethargy. If the worms are stealing nutrition direct from the bowel, the cat or kitten will feel lethargic, appear listless, and lack energy.[16] Pay attention to any dramatic changes in your cat's energy level.
- Again, this can be a symptom of many different ailments, and is one that warrants a vet check up.[17]
- You know your cat's normal energy level best, so keep your eye out for any sudden reduction in energy or playfulness.
- Check for eggs in the cat's feces. Put on some disposable plastic gloves and use a disposable tool such as a popsicle stick to examine feces in the litter box for signs of parasites.
- Tapeworms may leave egg packets stuck to the surface of the stool. These look like sesame or cucumber seeds, and sometimes wriggle and move.[18]
- It is unusual to see a whole tapeworm in cat feces, but they look like flat, cream-colored worms made up of many segments. An adult tapeworm can reach about two feet (60 centimeters) in length.[19]
- Roundworm eggs are too small to see with the naked eye, but sometimes whole worms do pass out in the feces, or may even be vomited up. Roundworms look like spaghetti: long and smooth and about the same diameter as a strand of pasta. An adult roundworm is usually just three to six inches long.[20]
- Hookworm eggs are also too small to see. An adult hookworm is likewise tiny, measuring a mere two to three millimeters long, and therefore also difficult to detect.[21]
- Check your cat's anus. Tapeworm eggs packets migrate out of the cat's anus and stick to the fur. Thus, you can safely conclude your cat has tapeworms if you see creamy-white egg packets, which look like sesame seeds, clinging to the cat's fur.[22]
- Examine your cat's bedding and other favorite spots. Egg packets sometimes get stuck on places where the cat has sat, such as bedding or soft furniture, so check these areas if you suspect your cat may have worms.
- Call your veterinarian to schedule an exam. If you are concerned your cat may have worms, one of the most reliable ways to find out is to submit a fecal sample for analysis to your local veterinary clinic. The sample will be looked at under a microscope to detect worm eggs.
- Each worm type has different shaped eggs and so this is the most effective way to determine what type (or types) of worms your cat may have.[23]
- When you call the vet, describe any symptoms your cat may be displaying.
- Collect a stool sample. If you are asked to collect a sample, you'll need to gather up some of your cat's feces and store the collection container until your appointment.
- Worm eggs are hearty, but for best results, keep the container in a cool, dark place such as a garage or shady shed.[24]
- Do not keep the container in a room where food is prepared, and always wash your hands after collecting a fecal sample.[25]
- To decrease the chances of a false negative on the fecal test, some vets will ask for a pooled sample, which means collecting three bowel movements from three separate days in the same container.[26]
- Bring your cat in for an exam. The veterinarian will examine your cat and perform fecal tests if they think it necessary.
- If your cat does have worms, the veterinarian will prescribe medication. Administer as directed and the problem should clear up quickly.
- It is important to note that cats can harbor some worms, especially roundworms, without showing signs of ill health. However, if worms are allowed to breed and build up in the intestine, they absorb nutrition and rob the cat of vital nutrients, which in the long term can compromise the cat's health.[27] Have your cat examined by a veterinarian regularly to avoid this and other health risks.
- You can help reduce the chances of parasitic infections. Maintain a clean litter box by throwing out solid waste every day and regularly cleaning the litter box with a small amount of bleach diluted in water (in a ratio of 1:30) or mild dish detergent.[28][29]
- Vacuum your home at least once a week to help prevent fleas.
- If you suspect worms or have checked your cat for worms, wash your hands after handling your cat, remove all excrement from litter boxes immediately, and keep small children away from the cat until you can get to the veterinarian for treatment.
- Be aware the sometimes negative fecal tests are misleading. Some parasites shed eggs inconsistently, so even when a cat has an infection, there may not be any evidence in the stool sample you've collected. Repeated testing may be required to diagnose some parasite infections.[30]
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| How to Build Character Through Integrity Posted: 27 May 2016 09:00 AM PDT The wonderful thing about character and integrity, which are intimately related, is that they are one of the few things in life that no one will ever be able to forcefully take away from you. Your choices are your own. Even if someone can take your life, they cannot force you to make a choice that you believe is wrong. The actions below cannot be done all at once, nor should they be. Each of them takes time to fully understand and apply towards your life. Learn about your own virtues and values, and how they correspond to your life and the world around you. EditGetting a Sense of Character - Understand what character and integrity are. The definitions of these words are often stretched or misrepresented. Learn what they truly mean:
- In this use, character is the sum of qualities shown up in a person or group, moral or ethical strength, and the description of a person's attributes, traits and abilities. Character is who you are. It defines you and guides your actions, hopefully in a positive way.
- Integrity is steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code, being unimpaired, sound, whole and undivided.[1]
- Integrity can be summed up simply as doing the right thing for the right reason even when no one is watching.
- Learn about different codes of ethics. Some people turn to the ethics of a particular religion for their moral principles, others turn to moral philosophy, or develop their own sets of ethics based on their own experiences.
- Two main codes of moral conduct are utilitarianism (or consequentialism) and deontology. Utilitarianism refers to the idea of maximizing the greatest good.
- For example, a utilitarian may not think it is wrong to do property damage if it meant helping chimpanzees who were being experimented on unethically.[2]
- In contrast, a deontological view holds that some things are just plain wrong, regardless of the ultimate consequences. Someone with this view may view property damage as wrong, no matter what.[3]
- You do not need to adhere to one set of principles from one source; as you get a sense of what feels right and wrong for you, in any given circumstance, you can adjust your sense of right and wrong accordingly.
- Examine your past. Look at the choices you have made before, and observe how much you have or have not lived by those principles.
- However, don't waste time feeling regretful or guilty. Think about your mistakes, acknowledge them, and do your best to change for the future.
- Look up to others. There is no need to start from scratch when deciding how to live with integrity. Take note of people who have come before you, both in your own personal life, as well as known figures from history who have lived a life full of integrity. You may find that looking up to others motivates you to live with integrity, yourself.[4]
- If there is someone in your life who is a moral exemplar, setup a meeting to talk together. Ask about how to manage life your way. Specifically, you might ask questions on how to maintain a great attitude. What does he/she say about feelings of receding (withdrawing), giving in and compromising values and not holding facts higher than anyone's self-serving opinion?
- Do not emulate others. Keep in mind that you are a unique individual with a unique life, and you should not try to emulate anyone else's personality or character; instead, learn from others' character and apply what rings truest for you.
- Be persistent but patient with yourself and others. You have embarked on a lifelong journey and there are many hurdles. Give yourself credit when you act with integrity, and acknowledge when you don't, but don't give up on your goals and purposes when you slip or fail. Just as you probably forgive others over time for their mistakes, don't forget to also forgive yourself.
- Decide on your code. Choose a set of rules, morals, or principles that you believe will lead to a happy, satisfying, and righteous life, and to a better world.
- Be willing to update your code as you gain more experience in life. It is ok to adjust your sense of right and wrong and your moral reasoning. Most people change how they think about right and wrong across their development. [5]
- The code you live by will depend on what your values are.
- Determine your values. To figure out the type of broad moral code that you want to live by, it is time to think about what values in particular are important to you. You may be aided in figuring out your values by asking yourself some questions[6]:
 - Think of two people that you admire highly. What is it that you admire about them? Is it the fact that she is always honest, even when it makes her look bad to be so? Is it that fact that he is generous with his time? What do they do that you find inspiring?
- If you could change just one thing in your local community (or your country), what would you change? Why is that important to change, and more so than other things you might haven picked? For example, would you make some part of your community more fair? Would you want people to respect their country more?
- Think about a time or moment in your life when you felt very satisfied or fulfilled. What was happening at that time or in that moment? Why do you think that you felt that way?
- What global issues get you the most excited or the most upset? Why do you think they affect you in that way? Is it space exploration that excites you? If so, maybe you value improving humanity through science. Is it reading about starvation that makes you the most upset? If so, maybe you value caring for others and using your empathy.
- Look for patterns in your responses. Once you have answered the questions, check to see if any patterns or moral principles have emerged. For example, perhaps you admire a friend who never speaks negatively about others, and you also felt very fulfilled when you had the chance to gossip about someone but you refrained from doing so.Or, perhaps you look up to someone who is devoutly religious; this likely suggests that you value such things as well and can help you to determine the type of code you want to live by. [7]
EditLiving with Integrity - Decide to change. Look at how you ideally want to behave, based on the values you have identified, and how you currently behave and take steps to change your behavior to align your life more closely to what you believe living with integrity involves.
- You can do this by actively seeking out opportunities to show your integrity, and also by trying to prioritize integrity change in your life, and being aware of opportunities to behave how you want to in circumstances that happen upon you.
- For example, say you want to be a more generous person. Do not sit around waiting for opportunities to be generous. The things you want in life may pass you by if you do not make active attempts to seek them out. You could, right now, research a worthy charitable organization and offer some of your time or money. You could go outside and give a few dollars to a homeless person for a warm meal, or you could pay it forward and pay for the person's movie ticket behind you.
- Believe in yourself, and in change. Tell yourself that you can make decisions that you want to make. They may be difficult and you may stumble, but you you will also have more control over your behavior if you believe in yourself and believe that you can change and improve yourself.[8]
- To believe yourself, think about past successes that you have had. This will provide concrete evidence to you that you can succeed in being the kind of person you want to be, as you have done so in the past.
- Also think about how you have changed for the better in some way and use that information to remind yourself that you can change in the future, too.
- Foster your self-esteem. Integrity and self-worth go hand in hand. Going against your integrity can damage your sense of self-worth, and having high self-worth can make you feel like you can live up to challenges and live with integrity by doing the difficult thing. [9]
 - There are a number of ways to improve your self-esteem. Start by setting realistic expectations for yourself and allowing yourself to fall short sometimes. If you set your expectations for yourself too high, you will always fall short of the mark, and in your eyes you will be a 'failure' when the reality is probably very few people if any could accomplish the goals you set for yourself.[10] You can also improve your self-esteem by being willing to change your self-image, that is, how you view yourself as a person. You can do this by adjusting your beliefs about yourself as you change.[11]
- For example, perhaps you were once actively involved in sports and part of your self-esteem came from your self-view as an athlete. However, times change and responsibilities in life can change our priorities such that we no longer have time for sports. Think instead on how you might define yourself today.
- Rather than thinking of yourself as a 'washed up' or 'no good' athlete, think of yourself in a more positive light based on what you actively do at present. Maybe you are a great father or sibling, or a hard worker at your job. Incorporate that information into your self-view and you may find that your self-esteem improves, which might make living with integrity all the easier.[12]
- Be conscious of the decisions you make. No matter how big or small, or how close they bring you to being the person you really want to become, be fully aware of the decisions you make and their implications.
- Part of this involves being cognizant of the consequences of your decisions, both for yourself and others. Take an example where even a small decision has implications for one's integrity. Say you are eating dinner with friends and you want the last piece of pizza, but you can tell that your friend really wants it, too; you also know that he didn't have lunch that day. Think about the consequences of taking the last piece of pizza for yourself and your friend.
- Your friend will be hungrier than if he had the last slice of pizza. If you knew your friend needed it more but you ate the last slice anyways, this may affect your sense of character. That is to say that, when you compromise your integrity, even in small ways, it can change your own and others' perception of the kind of person you are.
- Place yourself in a facilitating environment. It will be easier to live a life with integrity if you take steps to avoid spending your time in environments that can drag you down.
- For example, if you have friends who do drugs and this violates your sense of integrity, consider removing yourself from that environment by finding new friends. You will be less likely to do drugs, and violate your integrity, if your drug using friends are not around!
- Avoid succumbing to peer pressure. Living with integrity means living by your code of ethics despite what others think. Do not give into others who try to get you to do things that you don't want to.[13]
- If someone tries to get you to do something that you do not want to do try reminding yourself that you alone have to live with the consequences of your behavior for the rest of your life.
- Be polite. Do not be rude in your interactions with others. Follow social norms like not burping at the table or playing loud music at night when others are trying to sleep. Do not talk about other people behind their backs.[14]
- Empathize. Think about others from their perspectives. This can be difficult to do, but it will make you more likely to act in ways that are pro-social (i.e., in ways that will likely be aligned with your definition of integrity).[15]
- To empathize with another person, think about the situation that she is in. Ask yourself if you have ever been in that situation. If yes, imagine how you felt about it. Think about her particular circumstances and how they differ from yours, though, and how that may result in her having different feelings to the situation, compared to yours. If you have not been in the situation you are trying to empathize with, imagine how you might feel in that circumstance.
- For example, if someone is homeless and asking for a dollar for food, think about how you would feel if you were hungry and cold and did not have a roof over your head.
- You'll probably feel your self-confidence and personal strength growing as you face and overcome challenges in sticking to your values, whatever they may be.
- Don't think about what the world can offer you, think about what you can offer the world.
- Consult the life and work of Victor Frankl, survivor of the concentration camps during WWII, best summarized by this quotation:
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances - to choose one's own way." - Keep a journal, and record your progress every day - this way you can look back on your successes on a rainy day when you are struggling to maintain your integrity.
- Beware of people who'll try to convince you to give up on your character or integrity. Individuals like this might try to tell you that nobody's perfect; he may taunt you for being an idealist. Keep in mind the fact that just because nobody's perfect doesn't mean you have to violate what you believe is right. It's good to learn from our mistakes, but we don't always need to make mistakes to learn. Remember that striving to be perfect and being perfect are two different ideas; the former is integrity, the latter is futility.
- Your character is unique so do not try to match it exactly with anyone else. Build it based on your own aptitude and your own strengths. Self-assessment, self evaluation, introspection etc work well to figure out how you are unique.
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| How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy After Miscarriage Posted: 27 May 2016 01:00 AM PDT A miscarriage is a spontaneous loss of a pregnancy prior to 20 weeks and unfortunately, is an all too common occurrence amongst women. About 10%-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and in the aftermath, you may feel anxiety, sadness, and confusion about trying to get pregnant again.[1] The most common cause of a miscarriage is a chromosomal anomaly, and is unlikely to happen again. Most women who miscarry later go on to have a healthy pregnancy and birth, as long as no serious risk factors are present and less than 5% of women have two miscarriages in a row.[2] EditRecovering from the Miscarriage - Wait one to two months before trying to conceive again. It can be very difficult to deal with your emotions in the aftermath of a miscarriage and you may feel like you should try to get pregnant again as soon as possible to move on. Some women feel empty and want to fill this emptiness by trying to get pregnant again a few days or weeks after their miscarriage. But it is recommended that you give your body time to recover and rest by waiting at least one to two months, or two periods, to try to get pregnant again.[3]
- Physically, it will take only a few hours to a few days to recover from the pregnancy and your period should return in four to six weeks. But it is important not to rush the grieving process and to take some time to come to terms with your loss.[4]
- Some healthcare practitioners recommend waiting six months to before trying to conceive, but no research has confirmed it is necessary to wait that long to conceive after a miscarriage. If you are healthy, you have had at least one period, and you are ready to conceive again, you do not need to wait.[5]
- Rule out any medical issues or complications due to the miscarriage. Talk to your doctor about any risks or complications that may have occurred due to the miscarriage.[6]
- Some women may experience a molar pregnancy, which is a noncancerous tumor that develops on their uterus. This occurs when the placenta develops into an abnormal mass of cysts and prevents a viable pregnancy. If you have had a molar pregnancy, it is recommended that you wait six months to one year before trying to conceive again.
- If you miscarry due to an ectopic pregnancy or have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, your doctor should examine your fallopian tubes to ensure one or both of them are not blocked or damaged. If you have a blocked or damaged fallopian tube, your risk of another ectopic pregnancy may increase.[7]
- Talk to your doctor about possible risks if you have two or more miscarriages. Women who have had more than one miscarriage in their lifespan should undergo testing to determine if there are any underlying issues before attempting to get pregnant again. Your doctor may conduct tests like:[8]
- A hormonal factors test: Your doctor will test your thyroid level, and possibly your prolactin and progesterone levels. If they are abnormal, your doctor will give you treatment and then re-test you at a later date to check your levels.
- A hysterosalpingogram: This exam is done to check the shape and size of your uterus and any scarring in the uterus, as well as polyps, fibroids, or a septal wall. These could all affect the implantation of another egg during IVF so its important to evaluate your uterus for these issues. Your doctor may also do a hysteroscopy in your uterine cavity, which is an exam done with a small camera through your cervix.
- Other potential tests include a blood test or even DNA testing of both partners or an ultrasound.
- Get tested and treated for any infections. To ensure you have a smooth pregnancy after a miscarriage, you should be tested for infections like STIs and treated for any infections before trying to conceive again. Certain infections can increase your risk of another miscarriage, including:[9]
- Chlamydia: This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that usually has no symptoms. If you or your partner may be infected, get tested and treated before trying to get pregnant.
- Infections in your uterus or vagina: Your doctor can test you for any infections in these areas and provide treatment.
- Listeria: This infection is caused by consuming unpasteurized cheese or milk.
- Toxoplasmosis: This infection is contracted through dirty fruit and vegetables, as well as meat. Always cook meat thoroughly and wash all fresh fruit and salads. Wear gloves when cleaning out litter trays for cats and when gardening, as cats carry this infection in their guts.
- Parvovirus: This is a viral infection, also referred to as "slap-cheek". It can cause a miscarriage, though most women who are infected can have a normal pregnancy.
- Seek therapy or counseling if you are feeling emotional or upset. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a support group or a counselor for you and your partner as you go through the emotional process of dealing with a miscarriage. Talking to others who have experienced the same loss you have may help you to find some peace and closure. Going through the grieving process together with your partner can also strengthen your relationship and better prepare you both for getting pregnant again.[10][11]
- You can also reach out to family and friends for support. Sometimes, it helps just to have someone close to you listen to your anxiety and fear around trying to get pregnant again.
EditPreparing for Pregnancy - Maintain a well balanced diet and a healthy weight. To reduce your risk of another miscarriage, you should eat a well balanced diet that contains the four food groups: fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy and grains.[12]
- Make sure your daily diet consists of five portions of fresh or frozen fruit, six ounces or less of protein like meat, fish, eggs, soya, or tofu, three to four servings of fresh or frozen vegetables, six to eight servings of grains like bread, rice, pasta, and breakfast cereals, and two to three servings of dairy like yogurt and hard cheeses.[13]
- It is also important that you maintain a healthy weight for your age and body type. Avoid being underweight or overweight. You can calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using an online BMI calculator and determine how many calories per a day you should be consuming to maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise daily, but avoid strenuous activity. When you are recovering from a miscarriage, it is important that you avoid intense exercise and focus on mild activity, like walking, yoga or meditation. Maintaining a daily exercise routine will keep you feeling healthy and energized. It can also ensure your body is at its best and ready to conceive again.[14]
- Doing gentle exercise like yoga can also help you reduce any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing due to the miscarriage. Managing your stress is essential to remaining healthy and ready for pregnancy.[15]
- Take daily prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. Maintaining a well balanced diet and a healthy weight through exercise will provide your body with many essential nutrients and minerals. But prenatal vitamins and supplements like folic acid have been shown to reduce the risk of a miscarriage and having a baby that is premature or small for its gestational age. Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid supplements to help you recover from the miscarriage.[16][17]
- Folic acid supplements can help to reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida, where your baby's spinal cord does not develop normally. Once you become pregnant, you will be prescribed folic acid supplements free of charge.
- Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Research has shown that drinking, smoking, and caffeine consumption can increase your risk of a miscarriage.[18]
- Limit or cut out alcohol from your diet. Women who drink every day and or more than 14 units a week have a higher risk of miscarriage. Stick to one to two units of alcohol a week or stop drinking completely while you try to conceive. If your partner is a heavy drinker, this could reduce the quantity and quality of his sperm.
- Be safe and cut down on smoking or stop smoking while you try to conceive.
- Pregnant women are told to limit their caffeine intake to 200mg a day, or two mugs of coffee. Keep in mind caffeine can also be found in green tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks. There may also be caffeine in certain cold and flu remedies and in chocolate. Try to cut down on caffeine, especially when you are trying to conceive.
- Avoid all medications and drugs, unless necessary. Unless your doctor recommends certain medications to treat an infection or other medical issue, you should avoid all medications and drugs when you are trying to get pregnant. Avoid over the counter medications, as well as herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you should always check with your doctor before you take any herbal remedies or medications.[19]
- If you are taking antibiotics for an infection, wait until you have completed the antibiotic course and the infection has cleared up to try to conceive.
- If you are taking medication for an ectopic pregnancy, wait three months after methotrexate treatment to try to get pregnant.
- If you are being treated for an illness or infection, wait until you have finished the medication course before you try to conceive.
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