Archive for November, 2009

biorb

Reef-One has sold close to a million biorb aquariums since the Biorb first launched, many of which are owned by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow & Ryan Seacrest.  That is a lot of aquariums, but, is the biorb right for you?  This article highlights the main reasons hundreds of thousands of people have chosen a biorb aquarium and will help you decide if a Biorb Aquarium is the perfect aquarium for you.

If you have shopped for an aquarium for very long, you know there are hundreds of different fish tank choices out there.  Out of all of those choices, why should you choose a biorb aquarium rather than a different tank? 

Biorb Strengths - Here are several reasons the Biorb is unique.

•    The Biorb’s stylish design has enamored thousands, including dozens of celebrities who own one. (Just a few are Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Seacrest, Mariah Carey, & Jessica Alba)
There is no need to go to the store and spend a lot of cash on supplies, everything you need to setup your bio orb is included, except the fish
•    There are over nine different biorb tanks & sizes to choose from, and several colors
•    Biorb care is easy with the snap & twist biorb service kit
Biorbs have 5 filtration stages to keep your fish healthy

Everything You Need to Start the Aquarium is Included

The biorb comes with all the accessories you need to set up your aquarium for the first time.  It comes with a biorb service kit, water dechlorinator, light, air pump, filter, airstone, fish food sample, and ceramic media.

A few accessories that aren’t necessary, but are highly recommended are the bio orb siphon hose, fish net, and fish food.

The Biorb Aquarium Line Offers Nine Different Tanks to Choose From

The biorb aquarium line ranges in size from four to sixteen gallons it means you can find an aquarium that is the right size for you.If you are looking for a Betta tank, the baby biorb aquarium works great on a desk or table.The 16 gallon biorb, or bi orb life are the aquariums to try if you are considering setting up a saltwater fish tank.

The regular biorb comes in a four, eight, or 16 gallon size, the biube comes in two, 9 gallon models, and the biorb life aquariums come in 8, 12, or 16 gallon sizes. 

The Biorb Lines are the Classic Biorb, Biorb Life, & Biube Aquariums

Low Maintenance

We know that this one will catch your eye, if you are shopping for a nice aquarium for your home or office, chances are you do have another life, and you don’t want to spend hours at a time cleaning your aquarium.Bi orb Aquariums are easy to clean.The Biorb Service Kit has five levels of filtration and is easily replaced in a few seconds with a snap and twist. You can easily maintain a healthy biorb aquarium by spending less than an hour a month.

A Few Things To Consider Prior to Getting a bi orb

Bio orb aquariums, like any aquarium, have limitations. 

Before buying fish for your biorb, research what fish will work best.  Be sure to find out how big your fish will get, and if they will outgrow your aquarium you should choose a different fish to buy, or you will have to trade it in for a smaller fish as it gets bigger.  Some fish aren’t suitable for the biorb aquarium, for example, some fish require more than 16 gallons of water, or require running water and lots of plants to stay healthy.  If you want an extravagant aquarium setup with dozens of fish, the biorb probably isn’t right for you.

Fish need room, don’t put a lot of fish in your biorb, a general rule is one ince of fish for every gallon of water in your aquarium.

Lots of people love mushrooms, especially sauteed with a nice steak. But did you know that there are certain kinds of mushrooms that can infect the sinus passages?

The mushrooms we’re talking about here aren’t the kind used for food, but they belong to the species known as fungi, including certain types of molds. Fungi are organisms that resemble plants, but unlike genuine plants can’t produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Usually these types of fungi live in our warm, moist nasal passages without causing any problems. However, when a body’s resistance is low, these fungi can become harmful.

Fungi usually feed on dead organic matter, which is why food mushrooms are found living at the roots of trees and in the carpet of leaves composting on a forest floor. Fungi like dark, warm, wet places, just like the insides of our noses. Sometimes fungi can feed on other living organisms, such as the mucus membranes inside nasal and sinus passages. When that happens, these membranes become inflamed and can become infected.

Molds are a kind of microscopic fungi related to mushrooms. To reproduce themselves, they release spores that can sail through the air like pollen. Fungi of this type can be found throughout the year in many regions. They’re affected by the weather - when’s warm and rainy, or even warm and humid, you can expect an increase in the growth of molds. That’s one of the reasons why it can be essential to control the humidity in a home, to reduce the likelihood of mold growing in the walls, especially on building materials that contain a lot of cellulose (once again, that’s a wood-derived product of the kind that outdoor fungi are so fond of eating).

Common types of mold found indoors include Aspergillus and its subspecies (A. Flavus, A. Versicolor); Cladosporium; Penicillium; Alternaria and the toxic "Black Mold, " Stachybotrys atra (S. Atra). Any of these indoor molds can be the microscopic mushrooms that infect sinuses. Sometimes they produce effects that are quite toxic to the human body. The best way to avoid such an infection is by working to prevent their growth in the home, and through good health habits, especially frequent hand washing and other forms of hygiene.

If you do become infected, see your doctor immediately. And if you suspect fungi may have invaded your home, contact a building specialist to conduct tests. It’s better to be safe than suffer with a fungal infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not seek to diagnose, advise or treat any health condition whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health condition, contact your primary care physician for diagnosis, advice and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any product mentioned in this article.

gum disease

Gingivitis can happen to anyone, just because you’re in the list that is provided below, it doesn’t mean you will get it. The risk is just higher for people who are in these categories. But it’s important to fight gingivitis, before and after you have it.

You could be lucky enough to have a gingivitis free life but the odds are against it. Again just because you may match one or all of these risk factors it doesn’t mean you will get gingivitis. Brush and floss each day, and by all mean go and see your dentist when you should but be forewarned that up to 75% of people have some form of gum disease. The numbers probably wouldn’t be so high if brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist were all it took to stop it.

Most likely one of the highest risk groups for gingivitis is people who smoke or use chewing tobacco. Not only can smoking lead to cancer in your life but it can also make it so much harder to plaque off the gums and teeth. Plus, when you smoke some, treatments that are used to help may not work near as well.

Females, due to hormones, will be at a higher risk than other groups of getting gingivitis. People who suffer from diabetes or Down syndrome are also at a higher risk when it comes to gingivitis. Stress can be another huge factor when it comes to gum disease and gingivitis.

People who are taking prescription medicines for depression or heart are also in a high risk group. Because they will affect how much saliva is produced, and saliva helps to protect teeth. People who have AIDS or cancer, because of the treatments they receive, may develop gingivitis.

Also you may have a genetic chance of inheriting this problem from one of your parents. But again with proper care of your teeth, no matter if you are in a high risk group, you can still stay away from the problem of gingivitis. Although it may be difficult. If 80% of the population already has gingivitis or worse, you probably need more than just regular brushing and flossing to prevent the onset of this disease. Follow the links below to learn more about what you can do at home.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

When you have problems with your sinus area, such as a sinus infection, it’s a hassle. Not only will you have much pain, but you may not be able to sleep as well at night. But with the use of Xylitol with sinus irrigation, you might experience comfort once again.

Xylitol is found in wood sugar, and is actually already in our bodies. The body will make around 10 grams of this substance each day. Often used as a substitute to sugar in foods even, it’s not a drug. Used in many gums in order to help with preventing the tooth decaying that sugar can cause.

Not only is it thought that Xylitol with sinus irrigation should be done when you are suffering, but on a more regular basis. See it will help our sinuses and nasal passages out, because the bacteria that would normally attach itself inside our nasal passage may lessen.

Our bodies will react to the Xylitol that is sprayed into the nasal passage and be stimulated to create more to help defend the area. Plus that Xylitol will also reduce the salt that is sitting around in the passage, allowing the bodies antibiotics to work better and more effectively.

It’s not like using antibiotics that are given by the doctor, that your body may become immune too. Xylitol will not create that problem in your body, and you can continue to use it each time you feel an infection coming on. Though you should actually use it on a regular basis to help keep those bacteria down to a minimum. For the same reason, xylitol may be useful in the fight against gum disease.

So when asked why use Xylitol with sinus irrigation you now know why. It will help to keep the bacteria away, which will not only help with sinus infections, but also allergies. A substance that is already in our body, just by adding a bit more a big difference can be made.

Jill St.Cloud writes about sinus and nasal irrigation for relief from allergy symptoms and chronic sinus problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not seek to diagnose, advice or treat any health condition whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health condition, contact your primary care physician for diagnosis, advice and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any product mentioned in this article.

Even if your cat is indoors most of the time, he is still at risk of contracting one of the many serious illnesses that claim a large number of the feline population. In order to help stave off illnesses, you should have your cat vaccinated by your veterinarian. Read on to learn about when your cat should be vaccinated and what diseases a cat is most likely to contract.

While a kitten is feeding off of milk from his mother his body is taking in the antibodies that are supplied in the milk. When the baby starts to move on to solid foods, the amount of antibodies he receives will lessen until he no longer holds any immunity. Usually, by 20 weeks of age all of the immunity passed through the mother’s milk is gone, leaving the kitten unprotected from disease.

Your cat will receive about three different vaccinations that, as a whole, make up the “core” vaccination. The diseases covered in the core shots are:

Distemper – a potentially fatal disease that most cats will be exposed to in their lifetime. Brain damage and other issues can remain permanently in a kitten or cat who contracts and survives the illness.
Rhinotracheitis – a virus that causes respiratory infection. Vaccination does not prevent a cat from contracting this illness, but it can tone down the symptoms.
Calicivirus – respiratory virus that can cause symptoms of runniness in a cat’s eyes and nose for the rest of its life, even after treatment.
Rabies – a horrible disease that attacks the central nervous system, which can be spread through bites or scratches and is capable of being contracted by any mammal, including humans.

You might ask your vet if there are any “non-core” vaccinations recommended for your cat. These are vaccines for illnesses that certain breeds of cat can contract, or for illnesses that affect a certain area of the country.

The vaccination schedule usually begins when a kitten reaches 6 weeks of age. Most veterinarians prefer to offer the first injection between 6 – 8 weeks of age. Two more injections will be administered three to four weeks apart, so most kittens are about four months old once at the last injection of the core shots. The vaccination process isn’t anything to worry about, for the most part. Your veterinarian will simply pinch a bit of skin from a fatty area and inject the vaccination there. The cat rarely feels anything save for a pinch or slight itchiness at the site of injection. You will need to take your cat back to the vet a year later for a “booster” shot, and then again every few years after that.

For more information about raising a pet, or to purchase pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets.

While at the park walking, with my best friend and cherished dog Rufus, I noticed he wasn’t pulling me along like he usually does. I walked slower to check what was wrong with him. The first thing I noticed, he seemed to be walking very stiffly and had to be experiencing dog joint pain every time he moved his legs. I started to walk slower on all my walks thereafter to accommodate his slower gait. We were beginning to lose out on our favorite exercise.   Dog Joint Pain

I wanted to know what was wrong with Rufus and so I took him to the vet. He told me that Rufus had pet arthritis. He gave me medicine for the dog joint pain, and sent us on our way. Dog pain relief was problematic for us because Rufus didn’t like the medicine that was given as dog pain relief and was fighting us every time we gave it to him. One morning, I found Rufus unable to walk. She just sat there. I felt bad for Rufus.

Desperate, I checked the internet for help and found Animal Fitness Center ran by Dr. Ava Frick. She said that it was the dog joint pain that was making it hard for Rufus to walk. Dr. Ava Frick told me that the Animal Fitness Center had many ways of helping Rufus walk again without any need to take medication. I booked an appointment right away because I wanted Rufus to walk again. Dog Pain Relief

Dr. Ava Frick said that there are many treatments available including animal chiropractic care. These therapies were specifically for animal pain relief and to increase range of movement. Rufus had dog joint pain and not canine paralysis; I was thrilled when I found out about it. Dr, Ava Frick told me it shouldn’t take too long for the treatment to start working. Rufus began walking again after several treatments and a change in diet. Rufus’ recovery wouldn’t be possible without the help of the people who were involved in the therapy. Rufus is now pulling me along by his leash every morning, just like the walks before he became ill.

Finding the Animal Fitness Center was one of the best things that ever happened to me and my dog Rufus. We were in good hands. Dr. Ava Frick and her team were quick to respond to the needs of my pet and treatment went well. {Not mask it behind “traditional” animal pain relief, like most other veterinarians do.} Dr. Ava Frick has the skills, experience and tools to work miracles. Pet Chiropractic

If you’re a first time puppy owner, you’re probably starting to wonder about your new responsibilities. Now that you’re responsible for another life, it’s important that you understand what these responsibilities entail.

Your puppy’s diet is first on our list. Puppies are on their mother’s milk until they are about six to eight weeks old. This weaning age is usually when breeders allow the puppies to be taken home by their new owner. Ask your breeder what the pup is currently eating and continue to feed him that. Usually they will be eating a soft canned food mixed with puppy milk replacer. Use less and less milk until your puppy is on pure canned food. You can do the same when switching to dry food by mixing in a little soft food and then cutting back a little each day until the puppy is on dry food only. Dry food is recommended as the best type of food for dogs as it has less fat content and keeps your dog’s teeth strong and free of plaque build up. This should happen gradually over the course of about 7 – 10 days. You should never feed your dog human food (ie: table scraps) at any time during his life. A dog’s diet requires a specific balance of certain nutrients and feeding your dog table scraps will upset this balance. Also remember to keep a water bowl filled for your pup at all times.

The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.

Grooming is another important aspect of owning a puppy. Some dogs have stricter grooming requirements than others, particularly ones with long or curly fur. Certain breeds of dog are particularly susceptible to ear infections and require that their ears be cleaned frequently. All dogs should have their nails clipped periodically (usually when you hear their paws click on the floor you know it’s time for a trim!). It’s very important that this is done in the correct fashion using proper canine nail clippers, as cutting to deeply in your dog’s claws can result in severe pain and bleeding.

Exercise is one of the most vital aspects of your dog’s health. Your puppy will have a great deal of energy, which is completely natural! You should encourage playtime, especially outdoors so that he can have tons of room to romp around. If your puppy becomes restless, he may chew excessively which can be dangerous for your puppy (think of all the cords/cables plugging into your outlets, as well as wooden furniture that can splinter!). Pet steps are a great tool you can use to give your dog a workout. The time you spend training him to use the dog stairs to get onto furniture will encourage your pup to bond with you as well as to be obedient and respectful.

For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.

Whether you are concerned about developing a strong bond with your new puppy or if you want to repair your relationship with an old furry friend, it is important that you get started straight away. Starting a relationship from scratch with a puppy is generally an easier task than mending or tweeking an existing relationship with your dog, but there are still a few basic ideas that you should keep in mind. Read on to learn a few tips you can use to establish and maintain a strong bond with your pooch.

The first thing you need to learn, if you don’t know already, is that your dog will view your family as his pack. Even in the wild, packs of dogs have a leader, known as the alpha. In your pack, you should be the leader; this will make your dog not only obedient to you, but loyal and respectful.  It’s crucial that you include your dog in family activities, but never give him reason to believe he should be the alpha (ie: eating from your plate, taking the lead on walks or entering doorways before you, playing tug-of-war or another game where he can physically overpower you, etc.). You must assume the air of a leader and let your dog understand that while he is a valued and loved member of your family, his place is last in the pecking order (human family members always come first). Acting as the leader will give your dog a stability he will appreciate and respect, and respect is everything when it comes to having a good relationship with your pet.

It’s also important that you show your dog that he can trust you. Trust is the fundamental element that creates a long-lasting bond and it must be maintained. One way that you can encourage your dog to trust you is by developing a steady routine that he can depend upon. You are his source of not only food and water, but it’s up to you to let him outside for play time and to do his “business.” Try to make sure he’s fed and watered around the same time everyday and let out to potty frequently. Your dog will have inherent trust in you if you prove that you are a good leader who can be depended upon to provide his basic needs.

Try to take up an activity that you and your dog can do together every day or a few times a week. Brushing your dog’s fur every night or taking him for one-on-one walks will help him feel appreciated and valued. Bath time and exercising can also be good bond-building routines. Keep your dog involved with your life every day through chores and other activities. Training is an excellent way to get your dog involved. If your dog is already housebroken, buy a set of dog stairs and train your dog to use them. Let him know that he is a cherished member of the family and you will see what a blessing the companionship of a dog can be!

For more great tips about raising pets, or to purchase a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets here.

Dogs have a certain way of brightening up a family. Not only do they help us feel a little safer at night, but they make terrific companions. Deciding whether a dog is right for you (or your family) is the first thing to consider before you commit to bringing a dog home. This article contains a few tips for not only determining what kind of dog would be best for your family, but also ways in which you can help your family and its new addition get comfortable with each other.

You have probably already asked yourself this question, but I’m tossing it in here just in case: Do you have what it takes to care for a living, breathing, thinking, feeling creature? Caring for a dog means fulfilling both its physical and emotional needs. If you don’t have any spare time or are away from home a lot, you might want to consider another pet. I recommend a fish. If you believe you’ve got what it takes to raise a dog, then you need to ask yourself what characteristics you want in your future pet. All dogs are different, of course, but I’m talking about things like: patience with children, trainability, size, level of activity, etc.

Your lifestyle will have a huge impact upon what kind of dog is best for you, so you should really give this a lot of thought. If you have kids, research the breeds that are best known for making good family pets. German Shepherds, most any breed of Spaniel, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are a few breeds that are famous for their way with children. I’ve always had the best results by doing research based on a breed’s temperament. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had were of breeds I had done thorough research of prior to bringing home. This is a great way to prepare yourself for anything that might crop up, including stubbornness (harder to train!), proneness to certain medical issues, and exercise requirements. So remember, do lots of research among different breeds of dog  before making your decision.

Once you’ve decided on a dog, try letting every member of the family meet him before you bring him home. This is a great way for your new dog to get comfortable with you while he is still in the comfort of familiar surroundings. When it’s time to bring the dog home, ask his breeder or the shelter if they have a blanket, toy, or other familiar item that your dog can bring with him. If it’s a puppy, try to obtain an item that smells like his mother or the rest of his litter. This can be a HUGE help when you’re trying to settle the little guy in his new home. Let your dog roam around the house on his own for a bit (but keep an eye on him if he isn’t potty trained!). It’s perfectly natural for a dog to want to explore new territory and scents, and it will be less stressful for him if you aren’t hovering over his back all the time.

The more time you spend with your dog, the quicker you will begin to form a bond, which is very important! Try spending special play time with your dog or go for walks together. Training is an excellent way to let your dog know that you’re the boss, which gains his respect and obedience. You can get pet steps and teach our dog to walk up and down them. It’s a great source of indoor exercise and proves a health benefit when used to get onto furniture, as opposed to jumping. As long as you put thought and effort into choosing a dog you feel will fit your lifestyle the best, you can look forward to having many wonderful experiences with your pet!

If you’d like to read more about caring for dogs or purchasing dog stairs, visit HelpYourPets.com.

eye correction

We are sure you know just how important it is to keep your body fit. We do this by jogging, swimming, biking and going to the gym. However, do you know how important it is to exercise your eyes for better vision as well? What? Did you just say that you never heard of eye exercises before? Honestly, there are simple eye exercises you can do that might help out. What do eye exercises do? Well, they may help to minimize eyestrain, improve eyesight and help to keep your eyes healthy. If you like the idea of keeping your eyes healthy, then continue reading the rest of this article to learn some simple exercises.

First of all, find a comfortable seat to engage in vision therapy. Rub your hands together until you have generated some warmth. Close your eyes and cover them with your palms. You should not put any pressure on your eyes. Make sure no light is entering the eyes. Imagine a deep area of blackness and concentrate on that blackness. Evenly and slowly start to take deep breaths as you are thinking of something happy. Begin to visualize a distant scene. When your eyes do not see anything but blackness, move your hands away from your eyes and repeat this.

For anywhere from three to five seconds, you should close your eyes tightly, then open them for another three to five seconds. Do this for about seven to eight times.

As you are sitting in a comfortable chair, roll your eyes clockwise, then roll them counter-clockwise. Do this five times and blink in between those times.

Sit in front of a window, put a mark on the window. This could be a small sticker that is either red or black. Look through that mark and then focus on something that is far around for about fifteen seconds. The,focus on that mark again. As you see, there are many simple eye exercises that you can do.

William B. B. is a pen name created to explore the world of natural vision improvement.

*Disclaimer: Please be advised that this article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to advise on, treat, or diagnose any health condition including, but not limited to, vision problems. If you have or think you might have a vision problem, please visit your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment.