Scientists have taught us that the total mass of the earth is about two-third water. Most other things in life also contain water in very significant quantities. Talk of the food we eat and the fruits too. It could not be strange to discover that, those hard materials you see daily and everywhere have their respective significant amounts of water. The human body is noted to be made up about 60% water.

Take a glass of water, even when you are not thirsty, and you will feel a kind of satisfaction. Whenever thirst sets in, drinking water creates a special mode of relief that can only be surpassed by gaining breath during resuscitation. Water is life; It is the second most important substance after the air we breathe in. Its essence is hard to quantify in words and numbers, because it does so much than we already and can even imagine.

In the fruits we eat, despite their varying levels, water still constitutes their largest proportion by mass. Let us look at the following list as an example:

Food / Percentage / Water

Lettuce / (1½ cup) / 95%
Watermelon / (1½ cup) / 92%
Grapefruit / (1½ cup) / 91%
Milk / (1 cup) / 89%
Orange juice / (3/4 cup) / 88%
Carrot / (1½ cup) / 87%
Yoghurt / (1 cup) / 85%
Apple / (one medium) / 84%

WHAT AMOUNT OF WATER DO YOU NEED DAILY?

The amount of water needed by an individual daily is dependent on a number of factors. Although in the past, we had been made to accept the notion that we should drink a minimum of eight glasses of water everyday; results of recent researches have overturned this near misconception. It is never in doubt that water is good and very important; However its consumption should be governed by size, level of activity, the weather, and your general health.

Following the results of the researches conducted by Heinz Valtin, published in the American Journal of Physiology in 2002, in which questioned the old belief of 8 glass cups of water a day, he combined that the major determinant of water consumption quantity should be thirst. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in America also agreed with his findings. They published new guidelines, in 2004, which removed the eight-glasses-a-day recommendation, and say healthy adults may use thirst to determine their fluid needs. Despite the little controversy, the significance of water has never being in any serious doubt.

The IOM report was based on surveys and it recommended 11-plus cups a day for women and 15-plus cups a day for men. These are for total fluid intake, including fluid from all food and beverages.

Some 80% of our water consumption is through drinking water and other beverages, while the remaining 20% ​​is got from food. Assuming these percentages are accurate for most of us, the recommended amount of beverages, including water, would be approximately 9 cups for women and 12.5 cups for men. A lot of our foods are significantly water, particularly, fruits.

WHAT WILL DRINKING WATER DO FOR YOU?

Honestly, drinking water will do more than you can imagine. Water is life; It brings satisfaction whenever you it. Eating without drinking water can choke especially if starchy foods like eba (cassava extract) is involved. To say that water is essentially a part of a balanced diet is to say the least. We can look at the following as other benefits of water.

IT BOOSTS YOUR ENERGY LEVEL

Drinking water does a lot to help you gain energy, when taken in moderate quantities to requirements. Thirst is due to dehydration and the only remedy is hydration: drink water. There is an experience of tiredness when thirsty due to dehydration. The energy level increases once water is consumed. But when too much is taken, weakness sets in.

IT LOWERS YOUR STRESS

Some four out of five of the tissues in the brain are made up of water. When there is dehydration, there is shortage of water. This condition leads to stress. However when water is consumed, the tissues become hydrated. Consequently, stress is reduced or eliminated. Drink water regularly and momentarily.

IT BUILDS YOUR MUSCLE

You need to know the meaning of turgidity. That is strength in a way. Water fills the muscles and makes them strong from being enlarged. It is never a serious way of building large muscles, like the body builders we see in the magazines, online and television as models. It also helps the muscles to prevent cramps and lubricates the joints. In addition, when you drink enough water, you will last longer in your exercise sessions.

IT NOURISHES YOUR SKIN

Dehydration causes wrinkles and lines on your skin. It makes skin looks old and ugly. Nature, however, provides a beauty cream in the form of water. The skin cells are hydrated and pumped up to make the skin look young and beautiful. It glows because water flushes out impurities in the blood, improving circulation and blood flow.

IT REDUCES KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones are crystals formed by excess salts and minerals in the urine as it passes through the kidney. Drinking enough water regularly dilutes the urine inhibiting the formation of kidney stones. Diluted urine does not allow kidney stones to form. Drink a lot of water.

IT HELPS DIGESTION

This, perhaps, is the most important benefit. Water aids the digestion of foods. Waste particles are, also, easily dissolved and passed smoothly through the digestive tracts. In a case when there is dehydration, the body absorbs all the water; makes it hard for digestion and passage of waste.

IT HELPS WEIGHT LOSS

This can never be stranger than it is; yet it can also never be truer. You should exchange the mineral (soft) drinks that are laden with many calories with drinking more water. Metabolic reactions are increased to improve the burning of more calories. When you drink water, especially chilled cold one, the body generates heat to warm up the water, in the process burning off a few calories.

Water is life and its universal significance can in no way be substituted for any other substance. It is filling and fulfilling. It is healthy and invigorating. It is surplus and indispensable. Above all it is basic in the constitution of all cells, tissues, organs and systems of all organisms.

After you quit smoking, there a number of physical and neurological symptoms that your body goes through. Many of which obviously can make things a bit uncomfortable and difficult to resist satisfying your desire for nicotine. Here’s what to expect after you quit smoking.

Plan for the symptoms to continue for about 8 – 12 weeks after you quit smoking before you a really start to think and feel as an ex-smoker. The normal conditions that you can expect to experience are nausea, headaches, short temperedness and thirst, which your body actually often confuses with hunger. These symptoms will peak at about 48 hours after you last puff of smoke, and will dissipate over time. Some side effects, however, may linger as long as 6 months, but generally not nearly at the level you experience right after you quit smoking.

Almost immediately after your last cigarette your blood pressure will start to decrease, your hear rate slows, ad your hands and feet may start to feel warmer. As a result, you may start sweating more and may even feel slight tingling in your hands and feet as well.

After about 8 hours of your last cigarette, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal and the oxygen that flows through your blood also returns to a stable level.

When you make it past the 48 hour mark, your nerve endings in your lungs actually start to heal and reproduce, and your senses come alive as your ability to taste and smell improves tremendously. As the lungs start to repair themselves, you may experience some cold-like symptoms. Your throat could become soar, and might cough up some heavy mucus or have other respiratory problems. This is completely normal.

Withdrawal symptoms may also include restlessness or insomnia, a felling of being in a state of confusion, irritability, short-temperedness, anxiety and irritability. Studies show that people tend to go through a period of depression and can have extreme mood swings when they quit smoking and suffer from nicotine withdrawal as well.

It’s important to understand what you will experience after you quit smoking in order to plan your end date appropriately. By being aware of the potential symptoms you may experience, you can also mentally prepare yourself for a tough road ahead. When you expect the worst, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and find it easier to reach your goal.

I recently learned about the importance of water from Ken Squires who noted the following information:

First, the human body is 2/3 water. Second, in your lifetime you will have required an incredible 1.5 millions gallons of water! Third, if you lose 2% of your body’s water supply, your energy will decrease by 20%. A 10% decrease in water, you will be unable to walk, and a 20% decrease will mean your death.

I remember a particular coach sharing one day that when people believe they are hungry, it is really that they are dehydrated, and the hunger pang is a signal a person needs more water, not more food.

It is no secret that Jesus often referred to water when he spoke of spiritual health and passion. He proclaimed himself to be the living water inside of his followers. He talked about a spiritual drink that would cure a person’s thirst for life.

The psalmist spoke of desiring God’s presence as a thirsty deer desires to drink clean water. Indeed, throughout scripture healthy spirituality is likened to flowing streams and rivers, while spiritual bankruptcy is likened to a stagnant pool.

The question is where does our desire take us, does it lead us to pure water that washes away sin, or does it lead us to a contaminated supply of liquid that leaves one ill and weak.

When Martin Luther saw the religious decadence in Rome he set about starting a reformation that included translating holy writ into the common language so people could feed themselves. Just as the outer man needs food and water, the inner man needs to be fed and hydrated with spiritual seed. One primary source for that nourishment is holy scripture.

Indeed, when told to recant his new found faith and follow religious tradition Luther uttered his immortal words, “I stand convicted by the Scriptures… I cannot and will not recant anything… On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

Are you thirsty? Be sure to drink from the healthy waters of the Word. Many people recommend a person start with the Gospel of John. I recommend including the Book of Romans, it is the book that opened people’s eyes to the gospel of grace and started the Reformation.

The challenge is to read the book and then reread it several times. One speaker at a conference was giving a message on Ephesians, a relatively short book. He shared that the week before the presentation he read Ephesians some two dozen times.

Concluding with the metaphor above, how much does your spirit starve if you reduce your spiritual food by 10%, by 20%, or even more? To experience a spiritual surge of energy it is important to take Jesus’ words literally when he said, “The words I have spoken to you–they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Be sure to take regularly from the words of life, and let the river of grace flow freely in your heart.

There is one panic attack cause that people hardly ever give a second thought too. Panic attacks are often brought on by peoples eating and drinking habits. One of the easiest ways you can prevent panic attacks is by drinking a good amount of water. Not only does water quench your thirst but it has also been shown to reduce anxiety.

A body cannot run without an adequate amount of water. Everything your body does depends on water. Water distributes nutrients throughout your body and keeps your vital organs healthy. If your body is dehydrated, it sends out a signal to your brain that something is wrong. Often times this signal get misconstrued as anxiety. Once a person start feeling anxious, this can easily lead to a anxiety.

Have you ever noticed how being dehydrated can effect your emotions? If you think about it; it makes sense that being dehydrated is a panic attack cause. Think about how you feel when you wake up with a hangover. Your body is dehydrated without a doubt. Do your emotions feel different when you have a hangover? I personally get jittery and I don’t feel right throughout the day.

When you go out drinking the night before you are putting substances into your body that cause dehydration. Many times panic attacks are caused by he uncomfortable feeling of being dehydrated. Being hung over is a good example of how a lack of water can really put a hurting on your body. Now imagine the toll that dehydration on a daily basis can put on your body.

Many times people run around doing so much stuff that a lot of times people don’t even realize that they are dehydrated. Studies have shown that up to 75% of Americans are dehydrated on a regular basis. Most people do not make a conscious effort to try to drink 8 glasses of water every day. These people are often thirsty and they don’t even know it. A lot of the times people mistake being thirsty for hunger.

It’s extremely important to realize that one panic attack cause is definitely a lack of water in ones diet. Fortunately for you and me there is an extremely easy answer. Drink Water! Drink a lot of it, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Once you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated. If you want to avoid anxiety and panic attacks, drinking plenty of water should be your first step.

An adult can live several weeks without food, however, we can survive no more than about 10 days without water. Our body can only lose about 10% of its water and still live. In general, our body gets dehydrated very quickly. We lose about 2.5 liters of water every day, which we can replace with fluids and foods we consume.

Our body benefits from proper hydration and it is good to keep drinking water without waiting to be thirsty. If you are thirsty, it means your cells are already dehydrated. One clear sign of severe dehydration is where your urine is a dark.

Drinking water before and after a massage is highly recommended, as it makes it your muscles a lot easier to manipulate. During a good massage, your muscles will be stimulated and blood is circulated rapidly throughout the whole body, and this is the time where water, salt and other minerals are released. Having a glass of water will definitely help your body dispose of any accumulated materials in the muscles. A build up of such unwanted waste after massage can mean muscle aches and soreness.

Also, many people do not realize that massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of the muscles dehydrates the body and moves the fluid around in the interstitial spaces between the muscles. It is similar to exercising; you lose water and electrolytes when you exercise. By drinking lots of water, you can reduce the chances of pain and soreness in the days following a massage.

Last but not least, for some people, they may feel a little disoriented after massage; having a glass of water can help bring the body and mind back to the present. Drinking water after a massage gives you time to return to reality and begin the next moments of your life.

This excellent book entitled, "Thirst" by Mary Oliver, is very exciting to read. The poems are realistic, contemporary, and inspiring to the soul. It leaves one with a sense of feeling which brings tranquility to the mind, body and spirit.

The architectural style of the poems is very pleasing to the eyes and actually gives a different feeling while reading the lines. The variation of such designs makes the poems easier to read. Her innovative style of writing also makes the poems very interesting and inspiring.

Beginning with the first poem in this excellent book, "Messenger," with such words as, "a mouth with which to give shouts of joy," set the stage for a refreshing and an encouraging read. Here she presents to us, that the mouth should be used to sing, give praises, and build things up, instead of belittling, tearing down or destroying things.

Another great poem is, "When Roses Speak, I Pay Attention." This is also an enchanting and touching poem to read. Imagine the scent of roses on Valentine's Day with such aromatic fragrance which speaks to the mind, body, and soul; who would not pay attention and listen?

Her expression in "Making the House Ready for the Lord," is very moving and evolving. She presents her questions to the Lord in such an eloquent fashion, while seeking His advice. The raccoon limping into the kitchen, fox staring boldly down the path in the new fallen snow, including the lost dog, all of which she speaks with, thus presenting such enchanting and fascinating images. Consider her words to each of them, as she says, "Come in, Come in!" This picture is similar to Like Noah and the Ark; her home was ready for the Lord.

The dynamic, inspirational, and uplifting poem "The Uses of Sorrows," certainly shows the tenacity and perseverance of the soul. It represents aspects of life we ​​must understand and react to in a positive manner by embracing and learning from its essence. She presents to us that sorrows could actually be joy based on our perception and state of reference when receiving and processing such events.

The Epilogue entitled, "Thirst," with the same name of the book, shows her humility. She asked in a humble fashion for the granting of more time to accomplish her tasks on Earth, since she is a slow learner who is very thirsty. This is such a wonderful sign of humbleness to her Lord as she continues with her inspiration and uplifting mission of reviving souls.

This book is a must read. One has to read it to appreciate the other wonderful poems on its golden pages.

Without water there would be no life on this earth. Water has become an increasingly precious resource and finding ways to control and reduce consumption is an important priority in many parts of the world. Global water has generated almost a trillion dollars in revenue. The price of it will raise and become more costly as time goes on and the world population increases. Besides of all other uses our body needs water to survive.

Whether you're exercising, spending time in the sun or are just moving around, you can easily become dehydrated if you don't take enough fluids. Once this happens the body will slowly begin to shut down. If dehydration continues the body will let you know in some ways and will give warning signs and they should not be ignored. Some people think when they get a dry mouth it is time to drink some water. A dry mouth is not a sign of dehydration and waiting to get thirsty is wrong. Unintentional dehydration is often the cause of most pain and degenerative diseases in our body.

Will any water do?

When it is a matter of bringing dehydration under control any type, even tap water, will do, and having a good filtering system is the better option. One of the better water you can use is alkaline drinking water which is rich in minerals, purged of impurities, and ionized through electrolysis. Alkaline water is an excellent choice for healthy hydration. Not only does it taste great and refreshing, it is also highly drinkable. Electrolysis is the process that separates into alkaline and acidic water. These benefits have been recognized for a variety of healing purposes and are in use in many hospitals throughout Japan. Water is important and crucial to our overall health. When the body does not receive the right amount many things are starting to happen including pain, head ache, migraine, feeling tired and listless, lacking of pep; any of them is often a sign of dehydration. How much should we drink every day? Nobody knows for sure; different people have different views and different requirements on this. Experts say we should drink seven to eight glasses every day; although studies have revealed that there is no set rule or such formula where "One" size fits all strategy applies. Only one thing is certain: We need it every day.

Dehydration and its symptoms!

One of a common symptom is heartburn after eating a big or spicy meal which indicates lack of fluid in your intestines. If you are a heartburn sufferer drink water half an hour before the meal, this will cure heartburn quicker than any medication. Not only heartburn, asthma, allergies and lupus are a sign of dehydration. Chronic, unintentional dehydration is the cause of most pain and degenerative diseases and is a major problem in the western world through overeating and too many processed foods. Having a heavy meal without enough liquid to liquefy and to break down the food can trigger many symptoms. Toxic chemical waste builds up when you don't drink enough water to wash away the toxic waste out of your body. People have all kinds of homeopathic cures unknowingly to them that water is the simplest and most positive answer.

There is one more missing link:

Salt! As much as we need water we also need salt. Our body needs it as well as our brain which is 85 percent water encased like in a salty lake. When we being told not to have any salt because of high blood pressure, has the medical profession got this absolutely right? The other side of the coin tells us salt works on the brain cells and prevents Alzheimer's disease. Is it just a coincidence that Alzheimer's has increased over the last few decades since low salt diets were recommended? Denying our body the right amount and the right type of salt can have serious consequences. Don't use refined table salt because all the good elements were taken out, instead use sea- or rock-salt. Drink more water, take more salt. These are key benefits to better health. Our bodies consist mostly of water, 75 percent optimally, the brain is 85 percent water and salt. Whatever pain you may have, drink a few glasses of water first, the pain could be a sign of dehydration.

How important is water to us? What if we went without it. Let us briefly see what an extreme case of dehydration does to the human body. Its been said that man can only survive 3 days without water. After 1 day the person feels light headed and dizzy,as their saliva slowly disappears and extreme thirst begins to set in. By the second day they become extremely uncoordinated and have problems focusing. As the dehydration takes its toll, cramping starts in the muscles of the arms and legs as the person writhes in pain. On the third day the lips go dry enough that they start to crack. The skin also becomes dry and starts to wrinkle as it loses its elasticity. Because of the lack of water in the body their blood thickens. The thickening of blood prevents the heart from pumping it at full capacity. Starved of vital oxygenated blood flow, brain neurons misfire and the organized electrical activity that drives the conscious mind begins to lose its grip of reality. Hallucinations begin as the subject then goes into comatose until the inevitable.

Sorry for that, Its just to prove a point how important water is to the human body. When one becomes thirsty without refreshing itself, dizziness and confusion sets in. Muscle cramps and pain then follow. Due to the lack of blood flow to the brain, it is unable to perform at its full capacity, thus the pain, fatigue and dizziness. See what I mean?

How much water do you need in your body in order to perform everyday routines without a problem? Science tells us that our bodies are made up of 75% water. So you can imagine how important it is to keep that level on a daily basis. 75%?? We lose water from our bodies every day through simple activities such as sweating,breathing and urinating. As our activity increases so does our level of water loss increase. Going to McDonald’s for a #3 with fries and a Coke is not helping the situation of replenishing water loss. Grabbing a coffee,beer and/or sodas are the opposite of what your body needs in order to fulfill, because they actually absorb water away from you. The only way to provide an healthy recourse of everyday living is simply by drinking just pure water! Guess where else you get water from? Yes, Fruits and vegetables! Here we go again! The feeling of being thirsty should really never come into play. We should all be drinking water consistently enough to keep ourselves fully hydrated enough so that we never feel thirsty. Of course we cannot always be in situations where water is always available. Or can we? Its that important that we should treat this as if our life depends on it.

Now lets talk about Fibromyalgia

Have you ever heard of a disorder in which the sufferer deals mainly with chronic pain, chronic fatigue and memory loss? How about a disorder that delivers intense pain and discomfort in muscles and joints all over the body? How about a disorder in which its symptoms also include problems with sleep, headaches, irritable bowel, dizziness, abdominal pain and even vision problems? And that is just some of them. How about a disorder that affects more than 5 million people in the United States today! Its called Fibromyalgia (FMS,Fibro-Myalgia Syndrome)Which has become a such a widespread disorder that Doctors have begun to classify it as a syndrome, which means its symptoms and traits occur together. These symptoms can put one in a very restrictive lifestyle due to the intense pain, discomfort and feelings of despair. Unable to understand what has become of themselves and their ongoing symptoms associated with FMS, anxiety and depression can also take its toll on anyone who cannot seem to find solutions for overcoming this horrible syndrome. People live with painful joints and muscles,waking up in the morning as if they had no sleep at all,and bouts with what has become known as “Brain Fog” a short term memory loss which goes along with inability to focus. So the main symptoms are pain,fatigue and a lack of focus.These and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia bring on what seems an unending battle for a normal life.

So the problems that go along with Dehydration are:

Muscle pain – fatigue – dizziness/confusion – headaches – vision problems – Abdominal pain- nausea – constipation

The problems with Fibromyalgia are:

Muscle pain – fatigue – dizziness/confusion – constipation – headaches – weight gain – indigestion – vision problems – Abdominal pain – nausea – sleeplessness,

Get the point?

Excessive thirst and frequent urination are signs of four serious canine medical problems, including diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease and Cushings Disease. Regrettably, not treating Cushings Disease could precipitate the others.

After running basic tests, your veterinarian has eliminated the first three, leaving Cushings Disease as the diagnosis.

What is Cushings Disease?

Cushings Disease or Cushings Syndrome as it is sometimes called, is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Due to the fact older dogs are more prone to tumors, is most often found in middle age and senior dogs. That does not mean younger dogs are immune to it.

The disease is disease, caused by the over production of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone. It is normally released in response to stress or low levels of blood glucororiticoids. The primary functions are to increase blood sugar, metabolize fat, proteins, and carbohydrates and suppress your dog’s immune system.

This disease can be managed, but not cured.

There are three known origins Cushings. They are: tumors, lactrogenic or “veterinary induced Cushings” from the over use of glucorticoid drugs (steroids i.e. Prednisone, Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, etc.) and Andrenocorticotophic hormone (ACTH) also produced by the pituitary gland.

The majority of time, the source of the disease is a hyperactive pituitary gland, which is found at the base of the brain. Approximately 85% of Cushings in dogs, is from a minute benign tumor on the pituitary gland.

In the other 15% of cases, it may be caused by a tumor on one or both of the adrenal glands, which are located in front of the kidneys. Approximately 50% of these tumors are benign.

Signs and Symptoms – What you should watch for.

There are more than a few signs and symptoms of Cushings Disease in dogs, including: extended belly, excessive thirst, frequent urination, accidental urination in the house, increased appetite, weight gain, excessive shedding, baldness, shortness of breath, lethargy, seeking cooler places to sleep, loss of muscle mass, hypertension, excessive panting, appears anxious/restless, delayed wound healing, thin skin, easy bruising, and mood swings. For some, they are reluctant to jump on or off furniture. Coat changes such as brittleness and dullness are also an indication.

Dogs suffering from Cushings are prone to ear, skin and urinary tract infections.

Who gets Cushings Syndrome?

All breeds and ages are at risk. Middle age and seniors more so.

Breeds that appear most predisposed are: Beagles, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russells, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles Scottish and Yorkshire Terriers.

It is believed females may be slightly more at risk to it. Spayed and neutered dogs are thought to be more inclined than intact animals.

Signs and symptoms frequently begins appearing when the animal is approximately 10 years or older. The sooner the owner suspects and acts, the better it is for their pet.

How is Cushings diagnosed?

Starting with basic blood tests used for a baseline, there are a number of tests that can be done to help diagnose the disease.

The ACTH Simulation Test uses the initial blood test as a baseline. Your dog is then injected with ACTH, andrenocorticotophic hormone, to stimulate the glands to release their hormones. A dog will have a greatly elevated level of cortisol. The elevated level of cortisol is then measured and compared to the baseline. This test cannot differentiate between pituitary and adrenal Cushings.

The Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio Test can rule out Cushings.

The Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test is the most recommended and has shown the best results to diagnose Cushings.

The High Dose Dexamthasone Suppression Test is used to differentiate which type, pituitary or adrenal Cushings.

MRIs and CAT Scans are also used to detect and check on the progress of this disease.

Is Cushings Treatable?

Yes, but be aware, there is no cure. There are options to help make your pet more comfortable and improve the quality of their life. They include:

1. If your dog is a senior, and suffers from arthritis, or other serious health issues, it may be best to leave them alone. At their age and in their condition, the treatments may be too stressful.

2. Chemotherapy can be used for both pituitary and adrenal tumors.

3. Radiation is most frequently used on pituitary tumors.

4. Surgery is most often used to remove adrenal tumors, as they are usually larger. Only experienced veterinary surgeons, should do this surgery.

5. Medications: Some have serious side effects for the dog. Caution should be used by you, when handling Lysodren!

Lysodren, the most common medication prescribed for pituitary tumors. Serious side effects have been known. Periodic ACTH Tests are needed when using this medication. Should not be handled by pregnant women. Surgical gloves should be worn when handling. Wash hand thoroughly!

Anipryl is a psychotropic drug, whose various side effects have been found to have some positive effects on Cushings.

Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication whose side effects have been found to have various positive effects on Cushings.

Vetoryl is an adrenosuppressant. The British have encouraging reports on its safety and effectiveness.

6. Gradually reducing and eliminating the amount of steroids your dog has been prescribed by your veterinarian, can treat Lactrogenic or “veterinary induced Cushings.” This allows the glands to return to their normal function.

What happens if Cushings is left untreated?

As mentioned, there is no cure for Cushings, but depending on the age and general health of your dog, it can be managed. If left untreated, your dog may develop diabetes, hypertension, seizures, congestive heart failure, blood clots, pancreatitis, liver and/or kidney failure.

Bottom line: Cushings Disease is serious. Considering the age and general health of your dog, as well as progression of the disease, plus sufficient research and talking not only to your veterinarian, but getting a second opinion, will aid you in making a responsible decision as to what you consider the best treatment for your pet. Knowing there is no cure, your conclusion will be focused on providing them with the finest quality of life, for whatever time you have to share together.

Mother Teresa is such an intriguing and mystifying figure who suffered with self-doubts, as revealed in recent books, so the idea of ​​finding out more about her from a sister of her Missionaries of Charity is appealing. The book was not disappointing, as Mother Teresa is seen as perhaps a more real person than in other books. She is not diminished in this view; she only seems more larger than life and holy.

This book, however, also provides a critical look at Mother Teresa's order, showing the hypocrisy, at times, and the warts in what is, after all, an institution run by the flawed, but wonderful, people. The view presented is insightful as the author worked in that environment for over twenty years. I admired Johnson's ability to thrive, despite and because of her faults and strengths. She made the story powerful without whitewashing the negatives or dismissing the positives. Despite her choice to leave the nuns and her vows, she never waivers in her belief in Mother Teresa. The power of Mother Teresa continues.

This is a good story, told well. We view the community of sisters as if we were there ourselves, experiencing the highs and lows. The fact that the low points finally won out was sad, yet well established throughout Johnson's tale. It is not a surprise that she decides to leave. That life is not for everyone; A person must be exceptionally strong to withstand the demands.

We get another view of the suffering that we all know Mother Teresa experienced, but we also see the struggles that all of the nuns of the Missionaries of Charity endured in physical pain and in the loneliness. There is so much more that can be said in relation to why suffering seems to be so prominent in the Church. If life is about suffering, isn't it also about joy? One does not get the sense of balance in this story of either the individual sisters or Mother Teresa herself.

Another concept that stands out for me is that Johnson wanted to be an individual, with fewer and less strict "Rules," the main reason, it seems, that she left the church. What was very understandable and made her story empathetic to many of us is her statement, "I longed to be noticed, appreciated, approved." Wow, that is so true of so many. The honesty in that statement is what brings readers to Johnson's story. In many ways, it is the story of all of us, especially women. Not wanting to be diminished, we still strive to help others achieve and, too often, lose a part of ourselves in doing so. One need not take the vows of a religious to experience the loss of individuality. We applaud Johnson's struggle to find her own voice. I wish she could have done it within the Missionaries, but she shows the impossibility of that for her.

Without revealing the ending, although the reader knows from the beginning that she leaves the order, I was disappointed, not with the book but with her final choice. That is a discussion, however, for another time or place. There is much to ponder in this memoir for readers of all religious choices. What we share in life is much more obvious that which separates us; Johnson succeeds in conveying that.