Warren County Connection - June 2023

June

WARREN COUNTY CONNECTION

Peonies

The red shoots of peonies emerging from the ground has signaled spring for generations of gardeners. Most peonies have unforgettable fragrance, are unexcelled for cutting and may live 20–30 years or longer. The Greeks revered the peony for its healing powers believing that the peony and Paean, physician of the gods, were one and the same. The modern hybrid peony came to Europe in the 6th century as a remedy for epilepsy. Paeonia lactiflora or Chinese peony came to British shores from its native lands of Siberia, Mongolia and northern China.

Peony Facts

All peonies range in height from two to six feet, depending on the variety. Types of peonies are Paeonia lactiflora – Chinese peony, an herbaceous perennial and the parent of many of our present-day peony hybrids; Paeonia officinalis – common peony; Paeonia tenuifolia – fernleaf peony; Paeonia suffruticosa – Chinese tree peony. All peonies need a winter season of cold to stimulate flower production in the spring. Peony blossoms are classified as single – a unique form with one or more rows of true petals and a center of bright yellow stamens; Japanese/anemone – five or more outer guard petals and a center of stamens that produce no pollen; semi-double – full flower with prominent tuft of center stamens, sometimes with petals intermixed; bomb – outer guard petals surround a densely petalled pom-pom tuft; or double – large full blooms are all petals with stamens not usually visible.

Care of Herbaceous Peonies

Peonies 1 Native Violets 5 Pesticides and Pollinators 6 Lyme Disease 7 Positive Parenting 9 New Research: Moderate Drinking Provides No Health Benefits 10 Treating Arthritis Through Food 11 In this issue:

Publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County

Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Warren County

377 Schroon River Road

Warrensburg, NY 12885

Phone: (518) 623-3291 or (518) 668-4881

Visit Our Web Site: www.cce.cornell.edu/warren

Who We Are

Nation-wide, thousands of people in each state tap into their state’s land-grant university research and know-how to make sound confident decisions concerning family, home, business, finances, and the future. In New York State, the land-grant university is Cornell University.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension network brings you the expertise of Cornell University, other land-grant universities across the country and locally-based Extension Educators, volunteers, and other experts through such programs as: horticulture, youth and families, leadership, environment, food, nutrition & health, home environment, and financial management.

Staff

John Bowe, Executive Director & Associate Team Leader

Dan Carusone, 4-H Natural Resources Coordinator

Roxanne Westcott, 4-H Family Living Educator

Sharon Bellamy, Finance Manager

Amy Sabattis, Public Relations/Publications Manager

Michele Baker, Administrative Assistant

Barb Galusha, Administrative Assistant

Joe Phillips, Facilities Coordinator

Board of Directors

Jim Kneeshaw - President

David Strainer - Vice President

David Little - Treasurer

CheriLyn Dempsey - Secretary

Hal Bain

Lisa Earl

Maureen Folk

William Hamelin

Cynthia Muratori

Cornell Administration

Danielle Hautaniemi

Extension Service Committee

Chair - Ben Driscoll

Daniel Bruno

Brad Magowan

Debra Runyon

Mark Smith

Please visit our website for more eventswww.cce.cornell.edu/warren

Facebook & Instagram - Look for CCE Warren

Upcoming Events

Warren County Homesteading & 4-H Youth Fair

Saturday, August 5, 2023, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Great news! We will once again be offering face-to-face project judging, youth talent show, games, and more. There are some exciting changes or topics to discuss related to the fair:

 The theme for the 2023 Fair is “Homesteading.” We are asking all youth participants to consider entering anything relating to homesteading...heritage arts, fruits/vegetables, container gardens, animals, natural resources, recycling & upcycling, etc.

 Youth exhibits and displays will be judged on THURSDAY, August 3rd from 4pm 7pm at the CCE Training Center.

 The Fairbook will be ready by June 1st. However, if you would like to know more about classes that link to the “Homesteading” theme style, here is a short list of classes to get you thinking:

Section 3: Heritage Arts Exhibits

Section 8: Class 14: Grown in NY heritage recipes/varieties

Section 8: Class 17: Canned Foods

Section 10/16/18: Livestock/Poultry/Small Animals

Section 12: Natural Resources

Section 19: Vegetables

 Remember that entries can be from school projects, art classes, projects you did for Scouts, etc. They don’t have to be the result of 4-H work specifically. However, if there are guidelines/directions you followed, you should bring those with you for judging.

 Exhibits chosen as “State Fair Worthy” will be displayed in the State Fair area.

 Bring your best! We look forward to seeing all the great items you have been working on!

If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need assistance with attending these workshops, please make your needs known by the registration deadline. Reasonable efforts will be made for accommodations.

slower and full size is usually attained by the eighth or ninth year. The adage for peonies is “1st year sleep, 2nd year creep, 3rd year leap.” Plants that have been well cared for often live longer than their owners. Peonies make excellent cut flowers and can be cut when either fully opened or when the buds are “marshmallow” soft. Deadheading of the fragrant blooms should be done before seed production occurs.

Care of Tree Peonies

Tree peonies, Paeonia suffruticosa or Chinese tree peony, are hardy to USDA zones 3/4–8. Tree peonies differ from herbaceous peonies in that they develop rough-barked woody stems that do not die down to the ground in the fall. They continue to grow year after year forming a bush and usually attain a height and width of 3–6 feet. Tree peonies have single and double flowers depending on their cultivar. The blossoms of tree peonies are generally larger in size (8 to 12 inches across) and flower about two weeks earlier than their herbaceous cousins.

Planting Herbaceous Peonies

Peonies prefer full sun (more than six hours of direct sun) and well drained, well tilled soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, 6.0–6.2. Have the soil pH tested before you plant. Compost should be mixed into the soil about a foot deep before planting in the fall. A small amount of bonemeal or superphosphate may be added and mixed well into the existing soil. Choose the site carefully. Do not plant too close to trees as the tree roots will compete for food and water. In a bed or border, space herbaceous peonies 3–4 feet apart for each plant. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system. Plant peonies with their red eye buds facing upward about 2 inches below the soil line. Shallow planting of the eye buds encourages flower production. The roots should be planted at a level of 8 –10 inches deep. Fill the hole with soil, tamp lightly and water thoroughly.

For the first winter it is a good idea to loosely mulch over the crown with about one – two inches of mulch. Any deeper will keep the eye buds too warm and flowering will not occur. The mulch should be removed in spring to allow the new growth to come to the surface.

Planting Tree Peonies

These plants are usually grown in containers for nurseries. Some are shipped from mail order companies as bare root plants. Containerized plants may be planted from April to November before the ground freezes. Tree peonies closely resemble woody shrubs and should be

planted as early in the season as possible to allow good establishment of the root system. Plant the tree peony deeply to permit its own roots to form more rapidly and abundantly. The graft of the woody stem (scion) and root (understock) is very sensitive. Inspect the union of the scion and root stock. The root stock should be at least 5–6 inches below the ground level. This is especially important if you are planting a bare root specimen. Graft sites need to be planted deeply so the plant can eventually develop its own root system and no longer depend on the nurse root upon which it was grafted. Mulching 4–6 inches should be done in winter. Many of the larger sized tree peonies should have protection from heavy winds.

Fertilization of peonies

Fertilize shortly after bloom is finished with a balanced slow release plant food (3-5-5 or 5-10-10). Care should be taken not to fertilize too close to the crown. Do not use a high nitrogen fertilizer which tends to produce spindly foliage and few or no blooms. Once every few years, one or two handfuls of bone meal may be added around each plant and gently scratched into the soil.

Fall Cleanup

Herbaceous peonies go dormant in our area around October/November. Cut back stems to about 1–2 inches. Damage may occur if cuts are too close to the crown. If there is no fungal damage on the stalks or leaves, they may be composted. Otherwise, discard them. A light layer of mulch (one inch deep) may be applied for the winter over the crown after the ground freezes. Remove this early in the spring.

Dividing Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies can be divided in early fall (late September – early October) after stems have been cut off almost to the ground. Divisions should be planted well before the ground freezes to allow roots to acclimate to the new area. Leaving enough stems to handle the plant,

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take a spade or shovel and cut around the plant six inches from the outside part of crown. Loosen plant by gently prying. Lift clump out carefully. Wash soil off with a hose so roots can be better seen. Using a sharp knife, cut all roots back to 4–8 inches enabling you to see where they are joined at the crown. The best divisions come from the outside of the plant. A new division should have 3 –5 eye buds and several roots 4–6 inches long. Make sure all cuts are smooth and clean. Cut out all rotten portions and destroy any diseased plants. Plant new divisions immediately following the same directions as if planting a new plant.

Diseases and Insects

Peonies are prone to Botrytis blight, Phytophthora blight and thrips.

Botrytis blight is a fungal disease. Characteristic symptoms appear on young leaf bases in spring when the shoots are about one foot long. Leafy shoots wilt rather suddenly and fall over. A black or brownish rot is seen at the base of leaves and stem. A gray mold can be seen on stalks which eventually is transferred to buds and blossoms causing them to turn brown and rot.

Management – In fall cut stalks down and destroy. Clean up leaves and debris. If using mulch over winter, remove in early spring. Avoid planting in areas of standing water. In spring a fungicide labeled for peonies may be used when new shoots break through the ground. Another application should be made two weeks later. If any young shoots wilt in the spring, they should be removed promptly.

Phytophthora blight is similar to Botrytis except it forms no mold and is never seen covering the bases of leaves or stems. The entire shoot may turn black and die. While Botrytis never invades the crown, Phytophthora often does and causes a black rot which destroys the plant. Fungicides are ineffective. The only remedy is to remove the plant with adjoining soil and get rid of it. Do not compost.

Thrips are minute insects which attack the blooms and suck the juice from them causing brown spots on the light -colored varieties and reddish spots on darker varieties. Remove infected buds and debris and destroy. Chemical pesticides are available. If you choose to use a pesticide,

contact your local Cooperative Extension office for specific recommendations.

Common Questions Regarding Peonies

What is disbudding and why is it done?

Disbudding is the removal of side buds commonly seen on peony stems. Its purpose is to allow the plant to pour energy into one flower per stem rather than spread that energy to three flowers. A large center flower will result from this activity. Disbudding should be done as soon as side buds appear on the stems.

Why are there ants on my peonies?

A common fallacy is that ants are needed to pollinate or cause the blooming of a peony. Not so! The ants are attracted to the sticky sweet nectar peonies exude before opening their golf ball-sized buds. Shaking the ants out of the peonies after cutting the stems is a good idea before bringing them indoors.

Why are my peonies not blooming?

If you aren’t seeing blooms after a few years, there are a few possibilities:

1. Buds killed by late frost, fungal disease or thrips – spray with a pesticide labeled for peonies. Follow label directions

2. Planted too close to trees and shrubs – need more nourishment.

3. Planted too deep – replant with eye buds 2 inches below soil line.

4. Ground too dry – water to the bottom of the roots.

5. Prematurity – too young – let them develop.

6. Excessive hot weather – no remedy – wait till next year!

Popular Cultivars of Herbaceous Peonies

● ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ – fragrant double rose pink blooms

● ‘Kansas’ – double watermelon red blooms. American Peony Society Gold Medal Winner

● ‘Festiva maxima’ – fragrant white double blooms with crimson markings

● ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ – fragrant double seashell pink blooms

Popular Cultivars of Tree Peonies

● ‘Kamada Nishiki’ – semi double purple red blooms

● ‘Alhambra’ – semi double golden yellow blooms

● ‘Hesperus’ – single dusty rose pink blooms with yellow undertones

● ‘Yachiyo Tsubaki’ – single coral pink blooms

This fact sheet was researched and written by Master Gardener Christine M. Banigan ’01, CCE Nassau County

Native Violets

By Joan Jubela Master Gardener, Wayne County, PennState Extension

nators. Blooming in spring, a variety of Hymenoptera, such as sweat bees and mason bees, emerge from the ground and other nesting sites to feed upon the nectar violets supply. In addition to their small showy blooms, violets have a second set of flowers that grow near the soil surface but never actually open. These flowers are called cleistogamous or non-opening. They self-pollinate, then mechanically eject seeds in the late summer and early fall to establish a new colony away from the parent. Like trilliums and trout lily (Erythronium americanum), violets also use seed dispersal by ants, a process known as myrmecochory. Their seeds have elaiosomes attached to them which are fatty deposits attractive to ants. The ant finds a seed, eats the nutritious coating then buries it. No wonder violets do so well in landscapes.

The violet Viola is a spring flowering deer-resistant perennial. Despite its reputation as a weed, it is an amazing plant. It functions as a low-maintenance groundcover in difficult landscape situations and supports much wildlife.

Indeed, violets attract many other forms of wildlife who delight in their seeds, leaves, and rhizomes. These include songbirds, wild turkeys, grouse, bobwhites, mourning doves, and mice, among other small mammals. The leaves host the larvaelabradorica for several caterpillar species, including the great-spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele), the meadow fritillary (Boloria bellona), the Aphrodite (Speyeria aphrodite), and the variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia).

For years, advocates of lawns and turfs have targeted the violet Viola as a noxious weed. But contrary to their reputation, violets do have their virtues. If attempting to grow a groundcover native to Pennsylvania, where possibilities are limited, consider violets. There is wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), various mosses, and perhaps princess pine (Lycopodium obscurum) if the situation is just right. All these choices are slow growing. Violets, however, work in many challenging landscape conditions. They are vigorous and form dense mounding clumps approximately 5 to 7 inches from the ground.

Ironically, some of their positive attributes are posed to mark them as criminals in the monoculture of the suburban lawn. Violets are notorious for spreading everywhere, especially when they are happy. While this characteristic makes them a good candidate for groundcovers, violets have been known to choke out other plants. They spread by underground rhizomes and can form resilient vegetative colonies. Their waxy, heart-shaped leaves add to their toughness. These evolved to help protect them from some predators, but the leaf's coating has also proven to deter over-the-counter herbicides. They are so irrepressible they can even grow under black walnut trees.

In addition to rhizomes, they employ multiple schemes for spreading, each strategy aiding in the support of polli-

The visible flowers of violets have five petals, two pointed up, and three pointed down. They are not just blue, violet, or purple; those shades are frequently dominant. A wide spectrum of color possibilities exists, including white, yellow, and combinations of all of the above. There are an estimated 500 species that appear in temperate zones around the world, while in North America, at least 200 species have been identified. They hybridize easily with scores of subspecies and variations too. The common blue violet (Viola soraria) exhibits a whitish throat and dark veins that radiate out toward the petals; there is the downy yellow (Viola pubescens); the kidney-leaved white violet (Viola renefolia); the American dog violet (Viola labradorica), a pale lavender; and a list of other species that reads on and on. The nursery trade offers many cultivars as well. Viola walteri 'Silver Gem' has silver leaves. Most species like moist conditions with partial shade, but some, like the common blue violet, will tolerate full sun and clay soils.

As more and more gardeners and homeowners undertake lawn conversions by planting front yards with native alternatives, violets are a natural choice. In a bit of a role reversal, some homeowners have used violets to fill in among shady spots where turfgrass has failed to thrive. Consider including them in landscapes and lawns or just leaving them where they are doing well. Violets are amazing.

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pesticides and Pollinators

Researchers believe that long-term honey bee declines are a result of a complex set of factors.

Honey bees across North America are exposed to multiple pesticides.

Chemical analysis shows that honey bees and their hive products contain many pesticides derived from various sources, including agricultural crops and horticultural gardens. Beekeepers also apply pesticides and antimicrobial drugs to control pathogens and parasites, including Varroa mites. Chris Mullin, Maryann and Jim Frazier and colleagues analyzed 1300 pollen samples and found that 91% were contaminated with pesticides. The most abundant pesticides in hives were acaricides applied by beekeepers to control Varroa mites and fungicides that were applied to nearby flowering crops. Acaricides, antimicrobial drugs, and fungicides are not highly toxic to bees alone, but in combination there is potential for heightened toxicity due to interactive effects.

The cocktail of pesticides that bees are exposed to is most striking. On average, there were six pesticides in each pollen sample, up to 31 pesticides in a single pollen sample, and 39 pesticides in a single wax sample. Think about the first thing your doctor asks you when you visit the clinic: are you taking any medication? We know that multiple chemicals in the body can react to create toxins. The interactions between these pesticides can be very complicated and difficult to predict.

Lethal and sublethal effects

Pesticides are now labeled for their direct bee toxicity. Toxicity is measured by the amount which kills 50% of bees or the lethal dose 50% or LD50. Look for the symbol on the label insert photo here. If the Acute Contact LD50 is less than or equal to 2 micrograms per bee, the pesticide is classified as Toxicity Category I, "highly toxic to bees." If the LD50 of the pesticide is greater than 11 micrograms per bee (Toxicity Category III), it is relatively nontoxic, and no bee caution statement is required on the label.

Some pesticides are also being evaluated for their sublethal effects on bees. Impaired learning, impaired foraging and homing ability, and reduced immune response are all possible sub-lethal effects of pesticide exposure. Lifespan is also affected by pesticide exposure; in some cases treated bees live only a few days, rather than their normal 6-week lifespan during the foraging season.

The U.S. EPA evaluates pesticide toxicity to honey bees in a tiered process. The first tier evaluates acute and chronic (10-day) toxicity to adult and larval honey bees via both contact and oral routes of exposure, as well as tests of residual duration of pesticides applied to surfaces. This tier is conservative, using unrealistically high concentrations to find evidence of toxicity. If a pesticide does not show signs of toxicity to honey bees in the first tier of evaluation, then no further evaluation is required. However, if a pesticide does show signs of toxicity, then it moves on to second tier evaluation, which includes semifield enclosure exposure studies, field feeding studies, and measurements of residues in pollen and nectar when the product is applied in the field according to label instructions. Depending on the results of the second tier of evaluation, the pesticide may be subjected to a third tier of evaluation, which includes field testing examining longterm exposure under realistic conditions. These evaluations provide a wealth of information, but may not be sensitive to synergistic effects between a pesticide and other stressors or to subtle sublethal effects.

Inert ingredients may impact bee health

Perhaps most surprising is that 'inert' ingredients may be impacting bee health. Penn State toxicologist Dr. Mullin explains that there are more than 2,000 additives and 20,000 formulations that farmers work with. These products improve how well insecticides and fungicides work by helping them stick to the plant or helping the active ingredient pass through the outer membrane of the plant, among other functions. The bulk of synthetic chemicals used are formulated ingredients that are unmonitored, un -disclosed, and the residues remain unmonitored. Because the non-active ingredients are assumed to be nontoxic, companies are not required to disclose them or monitor toxicity. However, in some cases, formulations which include 'inerts' have a greater impact on bees than the active ingredients by themselves. In one example, the toxicity of the fungicide captan to honey bee brood development was attributed to formulation ingredients other than the active ingredient alone. In another study, even at the lowest concentration of 0.01% the inert ingredient Nmethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) caused 50% mortality of bee larvae after four days.

Bees explore their environments by smell and what they learn allows them to find and return to locations with many food resources of pollen and nectar. In a recent study, researchers found that some types of spray adjuvants affected bee ability to learn.

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Neonicotinoids

We can't talk about pesticides and pollinators without touching on the issue that has been so predominantly in the news: neonicotinoids. Imidacloprid and other neonics are "nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists," meaning they bind to and block open nerve receptors in the insect brain, causing paralysis and death. Most neonics are toxic to insects in minute quantities. The LD50 of imidacloprid (the dose that kills 50% of individuals) for honey bees is 5 nanograms per insect. Neonics are systemic, which means the plant absorbs them and moves them throughout their tissues to protect multiple parts of the plant, even parts that were not sprayed directly. Because the neonic is systemic, small amounts can be present in the nectar or pollen that the bees collect for food (usually between < 1 and 8 parts per billion (ppb) in nectar and <1 and 50 ppb in pollen). Although normal field levels from neonic seed treated plants are unlikely to be directly lethal (a 0.1 g bee would have to drink several milliliters of nectar or eat a gram or so of pollen); there is strong evidence of negative sub-lethal effects. Exposure to sub-lethal doses of neonicotinoids is known to reduce learning ability, foraging ability and homing ability in both honey bees and bumble bees. Levels will also be higher in sprayed plants than in seed-treated plants.

Fungicides

Fungicides are often applied to crops in bloom when honey bees are present both because crops in bloom are susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases and because fungicides are currently deemed safe for bees. Chlorothalonil is a broad spectrum fungicide which is often included in a crop protection program to help reduce the possibility of diseases developing resistance. Recently, researchers have found that some fungicides have direct toxicity to bees at field use rates. They have also learned that fungicides stored in pollen can inhibit the growth of beneficial fungi in the digestive tracts of bees, making it harder for larvae to get the full nutritional value from the pollen they digest.

Penn State's pollinator research team fed honey bee larvae royal jelly, fructose and yeast laced with pesticides at levels based on those found in pollen in prior research. Coumaphos is a miticide that beekeepers commonly used in the hive and chlorothalonil is a broad spectrum fungicide. Not only did the fungicide chlorothalonil directly increase mortality, the probability that larvae would survive for four days was only 50% when chlorothalonil was mixed with coumaphos compared to 90% with just coumaphos. This is a brand new area of research and we expect greater clarification as it is explored.

Source: Collaboration between Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research and Penn State Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Team.

Lyme Disease

By Dr. Aly Cohen, Extension Veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center and a Clinical Instructor for Cornell’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program

Protection against Lyme disease is focused on tick control and vaccination.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks, and it affects both dogs and humans. It is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest, although the range has been increasing in North America. While ticks are often associated with warmer weather, they can be active year-round if the temperature is above 40°F.

Transmission

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which lives inside a specific type of tick called a blacklegged tick, or deer tick. These are very small ticks, ranging from the size of a poppy seed to a sesame seed.

After a tick carrying the Lyme bacteria attaches to skin, it takes at least 24-48 hours before transmission occurs. Prompt removal of ticks can help avoid Lyme infections.

Clinical Signs

Most dogs exposed to Lyme will not become sick. For those that do become sick, symptoms often do not occur until 2-5 months after a tick bite.

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The most common signs of Lyme disease include:

• Fever

• Lameness

• Lethargy

• Decreased appetite

• Joint swelling and pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

A less common but serious complication associated with Lyme disease causes kidney damage (Lyme nephritis). This may be more likely in young-to-middle aged Retrievers. The clinical signs for Lyme nephritis are far more severe than the typical Lyme infection and include vomiting, not eating, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, extreme lethargy and more.

Diagnosis

Lyme can be diagnosed based on the common clinical signs in combination with a relatively inexpensive and quick blood test that determines the presence or absence of antibodies. The timing of the test can affect the results due to how long it takes for antibodies to develop; therefore, testing should be delayed at least 4-8 weeks after a tick bite.

If your dog is diagnosed with Lyme, your veterinarian may recommend a urine test to screen for kidney health. While it is an uncommon consequence of Lyme disease, if there are already apparent clinical signs of kidney disease, blood work and additional testing will likely be recommended to determine if it is Lyme nephritis.

Treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline, for four weeks. Pain medications should also be given to help with joint discomfort. Asymptomatic dogs generally only require monitoring by you and your veterinarian, which may involve routine urine checks.

In cases of Lyme nephritis, the treatment will involve hospitalization and addressing severe kidney disease with IV fluids, medications to help with protein loss and nausea, blood pressure management, nutritional support, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs and more.

Outcome

The majority of dogs positive for Lyme will not become sick. For those that are sick, most dogs respond within 1-2 days of starting antibiotics.

However, dogs that develop Lyme nephritis have a poor prognosis and many do not survive.

Zoonosis and human transmission

Lyme disease can infect both dogs and humans. Humans do not get Lyme directly from dogs, but rather from the same deer-ticks that can infect people. Limit the opportunities for your pet to bring ticks into your spaces by implementing tick control measures.

Make sure to check both of your bodies for ticks after being in areas with a high prevalence, as well as after being in tall grass, forest litter and brushing against other vegetation.

Prevention

The best ways to avoid Lyme disease in dogs include:

• Year-round tick control

• Routine tick checks

• Prompt removal of ticks

• Avoid high risk areas (tall grasses, wooded areas)

• Vaccination

Tick control is the most important part of Lyme disease prevention and must be done consistently and properly. There are many products available such as collars, topicals or chewables. Your veterinarian can help guide you on what is the best choice for your dog.

Since Lyme disease transmission from a tick bite takes at least 24-48 hours, tick checks and prompt removal are crucial to avoid infection. If a tick is found attached to your pet, it can be removed by grasping it close to where it is attached to the skin with tweezers or a tick removal device with slow and steady traction. Keeping lawns cut short and cleaning up leaf piles can help dogs avoid ticks in the backyard.

Discuss with your veterinarian if the Lyme vaccine is right for your dog based on location, risk and lifestyle. Previous Lyme infections do not provide natural immunity, and the vaccine can help prevent re-infection. Even with vaccination, tick preventatives should be used year-round in order to minimize the risk of infection. The Lyme vaccine is given once, followed by a booster after 3-4 weeks and then again annually.

Positive Parenting

Learn how positive parenting techniques can help create loving connections with your child.

Having consistent and supportive experiences with your child as they grow can help you create memories together and allow you to form a strong bond. This solid connection between you and your child may encourage open and honest communication and may support your child's willingness to come to you for help and reassurance as they face new challenges and life experiences. The consistency and support you exhibit with your child can serve as a foundation that can help shape them as they grow into independent adults.

Positive Parenting

The use of positive parenting techniques can aid you in your efforts to create loving connections with your child. The concept of positive parenting is described as "…the continual relationship of a parent(s) and a child or children that include caring, teaching, leading, communicating, and providing for the needs of a child consistently and unconditionally" (Seay et al., 2014, p. 207). Positive parenting is consistent, empathetic, empowering, nurturing, and guiding (Lonczak, 2019).

Parents can establish clear and consistent guidelines and expectations for their children by using positive parenting techniques. Through collaborative communication and guidance, children learn boundaries and expectations while understanding the consequences of their actions (Institute for Educational Initiates, 2021). Approaching parenting in this manner may increase a child’s success as they enter adulthood because they understand these important concepts of actions and consequences.

A misconception about positive parenting may be that this type of parenting is too permissive. However, through positive parenting, parents use clearly defined rules and guidelines to implement expectations for their children while consistently meeting their child's needs.

Positive Parenting Techniques

Zero to Three (2018) lists several parenting behaviors that foster children's growth. The following selected parenting

behaviors and habits can help guide healthy development for children:

• Viewing situations from a child's point of view.

• Providing consistent age-appropriate guidelines.

• Being able to recognize one's feelings and being able to regulate them.

• Celebrating the child's strengths and abilities.

• Responding with sensitivity and interest.

• Take care of yourself mentally and physically.

• Talk to and respond to your child before they can use words.

• Praise your child for their positive behaviors, and limit your reactions to defiant behavior.

• Use clear and consistent language, especially when disciplining your child.

• Speak in full and clear sentences so your child understands you and learns how to speak.

• Help your child through problem-solving, especially when they are upset.

• Help your child set goals that are achievable and supportive.

• Discuss what is going on in your child's life with them. Help them verbalize their emotions and feelings.

• Help your child understand and develop a sense of right and wrong.

• Help your child make healthy choices as they learn to make their own decision.

• Communicate clear expectations and goals to your child while allowing them to share their input.

• Be honest and direct with your child about topics like drinking, smoking, drugs, and sex.

In addition to the general parenting behaviors and techniques listed above, there are also specific actions that a parent can take with their child, depending on the child's age (CDC, 2021). Those actions include the following:

Moving Forward

Practicing and participating in positive parenting are conscious and intentional processes that continue throughout your child’s life – even when they are an adult. As you and your child navigate your parent-child relationship and the joys and challenges it may bring, try to incorporate positive parenting techniques and strategies into your parenting approach in order to nurture a solid base that is built on trust and mutual respect.

New Research: Moderate Drinking Provides No Health Benefits

Alcohol consumption is an often-celebrated part of our culture. Millions of Americans enjoy beers at the ball game, wine with dinner, or a cocktail with friends after work on Friday.

For decades, public health officials touted evidence that moderate drinking one to two servings of alcohol a day improves wellness. Large studies and systematic reviews found that moderate drinking improves cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of heart disease, improves cognition, and even helps you to live longer.

But a growing body of evidence is calling those health benefits into question. In fact, a new systematic review published last month in JAMA Network Open finds that moderate drinking provides no health benefits and that drinking more than one or two drinks a day increases your risk of dying earlier.

What’s going on here?

Previous research on alcohol consumption has used observational studies, meaning researchers simply tracked how much participants drink and then looked for associations. This research often did not take into account other factors in participants’ lives.

The new report, which combined more than 107 studies with almost five million participants, used longitudinal cohort studies, meaning researchers followed the participants over many years. The authors used statistical analysis to consider other factors affecting participants’ health.

They found that people who don’t consume alcohol are more likely to have other health risks. A small percentage of people abstain for religious reasons. The others are more likely to abstain because they were previously alcoholics, which leads to its own health problems, or have a chronic health condition that prevents them from drinking. In short, people who completely abstain from drinking have a higher risk of dying earlier from other causes.

At the same time, light and moderate drinkers were more likely to exercise and eat a healthy diet, less likely to have a chronic health condition, and more likely to be wealthy. In short, moderate drinkers were more likely to lead healthier lifestyles.

Taking these factors into account, the new analysis found that moderate drinking increases the risk of premature death. For women, the risk of dying earlier increases once

they drink 25 grams of alcohol (less than two drinks) a day; for men, the risk of dying earlier increases once they drink 45 grams of alcohol (less than three drinks) a day.

Participants who drank less one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men did not gain any health benefits compared to those who abstained from drinking completely.

The take-home message: Light drinking does not provide any long-term health benefits, and moderate drinking can increase your risk of dying earlier.

Source: Cornell University Evidence-Based Living

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fried in oils high in Omega 6. Omega 6 fats are directly responsible for swelling in the body. Switching to Omega 3 fats can reduce inflammation and provide other health benefits. Good sources of Omega 3 fats include olive oil, canola oil, and fatty fish.

• Eat less meat. When we cook and process meat a chemical called advanced glycation end products (AGE) is created. This chemical is highly inflammatory and greatly aggravates arthritis symptoms for most individuals. High AGE concentrations are found in fried, grilled, microwaved, or baked meat. Also, highly processed meats like lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages, hams, jerky, etc. contain high levels of AGE. Reducing meat consumption will reduce these chemicals in the body and improve arthritis symptoms. Many individuals find great relief in following a vegetarian lifestyle, but reducing the amount of meat eaten to 3-4 times per week can also have a beneficial effect.

• Avoid high purine foods. These increase uric acid production which can increase swelling and pain in joints. Avoid large intake of anchovies, asparagus, organ meats, herring, mackerel, sardines, scallops, and dried beans and peas and alcohol. Some of these foods are okay in moderation.

Tips:

• Add a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack.

• Be aware of portion sizes, we generally need much less food than we eat.

• Find some fun new vegetarian meals. Meatless meals can be so yummy!

The recommendations reviewed in this article have shown promising effect in many people, but they don’t work for everyone at the same intensity. Take time to make changes slowly and asses how those changes are improving your arthritis symptoms. Also, smaller changes over time will create lasting improvement in arthritis symptoms well into the future.

Treating Arthritis Through Food

By April Litchford, RDN, PhD, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University

Arthritis is a blanket term to describe a disease condition that causes inflammation, pain, and/or swelling in one or more joints in the body. Specific arthritis diseases include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Gout. However, there are more than 100 other diseases and conditions that create arthritis in joints as a secondary symptom. The symptoms of arthritis can impact life quality and can cause damage to joints. Successfully managing arthritis is critical to reducing symptoms and minimizing joint damage.

Recommendation Reason

Lose Weight

Carrying excess weight can increase stress on joints, especially the knee and hip joints. Losing small amounts, even 10-12 pounds, can dramatically improve arthritis symptoms and reduce joint damage.

season, these will provide more nutrition and will be cheaper too! Frozen and canned vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables, just be careful to choose options that have little to no added salt, sugar, or fat.

• Eat more fruit too! Eating more fruit can have a particularly protective effect from the symptoms of arthritis. This is especially true when whole fruits are eaten instead of drinking fruit juice. The actions of several components found in whole fruits are thought to create this protective effect. For the greatest benefit choose colorful fruits like pomegranates and berries.

• Choose more whole grains. Whole grains are naturally rich in fiber and contain more nutrients than refined grains. Fiber is important because it helps the body regularly eliminate waste and toxic molecules A properly functioning gut cuts down on inflammation and improves nutrient absorption and arthritis symptoms.

Move More

Protect your Joints

This may seem unpleasant because many of the joints we use to move are the ones affected by arthritis pain. But increasing physical activity and movement throughout the day can actually reduce pain in the joints. Physical activity can also improve mood, increase body strength, and increase desire to be more physically active Even 10-15 extra minutes a day can make a huge difference.

While increasing physical activity is important when managing arthritis symptoms, be careful to choose physical activities that are low-impact and have a low risk of injury. Some great activities would include walking, biking, and swimming.

Management of arthritis may vary slightly depending on the type of arthritis, but most of the steps to manage pain and damage are the same for every patient and condition. Here are three recommendations for managing arthritis symptoms:

Growing amounts of evidence are suggesting that an antiinflammatory diet can make a significant difference in arthritis symptoms. This kind of eating pattern focuses on eating foods that reduce swelling in our cells and repair cell damage. Below are nine diet recommendations designed for arthritis patients:

• Eat more vegetables. These amazing foods are low in calories and high in nutrients. Many of the vegetables we eat contain antioxidants that fight inflammation and repair damage in the body. Arthritis symptoms tend to get worse when we don’t have enough antioxidants in our body. Look for vegetables that are colorful and in

• Manage food sensitivities. Many people are sensitive to certain elements in food. Some of the common problematic substances include gluten, dairy foods, citrus foods, and plants from the nightshade family (tomatoes and eggplant). Some people will find more relief from severe arthritis symptoms when they avoid some or all of these foods. But the effect is not the same for everyone. A food trial is suggested for those that are unsure of what is specifically affecting them. Food trials can be complicated, it is best to consult a physician or a registered dietitian to get the best results.

• Dairy in small amounts. While dairy may cause worsening symptoms for some, dairy is necessary in our diets to keep bones functioning properly. Usually, a smaller amount of dairy is tolerated well. It is recommended that at least three servings of dairy be included in your diet each day.

• Limit sugary foods. Foods that contain high amounts of added sugar feed certain processes in the body that increase inflammation. Choosing foods with little to no added sugar is a great way to reduce the amount eaten and improve arthritis symptoms. Set a goal to reduce the amount of candy, sodas, and other sugary beverages eaten daily. Also, make it a habit to read labels to determine the best low-sugar food options.

• Limit saturated fats and certain oils. Certain types of fat increase inflammation in our body. This is true of saturated fats like butter, red meats, coconut oil and sunflower oil. Decreasing consumption of these fats can dramatically improve arthritis symptoms. Also, certain unsaturated fats like corn, sunflower, peanut, and safflower oil are high in a molecule called Omega 6. Usually, fried food available from restaurants are

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