Health
It’s Time To Get Active
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
Go nuts, snack on almonds and cashews. They are an amazing source of healthy fats, fibre, and protein that help balance blood sugar levels. Plus they are rich sources of magnesium. Being low in magnesium can drain your body of energy. Magnesium supplements are also available if you want to make sure you are getting a sufficient amount. Beetroot Juice is great before exercise. It has many benefits including increased stamina, improved endurance, better hydration, and decreased muscle
soreness and blood pressure. Great before a gentle country walk or for a more intense exercise regime. To keep endurance athletes going, Tailwind fuel is popular. It is an easy to digest drink that contains energy, electrolytes and superior hydration. For those who do heavier physical work or weight training, creatine supplements can help. Creatine is a molecule found in your cells. Most sports scientists consider creatine to be the number one supplement for increasing strength and power. Research has shown that it can safely increase muscle mass, strength and exercise performance. You should consume 20 to 25 grams of fast-absorbing protein
as soon as possible following exercise. Protein shakes and powders can be an easy way to achieve this. There’s a wide range of flavours and dairy or plant based options. While exercise enthusiasts have long used protein supplements, new research suggests whey protein in particular is effective for seniors struggling to rebuild muscle lost from inactivity. If you need a burst of energy to reboot your system and get you started Source of Life Gold is a great solution. It is a whole-foodbased multivitamin, mineral and enzymerich whole food supplement designed to boost energy levels.
Dental disease in pets
By JANE PIGOTT GP vet & consultant Veterinary Cardiologist
Does you dog have smelly breath? A foul odour from dog’s mouths is never normal, and in fact can be a sign of well-established dental disease. Many people think that as long a pet is succeeding in eating, that they can’t have oral pain, however this is not true. A dog or cat’s instinct to continue to eat is hardwired so strongly that they will continue to munch on food in the face of considerable toothaches. They are brave little creatures, but they shouldn’t have to suffer with dental disease in silence. As dogs and cats are not good at giving us hints that there may
be an issue with their teeth, and the sign of smelly breath is one that is seen when dental disease is already a major problem, it is up to us as owners to make sure that we take our pets for their annual health check to allow our vet to assess for earlier warning signs of dental disease so that action can be taken to ensure our pet’s oral health is optimised and they remain pain free long term. As the old saying goes – ‘Prevention is better than cure’
Issue 60 March 25, 2022
DiscoverDuhallow@irdduhallow.com
– and this certainly applies to oral health. Regular toothbrushing, or use of a special dental diet or a purpose made water additive, are all strategies that can be employed to keep your pet’s breath smelling fresh and his teeth and gums healthy. Have a chat to your vet about which preventative option might suit you and your pet best. If your pet does indeed have smelly breath, visit the vet for a check-up. If dental disease is diagnosed at this check-up, or as part of an annual health check, your vet may recommend measures such as a procedure called a ‘scale and polish’ to remove the bacteria rife tartar from the gumline, or in cases of severe disease, tooth extractions may be required to make your pet painfree.
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