Feline Gingivostomatitis

Dowers KL, Hawley JR, Brewer MM et al: Association of Bartonella species, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus 1 infection with gingivostomatitis in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12:314, 2010.

Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common and devastating disease in cats that results in painful erosive lesions in the throat, oral mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. In many situations, there is not a cure and therapy must be intermittent or chronic. Three of the more common differential diagnoses are feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species. A total of 131 client-owned cats were involved in this study, 70 of which had FGS confirmed by histopathology and 61 healthy control cats. Results of this study did not find an association between Bartonella species test results (Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and tissues) and the presence of FGS. Additionally, detection of FHV-1 DNA was not significantly different between groups. With FCV, RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than the control cats (0%). This would suggest that in some of the cats, FCV was associated with FGS. An association could not be shown however between FCV RNA in tissues and lesion severity or location. [VT]

Related articles:
Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J et al: Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis, J Feline Med Surg 10:66, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Dowers KL, Hawley JR, Brewer MM et al: Association of Bartonella species, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus 1 infection with gingivostomatitis in cats, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12:314, 2010.

Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common and devastating disease in cats that results in painful erosive lesions in the throat, oral mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. In many situations, there is not a cure and therapy must be intermittent or chronic. Three of the more common differential diagnoses are feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species. A total of 131 client-owned cats were involved in this study, 70 of which had FGS confirmed by histopathology and 61 healthy control cats. Results of this study did not find an association between Bartonella species test results (Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and tissues) and the presence of FGS. Additionally, detection of FHV-1 DNA was not significantly different between groups. With FCV, RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than the control cats (0%). This would suggest that in some of the cats, FCV was associated with FGS. An association could not be shown however between FCV RNA in tissues and lesion severity or location. [VT]

Related articles:
Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J et al: Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis, J Feline Med Surg 10:66, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

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Andy Roddick Rolls, Holds Court on Heat, Blake, Scoliosis

NEW YORK -- Andy Roddick enjoyed a relatively easy first-round match on Monday at the U.S. Open, defeating Stephane Robert of France 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Roddick, the No. 9 seed, lost his serve only once and broke Robert in half of his 12 service games. Completing the match in one hour and 42 minutes was important for Roddick, who recently suffered through a battle of mononucleosis.

On his health, Roddick said, "It's going the right way. To be honest, once you decide to play, I think you throw all the excuses and everything else out the window. If I decide to play, then it's up to me to give 100 percent of what I have. So it's not something I really want to discuss too much from this point forward. I'm not going to analyze it every day."

Like most Roddick press conferences, his meeting with the media after his victory over Robert covered subjects beyond his own tennis game.

Roddick, a longtime Miami Heat fan, was asked about his team's acquisition of free agents LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

"I'm sick of defending my fanhood," said Roddick. "I was going to the games in '01, when they were paying people to come. I was in Boca (Raton) for a long time and went to four or five home games a year. I'm excited.

"I was just hoping and praying they'd re-sign Dwayne (Wade). Then when Bosh came, I was ecstatic. Then when LeBron came it was bordering on ridiculous. Like everyone else, I'm excited to see how it all goes together."

Roddick's passion for Miami's basketball team, however, is dwarfed by his admiration for Davis Cup teammate James Blake, who was honored during Monday night's opening ceremonies for overcoming scoliosis to become a top player.

"I'm extremely biased," said Roddick. "I'm a massive James Blake fan. His career is one thing, but I also like his character. I like the way he goes about his business. He's been a real good friend to me."

Blake, a wild-card entry in this year's Open, has struggled of late, but is hopeful for another memorable run.

Said Roddick: "My biggest hope for James is that he can get healthy enough to have a run that he would like."

NEW YORK -- Andy Roddick enjoyed a relatively easy first-round match on Monday at the U.S. Open, defeating Stephane Robert of France 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Roddick, the No. 9 seed, lost his serve only once and broke Robert in half of his 12 service games. Completing the match in one hour and 42 minutes was important for Roddick, who recently suffered through a battle of mononucleosis.

On his health, Roddick said, "It's going the right way. To be honest, once you decide to play, I think you throw all the excuses and everything else out the window. If I decide to play, then it's up to me to give 100 percent of what I have. So it's not something I really want to discuss too much from this point forward. I'm not going to analyze it every day."

Like most Roddick press conferences, his meeting with the media after his victory over Robert covered subjects beyond his own tennis game.

Roddick, a longtime Miami Heat fan, was asked about his team's acquisition of free agents LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

"I'm sick of defending my fanhood," said Roddick. "I was going to the games in '01, when they were paying people to come. I was in Boca (Raton) for a long time and went to four or five home games a year. I'm excited.

"I was just hoping and praying they'd re-sign Dwayne (Wade). Then when Bosh came, I was ecstatic. Then when LeBron came it was bordering on ridiculous. Like everyone else, I'm excited to see how it all goes together."

Roddick's passion for Miami's basketball team, however, is dwarfed by his admiration for Davis Cup teammate James Blake, who was honored during Monday night's opening ceremonies for overcoming scoliosis to become a top player.

"I'm extremely biased," said Roddick. "I'm a massive James Blake fan. His career is one thing, but I also like his character. I like the way he goes about his business. He's been a real good friend to me."

Blake, a wild-card entry in this year's Open, has struggled of late, but is hopeful for another memorable run.

Said Roddick: "My biggest hope for James is that he can get healthy enough to have a run that he would like."

Read More

Dark chocolate bits may protect women against heart failure

Eating a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate one to three times a month may help stave off heart failure in women, a new Harvard study suggests.
But if you ingest too much "good" chocolate, that protective effect goes away, according to the researchers who report their finding in the Aug. 17 issue of Circulation: Heart Failure.

"Up until now, (researchers) were focused on other outcomes, such as the effects on blood pressure and other things," he explained.

And those studies did find that moderate amounts of chocolate do seem to lower blood pressure.

"The beneficial effects on blood pressure are likely an important part of the mechanisms of what we're observing," said Mittleman, who is director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

The study authors studied the chocolate-eating habits of 31,823 Swedish women, aged 48 to 83, reported over a period of nine years.

Women who ate one to three servings of chocolate (20 to 30 grams) a month had a 32% reduced risk of heart failure, compared to women who did not eat the sweet regularly. More chocolate than that (one to two servings a week), and the benefit disappeared, while much more than that (three to six servings a week), and the risk actually increased by 23%.

"Chocolate is still very calorie-dense, and there's fat and sugar that comes along with it, so moderation is a very important part of the story," Mittleman said.

Chocolate in Sweden is held to different quality standards than in the United States, but there are still characteristics one should look for when choosing chocolate, Mittleman said.

The chocolate measured in this study was mostly high-quality dark chocolate without a lot of added sugar, though it was commercially available, he said.

And the higher the cocoa content, the better. The cocoa content of the chocolate consumed by the women in this study was about 30% whereas, in the United States, dark chocolate is only required to contain 15% cocoa solids.

And 20 to 30 grams would be about half-to-two-thirds of an average American candy bar, Mittleman said.

The heart benefit of dark chocolate could be the result of any number of factors, including more flavanoids, or antioxidants, that can smooth heart function.

Mittleman said there's no reason that the benefits of chocolate wouldn't extend to men as well, but this still needs to be confirmed.

Linda Van Horn, immediate past chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee and professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said people shouldn't misinterpret the study findings as a carte blanche to satisfy their sweet tooth.

"This is not an 'eat all you want' take-home message, rather it's that eating a little dark chocolate can be healthful, as long as other adverse behaviors do not occur, such as weight gain or excessive intake of non-nutrient dense 'empty' calories," she said in a news release issued by the American Heart Association.

Interestingly, an Australian study released last week found that patients would actually prefer taking a pill than chocolate when it comes to controlling blood pressure.

Eating a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate one to three times a month may help stave off heart failure in women, a new Harvard study suggests.
But if you ingest too much "good" chocolate, that protective effect goes away, according to the researchers who report their finding in the Aug. 17 issue of Circulation: Heart Failure.

"Up until now, (researchers) were focused on other outcomes, such as the effects on blood pressure and other things," he explained.

And those studies did find that moderate amounts of chocolate do seem to lower blood pressure.

"The beneficial effects on blood pressure are likely an important part of the mechanisms of what we're observing," said Mittleman, who is director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

The study authors studied the chocolate-eating habits of 31,823 Swedish women, aged 48 to 83, reported over a period of nine years.

Women who ate one to three servings of chocolate (20 to 30 grams) a month had a 32% reduced risk of heart failure, compared to women who did not eat the sweet regularly. More chocolate than that (one to two servings a week), and the benefit disappeared, while much more than that (three to six servings a week), and the risk actually increased by 23%.

"Chocolate is still very calorie-dense, and there's fat and sugar that comes along with it, so moderation is a very important part of the story," Mittleman said.

Chocolate in Sweden is held to different quality standards than in the United States, but there are still characteristics one should look for when choosing chocolate, Mittleman said.

The chocolate measured in this study was mostly high-quality dark chocolate without a lot of added sugar, though it was commercially available, he said.

And the higher the cocoa content, the better. The cocoa content of the chocolate consumed by the women in this study was about 30% whereas, in the United States, dark chocolate is only required to contain 15% cocoa solids.

And 20 to 30 grams would be about half-to-two-thirds of an average American candy bar, Mittleman said.

The heart benefit of dark chocolate could be the result of any number of factors, including more flavanoids, or antioxidants, that can smooth heart function.

Mittleman said there's no reason that the benefits of chocolate wouldn't extend to men as well, but this still needs to be confirmed.

Linda Van Horn, immediate past chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee and professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said people shouldn't misinterpret the study findings as a carte blanche to satisfy their sweet tooth.

"This is not an 'eat all you want' take-home message, rather it's that eating a little dark chocolate can be healthful, as long as other adverse behaviors do not occur, such as weight gain or excessive intake of non-nutrient dense 'empty' calories," she said in a news release issued by the American Heart Association.

Interestingly, an Australian study released last week found that patients would actually prefer taking a pill than chocolate when it comes to controlling blood pressure.

Read More

Green leafy veg 'may cut diabetes risk'

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, UK research says.

In an analysis of six studies into fruit and vegetable intake, only food including spinach and cabbage was found to have a significant positive effect.

A portion and a half a day was found to cut type 2 diabetes risk by 14%, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports.

But experts urged people to continue to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
This study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes”
End Quote
Professor Melanie Davies

University of Leicester
The researchers from Leicester University reviewed data from the studies of 220,000 adults in total.

They found that eating more fruit and vegetables in general was not strongly linked with a smaller chance of developing type 2 diabetes but "there was a general trend in that direction".

Yet when it came to green leafy vegetables, which the researchers said also includes broccoli and cauliflower, the risk reduction was significant.

The team calculated that a daily dose of 106g reduced the risk of diabetes by 14% - a UK "portion" is classed as 80g.

It is not clear why green leafy vegetables may have a protective effect but one reason may be they are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and another theory is that they contain high levels of magnesium.

Study leader Professor Melanie Davies, professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Leicester, said the message to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day remains an important one.

But she added: "People like very specific health messages.

"We know that intake of fruit and vegetables is important, but this study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes."

The team are now planning a study in people at high risk of developing the condition to see if increasing their intake of vegetables like spinach and kale can help to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.

Fruit and veg

In 2008/09, the National Diet Nutrition Survey showed that, although fruit and vegetable intake has risen over the past decade, only a third of men and women eat the recommended five-a-day.

In an accompanying editorial in the BMJ, Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago in New Zealand, stressed that the message of increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake must not be lost "in a plethora of magic bullets," even though green leafy vegetables clearly can be included as one of the daily portions.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK said: "We already know that the health benefits of eating vegetables are far-reaching but this is the first time that there has been a suggested link specifically between green leafy vegetables and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes."

But he warned the evidence was limited and it was too early to isolate green leafy vegetables and present them alone as a method to cut the chances of developing the condition.

"We would be concerned if focusing on certain foods detracted from the advice to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, which has benefits in terms of reducing heart disease, stroke, some cancers and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes."

Diabetes UK is currently funding research into whether fermentable carbohydrates found in foods such as asparagus, garlic, chicory and Jerusalem artichokes could help weight loss and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, UK research says.

In an analysis of six studies into fruit and vegetable intake, only food including spinach and cabbage was found to have a significant positive effect.

A portion and a half a day was found to cut type 2 diabetes risk by 14%, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports.

But experts urged people to continue to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
This study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes”
End Quote
Professor Melanie Davies

University of Leicester
The researchers from Leicester University reviewed data from the studies of 220,000 adults in total.

They found that eating more fruit and vegetables in general was not strongly linked with a smaller chance of developing type 2 diabetes but "there was a general trend in that direction".

Yet when it came to green leafy vegetables, which the researchers said also includes broccoli and cauliflower, the risk reduction was significant.

The team calculated that a daily dose of 106g reduced the risk of diabetes by 14% - a UK "portion" is classed as 80g.

It is not clear why green leafy vegetables may have a protective effect but one reason may be they are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and another theory is that they contain high levels of magnesium.

Study leader Professor Melanie Davies, professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Leicester, said the message to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day remains an important one.

But she added: "People like very specific health messages.

"We know that intake of fruit and vegetables is important, but this study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes."

The team are now planning a study in people at high risk of developing the condition to see if increasing their intake of vegetables like spinach and kale can help to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.

Fruit and veg

In 2008/09, the National Diet Nutrition Survey showed that, although fruit and vegetable intake has risen over the past decade, only a third of men and women eat the recommended five-a-day.

In an accompanying editorial in the BMJ, Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago in New Zealand, stressed that the message of increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake must not be lost "in a plethora of magic bullets," even though green leafy vegetables clearly can be included as one of the daily portions.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK said: "We already know that the health benefits of eating vegetables are far-reaching but this is the first time that there has been a suggested link specifically between green leafy vegetables and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes."

But he warned the evidence was limited and it was too early to isolate green leafy vegetables and present them alone as a method to cut the chances of developing the condition.

"We would be concerned if focusing on certain foods detracted from the advice to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, which has benefits in terms of reducing heart disease, stroke, some cancers and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes."

Diabetes UK is currently funding research into whether fermentable carbohydrates found in foods such as asparagus, garlic, chicory and Jerusalem artichokes could help weight loss and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Read More

A Joint Venture

70 million. That’s the number of Americans with joint issues, but that number is expected to jump even higher as Baby Boomers age. Estimates indicate that by the year 2030, 40% of American adults will have unhealthy joints.
That could mean a lot of discomfort—for joints and for pocketbooks, too. Currently, joint unhealth tops more than $128 billion a year in lost earnings and in medical care.
The truth is that our body, particularly our joints, will tell us when it’s had enough—no matter if it’s from lugging kids around or gardening in your backyard. The cause doesn’t matter so much. Your body sure feels it, though!
In order to lessen the occurrence of these joint episodes, you need to be aware of what Dale Anderson, M.D., calls your “trouble zones.” Anderson is the coordinator of the Minnesota Act Now Project in Minneapolis and the author of Muscle Pain Relief in 90 Seconds.


Anderson says that men and women over 60 tend to be most prone to discomfort in their lower joints such as the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Those types of temporary aches are associated with the normal aging process. He suggests taking care to protect and pamper those areas, noting that there are ways to help the body deal with occasional pains.
A first line of defense is RICE—an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. RICE is a good start, says William Pesanelli, a physical therapist and director of Boston University’s rehabilitation services.
Interestingly enough, there are also some plant-based enzymes that may support joint health, too. A natural enzyme formulation of bromelain (pineapple extract) and papain (papaya extract), natural pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin and the antioxidant flavonoid rutin join forces to help promote joint health as well as the temporary natural relief from everyday aches and pains.
In fact, one of these formulations is practically synonymous with healthy inflammation—and has held that honor for over 40 years. It also has the backing of over 160 clinical trials and more than 10,000 people who have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness for maintaining joint and muscle health. It's also known for supporting the body’s natural response to inflammation caused by rigorous movement and exercise.
Simply put, it’s effective and can help people stay active and mobile. That’s good news for those of us who want to get the most out of life and who refuse to be sidelined. But that’s only one step many people are taking for joint health. Other steps—literally—are also important.
Weight management and exercise, for example, can play a significant role in supporting joint health, too. Dr. Patience White, chief public health officer at the Arthritis Foundation, says, “If you lose as little as 10 pounds, you can decrease pain in the knees and hips by 50%. With exercise, you can decrease progression of joint unhealth.” Walking, by the way, can be one of the best steps to take for healthy joints.
Diet is important as well. Healthy proteins, fats—such as olive oil and omega-3s—and carbs from raw fruits and vegetables can help support a healthy weight and healthy joints.
Joint health—it’s a joint venture many are undertaking.

70 million. That’s the number of Americans with joint issues, but that number is expected to jump even higher as Baby Boomers age. Estimates indicate that by the year 2030, 40% of American adults will have unhealthy joints.
That could mean a lot of discomfort—for joints and for pocketbooks, too. Currently, joint unhealth tops more than $128 billion a year in lost earnings and in medical care.
The truth is that our body, particularly our joints, will tell us when it’s had enough—no matter if it’s from lugging kids around or gardening in your backyard. The cause doesn’t matter so much. Your body sure feels it, though!
In order to lessen the occurrence of these joint episodes, you need to be aware of what Dale Anderson, M.D., calls your “trouble zones.” Anderson is the coordinator of the Minnesota Act Now Project in Minneapolis and the author of Muscle Pain Relief in 90 Seconds.


Anderson says that men and women over 60 tend to be most prone to discomfort in their lower joints such as the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Those types of temporary aches are associated with the normal aging process. He suggests taking care to protect and pamper those areas, noting that there are ways to help the body deal with occasional pains.
A first line of defense is RICE—an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. RICE is a good start, says William Pesanelli, a physical therapist and director of Boston University’s rehabilitation services.
Interestingly enough, there are also some plant-based enzymes that may support joint health, too. A natural enzyme formulation of bromelain (pineapple extract) and papain (papaya extract), natural pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin and the antioxidant flavonoid rutin join forces to help promote joint health as well as the temporary natural relief from everyday aches and pains.
In fact, one of these formulations is practically synonymous with healthy inflammation—and has held that honor for over 40 years. It also has the backing of over 160 clinical trials and more than 10,000 people who have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness for maintaining joint and muscle health. It's also known for supporting the body’s natural response to inflammation caused by rigorous movement and exercise.
Simply put, it’s effective and can help people stay active and mobile. That’s good news for those of us who want to get the most out of life and who refuse to be sidelined. But that’s only one step many people are taking for joint health. Other steps—literally—are also important.
Weight management and exercise, for example, can play a significant role in supporting joint health, too. Dr. Patience White, chief public health officer at the Arthritis Foundation, says, “If you lose as little as 10 pounds, you can decrease pain in the knees and hips by 50%. With exercise, you can decrease progression of joint unhealth.” Walking, by the way, can be one of the best steps to take for healthy joints.
Diet is important as well. Healthy proteins, fats—such as olive oil and omega-3s—and carbs from raw fruits and vegetables can help support a healthy weight and healthy joints.
Joint health—it’s a joint venture many are undertaking.

Read More

Osteoarthritis in Cats

Slingerland LI, Hazewinkel HA, Meij BP, et al. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J 2010.

A growing awareness of osteoarthritis (OA) - also called degenerative joint disease - in cats has led to investigation of the clinical signs, radiographic findings, and treatments. Cats are well known for their ability to compensate for orthopedic diseases and clinical signs of arthritis are more difficult to detect in this species and are different than those seen in dogs. OA has an important impact on mobility, activity and well-being. This study evaluated 100 cats over the age of 6 years. Each cat had a physical examination and had radiographs taken of the front and hind limbs. Owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their cat's behavior. OA was most common in the shoulders, elbows, hips and tarsal joints. The majority of cats (61%) had OA in at least one joint, and 48% had OA in more than one joint. Factors related to the presence of OA included advancing age, decreased mobility and grooming, and increased inappropriate elimination. This study supports findings of other studies in the last 10 years and reinforces the fact that OA is very common in middle-aged and older cats, and is associated with behavior changes. [SL]

Related articles:
Lascelles B. Feline degenerative joint disease. Vet Surg 2010;39:2-13.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Slingerland LI, Hazewinkel HA, Meij BP, et al. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J 2010.

A growing awareness of osteoarthritis (OA) - also called degenerative joint disease - in cats has led to investigation of the clinical signs, radiographic findings, and treatments. Cats are well known for their ability to compensate for orthopedic diseases and clinical signs of arthritis are more difficult to detect in this species and are different than those seen in dogs. OA has an important impact on mobility, activity and well-being. This study evaluated 100 cats over the age of 6 years. Each cat had a physical examination and had radiographs taken of the front and hind limbs. Owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their cat's behavior. OA was most common in the shoulders, elbows, hips and tarsal joints. The majority of cats (61%) had OA in at least one joint, and 48% had OA in more than one joint. Factors related to the presence of OA included advancing age, decreased mobility and grooming, and increased inappropriate elimination. This study supports findings of other studies in the last 10 years and reinforces the fact that OA is very common in middle-aged and older cats, and is associated with behavior changes. [SL]

Related articles:
Lascelles B. Feline degenerative joint disease. Vet Surg 2010;39:2-13.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Walking to School Could Reduce Stress Reactivity in Children, May Curb Risk of Heart Disease

A simple morning walk to school could reduce stress reactivity in children during the school day, curbing increases in heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a new University at Buffalo study.

UB researchers report in the August 2010 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that children who took a simulated walk to school later experienced smaller elevations in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and perceived stress while taking a short exam than children who had gotten a simulated ride to school.

Cardiovascular reactivity -- including changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to stress -- is associated with the beginnings of cardiovascular disease in children, and atherosclerosis -- the dangerous build-up of cholesterol, calcium, fat and other substances in artery walls -- in adults.

"The cardiovascular disease process begins in childhood, so if we can find some way of stopping or slowing that process, that would provide an important health benefit," says James Roemmich, UB associate professor of pediatrics and exercise and nutrition science and senior investigator on the study, which he completed with graduate students Maya Lambiase and Heather Barry. "We know that physical activity has a protective effect on the development of cardiovascular disease, and one way it may be doing so is by reducing stress reactivity."

Roemmich says because it's not known how long the protective effect of a bout of exercise lasts, parents and educators should promote active play time throughout the day.

"If it only lasts a couple of hours, then it would be most beneficial if a child walked or biked to school, then had recess during school, as well as a break at lunch, so they had opportunities for physical activity throughout the day," Roemmich says. "This would put them in a constantly protective state against stressors that they're incurring during the school day, whether that be taking an exam, trying to fit in with peers or speaking in front of classmates."

Roemmich says his study is the first to show that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce children's cardiovascular reactivity during later, stressful activities. The research builds on his earlier work, which demonstrated that higher-intensity interval exercise could afford similar protection in children.

In the more recent investigation, Roemmich and his team examined a group of 20 boys and 20 girls, all Caucasian and ages 10-14. All visited the Behavioral Medicine Research Laboratory in the morning. To simulate a ride to school, half sat in a comfortable chair and watched a 10-minute slide show of images of a suburban neighborhood, ending with an image of a suburban school. The other half performed a one-mile walk on a treadmill at a self-selected pace, wearing a book bag containing 10 percent of their body weight. As they walked, the images of the suburban neighborhood were projected onto a screen.

Following a 20-minute rest period after completing the passive and active commutes, all children took a Stroop test, which asks subjects to correctly identify the color of color names printed in the wrong color (the word "green" printed in blue ink, for instance). On average, during this activity, heart rate increased by about three beats per minute in children who walked, compared with about 11 beats per minute in children who "rode" to school. Similarly, the rise in systolic blood pressure was more than three times higher, and the change in perceived stress about twice as high, for the passive commuters.

"The perception of a stressor as a threat is the beginning of the stress reactivity process, so if you can dampen that initial perception, then you reduce the magnitude of the fight-or-flight response," Roemmich says. "This results in lower heart rate and blood pressure responses to the stressor. Exercise helped dampen even the initial response."

A simple morning walk to school could reduce stress reactivity in children during the school day, curbing increases in heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a new University at Buffalo study.

UB researchers report in the August 2010 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that children who took a simulated walk to school later experienced smaller elevations in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and perceived stress while taking a short exam than children who had gotten a simulated ride to school.

Cardiovascular reactivity -- including changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to stress -- is associated with the beginnings of cardiovascular disease in children, and atherosclerosis -- the dangerous build-up of cholesterol, calcium, fat and other substances in artery walls -- in adults.

"The cardiovascular disease process begins in childhood, so if we can find some way of stopping or slowing that process, that would provide an important health benefit," says James Roemmich, UB associate professor of pediatrics and exercise and nutrition science and senior investigator on the study, which he completed with graduate students Maya Lambiase and Heather Barry. "We know that physical activity has a protective effect on the development of cardiovascular disease, and one way it may be doing so is by reducing stress reactivity."

Roemmich says because it's not known how long the protective effect of a bout of exercise lasts, parents and educators should promote active play time throughout the day.

"If it only lasts a couple of hours, then it would be most beneficial if a child walked or biked to school, then had recess during school, as well as a break at lunch, so they had opportunities for physical activity throughout the day," Roemmich says. "This would put them in a constantly protective state against stressors that they're incurring during the school day, whether that be taking an exam, trying to fit in with peers or speaking in front of classmates."

Roemmich says his study is the first to show that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce children's cardiovascular reactivity during later, stressful activities. The research builds on his earlier work, which demonstrated that higher-intensity interval exercise could afford similar protection in children.

In the more recent investigation, Roemmich and his team examined a group of 20 boys and 20 girls, all Caucasian and ages 10-14. All visited the Behavioral Medicine Research Laboratory in the morning. To simulate a ride to school, half sat in a comfortable chair and watched a 10-minute slide show of images of a suburban neighborhood, ending with an image of a suburban school. The other half performed a one-mile walk on a treadmill at a self-selected pace, wearing a book bag containing 10 percent of their body weight. As they walked, the images of the suburban neighborhood were projected onto a screen.

Following a 20-minute rest period after completing the passive and active commutes, all children took a Stroop test, which asks subjects to correctly identify the color of color names printed in the wrong color (the word "green" printed in blue ink, for instance). On average, during this activity, heart rate increased by about three beats per minute in children who walked, compared with about 11 beats per minute in children who "rode" to school. Similarly, the rise in systolic blood pressure was more than three times higher, and the change in perceived stress about twice as high, for the passive commuters.

"The perception of a stressor as a threat is the beginning of the stress reactivity process, so if you can dampen that initial perception, then you reduce the magnitude of the fight-or-flight response," Roemmich says. "This results in lower heart rate and blood pressure responses to the stressor. Exercise helped dampen even the initial response."

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