Health and Wellness Review

Do you know what’s in the water you drink?

People were split on the issue when we asked if they had any health concerns about drinking tap water. Sixty percent have worries, while 40% think drinking tap water is fine.

"My tap water tastes like public swimming pools smell," complained one man.

It’s worth noting that younger respondents were more likely to have health concerns.

Here are some comments from respondents on the topic of tap water safety:

• "Depending on what town you are in, sometimes there's after taste or the water tastes and smells like bleach."
• "Even the dog turns his nose up at chlorine water."
• "I think tap water is contaminated with all kinds of junk."
• "Everyone knows fluoride is bad, but our government still puts it in the water."
• "I drink it. I'm concerned, but do not obsess over it."
• "Tap water is very much regulated.  It is much more regulated than what could be in bottle water. Plus, bottled water is too expensive."
• "My doctor recommended that I not drink tap water, because I have Crohn's disease!"
• "Some waters seem just fine and healthy, and some certainly do not."
• "My tap water is very cloudy and has tiny black spots in it."
• "We are on county water. It looks terrible at times. Some times the chlorine is terribly strong tasting. I know it can't be healthy."

How to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Over 500 Americans die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. How can you protect yourself? Get at least one carbon monoxide detector for your house, and watch out when using gas-powered or charcoal-burning devices.

Sometimes when the power goes out, someone tries to light a camp stove, generator or grill inside of their house (or tent, camper, etc.). This is a terrible idea and you should never do it! It’s as dangerous as turning the car on in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to dizziness and nausea, but it’s also possible to slip into unconsciousness (and death) without having shown any symptoms. So do your family a favor — get a carbon monoxide detector for your home!

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Spend thousands on dog braces – or just give the puppy a ball

Though it may sound like some obscure practice of the ridiculously rich and famous, canine orthodontics is a legitimate field of veterinary medicine. The orthodontic work is not cosmetic – in fact, dog shows disqualify dogs who have had orthodontic treatment. Instead, the work is performed to reduce pain or improve bite functionality – remember, a dog uses its mouth much the way we use our hands.

Some dog breeds, like the English bulldog, have been selectively bred for their prominent bite. Individual dogs can also suffer bite abnormalities from birth. And although canine orthodontic treatments don’t run cheap, there’s a low-cost alternative that’s fun and easy: ball therapy! One study found success with three-quarters of puppies who held a round ball in their mouths three times a day for 15 minutes.