BLOG 550 3rd HAND SMOKE

BLOG 3rd HAND SMOKE

We all know the hazards of smoking. The person actually smoking is at risk for many health problems. Secondhand smoke can lead to emphysema and lung cancer. But have you heard of 3^rd hand smoke (THS)?? This is the less visible type which consists of all the particles and chemicals that land on basically every surface in the smoking area. It can be on the person’s clothes, in their hair, on the floor, and on the furniture.

There are 11 types of chemicals that when left on surfaces, are considered carcinogens. They’re all bad because these are cancer causing. “Off-gasing” is the terms for when the chemicals have landed on the surface but then release back into the air as gas. It seems toxins are released everywhere from cigarettes. These toxins can then interact with other chemicals in the environment. Toxins then are either inhaled, ingested (they land on food), or absorbed through the skin. Overtime, the toxins continue to accumulate and become more and more harmful. Let’s say a person smokes in their car, obviously these chemicals just keep piling up.

 Children are the biggest victims of THS. Children sit and play on the floor. They put their fingers in their mouths and touch surfaces.

 

It is important to be adamant about not smoking in your home or vehicle to avoid THS. Studies have shown in a house left unoccupied for 2 months, these chemicals were still present. Acidic cleaners, especially vinegar, can help with some of the cleaning.

So what is the best solution to avoid third hand smoke?? Well, quitting smoking. Nicotine is highly addictive, and studies have shown it is nearly as addictive as heroin. 

Smokers enjoy the “kick” from inhaling nicotine. The head change from nicotine entering the bloodstream, releases adrenaline and creates a euphoric feeling with dopamine.

Smoking doesn’t just affect the smoker. The cigarette residue remains on clothing, drapes, furniture, just to name a few surfaces. Opening the windows or turning on a fan don’t eliminate the problem. You don’t want to serve a nice dinner on a thirdhand smoke residue kitchen table. The best solution is to maintain a smoke free lifestyle. Even stepping outside to smoke is not the right answer. It is polite to share, but not when it comes to smoking and its plethora of harmful side effects.

BLOG 549 HOMELESS & SHELTERED PETS

BLOG 549 HOMELESS & SHELTERED PETS

Pets are a great addition to our lives and although we only get to enjoy them for part of our lives, we are part of their entire lives. We are their everything, but sadly, there are nearly 70 million dogs and cats that are homeless. Animal shelters are filled with up to 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats waiting in them to be gifted a home. The problem is that these animals are hungry and need medical attention. There are responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Life circumstances happen and re-homing sometimes can happen, but it is not something to be relied upon. Owning a pet is a commitment and even in real life not everyone is a great parent, but having a pet isn’t just a passive hobby until you get tired of it.

The reasons dogs and cats become homeless vary. Here are some common causes:

1.      Moving or relocating

2.      Divorce

3.      Loss of job

4.      Unplanned litters

5.      Not spayed or neutered

6.      Behavior of the pet

The information concerning the homeless dog and pet population is unfortunate but should be shared. This knowledge can help deter giving up pets and find ways to keep them instead.

There are currently 3,500 animal shelters in the U.S.

 

About 47.7% of the dogs brought to shelters are between 5 and 3 years old.

 

Behavior problems are the most common reason someone tries to rehome their pet.

 

Only 1 out of 10 pets who are born homeless find a permanent home.

 

Cats that are microchipped are twenty times more likely to be returned to their owners.

 

In California, 75% of animals euthanized in shelters are cats.

 

 

Even a no-kill shelter can euthanize up to 10% of their animals.

Laws concerning the no-kill movement have reduced the number of euthanized animals from 20 million to 3 million.

 

In shelter, only 1% of the dogs and cats are terminally ill.

 

Pet adoptions were popular during COVID-19 but have decreased by 36% since the pandemic began.

 

If only we could rescue every single pet, but having the means and resources to do so isn’t always possible. We can be more proactive in becoming bet owners versus reactive. If we know that future life equations could propose a change of pet ownership for us, then maybe waiting to get a pet is best. Having the finances and time available is also important. Pets don’t want to be restricted to kennels and cages more than necessary. We think before other big purchases, so pets need to be on that list of life decisions that factors in all scenarios. We are all these pets have. We need to be there as much as we can day in and day out.