ALKALINE ANTIOXIDANT WATER GETS RESULTS
DOCTOR EXPLAINS HOW WATER WORKS - 2010-06-11
Raymond Dent, N.D., has practiced Naturopathic Medicine for 27 years. He graduated as a member of the first class at the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, at Seattle, Washington (now Bastyr University), in 1982 after completing pre-med studies at Cal State Northridge, Brigham Young University, and Pierce College.
He has practiced in Manhattan, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington State. He has been associated with several medical doctors who practice alternative medicine including doctors Jonathan V. Wright, Thomas A. Dorman, and Ira Rabin.
My interest in the properties and benefits of water as it relates to alkaline content, bio-efficiencies, and ionization began while I was working with a company at Paradise, Idaho. The company owned natural springs arising at the base of the Saw-Tooth Mountain in Idaho. This particular spring water emerges with an alkalinity of about 9.7 in conjunction with very low dissolved solids.
It has abundant free electron activity and a negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP) reading, similar to alkaline antioxidant water produced technologically. Working with the research and quality control division of that company laid the foundation for my subsequent work involving alkaline antioxidant water.
Water is a very powerful tool for improving and maintaining health. Alkaline antioxidant water is unlike any other water because it is more than just “water.” It's a health drink. Daily use of alkaline antioxidant water may be the best form of natural health maintenance and improvement you can adopt.
Structured alkaline antioxidant water contains greater concentrations of ionized H20 molecules which have been restructured through electromagnetic means in a way that creates a greater probability of physiologically desirable “cluster” sizes. This causes more free electrons to be available in the water as well as greater hydration potential. The “free” electrons can act as antioxidants while the six sided or “hexagonal” water molecule clusters enhance the proper hydration of our cells. All of this results in many patients feeling a generalized sense of well-being and improved health when they drink alkaline antioxidant water. These 6-sided clusters found in ionized, structured, alkaline water appear to allow for the fastest internal rehydration possible.
Alkaline antioxidant water is produced through means that favor the development of 6-sided water molecules resulting in what we call hexagonal water. Hexagonal water is water which has undergone hydrogen bonding which favors its peculiar structure and energy state. In water such as regular tap water or water from municipal water sources, you can get structures involving up to 12, 13, 16 or greater number of water molecules. Such water does not promote optimal health in the same way that hexagonally structured water does.
Alkaline antioxidant water can increase the general efficiency of all systems of the body. There are many benefits to this. One of the benefits I appreciate most is that alkaline antioxidant water is many times more hydrating and better tasting that tap water. That's one of the greatest things I have identified because people will drink more water. It's smooth, refreshing, and satisfying.
The percentage of hexagonal units found in water, as well as their stability, appears to depend on a number of factors, including toxin levels, mineral content, motion, and energetic influences that water is exposed to. For example chlorine, fluoride, and many pollutants typically found in municipal water sources decrease the ability of water to form significant numbers of hexagonal units. Tap water typically has a very low percentage of these structures. By switching from tap water to alkaline antioxidant water, one may greatly improve the functioning of the body by supplying it with truly rejuvenating, clean, healthy water.
The hexagonal water affects health by improving the body's ability to use the water effectively. With alkaline antioxidant water, the water is also purified. Substances commonly added to municipal water, such as chlorine, are removed from alkaline antioxidant water before the water is consumed. The alkaline antioxidant water processor removes many harmful toxins from drinking water for good.
Water is a very dynamic substance. When we take the water through the ionization process, we cause changes that occur in a fraction of a second. We create an energetic effect which causes the water to be structured in a way that improves the body's ability to use the water optimally and maximize the benefits of the water.
You get better interaction from vital enzymes, vitamins, structural, and antioxidant molecules because all of these substances operate in a water environment. The better the quality of the water, the better it is for the body.
The effects of this may be seen in many ways including improved sleep, enhanced sense of well-being, better exercise endurance, improved elimination of cellular wastes, clearer thinking, increased overall hydration, less discomfort, better skin health, and enhanced overall health.
People are able to produce alkaline antioxidant water in the comfort of their own homes. Some of the processors used to produce alkaline antioxidant water offer a filtration system that is 50 percent better than what is used in hospital or compounding pharmacies today.
Alkaline antioxidant water is nature's best. It's the kind of water you find flowing freely from many of the world's best natural springs.
Modern lifestyle, diets, and pollution promote acidic metabolism in the typical individual. Having a mild and harmless alkaline influence in the form of water can go a long way in buffering and protecting one's health against the harmful chronic effects of an acidic metabolism. Alkaline antioxidant water can help you resist disease and slow the aging process. In the body, alkaline water helps to buffer a chronic state of acid stress.
This improves the body's ability to maintain good health and proper overall functioning. Therefore we would expect to observe the helpful benefits of increased ionization and alkalinity in a combination which would include the effects of antioxidants, the micro clustering of the water, the alkalinity of the water, and the improved taste and texture of the water.
People often ask me if there is any instance in which the alkaline antioxidant water would be less than beneficial. Individuals with cervical spinal stenosis should not drink alkaline antioxidant water.
If you are a normal individual, I sincerely do not think you could drink too much properly produced alkaline antioxidant water. You should start out with alkalinity at near neutral levels then gradually increase the alkalinity as your body demonstrates tolerance to the alkaline antioxidant water. I have been watching peoples' reactions to alkaline antioxidant water for months and I have not seen anyone have a problem except two patients with cervical stenosis.
If a person starts out slowly and follows the basic guidelines, as well as consults one's physician if he or she is on any type of medication, I believe the water will offer very good and beneficial results. I advise most people to drink about six glasses per day. I believe the proper use of alkaline antioxidant water is the single most important thing that one can do for his or her health.
Dr. Raymond Dent states - “Alkaline antioxidant water can help you resist disease and slow the aging process.” - and also, “Alkaline antioxidant water is nature's best. It's the kind of water you find flowing freely from many of the world's best natural springs.”
I have been partaking of this water for a little over a month, and can testify to 4 areas of distinct improvement in my health. As many of you know, I turn 87 next month, and need excellent health to finish an assignment in the production of an Interlinear Greek New Testament. Jim Watt


Welcome to the Viva Health Pharmacy blog! We’re here to provide you with reliable information about various health topics. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of cold sores—what they are, how they can manifest in different areas, their connection to COVID-19, effective remedies, and the best cold sore medicines. At Viva Health, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience cold sores can cause, and we’re committed to helping you find the best solutions.
Understanding Cold Sores:
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They typically appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips but can also occur inside the mouth, on the tongue, and even on the nose. Cold sores are highly contagious and can be triggered by factors like stress, weakened immune systems, and exposure to sunlight.
Some Variations of Cold Sores:
- Cold Sores on the Lips: The most common location for cold sores. They start as tingling or itching sensations before developing into clusters of blisters.
- Intraoral Cold Sores: These occur inside the mouth, including the gums and the roof of the mouth. They can be painful and might be mistaken for canker sores.
- Cold Sores on the Tongue: Cold sores on the tongue can be uncomfortable, causing difficulty in eating and speaking.
- Cold Sores on the Nose: Although less common, cold sores can also develop on or around the nostrils, causing discomfort and pain.
Cold Sores and COVID-19: Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering about the relationship between cold sores and the virus. While cold sores are caused by HSV, COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, both conditions can weaken the immune system, potentially making individuals more susceptible to various infections. It’s important to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and manage cold sores effectively.
How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast:
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water to prevent secondary infections.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Creams: OTC creams containing antiviral ingredients like docosanol can help shorten the healing time and alleviate symptoms.
- Topical Antiviral Ointments: Prescription ointments containing antiviral agents like acyclovir or penciclovir can speed up healing if applied at the first sign of a cold sore.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort associated with cold sores.
Best Cold Sore Medicines:
- Abreva: An FDA-approved OTC cream containing docosanol, which can help reduce healing time and alleviate symptoms.
- Valtrex: A prescription antiviral medication that can be effective in treating cold sores when taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Zovirax Cream: This cream contains acyclovir and can be applied directly to cold sores to help speed up healing.
Cold sores can be both physically uncomfortable and socially distressing. At Viva Health Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to providing you with the information you need to understand cold sores and their variations. Remember that prevention is key, and maintaining a healthy immune system can go a long way in minimizing cold sore outbreaks. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe cold sores, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Stay informed, stay healthy, and count on Viva Health for all your wellness needs.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your pharmacist or a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.


June 8, 2018 - The iHuman research paper “Crystal Structure of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB1” has been selected as the “Best of Cell 2017”, which celebrates editors’ and readers’ favorites of ground-breaking research published in Cell.
In this Cell paper, the team of scientists led by the iHuman Institute of ShanghaiTech University determined and analyzed the high-resolution structure of human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), which is the most highly expressed G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the human central nervous system and is the target of one of the longest used herbs in human history. In this study, the scientists presented the 2.8 ? crystal structure of human CB1 in complex with AM6538, a stabilizing antagonist with a long half-life and is potentially useful in the treatment of addiction disorders. The structure of the CB1-AM6538 complex reveals key features of the receptor and critical interactions for antagonist binding. In combination with functional studies and molecular modeling, the structure provides insight into the binding mode of naturally occurring CB1 ligands, such as THC, and synthetic cannabinoids.
This work will enhance our understanding of the molecular basis for the physiological functions of CB1 and provides new opportunities for the design of next-generation CB1-targeting pharmaceuticals.


An update for the raspberry this week
Here’s the update I got today: Your baby isn’t much bigger now than last week in actual size — another quarter inch at most — but that’s almost double what he was last week. He’s now
the size of a raspberry. If you had a window into your womb, you’d notice his eyelids forming, the tip of his nose developing, and his distinct, slightly webbed fingers and toes.
Your baby still appears to have a small tail (actually, it’s an extension of his tailbone), which will disappear in the next few weeks. But that’s the only thing getting smaller. Now almost half an inch long — roughly the size of a raspberry — he
has elbow joints and distinct, slightly webbed fingers and toes. In his oversized head, both hemispheres of his brain are developing. His teeth and the inside of his mouth are forming, and his ears continue to develop. Eyelid folds partially cover his tiny peepers, which already have some color, and the tip of
that nose you’ll be tweaking someday is emerging. His skin is paper-thin and his veins are clearly visible.
Your little one also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. His liver is busy producing red blood cells, and a loop of your baby’s growing intestines is bulging into his umbilical cord,
which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from his tiny body. You can’t feel his gyrations yet, but your baby is like a little jumping bean, moving in fits and starts around his watery home.
the raspberry is a grape!
Nine Weeks! (we think…)
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — barely the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce, but he’s poised for rapid weight gain now that his basic physical structure is in place. He’s also starting to look more and more human. His embryonic “tail” is now completely gone and his body parts — including organs, muscles, and nerves — are kicking into gear.
His eyelids are fused shut and won’t open until 27 weeks. He has earlobes, and by week’s end, the inner workings of his ears will be complete. His upper lip is fully formed, too, and his mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The tips of his
fingers are slightly enlarged where his touch pads are developing. All major joints — his shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling your baby to move his limbs. As for his heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. External sex organs are there, but won’t be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
Thought you might enjoy seeing my weekly update on the the baby. It’s my friday morning treat:) Well, that and a peppermint steamer and an almond scone. Have a great day! Althea
It’s a kumquat!
10 weeks (estimated)… Our ultrasound is on Dec. 21, so hopefully we’ll have a better date (and a photo!) after that.
Your baby’s started growing tiny fingernails and toenails and can now kick and swallow — pretty impressive for someone the size of a walnut. Within the next few weeks, your featherweight baby will more than double in size, from just over an inch to nearly 3 inches. At your next prenatal appointment, you may be able to hear her heart beating with a stethoscope-like instrument called a Doppler.
Your baby is no longer an embryo! Though she’s barely the size of a kumquat — just an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, she now has completed the most critical portion of her development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in her body rapidly grow and mature. Her vital organs — the liver, kidney, intestines, brain, and lungs — are now in place and starting to function (although they’ll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy). Her liver continues to make blood cells, and the yolk sac, which previously supplied these cells, is no longer needed and begins to disappear.
During the next three weeks, your baby’s length will more than double to nearly 3 inches. Her head is proportionately smaller now than it was a few weeks ago, but it’s still almost half the length of her entire body. Her forehead temporarily bulges with her developing brain and sits high on her head; it will later recede to give her a more human appearance. Each day, more minute details — including tiny fingernails, toenails, and peach-fuzz hair.


The Relationship Between Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Dr. Buddy Donaldson
Dual Trained Specialist in Pediatric Dentisty and Orthodontics
Board Certified in Orthodontics
ADA, LDA, and Acadiana District Dental Association Member
The physiologic role of oxygen for overall health is often underappreciated and underrated. The lack of or difficulty in receiving the proper amount of oxygen creates negative consequences as the human body does not physiologically respond positively to increased respiratory effort. If the roadblocks, bottlenecks, and chokepoints of labored breathing are removed or altered, it will result in improved daily functioning. The signs, symptoms, and phenotypic expressions of pediatric sleep disordered breathing (PSDB) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) are similar. It is the aim of this literature review to increase awareness of the connection between PSDB and AD/HD, and discuss available treatment options to reduce the effects of these two disorders.
Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing (PSDB)
The nasal airway begins at the nares and extends to the superior end of the trachea. (1) The oral airway begins at the lips and extends to the superior end of the trachea. When the flow of air is encumbered, it creates increased resistance, which results in a number of medical conditions. In the pediatric population, a condition known as PSDB may develop.
PSDB is a broad term that encompasses multiple conditions that fully or partially attempt to define it. Some of these include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves, snoring, hypopneas, apneas; upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS); and respiratory effort related arousals (RERAS); and respiratory disturbance index (RDI). There are other names associated with PSDB, depending on the author’s nomenclature system.


If you are seeking aid for constant, chronic suffering, it is time to consider a CBD oil roll-on for pain relief. F2P’s Deep Relief Roll-On combines the sweet, spicy scents of cinnamon and camphor. With a full-spectrum hemp extract and dozens of essential oils, it helps soothe and relax painful muscles without the medicinal smell of other roll-on pain relievers.
Whether you are an athlete, suffering from arthritis, or would like to take a break from tight, tense muscles, this product is a game changer. Many customers toss the roll-on in their athletic bag, purse, or medicine cabinet for on-demand relief.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid that is found in many plants. However, it is most often associated with cannabis. Unlike THC―the cannabinoid that gets activated when inhaling cannabis smoke or ingesting cannabis-laced treats, CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects. This is because of how the two compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system of the human body.
THC affects the brain’s receptors and helps produce dopamine and other neurochemicals that help induce feelings of pleasure. Whereas, CBD is not psychoactive and is seen by many scientists as more complex than THC.
CBD can help regulate pain as well as reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system. CBD oil, which is used in our roll-on products, is merely the result of extracting CBD from cannabis. There are many extraction methods, but they all typically end in oil of various viscosities.
Many customers have found the benefits of CBD oil to be wide-ranging with its use having an impact on everything from pain to insomnia. CBD can prevent the body from absorbing a chemical compound called anandamide, which helps to regulate pain. By keeping anandamide in the bloodstream, CBD aids in reducing the feelings of pain.
CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation can also provide relief to those who have insomnia and help boost some immune-system responses. Specifically, CBD oil reduces the suffering caused by any number of health issues, including:
- Arthritis pain
- Chronic pain
- Drug withdrawal
- Multiple sclerosis
- Smoking cessation
- Type 1 diabetes
How to Use
For muscle relief, either pre-workout or post-workout, remove the cap and apply the F2P CBD roll-on to the affected muscles or joints.
For those who have arthritis, apply the roll-on directly to pain spots.
For those dealing with lingering pain from a surgical procedure, apply directly to where the pain is worst.
After application, gently massage the oil into your skin as the heat from your hands aids the absorption process.
Try CBD Roll-on For Pain Relief
At F2P Industries, our Deep Relief Roll-On comes in 2 fl. oz. jar and contains 200 mg of full-spectrum hemp extract. In addition to this high-quality CBD oil, we also include dozens of essential oils to help the healing process and keep the product smelling good, too. Browse our online inventory to order your CBD roll-on today!


Prior to the pandemic, the fastest vaccine to be developed was the 1967 mumps vaccine, taking a grand total of four years. Flashforward to November 2020 — BioNTech and Pfizer shattered records with their announcement of the first vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus(14), developed in less than a year. Shortly after, Moderna announced their development of the vaccine. The speed at which these biotechnology companies developed their vaccines can be traced to the use of novel cutting-edge mRNA technology.
The mRNA vaccine takes use of one specific part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: the spike protein, allowing the virus to enter the cells of the host organism. When injected into the body on its own, the spike protein is harmless. However, the organism’s host cells will recognize the spike protein as a foreign threat and immediately launch an immune response, teaching the body how to fight the virus as a whole.
Within the spike protein, the vaccine uses the genetic information encoded in its mRNA, delivered through a lipid nanoparticle. The lipid nanoparticle is a phospholipid bilayer(1) that wraps around the mRNA to act as a vehicle or transport mechanism for the virus into the host cell. Acting as a vesicle, the lipid nanoparticle fuses with the cell of the host organism, pushing the mRNA into the host cell. The mRNA uses the host cell’s ribosomes(2), located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum(3), to help assemble proteins through the process of translation. The newly produced proteins then express themselves upon the cell membrane as either the MHC-I protein(4) or the MHC-II(5) protein. The MHC-I protein is found on all nucleated cells of the body, however, the MHC-II protein is solely found on antigen-presenting cells: the B-cells(11), macrophages, and dendritic cells. When expressed on the host cell, the proteins attract immune cells such as the TH Cell (T-Helper Cell)(6), which has a membrane protein that interacts with TCR(7), a viral antigen, and the CD4 protein(6), which interacts with the MHC-II Complex. Once the interactions occur, the T-Cell becomes activated and it starts to release cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5(8). These interleukins (IL) signal the B-cell to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells which develop and change due to released cytokines. The plasma cells then start to make antibodies that are directed against the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once the antibody binds to the spike protein of the virus, the virus is either neutralized, or its destruction is enhanced. In addition, interactions between the MHC-I complex, the T-C Cell (Cytotoxic Cell)(9), and the CD-8 protein(10) release cytokines that destroy host cells if infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the future, while releasing cytokines that amplify the immune response of the B-cell’s(11) proliferation(12) to plasma cells(13).
Finding a vaccine was a turning point for the pandemic, but the pandemic might also be a turning point for vaccines. The vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna employ groundbreaking methods to elicit an immune response. While these vaccines will make a large impact on the battle against COVID-19, their real impact is only just beginning. A vaccine that employs mRNA technology to send specific instructions to host cells opens up a whole new world of vaccine technologies and disease treatments. In the future, scientists and researchers alike hope to develop this technology to use against maladies such as cancer and HIV.
1 phospholipid bilayer: a continuous two layer barrier that surrounds all cells. It acts as a gate that allows certain molecules to enter into a cell, while barring others.
2 ribosomes: the protein-producing organelle of the cell, found either in the cell’s cytoplasm or rough endoplasmic reticulum.
3 rough endoplasmic reticulum: located near the cell’s nucleus, houses the ribosomes which produce proteins.
4 MHC-I protein: one of two classes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and are found on the cell surface of all nucleated cells in the bodies of vertebrates.
5 MHC-II protein: one of two classes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and are found on the cell surface of all antigen-presenting cells; important in initiating immune responses.
6 TH-Cell (T-Helper Cell): also known as CD4+ cells, are a type of T-cell that play an important role in the immune system, particularly in the adaptive immune system as they are required for almost all adaptive immune responses.
7 TCR (T-Cell Receptor): a protein complex found on the surface of T cells that are responsible for recognizing antigens bound to MHC molecules.
8 IL-2 (Interleukin-2), IL-4 (Interleukin-4), IL-5 (Interleukin-5): types of cytokine signaling molecules in the immune system.
9 T-C Cell (Cytotoxic Cell): a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that kills damaged cells — cancer cells, cells infected with viruses, etc.
10CD-8 protein: protein (binded to a carbohydrate) that is a co-repector for the T-Cell Receptor (TCR); plays a role in T-cell signaling and aiding with cytotoxic T-cell-antigen interactions.
11 B-Cell: a type of white blood cell that secretes antibodies useful for initiating immune responses.
12 proliferation: to increase in number rapidly.
13 plasma cells: white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow and secrete antibodies useful for initiating immune responses.
14 SARS-CoV-2 virus: also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19


Florida Animal Care has the capability of performing a wide range of diagnostic tests in our hospital. This not only assists our Veterinarians in determining the cause of your pet's illness; it also gives us a wellness baseline of what your healthy pet's normal blood values are.
Our extensive in-house laboratory allows us to have results of many different blood tests in a short period of time. We are equipped to run a Complete Blood Count, which gives us red and white blood cell counts to look for things such as underlying infection or anemia. Our Chemistry machine evaluates kidney and liver function as well as electrolytes. We can also run a Urinalysis, test Pancreatic function, and test for Heartworm Disease, Tick-borne diseases, and Intestinal Parasites. For more in-depth, extensive testing we use an outside laboratory and often have results in less than 24 hours.
Radiographs, or X-rays, help our veterinarians evaluate musculoskeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems. Our on-site equipment allows us to provide the images that assist in diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner. We utilize state of the art digital radiography (x-ray) equipment, which provides quicker, clearer and faster images than film x-ray. Like a digital photo, a digital radiograph can be manipulated after it is taken, allowing our team to highlight the image in ways that are not possible with traditional film x-ray. Digital Radiography is environmentally friendly because there are no chemicals to contaminate water systems and it decreases radiation exposure to your pet as images can be manipulated via a computer as opposed to having to take additional x-rays. We are also have the ability to use telemedicine in order to have consults with board certified radiologists.
Digital dental radiography allows us to visualize the internal anatomy of your pet's teeth along with the roots and surrounding bone. This allows us to diagnose bone loss or hidden disease that may be present in the tooth roots and jawbone areas that may not have been visible during our thorough oral exam prior to the dental procedure.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive, state-of-the-art technology that uses sound waves to painlessly examine specific internal organs, primarily the heart and abdominal organs. As the sound waves travel into the body they return three dimensional images (length, width and depth) of certain internal organs allowing for depth dimension of the organ and good visualization of the edges of the organ. Ultrasound returns results in real time. Pregnancy exams utilizing ultrasound technology are also available.
Applination tonometry allows us to measure intraocular pressure. This helps is diagnose glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Blood pressure values produce a tremendous amount of useful information to the veterinarian. Florida Animal Care has both Doppler and oscillometric blood pressure measurement devices.
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Salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for life. In fact, no mineral is more essential to human survival than sodium because it allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses, helps your muscles stay strong, and keeps your cells and brain functioning. However, sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be eaten.
The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. You may have heard that this is too much, but according to new research, it may actually be on the low side of the healthy range. A 2014 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested sodium consumption in more than 100,000 people in 17 countries. The study found that the healthy range for sodium consumption was between 3,000 and 6,000 mg per day. Eating more than 7,000 mg per day of sodium increases your risk of death or cardiovascular incidents, but not as much as eating less than 3,000 mg per day. The low salt diet was significantly more harmful than the high salt diet.
Salt has many health benefits.
The other component of salt, chloride, is also essential to survival and good health. It preserves acid-base balance in the body, aids potassium absorption, improves the ability of the blood to move harmful carbon dioxide from tissues out to the lungs and, most importantly, it supplies the crucial stomach acids required to break down and digest all the foods we eat.
Because the level of salt consumption is so stable, it is an ideal medium to use for fortifying other essential nutrients such as iodine. Iodized salt first produced in the U.S. in 1924 is now used by 75 percent of the world’s population to protect against mental retardation due to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Iodine is an essential element in healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don’t get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development may be impaired. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a child to develop learning disabilities and mental retardation as well as developmental problems affecting his speech, hearing and growth.
Salt is also a vital component of hydration. After exercise, it is critical to replace both water and salt lost through perspiration during exercise. That is why all athletes make sure they are consuming sufficient salt during and after a workout. Expectant mothers and seniors, in particular, need to guard against under-consumption of salt. Higher-salt diets have also been used successfully to combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Asthma sufferers, particularly in Eastern Europe, are often treated by having the person spend time in salt mines or salt caves. This is because the unique microclimate, containing ultrafine salt particles helps clear the lungs.
Low salt diet myths
Low salt diets can be especially harmful for the elderly. In older people, mild hyponatremia (low sodium concentration) is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance in the blood. Indeed, several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits. Elderly people on low salt diets often experience lack of thirst which leads to dehydration and they experience loss of appetite that leads to a host of health problems.
Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people older than 65 fall at least once every year. Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. More than 5 percent of all hospitalizations in people older than 65 years are due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, the research shows that in assisted living facilities where almost all residents are given low-salt diets, the rate of falls and fractures are three times as great as in the normal home environment.
Salt and life expectancy
It is well documented that the Japanese and the Swiss enjoy some of the longest life expectancy rates of anyone in the world. It is less known however, that they also have among the highest rates of salt consumption. A review of peer-reviewed medical research around the world indicates that if people were to actually consume the low levels of salt recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, they would put their health at risk. Fortunately, most Americans — including the elderly — when left to their own choice consume salt within the healthy range.


In the tea gardens in the WuYi Mountains, towards the end of March at the beginning of the new season's tea growth, the top two leaves and bud are picked from the tea bushes.
The tea leaves still have the 'hairy white down' on them and when steamed and dried they become a truly superb green tea, known as White Monkey Paw (白毛猴). This tea gained it's name as the dry leaf appearance is said to resemble the paw of a white haired monkey.
Origin: WuYi Mountains, Fujian Province, China
Elevation: Grown 2500 - 5000 ft above sea level.
Tea Variety: Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis
Cultivar: Fuding Da Hao (福鼎大毫)
Brewing Temperature: 60 - 85°C
Caffeine Content: Approx. 20mg per cup
Amount: 5g of tea leaves to 100ml of water
Sold in quantities of 100g


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Welcome to the NSQAP Participant Portal
Newborn Screening identifies conditions that can affect a child's long-term health or survival. CDC's Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch manages the Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP) to enhance and maintain the quality and accuracy of newborn screening results. The program provides training, consultation, guidelines, and dried blood spot proficiency testing and quality control materials to state public health laboratories and other laboratories responsible for newborn screening in the U.S. and many other countries.
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If you are interested in participating in this program, complete the Participant Request Form. Products and shipping are free for participating laboratories. Laboratories are responsible for the cost of required documentation, import fees, taxes, and other costs. Participants must report data for each product requested.


OVERVIEW of Iboga
Tabernanthe iboga or simply iboga is a perennial rainforest shrub and psychedelic, native to western Central Africa. Iboga stimulates the central nervous system when taken in small doses and induces hallucinations in larger doses.
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive indole alkaloid found in plants in the Apocynaceae family such as Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana and Tabernaemontana undulata. In the the iboga plant (Tabernanthe iboga), the highest concentration of ibogaine is found in the root bark. Lower concentrations of ibogaine are found in the rest of the plant along with other indole alkaloids in the same family.
These plants are used for medicinal and ritual purposes in African spiritual traditions of the Bwiti tribe in the Congo basin of Africa. It was first promoted in the West as having anti-addictive properties in 1962 by Howard Lotsof, a heroin addict himself. In France it was marketed as Lambarène and used as a stimulant. Additionally, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) studied the effects of ibogaine in the 1950s.
Today, it is illegal in the United States as is considered a Schedule I drug. However, it’s available to varying degrees in many other countries, including Canada and Mexico, as well as several European countries. It’s primarily used in treating addiction for opiates and other highly-addictive drugs, though it is also becoming more common as a tool for personal and spiritual development. Recreational use of ibogaine is nearly non-existent.
Ibogaine simultaneously interacts with several neurotransmitter systems. Its highest affinity is for the sigma-2 receptor, while it has a moderate affinity for opioid receptors and moderate-to-low affinity for serotonin receptors.
It is metabolized by the body into noribogaine, which acts to increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.
Interactions with other drugs
Ibogaine is metabolized in part by the awkwardly named enzyme cytochrome P4502D6. This enzyme is involved in the metabolism of a whole host of other medications and chemicals in the body, so it’s important to know which of these substances will interact with ibogaine prior to use.


We are pleased to be a part of clinical trials for a new method of treating babies with spina bifida via fetal surgeries that will seek FDA approval to be used in the US. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which an area of the spinal column doesn’t form properly, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed through an opening in the back. One of the most common surgeries to correct this involves a surgery (laparotomy) where there is incision across the mother’s abdomen, the uterus is opened and a pediatric neurosurgeon returns the spinal cord to the spinal canal, and closes the surrounding tissue and skin over the defect to protect the spinal cord from exposure to the amniotic fluid. The uterus and the abdominal incision are then closed. Anytime the uterus is opened there is a significant risk to the mother and baby.The object of this study is to find a way to perform a similar surgery via fetoscopy (surgery that is minimally invasive where there are small incisions made and the fetus is not removed from the uterus) and different materials used as a safer option for mothers and babies. Working with Dr. Ruben Quintero and a world renowned lab we are funding the toxicity testing required to gain FDA approval to move onto the next phase of this trial. Results should be available in late 2016.


Just having returned from a particularly exhilarating annual ASCO meeting, I wanted to quickly share some of the most exciting results from the sarcoma sessions with all of you. Overall, this year revealed exciting advances in treatment of desmoid tumors, as well as PVNS. Additionally, we learned some important information about oral chemotherapy drugs including regorafenib (Stivarga) for osteosarcomas and liposarcomas, and got some great updates regarding immunotherapy for sarcomas. So grab a coffee or another favorite beverage, and I’ll walk you through the most important findings.
Remember – progression means tumor growth greater than 20%, partial responses means tumor shrinkage greater than 30%, and stable disease means anything in between those two. Median progression-free survival means that for each patient, you measure how long it took for each patient to progress, and then take the number in the middle (like an average but slightly different). For example – if you have 5 patients:
Patient 1: progressed in 3 weeks
Patient 2: progressed in 6 weeks
Patient 3: progressed in 9 weeks
Patient 4: progressed in 5 weeks
Patient 5: progressed in 2 weeks
the progression free survivals then are 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 weeks – so the median would be 5 weeks.
Placebo means a sugar pill.
To remind you, desmoid tumors are NOT cancer, but still aggressive tumors that cause pain, deformities, and interfere in quality of life for our patients. These tumors can be treated with a wide variety of drugs, including anti-inflammatories and anti-hormonal treatments, all the way up to intensive chemotherapies. We sometimes use oral chemotherapy drugs, including sorafenib (Nexavar), but no therapies are officially approved for desmoid tumors. In this year’s ASCO, the results of two clinical trials were presented that showed very promising results for two different oral chemotherapy drugs.
The first study was presented by Dr. Mrinal Gounder from Memorial Sloan Kettering. He reported the results of the Alliance trial where patients with desmoids were assigned to either sorafenib or placebo. Patient who received placebo were allowed to cross over to sorafenib if they progressed. Overall, 33% of patients who received sorafenib had desmoid shrinkage of greater than 30%. However what’s interesting is that in patients who had the placebo, 20% had shrinkage in their desmoids greater than 30%. This means that some patients will have their tumors shrink with no treatment – which is why we often recommend watching and waiting with no treatment for patients with desmoids that are not causing symptoms or are in places that are dangerous if they continue to grow. Now these measurements used size-based criteria, which is always unreliable in desmoids, as many desmoids will die and become inactive but not shrink very much. So they are still analyzing the patients using other methods to better capture benefit, so we’ll have to wait for that information.
Because of this, a better way to look at desmoids is using median progression-free survival – it took 11.3 months for half of the patients on placebo to progress – and in the sorafenib arm, only about 20% of patients had progressed by 36 months of follow up. So what this means is that so far it looks like the sorafenib is working very well in most patients to keep them from progressing, and with longer time in follow up we will understand better about how well the drug works.
The picture below may explain this better – these are survival curves, which show the percent of patients that are progression-free over time – the orange line shows the sorafenib patients and the blue line is the placebo patients. Sorafenib so far appears to be much much better!
The next trial that was presented was called DesmoPaz, from our friends in the French Sarcoma Group. In this study desmoid patients were assigned to either pazopanib, another oral chemo drug that we use for other types of sarcoma, or chemotherapy with methotrexate and vinblastine. The treatment lasted for one year whichever treatment the patients received, and then they were followed. In the patients who received pazopanib, 37% of patients had partial responses, compared to 25% of the chemotherapy patients. most of the remaining patients in the pazopanib group had benefit, with stabilization or shrinkage less than 30%, which again is important because of the size-based measurements that are not reliable for desmoids. The pazopanib at the full dose caused a lot of side effects, however even in sarcomas we usually reduce the dose for most patients, and many patients in this study also had the doses reduced. So again, pazopanib is another treatment option for stubborn desmoids that need to be treated.
PVNS (or tenosynovial giant cell tumor)
PVNS (pigmented villonodular synovitis) is another weird disease that is not cancer, but again there is overgrowth of the lining of joints, called synovium, due to a genetic mutation in a protein called CSF1. These patients develop bad arthritis in their joints, including knees, shoulders, and hips, and sometimes large bulky masses outside of the joints. When surgery can’t be done to remove the tumors they cause a tremendous amount of pain and function problems, and often can affect young people leading to early joint replacement surgeries. No approved treatments exist for PVNS although we sometimes use an oral chemo drug, imatinib (Gleevec) for patients when surgery is not possible.
So this study, ENLIVEN, was presented by Dr. William Tap from Memorial Sloan Kettering, and was a large trial run at many centers. Patients who were not candidates for surgery for PVNS were enrolled and assigned to either pexidartinib, an oral chemo pill that directly inhibits CSF1, or placebo. Patients assigned to placebo were allowed to cross over to get pexidartinib if their PVNS progressed. In patients who received pexidartinib, 39% of patients had tumors shrink more than 30%, including 9 out of 61 patients who had their tumors disappear completely! The rest of the patients had shrinkages less than 30%, with only ONE PATIENT who had their disease grow! In the placebo patients, there were NO patients who had more than 30% shrinkage. They also measured pain and range of motion of the joints which showed significant improvements as well. The only problem with this drug was that there were a small number of patients who had liver damage as a result of the drug, usually this went away with stopping the drug or dropping the dose, however this was the reason why the study was stopped early. This drug will be submitted for review at the FDA and I hope that it will be approved for our patients with PVNS. Stay tuned!
Regorafenib for osteosarcomas and liposarcomas
First, the REGOBONE study by French Sarcoma Group, presented by Dr. Duffaud. This is a large study investigating the oral blood-vessel blocking chemo drug regorafenib (Stivarga) for patients with four different types of bone sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chordomas. The results looked at 36 osteosarcoma patients who had progressed on standard chemotherapy, and then received either regorafenib or placebo. Patients assigned to placebo were allowed to cross over and receive regorafenib if they had growth of their tumors. Patients who received the sugar pill had progression (growth) of their disease at a median of 4.1 weeks – but those that got regorafenib had a median progression of 16.4 weeks!!! This is really important because to date, there are really very few effective treatments for osteosarcoma if regular chemotherapy doesn’t cure patients. So I will definitely consider regorafenib moving forward for my patients. It is not approved but we may be able to get insurance to cover it with these results, or through patient assistance programs.
On the other hand, we also saw the updated results for SARC024 study of liposarcoma patients who received regorafenib or placebo – unfortunately there were no responses (tumor shrinkages) and the progression-free survival for regorafenib patients was no different than receiving placebo. Not good for liposarcomas.
Anlotinib for soft tissue sarcomas (including leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and alveolar soft part sarcoma)
Phase III study from China, presented by Dr. Chi. This study enrolled 233 patients with a large number of different soft tissue sarcomas to either anlotinib, an oral chemo drug that blocks blood vessel growth, or placebo. The median progression-free survival was 6.27 months for patients receiving anlotinib compared to 1.47 months for patients receiving placebo. In particular, the drug performed very well for leiomyosarcomas and synovial sarcomas, with median progression-free survivals of close to 6 months. Additionally, they included a whopping 56 patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma (a super rare sarcoma type), and these patients did EXTREMELY well with anlotinib, with median progression-free survival of 18.2 months with anlotinib compared to just 3 months on placebo.
These results are particularly exciting because a clinical trial of anlotinib is going on now in the United States for these three types of sarcomas – Leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and ASPS – so this drug is available for patients here and hopefully the results will be just as good.
Updates in immunotherapy
There were several studies looking at immunotherapy, so I’ll just mention the ones that I think were most exciting.
Engineered T cells for myxoid/round cell liposarcoma – apologies for omitting this in the initial post! For background, myxoid/round cell liposarcoma has a protein on the surface known as NY-ESO-1 in about 90% of patients. We can engineer T cells (our parent immune cells) to be specific for this protein, and then give them to patients along with chemotherapy, in hopes of boosting our immune response against these tumors. Sandra D’Angelo from Memorial Sloan Kettering presented the results from an ongoing study where patients with myxoid liposarcoma had their own T cells harvested from the blood, engineered for NY-ESO-1 and then given back. Out of 8 patients treated, 4 patients had partial responses, and 3 had stable disease! The 8th patient is not yet evaluable for response. These are very exciting results!!!
This trial is still accruing – link to study and sites here:
Pembrolizumab plus TVEC – this was a small study of 20 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering. These patients had several different types of sarcomas with soft tissue nodules that could be injected. The tumors were injected with TVEC, which is a genetically modified virus that can kill tumor cells, and boost the immune system reaction within the tumor site, hopefully leading to the immune system being able to recognize and kill tumor cells floating around in the bloodstream or in other sites as well. These patients also received pembrolizumab, the immune boosting drug that blocks don’t-eat-me signals found on tumor cells or immune cells within tumors. 35% of the patients had tumor shrinkage of greater than 30%, with an additional 35% of patients having stable disease. The patients who benefitted included angiosarcomas on the skin, epithelioid sarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcomas. Now these sarcoma subtypes also can respond to pembrolizumab or related drugs alone, so we don’t know whether the virus added anything additionally, but it’s still very exciting to see.
Axitinib plus pembrolizumab – I presented the results of our study combing the blood vessel blocking drug axitinib with the immune booster pembrolizumab. Out of 33 patients, 25% had their tumors shrink more than 30%. We enrolled 11 patients with ASPS on the study, and out of those patients, 54.5% had partial response, with another 18% of those had stable disease, with the responses lasting almost 2 years in the patients who have been on study the longest! We also had tumor shrinkages in two non-ASPS patients with leiomyosarcoma and epithelioid sarcoma which is very exciting. Overall, about 40% of the non-ASPS patients at least had stable disease or partial response which is encouraging. We will be expanding the study and enrolling more patients with ASPS so hopefully we will see if these results continue.
Sunitinib plus nivolumab – The IMMUNOSARC study is similar, combining the blood vessel blocker sunitinib with another immune boosting drug nivolumab, and the results from their first 14 patients. Excitingly, 42.8% of these patients have had tumor shrinkage, including patients with ASPS, clear cell sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and angiosarcoma. This combination was a little more toxic with drops in the immune cells that led to sepsis so the dose of sunitinib had to be dropped. More patients will be enrolled so will be exciting to see later results.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Really we had a lot of nice posters looking at recent research in GIST. There were updates for several trials, but the one that I think was most exciting is below:
Current results of PLX9486 plus pexidartinib or sunitinib – As a reminder, most GIST grow because of mistakes (mutations) in the genetic code for KIT. When patients are first diagnosed, the most common place for the mutation to occur is exon 11 (like a mile marker along the highway.) These patients often respond to treatment with the KIT-blocker, imatinib, but over time most patients develop resistance to the drug, because their GIST develops NEW mistakes in other exons, like 13, 14, 17, and 18. This trial was designed to combine drugs together that would block these other resistance mutations. Dr. Andrew Wagner presented a poster looking at the results of this ongoing trial. The data presented looked at responses in patients treated with either 1) PLX9486 alone, 2) PLX9486 + pexidartinib, or 3) PLX9486 + sunitinib (Sutent). For patients treated with PLX9486 alone or PLX9486 + pexidartinib, the median progression-free survival was about 6 months, with over 60% of patients having at least stable disease on any of these therapies. There were only a few patients reported who had received the combination of PLX9486 + sunitinib, so we will have to wait a bit longer to see that data although it looked promising as well at this early time.
And one more tidbit:
Selinexor for liposarcoma
Selinexor is a relatively new drug, that blocks a protein called exportin-1 whose job it is to shuttle proteins around tumor cells. The SEAL trial, presented by poster by Dr Gounder and colleagues was a Phase II trial of dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients treated with selinexor or placebo. The results of this study showed that patients on selinexor had about 5.5 months of medial progression-free survival with some clear evidence of tumor benefit, although like other sarcomas, size-based measuring is problematic. Lots of nausea but usually mild. So this trial is continuing but looks promising. The trial is continuing with a Phase III portion available for patients.
It’s impossible to summarize all of the incredible information that was presented at ASCO, but I think these were the most critical studies to report to you. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something critical but will be sure to post updates if I receive feedback!
Of course, after all the meetings we had to make sure that our oncologists, nurses, and hard-working research staff had time to recover and celebrate, so here’s a picture from the annual Sylvester Miami Nights celebration. Amazing times! Looking forward to ASCO 2019.


There’s new research in the treatment of acne vulgaris (commonly referred to as plain old acne). Researchers at UCLA found a virus called a bacteriaphage (also know as phage) that kills the P. acnes bacteria that lead to acne breakouts. P. acnes is the bacteria responsible for causing acne, it lives in the skin’s pores and thrives amongst dead skin cells and sebum oil. Phages act as an antidote to the P. acnes bacteria and actually kill the P. acne
Antibiotics, in combination with other therapies, such as blue light therapy and Isolaz acne therapy, are the most trusted way to effectively clear the skin. In the future, there might be a way to treat and cure acne with topical creams containing phage virus. But for now, we recommend what is proven to fight and treat acne now, that includes a skin care regimen prescribed to you by a Clear Clinic dermatologist, along with laser and light treatments, chemical peels and a healthy diet low in sugar.


Ketogenic diet has been widely embraced by weight watchers considering the number of reviews from different online platforms. But if you’re reading this piece and still don’t know what Ketogenic diet means, I would spare a few paragraphs elucidating you on what it entails.
The Ketogenic diet is a low-carbs, high-fat, and protein diet. This involves reducing to the barest minimum intake of carbs while substituting it with fat. It is however regarded as ketosis (medical term) which is the process of putting the body in a metabolic state.
Most body cells would rather use blood sugar, which is generated from carbohydrate to maintain energy level in the body. However, in the absence of blood sugar from carbohydrate and other source, the body starts to breakdown reserved fat into molecules known as ketone bodies. In essence, majority of the cells in the body will make use of the ketone bodies as source of energy till we start consuming carbohydrate again.
Weight loss happens to be the primary reason most people subscribe to the ketogenic diet. Although, there are other health benefits of ketogenic diet which includes, improved blood sugar control and balanced cholesterol level.
There has been various debates from nutritionist, nurses, weight-watchers, dietitians and doctors if ketogenic diet is healthy. Some have also argued with the dietary advice of one-size-fits-all (if you want to watch your weight, go for Ketogenic diet). Researchers have expressed concerns based on their findings that the low-carb, high-fat diet as helpful to man is problematic.
The bold question lingers, is ketogenic diet healthy?
The general public are already keeping up on this tab without proper research or consulting their primary care physician. Adequate or substantial studies has not been carried out to validate all the claims thus far. Ketogenic diet is rich in fats and proteins which includes, eggs, meat, cheese, sausage, fish, nuts, butter, and oil. Red meat, fatty and processed meat are well known unhealthy food. Consuming these foods in large quantities poses health dangers.
People living with diabetes need to consider the risk factor of consuming large quantities of egg and cheese which significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Also, patients with kidney issues need to be careful with ketogenic diet as it could intensify their condition.
Kindly share this article as it would help folks who already placed their dietary lifestyle based on people who had success with ketogenic diet. Because it is good for them doesn’t mean it is good for you.– Charles Chidiebere


The human body is a marvel of biological engineering, including the intricacies of sexual response. A key player in this process is the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems, while seemingly opposed, work in tandem to modulate sexual experience, but not without a fascinating paradox.
The Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system, often associated with the "fight or flight" response, plays a surprising role in sexual desire. Its activation, contrary to what one might expect, can promote sexual desire. This is because sexual desire, at its onset, forms physiological curiosity as a motivator. The sympathetic system prepares the body for action, which, in this context, translates to the initiation of sexual desire.
For sexual activity to progress from desire to arousal and fulfillment, there's a need for a shift—a transition from the energy-driven sympathetic activation to a more relaxed state governed by the parasympathetic nervous system.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System and Its Role in Arousal
The parasympathetic nervous system is famously known for "rest and digest" functions. In the context of sexual activity, it translates to relaxation, which is essential for arousal and subsequent sexual performance. This shift facilitates increased blood flow, which is crucial for arousal and, for men and women, sexual activity.
The paradox lies in the shift between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. While the sympathetic system triggers desire, its prolonged dominance can hinder the relaxation necessary for arousal, which is regulated by the parasympathetic system. Therefore, striking a balance between these two systems is crucial for a satisfying and healthy sexual experience.
Navigating the Paradox
Understanding this paradox helps people navigate sexual health. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises can help activate the parasympathetic response when this doesn't occur organically. Additionally, being cognizant of one's mental state before and during sexual activity can help in managing the balance between these two systems.
The Complications of PTSD
This balance, however, can be particularly challenging for individuals with PTSD. PTSD often involves a heightened sympathetic response, making it difficult for the body to shift into the relaxed state necessary for arousal. This can lead to frustration and a sense of disconnection during sexual activities. Therapy and specialized treatment focusing on managing PTSD symptoms and training the body to activate the parasympathetic response can be instrumental in overcoming these challenges.
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play vital yet paradoxical roles in sexual health. While the former ignites desire, the latter facilitates arousal and completion. Understanding and managing this balance is helpful, especially for individuals with conditions like PTSD.


Welcome to the XIX Brazilian Congress of Plant Physiology – Plant Physiology at the FRONTIERS: from optimal to stress conditions!
The XIX Brazilian Congress of Plant Physiology (in portuguese, Congresso Brasileiro de Fisiologia Vegetal – CBFV 2024) will be held at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State – Brazil from October 07th to 11th 2024, in the Academic-Cultural Space Fernando Sabino – UFV.
The purpose of the biennial Congress (CBFV 2024) is to provide a unique international forum for junior and senior academic researchers, professors, post and undergraduate students, and professionals who specialize in different fields of Plant Physiology, and others interested in the area.
This exciting Congress will facilitate the exchange of research results and ideas, bringing up-to-date and emerging concepts to the forefront. By offering about 25 presentations from worldwide recognized scientists coupled with two poster sessions and two round tables, this event will illustrate the dynamism and excellence of research in a field that is a major challenge for plant biology and agronomy, in the context of climate change.
Following an initiative made by different plant physiologists from different regions of Brazil and supported by the Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology (https://www.sbfv.org.br/), this face-to-face meeting has occurred since 1987. It also allows direct and close interaction between researchers and students, a differentiating factor that must exist in such events.
It will be an excellent opportunity for both researchers and postgraduate and undergraduate students to update their current knowledge while simultaneously interacting with scientists who are producing knowledge and modifying the vision and concepts in the area. Despite being a national event, the CBFV 2024 has an international reach and is therefore held entirely in English.
The CBFV will feature 25 lectures by renowned plant physiology researchers from Brazil and abroad, invited due to their excellent work on innovative and disruptive topics. This five-day meeting will consist of 6 thematic conference sections, in addition to two poster sessions, awards, and social activities at the opening and closing of our event.
To allow timely registration and reduce the impact of the cost of participating in the event, we inform you that all registrations made until June 30, 2024, can be paid at reduced fees (especially for members supporting the Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology).
We count on your membership and participation to maintain this event as a high point for meeting and discussion of the plant physiology community in Brazil.
On behalf of the members of the Local Organizing Committee and the Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology we warmly invite you to Brazilian Congress of Plant Physiology 2024.
We look forward to seeing you all in person in Viçosa – MG, Brazil!


The Shukratara-Sperm Counting Chamber is extensively utilized in sperm banks and other labs for counting the number of sperms from the undiluted semen specimen. The sperm count is required for procedures like andrology and IVF. It shows the accurate count of sperms without making any manual efforts. The depth of the Sperm Counting Chamber helps to eliminate blurring and allows free movement of sperms. It has the facility of self-controlled test to provide exact number. Further, the device is easy to use and can be re-used for several years by cleaning it after use.


I have been given [this product] as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
I’ve just had a chance to try a great new productive. And thankfully, it’s effective for an especially important purpose – to keep my insides healthy 🙂
What is Visbiome™?
Everyone knows that probiotics are important. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
I’m just tried a great product to help keep my gut healthy. I may have written a show called Gutless & Grateful, but keeping my insides healthy is extremely important for this body!!! Visbiome™ is a high potency probiotic medical food, containing 8 strains of live bacteria in concentrations of 450 billion bacteria per packet and 112.5 billion per capsule. That’s a lot of science talk, but basically it is a probiotic medical food to help you manage manage IBS, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis, and hepatic encephalopathy. This is medical FOOD, not a drug, so it’s natural and exactly what your body craves. Visbiome is a non-drug therapy that addresses distinct nutritional requirements, to promote microbial balance, in people with IBS, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis, and hepatic encephalopathy that a diet alone can’t manage. This medical food was exactly what I needed to start feeling better, with all of my GI issues.
So, these probiotics are actually live microorganisms that are extremely therapeutic for your body. They protect against harmful bacteria. I didn’t realize how important that was. Taking Visbiome made me feel so much better! The more I learned the more I realized that taking Visbiome could protect against:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
- And even a cold!
Here’s why it worked for me…and why I feel good using it:
What is the most important thing to know about Visbiome? It’s a a high potency probiotic medical food, containing 8 strains of live bacteria in concentrations of 450 billion bacteria per packet and 112.5 billion per capsule. Visbiomet intended for the dietary management of the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative colitis, of an ileal pouch and of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) All it takes it going to Whole Foods to see all of the probiotics on the market, but what’s so special about Visbiome is that it contains the De Simone Formulation. While other probiotics claim their ability to perform, Visbiome-Probiotic is one of the most widely studied probiotics with over 60 published human clinical studies. Visbiome is being used in more than 20 trials worldwide. This is not a new product, which always makes me feel better.
It wasn’t long before I started feeling much more energized, healthy and vital. I’ve read for a long time that everyone should be taking probiotics, but Visbiome was the first probiotics I’ve taken where I could actually feel results. There is no “one” right probiotic for every person…but let me just say that I’ve tried MANY probiotics, and I can’t recommend Visbiome enough – for anyone and everyone!


The Stop TB Partnership is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Prof. Don Enarson. He was an internationally known figure and one of Canada's foremost experts in tuberculosis (TB) control. His outstanding contribution to lung health and the fervent fight against TB is undisputable.
Prof. Enarson, who died last week, served as The Union's Director of Scientific Activities from 1991 to 2009. One of the most distinguished researchers and consultants in the field of lung health over the past several decades, Prof Enarson continued to serve as Adjunct Professor, the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta.
He was well-known for his big heart and many selfless acts and, as a result, was much loved by all those who knew him. He will be remembered, among many other things, for his research on the epidemiological basis of TB and the public health approach to TB prevention and care; advocacy for, and implementation of, the epidemiological approach to disease control; and the mentoring of a generation of lung health experts and leaders around the world.
Our thoughts go to his family and friends around the world with whom we share this profound loss.


The IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group's
African Wild Dog Status Survey and Action Plan (1997)
Later chapters describe the current distribution and status of Africa's remaining wild dog population, and the threats faced by these populations, before recommending measures for their conservation.
There can be no doubt that African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) have declined over the last century, and this decline has accelerated in the last 30 years. They were once distributed through much of sub-Saharan Africa, apart from rainforest areas and deserts (Fanshawe et al. 1991; Monod 1928; Schaller 1972). Now, however, they have been extirpated from most of their range - they are extinct in most countries in West and Central Africa, and in the East and the South they are confined to a few areas where human population density remains low (Chapter 3). Today, Africa's wild dog population numbers between 3,000 and 5,500. Most populations outside - and sometimes inside - protected areas may still be declining. Wild dogs are rare compared with other high-profile species in Africa: there are about the same number of wild dogs as there are black rhinos (Diceros bicornis, ~3,000 remaining, Cumming et al. 1990), fewer wild dogs than cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus, 9-12,000 remaining, Nowell & Jackson 1996), and far fewer wild dogs than African elephants (Loxodonta africana, 100-130,000 remaining, Said et al. 1995).
The ultimate cause of wild dogs' decline has been a combination of persecution and habitat loss. Like other large predators, wild dogs do kill livestock under some circumstances, and have therefore been shot, snared and poisoned in most livestock areas (Chapter3). Worse still, they have been persecuted in the name of animal welfare and conservation. Wild dogs kill their prey by tearing it to pieces or disembowelling it (Kuhme 1965), and this earned them a reputation as cruel and bloodthirsty killers. Game managers' attitudes to them are exemplified by Bere's (1955) observation that they
"...hunt in packs, killing wantonly far more than they need for food, and by methods of the utmost cruelty... When the Uganda national parks were established it was considered necessary, as it had often been elsewhere, to shoot wild dogs in order to give the antelope opportunity to develop their optimum numbers. Fortunately only a few of these creatures have had to be destroyed and their number in the parks does not seem to be particularly large...".
This last remark of Bere's points to a crucial aspect of wild dog ecology: they always live at very low densities, and are rare even where they live in large well-protected habitats with abundant prey (Chapter 4). This makes them unusually susceptible to habitat fragmentation. Growing human populations have caused wild dog habitat to become discontinuous, as large tracts of land have been taken over for livestock grazing and cultivation. As more people have colonized the land, wild dogs have been persecuted and their prey have been depleted. Wild dog populations have, therefore, become increasingly isolated in fragments of habitat with few human inhabitants. Since wild dogs live at such low densities, even the largest of these fragments could support only small populations, which are vulnerable to extinction (Soulé 1987). Worse still, wild dogs were persecuted inside national parks and game reserves, which represented some of the best remaining habitat. This combination of habitat fragmentation, persecution and prey loss explains wild dogs' dramatic decline across most of Africa. As a result of this process, today wild dogs persist only in countries with relatively low human population densities (Chapter 3).
Although wild dog numbers have declined markedly, it is not too late to prevent their extinction. Viable populations remain in several countries in East and southern Africa and, with adequate protection, there is no reason why these populations should not persist. However, to conserve wild dogs we must understand the factors that have led their numbers to fall across Africa in the past, and determine the threats that might cause further decline or extinction in the future. If we can use this knowledge to halt wild dogs' decline, then we can prevent their extinction without the "emergency" measures that have been necessary for some other endangered carnivores (Caughley 1994; Clark 1994; May 1986; Phillips 1995).
Given wild dogs' current circumstances, this Action Plan has the following aims:
The Action Plan is structured to meet these aims. The remainder of this chapter concerns aspects of wild dogs' natural history that are crucial for understanding the threats they face, and the management options that are possible. Chapter 2 deals with genetic factors important in wild dog conservation, especially their taxonomy and the identification of sub-species. Chapter 3 describes the current status and distribution of wild dog populations across Africa. Chapter 4 outlines the threats faced by wild dogs, and Chapter 5 uses demographic modelling to assess the probability that any of these threats might contribute to the extinction of remaining populations. Chapter 6 draws upon this information to propose measures for the conservation of free-ranging wild dog populations, and Chapter 7 discusses the rôle that captive wild dogs might play in this effort. Chapter 8 describes the additional research that is needed to allow us to refine our strategies for wild dog management. Chapter 9 summarizes the recommendations of Chapters 7 and 8 to propose actions for wild dog conservation in each range state.
The Action Plan also has four appendices. Some of the tactics that we discuss for wild dog conservation involve vaccination against infectious diseases, and immobilization for radio-collaring. Such procedures have been the subject of considerable controversy and we have, therefore, included a full discussion of this issue in Appendix 1. Appendix 2 provides details of some techniques used in current research projects on wild dogs, which may be of use to people directly involved with the management of wild dog populations. Appendix 3 is a list of contributors to this Action Plan, and Appendix 4 gives a detailed bibliography of publications concerning wild dogs.
Many of the problems faced by wild dogs stem from basic features of their natural history. Here we discuss aspects of wild dog biology which are important in understanding the reasons for their decline, and in devising plans for their conservation.
Wild dogs mostly hunt medium-sized antelope; their principal prey in several parts of Africa are summarized in Table1.1. They will chase larger species, such as eland and buffalo, but rarely kill such prey (Creel & Creel 1995; Ginsberg 1992). Wild dogs also take small prey such as hares, lizards and even eggs (Creel & Creel 1995; Ginsberg 1992), but these probably make a fairly small contribution to their diet.
Wild dogs do take livestock in some areas, but this is a fairly rare occurrence. In and around the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, wild dogs ignored livestock (Fanshawe 1989; Fuller & Kat 1990), and in one case in Zimbabwe they ran through a paddock of calves to chase a kudu in the neighbouring paddock (Rasmussen 1996). The only study of wild dog depredation on livestock found that the dogs took far fewer cattle than the farmers believed (Rasmussen 1996). Nevertheless wild dogs can occasionally become a severe problem for livestock, especially smaller stock such as sheep and goats (Chapter4).
|Table 1.1 Principal prey taken by wild dogs in various study sites across Africa. The proportions of prey taken in Serengeti were calculated from data presented in Fanshawe & FitzGibbon (1993); all other data were presented by wild dog atending the IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group's Workshop on the Conservation & Recovery of the African wild dog, held in Arusha, Tanzania, in 1992. Data from Hwange provided by J.R.G., data from Kruger provided by M.G.L. Mills, data from Masai Mara provided by P.Kat, data from Moremi provided by J.W.McNutt, data from Namibia provided by L.Scheepers, data from Selous provided by S.Creel, data from Zambia provided by F. Munyenyembe.|
|Study site||Preferred prey|
|Hwange National Park, Zmbabwe||impala (60%)||kudu (30%)||reedbuck (2%)|
|Kruger National Park, South Africa||impala (52%)||kudu (12%)||reedbuck (15%)|
|Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya||Thompson's gazelle (67%)||impala (17%)||wildebeest (8%)|
|Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana||impala (85%)||kudu||lechwe|
|Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania||impala (69%)||wildebeest (11%)||reedbuck (3%), warthog (3%)|
|Serengeti National Park, Tanzania||Thompson's gazelle (57%)||wildebeest (40%)||Grant's gazelle, zebra|
Wild dogs are intensely social animals, spending almost all of their time in close association with one other. Packs may be as small as a pair, or number as many as 27 adults and yearlings (M.G.L. Mills, pers. comm., R.Burrows 1993, Fuller et al. 1992a) - average pack compositions for various study sites are summarized in Table1.2. Packs are formed when small same-sex sub-groups - usually siblings - leave their natal groups and join up with other sub-groups of the opposite sex. Thus, in newly-formed packs the females are closely related to one another, but not to the males, and the males are closely related to one another, but not to the females (Burrows 1995; Frame et al. 1979; Fuller et al. 1992a). Young born into such packs may remain there, or disperse as yearlings or young adults to form new packs.
|Table 1.2 Pack compositions of wild dogs in various study sites across Africa. Data for Hwange, Kruger, Masai Mara, Moremi and Serengeti are from Fuller et al. (1992a), and data from Selous are from Creel & Creel (1995).|
|Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe||5 packs||7.8||3.2||5.4|
|Kruger National Park, South Africa||8 packs||4.8||2.1||5.8|
|Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya||6 packs||4.2||4.0||8.8|
|Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana||8 packs||4.3||2.5||8.3|
|Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania||6 packs||7.7||4.3||6.3|
|Serengeti National Park, Tanzania||7 packs||6.6||6.0||11.2|
Members of wild dog packs hunt cooperatively. By hunting together, they can capture prey much larger than themselves which would not otherwise be accessible to them. Wild dogs weigh 20-25kg, but their prey average around 50kg, and may be as large as 200kg (Creel & Creel 1995; Malcolm & van Lawick 1975).
Wild dog hunts are almost always preceded by a ?social rally' which is believed to coordinate the pack in preparation for hunting (Estes & Goddard 1967; Kuhme 1965). Once prey sight the dogs, they may flee, or stand and defend themselves alone or as a herd (Creel & Creel 1995; Kuhme 1965). During chases, wild dogs may run at speeds of up to 60km/h, and are specially adapted to deal with the heat stress that this involves (Taylor et al. 1971). During such chases, wild dogs are spaced around the running prey so that a member of the pack can intercept the quarry as it turns. After this dog has made the first grab, other pack members cooperate to drag the quarry to a halt (Creel & Creel 1995; Estes & Goddard 1967; Kuhme 1965).
Once the quarry has been brought to bay, one or a few dogs may distract it from the front, while others attack from behind and begin to disembowel it (Kuhme 1965). Alternatively, one pack member may restrain the head of the prey by biting its nose, and holding on while the others make the kill (Creel & Creel 1995; Malcolm & van Lawick 1975). When hunting ungulate calves, some members of a wild dog pack may distract the mother while the remainder attack her calf.
As a result of such cooperative hunting, each pack member has a higher foraging success (measured as kg killed per km chased) than it would if it hunted alone (Creel & Creel 1995). Larger packs are also better able to defend their kills against scavenging hyaenas (Fanshawe & FitzGibbon 1993).
In most wild dog packs, a single dominant female is the mother of all the pups, although two or even three females may breed on some occasions (Fuller et al. 1992a). However, all pack members are involved in caring for the pups (Frame et al. 1979; Malcolm & Marten 1982; van Heerden & Kuhn 1985). Such additional care is vital if pups are to survive: packs rarely manage to raise any pups if they contain fewer than four members (S.R. Creel pers. comm.).
The pups are born in a den, where they remain for the first three months of life. The mother is confined to the den during early lactation, and relies on other pack members to feed her at this time. Wild dogs deliver food to the mother by regurgitation; later on, they regurgitate to the pups as well (Malcolm & Marten 1982). Some pack members also ?babysit' the pups, and chase predators away from the den (Malcolm & Marten 1982).
Perhaps because so many helpers are available to assist with pup care (Creel & Creel 1991), wild dogs' litters are enormous: litters number 10-11 pups on average and occasionally contain as many as 21 pups (Fuller et al. 1992a). Pup mortality may be high, however. There is some evidence to suggest that more pups survive in packs where there are more helpers to assist with their care, but this is certainly not always the case (S.R. Creel pers. comm., Burrows 1995; Fuller et al. 1992a; Malcolm & Marten 1982).
As well as a dominant, breeding female, each pack also has a dominant male (Frame et al. 1979; Malcolm & Marten 1982). Both mating behaviour and genetic analysis indicate that the dominant male fathers most (but not all) of the pups (D.Girman pers. comm., Malcolm & Marten 1982). However, dominant males are usually no more assiduous in caring for the pups than are other males in the pack (Malcolm & Marten 1982).
Since wild dog females cannot breed without assistance, in most cases the pack, rather than the individual, should be considered the basic unit within the population.
Wild dogs have enormous home ranges (Table1.3), much larger than would be expected on the basis of their body size (Gittleman & Harvey 1982). Packs are confined to relatively small areas when they are feeding young pups at a den, but outside the denning period they are truly nomadic. For example, in Serengeti home ranges were 50-260km² during denning, but 1,500-2,000km² at other times (Burrows 1995), and a pack in Kruger ranged over 80km² when denning, but 885km² after denning (Gorman et al. 1992).
|Table 1.3 Home ranges of wild dogs in various study sites across Africa. Data for Aitong are from Fuller & Kat (1990), data from Hwange, Kruger, Moremi and Serengeti are from Fuller et al. (1992a), and data from Selous are from Creel & Creel (1995).|
|Study site||Sample||Home range size|
|Aitong, near Masai Mara, Kenya||1 pack||659 km²|
|Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe||4 packs||423 km² (range 260-633 km²|
|Kruger National Park, South Africa||20 packs||553 km² (ran ge 150-1,110 km²)|
|Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana||9 packs||617 km² (range 375-1,050 km²)|
|Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania||6 packs||438 km² (range 620-2,460 km²)|
|Serengeti National Park, Tanzania||5 packs||1,318 km² (range 620-2,460 km²)|
The home ranges of different wild dog packs may overlap considerably, but they rarely enter one anothers' core areas and so their ranges are, to some extent, exclusive (Fuller et al. 1992a). As a result, wild dogs' large home ranges translate into very low population densities (Table1.4). The reasons why wild dogs live at such low densities are not clear, but several studies indicate that their numbers are rarely limited by the availability of ungulate prey (Creel & Creel 1996; Fuller et al. 1992a; Mills & Biggs 1993). This issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4.
|Table 1.4 Population densities of wild dogs in various study sites across Africa. Data for Aitong are from Fuller & Kat (1990), data for Hluhluwe, Hwange, Selous and Serengeti are from Creel & Creel (1996), and data for Kruger are from Mills & Biggs (1993).|
|Study site||Population density (adults/100 km²)|
|Aitong, near Masai Mara, Kenya||2..6-4.6|
|Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa||3.3|
|Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe||1.5|
|Kruger National Park, South Africa||2.0|
|Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania||4|
|Serengeti National Park, Tanzania|
Even wild dog packs which inhabit protected areas may travel extensively outside the reserve borders - where they encounter human activity and threats such as roads, snares and livestock farmers likely to persecute them (Chapter 4). Wild dogs dispersing away from their natal packs range even more widely - they have been followed for hundreds of kilometres (Fuller et al. 1992b) and single wild dogs, or single-sex groups, are occasionally reported from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where there has been no resident wild dog population for some years (Chapter3).
In this chapter, we have outlined the background to the problems faced by wild dogs today, and given brief details of their natural history. An important conclusion is that the pack, rather than the individual, should be considered the basic unit of wild dog populations.
The next chapter will discuss wild dog taxonomy and other aspects of wild dog genetics important in their conservation.
Return to Wild Dog Action Plan Table of Contents, AWD Species Account, CSG Publications or CSG Home Page.
© 1997 International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.


When Dave Lochner started working at the City of Auburn’s Water Pollution Control (WPC) Department two days after graduating from high school, he had no idea that he was embarking on what would become a lifelong career as a civil servant.
Lochner joined the WPC Department in 1972 as a plant operator. From the beginning, he learned all facets of wastewater treatment and operations.
“I learned everything to do with the wastewater plant—from fixing pumps to conducting lab tests. I understood it all so I could plug in anywhere I was needed,” he shares.
Lochner served in that role for 10 years before becoming WPC superintendent—a role he’s held for 35 years now. What has kept him there is the importance of what the WPC Department does on a daily basis.
The Importance of Cleaning Wastewater
Lochner says most people don’t give much thought to what happens to the wastewater from their home and community. Yet, it affects us long after disappearing down the drain—and if it’s not properly cleaned, the impact can be detrimental.
Wastewater is water used by homes, businesses and industries. The WPC Department treats it before it is released back to the environment. During the treatment process—which takes approximately 38 hours to complete—pollutants in the water are reduced to a level that nature can handle. This ensures there is clean water for the plants and animals that live in water, as well as those who enjoy recreational activities on the water.
If wastewater is not properly cleaned, it can carry disease. Since we live, work and play near water in Auburn, harmful bacteria must be removed to make water safe. That’s why WPC operations are non-stop, with equipment running 24/7, every day of the year.
Complex, Necessary Operations
Auburn’s WPC operations have grown quite a bit since Lochner started there. In 1972, WPC pumped 1.7 million gallons a day. Today, the department—which now has two treatment plants—pumps 4.5 million gallons a day. It can pump up to 9 million gallons a day, if needed. A team of 15 people, including plant operations, maintenance, lab, collections and biosolid (sludge removal for resale as soil imminent), make it all happen.
The WPC Department also conducts important lab work. The lab staff—a repeated recipient of the Laboratory Excellence award from the Indiana Water Pollution Control Association—tests about 30,000 wastewater samples per year.
Devotion to Process Evident
Wastewater has the potential to affect public health, economic development, recreation, and other aspects of everyday life. This makes the WPC Department a vital part of Auburn’s city services. The work Lochner and his team performs daily ensures the health and well-being of Auburn.
“Wastewater treatment is complicated and laborious, but it’s a necessity,” says Lochner. “This team is dedicated to their work and providing the community with this important service.”
The Wastewater Treatment Process
On a daily basis, the WPC Department performs preliminary, primary, secondary and disinfection treatments. The whole process consists of six phases:
- Preliminary treatment reduces the size of large solids in the influent flow, which protects the remainder of the plant units from damage due to jamming.
- Primary clarifiers receive raw sewage and waste activated sludge. These tanks allow necessary solids to settle to the bottom of the tank, thereby allowing the clearer wastewater to flow to the next phase of treatment.
- Activated sludge treatment is provided in ten aeration tanks.
- Secondary treatment occurs in eleven final clarifiers. These units are sludge collecting units, similar to the process during primary treatment.
- The wastewater is chlorinated for proper disinfection in order to reduce the pathogens to a permissible level.
- During the final phase of tertiary and post-aeration treatment, the flow is directed to two 1.7 MG terminal ponds. These ponds polish the secondary effluent through various physical and biological processes before the wastewater is post-aerated and discharged into Cedar Creek.