5 common heart health myths debunked

FEBRUARY 2016A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

The benefits of statins to lower cholesterol

FEBRUARY 15, 20162

Fascinating facts about the human cardiovascular system

5 common heart health myths debunked

Staying fi t while staying warm

The benefi ts of statins to lower cholesterol

Health workers chime in on avoiding winter illnesses

The best (and worst) foods for heart health

Common causes of poor vision

SPCA: Protect pets in winter’s cold

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The human heart and the miles of blood vessels that snake through the body are a wonder to behold. Made up of three independent components, the cardiovascular system functions best when these three components, which include the heart, lungs and portal vessels, work cohesively.

Each day 2,000 gallons of blood travel through the blood vessels to provide oxygenated blood to the body and remove waste materials, including carbon dioxide. That’s a lot of traveling. In fact, according to LiveScience, if you were to lay out all of the arteries, capillaries and veins in one adult from end-to-end, they would stretch roughly 60,000 miles, which means that our blood vessels could wrap around the Earth 2.5 times.

The human cardiovascular system is nothing short of fascinating, and the following are some even more remarkable facts about this wonder of nature, courtesy of Mercola, PBS, CPR Certifi ed medical training group, and LiveScience.

• The heart beats around 2.5 billion times in the average person’s lifetime.

• Red blood cells have to move in a single-fi le line to fi t through the miniscule capillaries in the body.

• When the body is at rest, it takes about six seconds for the blood to go from the heart to the lungs and back.

• A woman’s heart typically beats faster than a man’s heart, at a rate of 78 times per minute (mens’ hearts beat 70 times per minute).

• The corneas in a person’s eyes are the only bodily cells that do not receive a blood supply.

• The thumping sound of the heart is made by the four valves of the heart closing.

• If a heart has an adequate supply of oxygen, it can beat even when separated from the body, thanks to its own electrical impulse.

• Ancient Egyptians believed the heart, rather than the brain, was the source of emotion,

wisdom and memory.

• Unlike other cells, red blood cells do not contain nuclei so they have room to carry oxygen. However, this absence is why they cannot divide or synthesize new cell components.

• Healthy bone marrow will constantly manufacture new red blood cells.

• Within a tiny droplet of blood, there are about 5 million red blood cells.

• The right ventricle is responsible for moving blood to the lungs, where it will receive fresh oxygen and nutrients. The left atrium and left ventricle receive this oxygenated blood back from the lungs.

• The heart begins beating four weeks after conception.

The cardiovascular system is an amazing component of the human body.

Fascinating facts about the human cardiovascular system

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(BPT) - As the number one cause of death in both men and women, knowledge is power when it comes to preventing heart conditions. Whether it runs in your family or not, this is one health issue you shouldn’t ignore.

“Unfortunately, everyone has an old wives’ tale associated with heart disease and cardiovascular health, says Dr. Andy Manganaro, chief medical offi cer at Life Line Screening. “For example, many women don’t know they are more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer.”

Dr. Manganaro helps separate some myths from reality to keep you in the know:

1. Heart disease is the same in men and women.

Although men and women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, there are differences in the way the disease treats each gender’s body, according to Harvard Health Publications. Women tend to develop heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, and have a greater chance of dying from the disease. Women have smaller hearts and coronary vessels, which often makes heart surgery diffi cult. In fact, heart

disease is the number one killer of women, so women especially should talk with their doctors about developing a heart health plan.

2. If it runs in your family, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Even if heart conditions run in your family, these diseases are still 80 percent preventable. Healthy behavior changes like losing weight, increasing exercise, eating a healthier diet and keeping

your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health. The power of prevention is undeniable, especially with preventative screenings that identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke early on. Life Line Screening offers affordable, preventative cardiovascular screenings conveniently in your community.

3. Heart disease doesn’t affect fi t and active people.

No matter how many marathons you run or yoga classes you take, you may still be at risk for a heart condition. There are plenty of other factors that can put you at risk, like high cholesterol, poor eating habits, elevated blood pressure, and smoking.

4. Heart disease always exhibits the same symptoms.

While you might be under the impression that a heart attack

always involves extreme chest pain, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, according to the American Heart Association (AMA). Women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain, dizziness and lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting.

5. Once you have heart disease, it’s too late.

It’s never too late to treat or prevent heart disease. Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in both controlling risk factors and caring for heart disease. Simple behavior changes like those mentioned above plus consultation with you doctor can help keep your heart, and entire circulatory system, humming along.

Don’t let these common myths cost you your life. Manage your heart health and learn how to take preventative measures at lifelinescreening.com.

5 common heart health myths debunked

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When it’s below 32 degrees outside, a common occurrence in the region, many tend to stay indoors and indulge on whatever’s around.

However, most do not know how detrimental this can be to one’s health.

As a result, local health and wellness staff and students have weighed in on their concerns and suggested other activities to counter “the winter blues” that many fi nd themselves in from time to time during the colder months.

“Traditionally, wintertime is where people come down with cases of lethargy and indulge in unhealthy behaviors,” according to Jason Honeck, professor and program director of athletic training at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Pa. “The days are shorter, good eating habits tend to come unhinged and motivation levels are low. However, the importance of the season is acknowledging that this is the time to make individual and personal gains, and to keep in mind the progress that can be lost.”

In the summer, Honeck continued, there’s a wealth of time and energy and outdoor activities that keep people busy and moving. Exercise is gained from being outdoors often. In the winter, that isn’t as easy as weather turns harsh, for many don’t enjoy cold temperatures that are abundant in the region.

“People should take advantage of what they can do inside,” Honeck explained. “Now is the time to take an overall look into your physical wellness and status. February and March are good times to go and get a physical examination. Winter allows us the opportunity to take advantage

of refl ecting on our images, our bodies and our overall personal health so that we can focus on those areas that either need work or consistent maintenance to provide health and wellness throughout the remainder of the year.”

It’s important to utilize weight rooms in the winter while it’s cold, Honeck added, because most don’t want to be in the weight room in June or July when the temperature is at its peak.

“As an athletic trainer, I will believe that people know their bodies the most,” he stated. “You know what level of fi tness you want to be at, know what your comfort zone extends to and how well you’re doing.

“Winter can be a period of depression for athletes or even non-athletes who are dissatisfi ed with the fact that they are eating more, can’t go outside and are falling out of shape. And, if you’re not part of a sports team, it’s tough

to step foot into buildings like the Sport and Fitness Center here at Pitt-Bradford and try and be active. Taking that fi rst step is the hardest, most important part of the process.”

Honeck noted that, to maintain his fi tness in cold weather, he coaches indoor soccer and plays pickup basketball games with other faculty, staff and students throughout the week. He also enjoys outdoor activities on the weekends, like sledding with his children, cutting fi rewood, cross-country skiing and ice fi shing.

“Being outside increases your metabolism due to the fact that your body has to heat itself, so even little things like taking a walk or going ice fi shing can have a positive impact on the body,” Honeck explained. “You just have to go out and fi nd things here and there, try something new.

“Last weekend I participated in a curling tournament. Now is the time to do random activities that

you wouldn’t normally do, and that can really open a person up to new opportunities.”

Honeck stressed that maintaining a healthy diet is equally as important.

“I always try to notice something I can cut out of my diet, or eat less of,” Honeck said. “Weaknesses of nutritional health in the wintertime is that fresh fruits and vegetables are hard to fi nd in this region, so you just have to do the best that you can.

“But the strengths of the area really are all of the possibilities for movement and activity. The local YMCA in Bradford is great, and the Fitness Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford also has a health and wellness program. Basically any local town will have some sort of sponsored athletic program — open gym night, a mall walk and recreational activities outdoors, among others.”

Student-athlete and Bradford resident Jeffery Cattoni said he stays healthy in cold-weather months by participating in an athletic endeavor he loves — swimming — and sticking to a balanced diet year-round.

“The way you feel mentally and physically is important,” Cattoni said. “Sitting around doing nothing is a slippery slope to laziness, and exercise can be used as a stress reliever so that you’re not cooped up indoors and frustrated, or eating a lot of unhealthy food. Don’t be afraid to do workouts at home too, even if it’s just popping in a DVD or an online workout you can look up and do quickly. It takes little time and can fi t in between schedules and is especially good for in the wintertime, when outdoor exercise opportunities are minimal.”

Many fi nd that it’s easy to crave food that is cheap and easy,

By Amber TurbaSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

Staying fi t while staying warm

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How to beat the winter blues without beating your body

FEBRUARY 15, 2016 9 FEBRUARY 15, 2016

Cattoni added, but it’s important to go out of one’s way to fi nd the healthier option in fueling one’s body — every time.

“Have a mind that you can eat right in the winter, too, and not give into those unhealthy cravings,” Cattoni said. “Go to the YMCA, and while you’re out, go to a grocery store and try to fi nd the types of fruits and vegetables that you normally get from a local farmers’ market in the summer season.”

And, according to athletic training student Cody Ripa, the most important aspect of wintertime health and wellness is watching what, and how much, you eat.

“You can work out and run as much as you want, but if you’re still eating an excessive amount of unhealthy food, you’re undoing all of the work you’ve done,” Ripa said. “For most people, it comes down to weight gain, and when you start to have an unhealthy diet,

your body starts to get unhealthy and it increases your chances of getting sick, your mental and physical drive is decreased and you’re more tired — something that already occurs naturally in the wintertime.

“It’s easy to go overboard in the winter on eating, especially during holidays. The biggest thing is acknowledging that you’re doing it, recognizing the negative impact it’s having on your body and making small changes that have a large effect in the long run.”

The risks of an unhealthy diet are many, including increased blood sugar levels; weight gain; increased blood pressure as a result of a neglect for cardiovascular health, called “the silent killer” due to the fact that it often goes unnoticed; and lower metabolism.

A balanced diet involves maintaining a healthy variety and limiting portion sizes.

“What you do now can impact

you months from now,” Ripa added. “You only have one heart, one body, and you have to take care of them both. The fi rst step is small changes. Switch from drinking sugary drinks every day to drinking water; limit yourself to one plate; include food from every tier on the food pyramid, rather than just one.”

The most important thing to consider in the wintertime is self-refl ection, according to Honeck, who’s been involved in health and wellness for years even before becoming a professor at the university, insisting that healthy behaviors are more than a habit — they are a lifestyle.

“Being in the Northeast where we are, as seasons change, our physical activity needs to change with it,” he said. “It has to be refl ective of the season we’re in, but also of ourselves and what works best for us. Ask yourself daily: What physical activity did I do today? What have I done to

increase my heart rate? Maintain an elevated heart rate at least 20 minutes per day, fi ve days a week, and see what kind of a difference that can make — for anybody.”

And no matter what, Honeck added, don’t quit.

“Look in the mirror and ask yourself: do I feel good about what I see, how I feel?” he concluded. “And if the answer is anything less than a resolute ‘Yes,’ make the decision to change that.

“Take a needs assessment of your body and your health and make small, attainable goals. Whether it is exercising more or differently, eating healthier or cutting out certain foods, incremental changes are the best way to go, and even the slightest change will make a recognizable difference. It’s also important to remember not to supplement a bad habit with another bad habit. See a professional, refl ect on yourself and make the right choices consistently.”

FEBRUARY 15, 201610

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, killing more than 600,000 people each year.

Coronary heart disease accounts for more than half of those deaths due to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and prevents the blood fl ow, due to elevated levels of cholesterol.

Medications called statins have been developed to greatly reduce blood cholesterol levels, which signifi cantly lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. Their effectiveness in most patients is dramatic: In the majority of users, they are able to successfully block the action of a chemical in the liver that is necessary for making cholesterol.

While cholesterol is essential for cell structure and normal body function, we know that high levels of it can lead to atherosclerosis. Think of it as older plumbing in your house: Over time, residue builds up in the pipes and the fl ow of water is blocked, causing all kinds of problems. In most cases, you need to call a plumber to unclog the pipes. In simpler terms, statins can prevent the arteries from clogging, which reduces the pressure on the heart to pump harder to increase blood fl ow.

Tobacco use, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to coronary artery disease but heredity can trump even a good diet and exercise.

Statins are invaluable in this case. They have been proven to reduce blood cholesterol levels time after time, even in the most diffi cult cases.

Cholesterol can be complicated. It is categorized as HDL (good) and LDL (bad). Ideally, the level of bad (LDL) cholesterol should be below 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). It is considered high at 160 mg/dL. For someone taking a statin, the risk for a heart attack or stroke drops by about 20 percent for each 39 mg/dL reduction in bad (LDL) cholesterol, according to the guideline. Bad cholesterol is considered high at 160 mg/dL and this is the one that we target with statins.

The most current heart disease and stroke prevention guidelines for doctors, released in November 2013 by the American Heart

Association and American College of Cardiology, urge us to help our patients avoid heart disease and stroke by prescribing statins for some, treating obesity as a disease and giving patients other resources to stay healthy.

These recommendations are designed for people who need to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Many Americans fi t that category: About one-third of U.S. adults have elevated levels of bad cholesterol, and nearly two-thirds have high blood pressure or prehypertension.

Recommended are dietary patterns that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fi sh and nuts. Red meat and sugary foods and beverages should be limited. The overall dietary pattern should include less sodium, no more

than 2,400 milligrams of sodium a day. One can lower blood pressure even further by getting sodium down to 1,500 mg a day. Cutting out processed foods high in sodium may be necessary to stay below that threshold. Many diets would work, including the D.A.S.H. eating plan and plans suggested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Heart Association.

Lowering blood pressure and reducing high cholesterol are physicians’ goals in the fi ght against heart disease. Statins have been proven to be an essential tool in our medical armament, especially for the patients who have not been successful in reducing either on their own.

The use of statins, as good as they are, are not without some debate. There are researchers who feel that there are too many inconsistencies in treating cholesterol, while others feel that the Mediterranean diet is more successful in providing a healthier lifestyle. This is an oversimplifi cation of the discussion, but it is true that some people experience side effects of the drug, such as muscle pain and infl ammation. However, it has been found that the benefi ts of the drug far outweigh the side effects, and at this point in time the medical community is focused on reducing deaths due to heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.

(Drs. Jin Hwa Song and Matthew Cox are cardiologists with Olean Medical Group.)

By Jin Hwa Song And Matthew CoxSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

The benefi ts of statins to lower cholesterol

FEBRUARY 15, 2016 11

There are a variety of reasons why illnesses and injuries spike during the winter season, from indoor living and working in close quarters to outdoor exposure to blowing snow, sleet and rain.

Common illnesses that spread from person to person include seasonal fl u, the common cold, stomach fl u and bronchitis. Dislocated shoulders, sprains and broken bones can also occur from outdoor activities such as slipping on snow-covered surfaces and shoveling snow.

Several medical professionals from Upper Allegheny Health System passed along a few suggestions on how to maintain good physical health during the winter months — as well as throughout the year. Here are their thoughts and advice:

• Dr. Judit Gellen, oncology and hematology, Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center: “Regardless of the season, the single most important health prevention is to stop smoking,” Gellen said. “Out of all the cancer deaths, one-third is related to smoking. We have tools to help patients with the cessation of smoking, (such as) medications and counseling.” In addition,

Gellen said, support groups can be started for patients. “We have strong evidence that patients who have cancer respond to treatment and live longer if they stop smoking,” Gellen added.

• Dr. Jason Kinkartz, orthopedics, Bradford Regional: “Ensure that stairs and walkways are cleared of snow and treated with salt, calcium chloride or other deicing agents to prevent falls and injuries,” Kinkartz advised. “Modify any ambulatory assistive devices, such as canes, with non-skid or spiked tips to prevent falls if you will be using these in the winter.”

• Tonya Aversa, certifi ed registered nurse practitioner, Mount Jewett Health Center: “Wash, wash, wash, and then wash your hands some more,” Aversa said on preventative measures to avoid contracting illnesses at work, school, home and public venues.

• Nicole Zewe, certifi ed registered nurse practitioner for family medicine and pediatrics, Bradford Regional: “Wash your hands, get adequate rest, exercise daily and eat well,” Zewe said.

Health workers chime in on avoiding winter illnessesBy Kate Day SagerSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

FEBRUARY 15, 201612

No one wants to hear from their doctors that they have joined the millions of people across the globe to be diagnosed with heart disease. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease, which includes diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women and most racial/ethnic groups. Heart disease also is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,000 lives per year.

Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Diet and whether a person is overweight or obese also can have a direct link to heart health. Diet, particularly for those with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, is a major concern.

A variety of foods are considered helpful for maintaining a strong and healthy heart and cardiovascular system, while others can contribute to

conditions that may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. Moderation enables a person to sample a little of everything, but not to make any one food a habit. The following are some foods to promote heart health and some foods you might want to avoid.

Good• Tree nuts: Tree nuts contain

unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and improve HDL (the good stuff). Nuts also are a fi lling source of protein and other healthy nutrients.

• Whole grains: Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as protein and fi ber. Fiber can help scrub cholesterol from the blood, lowering bad cholesterol levels.

• Fatty fi sh: Many cold-water, fatty fi sh, such as halibut, herring and salmon, contain

omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. Omega-3s also can be found in walnuts, fl axseed and some soy products.

• Beans: Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of protein and can be a stand-in for meats that are high in saturated fat. Beans also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fi ber and folate, which can reduce blood homocystein levels. The Bean Institute reports that consuming beans may reduce cholesterol levels by roughly six to 10 percent.

• Yogurt: Researchers in Japan found yogurt may protect against gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may elevate a person’s risk for

heart disease. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can counteract bad bacteria and boost immunity.

• Raisins: Raisins contain antioxidants that may help reduce infl ammation. Infl ammation is often linked to heart disease and other debilitating conditions. Fresh produce also is a good source of antioxidants.

Poor• Fried foods: Many fried foods

have little nutritional value, as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats. French fries are particularly bad because they are carbohydrates fried and then doused in salt.

The best (and worst) foods for heart health

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FEBRUARY 15, 2016 13

• Sausage: Processed meats have frequently earned a bad reputation among cardiologists, but sausage can be a big offender, due in large part to its high saturated fat content.

• Red meats: Enjoying a steak is probably not as bad as eating a deep-fried brownie, but it’s best to limit red meat consumption to about 10 percent or less of your diet. Red meats can have a considerable amount of cholesterol, saturated fat and calories.

• Added sugars: Sugar can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Sugar often hides out in foods that you

would not associate with the sweetener. Plus, many people unwittingly consume too much sugar simply through sugar-sweetened beverages and ready-to-eat cereals.

• Salty foods: Leave the salt shaker in the spice cabinet and opt for herbs for fl avoring,

advises the American Heart Association.

High-sodium diets often are to blame for

hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.

• Dairy: Artery-clogging saturated fat also can be found in dairy products, particularly the full-fat versions. Butter, sour cream and milk can be problematic when people overindulge. Opt for low-fat dairy when possible.

FEBRUARY 15, 201614

Vision loss is a common condition, as the World Health Organization notes that more than 285 million people across the globe suffer some type of visual impairment. Many people can effectively counter their vision problems with prescription lenses, but others may have a more signifi cant issue, such as low vision.

The Kellogg Eye Center defi nes low vision as a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. Those with low vision have some useful sight and are not considered completely blind. However, low vision can interfere with performance of daily activities, and some people with this condition are classifi ed as “legally blind.”

Symptoms of low vision include diffi culty recognizing objects at a distance or problems with differentiating colors. Yet, not everyone dealing with these symptoms has low vision. Specialized testing can determine if a person has low vision or another condition.

Many conditions can impact sight and contribute to vision loss. Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

• Glaucoma: A person with glaucoma may gradually lose peripheral vision. Early symptoms, such as

a subtle loss of contrast, may be unnoticeable. Eventually, glaucoma may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a person can only see through a small window.

• Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States alone, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF offers that macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it contributes to one’s ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors and see objects in fi ne detail.

• Retinal detachment: An increase of fl oaters or sudden fl ashes of light in vision may be indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in the retina. When caught promptly, a detached retina may be repaired. However, if left untreated and the detachment reaches the macula in the center of the retina, vision loss

may be irreparable. The National Eye Institute says those with extreme nearsightedness, those who have had cataract surgery or those with a family history of retinal detachment are at a high risk.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Blurring or patchy vision loss can be a side effect of high blood glucose levels. Not all people with diabetes will develop vision problems, but it is common enough to warrant attention.

• Cataracts: According to The Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lenses. Clouded vision can make it more diffi cult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts may obscure vision so much that they require surgical repair.

Routine eye examinations can bring potential vision disturbances to light and facilitate faster treatment. Eye doctors also can make suggestions about lifestyle changes, including the use optical devices to improve sight.

Common causes of poor vision

FEBRUARY 15, 2016 15

BRADFORD, Pa. — In many areas, but especially in Bradford, winter weather brings with it a season of bitterly cold days and nights that affect everyone — even, and sometimes especially, pets who rely on their owners for care.

As a result, the National Humane Society and local Bradford SPCA Executive Director Chris Taylor offer tips to keep all members of the family safe and warm this season.

According to the National Humane Society, the best prescription for winter weather is keeping pets like dogs and cats indoors as much as possible.

“If you’re going to take your dog outside, don’t make it for an extended period of time,” Taylor said. “Keep the bathroom breaks short. The longer they’re out, the more they run the risk of frozen paws, frostbite or worse.”

Don’t leave pets outdoors indefi nitely when the temperature drops, experts say.

“If it’s near or below 32 degrees, bring pets in, even if they are typically outdoor animals,” Taylor continued. “It still gets bitter cold at that temperature. And if it’s below zero degrees out, defi nitely bring them in.”

And no matter what the temperature is, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage, experts say.

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors, according to experts. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much

of the day, it must be protected by a dry, draft- free shelter large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in body heat.

“A dog house should only be twice the size of the dog, no bigger, or else it won’t keep them warm,” Taylor explained. “The shelter can’t be much larger than the animal for it to keep their body heat condensed and contained within.”

Additionally, the dog house fl oor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw, experts say. The door should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

“Use plenty of straw in the dog house, it’s good for absorbing and maintaining the heat, and it has to be at least a bale to provide enough insulation to make a difference,” said Taylor.

Cats should always be kept indoors, according to experts. If there are outdoor cats in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water that they may not be getting.

“Cats are even more susceptible to the danger of cold weather, and they are at a high risk of freezing to death,” Taylor continued. “If you see a cat outside, unattended, please fi nd its owner, give it shelter or bring it to the local SPCA. You just might be saving a little pet’s life.”

Experts urge owners to keep in mind that pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes the body’s energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, pets’ tongues can stick and freeze to the metal,

causing serious skin injuries that may go unnoticed.

Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of pets’ feet. Owners should try to wipe all paws with a damp towel before pets lick them; otherwise, the chemicals may irritate their mouths also.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Therefore, pet owners and residents in general should take care to wipe up spills and keep antifreeze — and all household chemicals — out of reach, experts say.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and other small

animals who may crawl up under the hood for temporary shelter. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, knock on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine and moving the vehicle.

As a rule of thumb, if the weather outside is too cold for you, it is most likely too cold for your pets.

“No animal should be kept outside in bitter-cold weather,” Taylor emphasized. “Especially if a dog is chained up and has no way to run and produce heat. Even the cats, pet or not, need to be brought in where it’s warm. Animals who are members of the family should remain so in every season, whether the family is ready or not.”

By Amber TurbaSpecial to Twin Tiers Health

SPCA: Protect pets in winter’s cold

Francie Long/The Bradford EraHoss, a 2-year-old neutered male mastiff, models a winter coat at the McKean County SPCA, where he is a resident. With winter in full swing, local residents should be mindful of the safety of pets in the bitter outdoor temperatures, the SPCA says.

FEBRUARY 15, 201616