K.V. Fischer - Page 18 of 21 - adding spice to your life

Without the Trace – Minerals That Is

Without the trace — minerals that is, you cannot maintain a healthy life. Also referred to as microminerals, this area of nutrition science is growing at a rapid rate. Although the importance of iron has been known for centuries, it is only within the last 50 years that scientists recognized the significance of other trace minerals. Even though only 100 milligrams or less of each of these minerals are required daily, they are as essential as major minerals for good health. (5)

This article provides a general overview of trace minerals. Discover additional key facts and findings including rich sources of specific trace minerals in this next series of articles.

The Mystery Uncovered

trace minerals, microminerals, iron, iodide, zinc, selenium, copper, fluoride, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum, vitamin C, deficiencies — Selenium Deficiency Found in Remote Areas of China

The importance of each micromineral is like following a good mystery, and still, evidence continues to unfold.

Scientists found a rare type of heart disease in a remote area of China. This disease was linked to a deficiency in selenium.
In 1961 other research scientists linked a zinc deficiency to dwarfism, prevalent among Middle Eastern villagers.
In the latter part of the 1960’s and early 1970’s synthetic formulas for intravenous feeding omitted some trace minerals. When recipients of these intravenous feedings showed symptoms of deficiencies, it led to the identification of these trace minerals. (1) (2)

The Difficulty in Identifying Trace Minerals

minerals, supplements, lab — Mineral Supplements are Manufactured in the Lab

The difficulty lies in the ability to define precisely what our trace mineral needs are since only minuscule amounts are needed. In order to measure these minute amounts in both body tissues and food, highly complex technology is required.

Although the mystery continues to unfold, we are aware of iron, iodide, zinc, selenium, copper, fluoride, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum. In the next article, we will see how foods rich in vitamin C increases the absorption of minerals, and iron in particular, a trace mineral commonly found deficient in a large percent of the world’s population. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/99-02/pdf/nr_ch4b.pdf
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6302a3.htm
3. https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/99-02/pdf/nr_ch4a.pdf
4. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp132-c1-b.pdf
5. https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/Trace.pdf

Take Heart with Potassium

Take heart with potassium… . In order to live, you need minerals. Not just any mineral — eating dirt won’t be helpful, but everyone needs those major and trace minerals required for basic life functions. This article will take an in-depth look at the major mineral, potassium.

Heart Health: Potassium and Sodium

Potassium and sodium share many of the same life functions, namely transmission of nerve impulses and fluid balance, but in different locations. Where sodium operates outside the cell, potassium operates inside. Fluids found inside the cell (intracellular fluids) contain most of the potassium found in the body — 95%.

Your Blood Pressure: What’s Healthy – What’s Not

Additionally, where sodium intake increases blood pressure, potassium lowers blood pressure. Potassium is a critical element for cardiovascular function. (1) (2)

A person who has low blood potassium is in a life-threatening situation. Often, symptoms include:

muscle cramps,
loss of appetite,
constipation, and
confusion.

Eventually the heart will beat irregularly, thus decreasing its ability to pump blood. (1) (2)

Potassium Needs:

potassium, trace minerals, microminerals, sodium, hypertension, heart health, blood pressure, heart, intracellular fluids, processed food, unprocessed food, minerals, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk, meats, and dried beans, kidneys, minerals — Whole Grains – Mineral Rich

Adults need to consume 4700 milligrams (4.7 grams) per day in order to fulfill the Adequate Intake for potassium requirements. The food and supplement labels use the Daily Value based on 3500 milligrams. Although approximately 90% of the potassium we eat is absorbed, the average North American only consumes 2000 to 3000 milligrams of potassium per day. Most need to increase their intake. (3) (4)

Where sodium is often added to foods, potassium is not, contributing to a lower intake. Also, those with high blood pressure being treated with diuretics are at risk of depleting their body’s potassium stores. Therefore, people who take diuretics waste their body’s potassium and must carefully monitor their intake of this mineral. Foods high in potassium are healthy additions to their diets. (3) (4)

No Upper Level for potassium is set since potassium toxicity is not a risk with typical food intakes as long as the kidneys function properly. Those with unhealthy kidney function, however, are at risk for the build up of potassium in the blood. This prevents the heart from functioning and slows the heartbeat. If left untreated, it results in death. (3)

Potassium Sources:

The most healthy way to meet your potassium requirements is by increasing the consumption of foods rich in potassium. Unprocessed foods are generally rich sources of potassium, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk, meats, and dried beans. (4) (5)

What’s your favorite potassium rich food? Do you have a recipe to share?

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/salt/index.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0711_sodiumpotassiumdiet.html
3. https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dietary-reference-intakes
4. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
5. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-10/

Without Warning… Steps to Avoid High Blood Pressure

Without warning, it could all be over. The diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure is critical to prevent sudden death, cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, circulation problems in the legs, and vision problems. Better yet, take steps to avoid high blood pressure in the first place. The best preventive measures are natural and should be a way of life. The previous article identified certain lifestyles that increase the risk of high blood pressure; inactivity, obesity, and excess alcohol were a few. This article will identify the influence of certain minerals on a person’s blood pressure.

Sodium

Hypertension, Silent Killer, High Blood Pressure, Uncontrollable Risk Factors, Age, Family History, Atherosclerosis, preventable risk factors, obesity, excess weight, inactivity, alcohol, salt, natural — Sodium & Hypertension

Blood pressure is particularly sensitive to sodium, especially in certain populations that include older people who are overweight and African-Americans. In these individuals, an excessive amount of salt leads to the kidney’s retention of fluid correlating to an increase in blood volume which then causes an increase in blood pressure. Since not all people living in North America are susceptible to a higher blood pressure resulting from a person’s salt intake, it is number 4 on the list of lifestyle factors associated with hypertension. Obesity, inactivity, and alcohol abuse rate higher.

Helpful Minerals to Avoid High Blood Pressure

According to research studies, a diet that is low in salt and rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can reduce blood pressure within days of starting this kind of diet. The type of response seen is comparable to what is observed with commonly used high blood pressure medications. Further studies found a decrease in the risk of stroke among individuals who follow a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, and Vitamin C.

Generally, a low salt diet that is

rich in fat-free and low-fat dairy products,
vegetables,
fruits,
whole grains, and
some nuts

can significantly decrease the stroke and hypertension risk in countless people, especially those with high blood pressure.

The majority of the risk factors contributing to stroke and hypertension can be controlled and suitable changes to one’s lifestyle can make a significant difference in reducing a person’s risk. Experts in the field recommend that people with hypertension try to decrease blood pressure through lifestyle changes and diet before relying on blood pressure medications. Numerous studies find that consumption foods rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium as well as vitamin C combined with other lifestyle changes including moderate physical activity at regular intervals will contribute to better blood pressure control.

What’s your favorite mineral rich food?

References:

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/risk_factors.htm
(2) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/family_history.htm
(3) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/conditions.htm
(4) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/behavior.htm
(5) https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/express.pdf

Beware of Hypertension — The Silent Killer

Beware of hypertension, the silent killer. As Part 1 of the series pointed out, one in five North American adults have hypertension and this number increases in adults over the age of 65 to one out of every two. A number of factors can increase a person’s risk including family history, age, atherosclerosis, inactivity, obesity, and excessive alcohol intake. (1)

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Two uncontrollable risk factors include:

Family History
Hypertension – The Silent Killer – Uncontrollable Risk Factors: Family History, Age

A person with a family history of hypertension starts out in life with a risk factor that they cannot control. Especially significant is whether one or both parents either have or had hypertension. (2)

As a person gets older, blood pressure typically elevates. (2)

Atherosclerosis and Medication

Atherosclerosis, a condition where arterial plaque builds up, is associated

Hypertension, Silent Killer, High Blood Pressure, Uncontrollable Risk Factors, Age, Family History, Atherosclerosis, preventable risk factors — Hypertension – The Silent Killer – Atherosclerosis

with age but could be preventable. Arteries are made to be flexible, however with the build up of plaque, this capability diminishes. Rigid blood vessels maintain a higher blood pressure. Ultimately the plaque decreases the kidneys’ blood supply reducing their capability to control the body’s blood volume, and thereby its blood pressure. (5)

There are hormone-like compounds and an enzyme that the kidneys secret that are designed to sustain a blood pressure that is healthy. The anti-hypertensive medications used to reduce high blood pressure often reduces these compounds’ effect. (5)

Lifestyle Factors

Excess Weight

Generally, people who are overweight have a risk for hypertension that is six times greater than lean people. The first lifestyle factor on the list leading to hypertension is obesity.

In order to support the excess tissue in individuals who are overweight or obese, the body creates additional blood vessels. These additional blood vessels increase the work performed by the heart and also increase the blood pressure. With obesity, adipose cells become insulin-resistant causing an elevation of blood insulin levels. The increased blood insulin level causes the body to retain more sodium and accelerates atherosclerosis. Without a doubt, obesity is linked to hypertension. Losing only 10 to 15 pounds often helps treat hypertension. (4)

Inactivity
Hypertension – The Silent Killer — Exercise Makes a Difference

Number two on the list of lifestyle factors is inactivity. If a person who is obese engages in physical activity on a regular basis (a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes five days a week) and loses weight, often the blood pressure will return to a normal level. (3) (4)

Alcohol Consumption

Approximately 10% of the cases related to hypertension are caused by an excess intake of alcohol. The good news is that this is generally reversible. Hypertensive men should have no more than two drinks per day while women no more than one. (4)

As the silent killer, hypertension cannot be ignored. Many of the factors increasing a person’s risk for stroke and hypertension are controllable with certain lifestyle changes. Weight loss, increased regular physical activity, and limited alcohol intake will make a significant difference. A diet rich in certain nutrients is essential. The next article will provide you with important information concerning essential minerals required to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

References
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/risk_factors.htm
(2) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/family_history.htm
(3) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/conditions.htm
(4) https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/behavior.htm
(5) https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/express.pdf

Blood Pressure: What’s Healthy – What’s Not

This article, “Blood Pressure: What’s Healthy- What’s Not” is the first in a three part series. One out of every five adults in North America live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. After the age of 65, this number increases significantly to one out of every two adults. Since it often goes undetected, hypertension is commonly referred to as the silent killer.

Blood Pressure

Two numbers convey a person’s blood pressure:

the systolic (higher number) blood pressure and
diastolic (lower number) blood pressure.

The systolic blood pressure denote the arterial pressure as the heart muscle contracts and then pumps blood through the arteries. Optimally, it should be at 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or less. The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure within the artery when the heart is in a relaxed state. It should optimally be at or less than 80 mm Hg. The elevation in both of these numbers are strong

blood pressure, healthy heart, heart disease, heart beat, pulse, systolic, diastolic — Blood Pressure Systolic/Diastolic

indicators of disease. (1) (2)

Hypertension

By definition, hypertension is when the systolic blood pressure exceeds 139 mm Hg or the diastolic blood pressure exceeds 89 mm Hg for extended periods.

Primary or essential hypertension has no clearly defined cause and occurs in 95% of the cases. Secondary hypertension occurs in the remaining 5% of the cases and

blood pressure, healthy heart, heart disease, heart beat, pulse, systolic, diastolic, high blood pressure, silent killer, hypertension — Blood Pressure: What’s Healthy – What’s Not Hypertension: The Silent Killer

is often caused by sleep apnea (sleep-disordered breathing) and kidney disease. (1) (2)
Typically there are no symptoms of hypertension. To assure it does not go undetected, it is important to check it on a regular basis.

Importance of Controlling Blood Pressure

It is essential to control blood pressure to primarily prevent strokes and related diminished brain function, cardiovascular disease, poor circulation of blood in the legs, vision problems, and sudden death. People with hypertension are much more likely to suffer from these disorders than those with normal blood pressure levels. Additionally, smoking and elevated lipoproteins also significantly increases the risk for these diseases. Early diagnosis of hypertension is important. If the condition continues unchecked over a long period of time, typically it resists therapy and with time will advance to a more serious stage. (4)

Hypertension is a disorder that cannot be overlooked. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and decrease your risk of these life-threatening diseases, there are a number of preventive measures that can be taken. As the next two articles in the series will show, lifestyle changes and critical minerals are important to the function and maintenance of the heart and circulatory system.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandSymptomsRisks/Why-High-Blood-Pressure-is-a-Silent-Killer_UCM_002053_Article.jsp
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/atrisk

Gluten Free – Turkey & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

dining, Highlands, North Carolina, Recipe — Dining Delight

Whether you have a gluten sensitivity or not, this recipe is a gluten free keeper — Turkey and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash. A good friend of mine shared this tasty, low fat, nutrient rich meal that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

acorn squash, recipe, gluten free, Turkey & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash — Acorn Squash – Delicious Stuffed

This recipe serves 8 so feel free to double it or cut it in half.

Ingredients:

4 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
8 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher or fine sea salt, to taste (I typically cook without the added salt)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound ground turkey
2 medium sweet apples, such as Pink Lady or Gala, peeled, cored, and
Apples for Your Gluten Free Recipe – Turkey & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium celery stalks, diced
1/2 pound mushrooms, chopped
4 medium garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
3/4 cup blanched almond flour
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the squash halves cut sides up on the baking sheets. Brush with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 45-55 minutes, until tender when pierced with fork (and when top edges are nicely browned).

mushrooms, recipe, Turkey & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash — Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey. Cook, breaking up with wooden utensil, until cooked through and no longer pink. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Add apples, onion, celery, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and poultry seasoning and stir 1-2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with turkey. Stir to combine, then taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir in almond flour and egg whites.

When squash halves finish roasting, pile stuffing evenly into the halves. Return to the oven for 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Squash is a nutrient rich food we should all indulge in when we can. Do you have a good squash recipe to share? How about a gluten free one? Check out my Sweet & Sour Chicken — another gluten free keeper.

Dark Chocolate & Love’s Heart Healthy Month

The month of February is not only the month for love, but it’s American Heart Month. With Valentine’s Day smack in the middle and thoughts of cards, flowers, and chocolate, it’s also a time to focus on steps we can take to ensure a healthy heart… and mind. Exercise, food choices, and modifying unhealthy habits are among the areas of our lives where we need to concentrate. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, this article will address a particular food at the forefront of this day for sweethearts — dark chocolate.

Valentine’s Day, American Heart Month, Heart Health, Dark Chocolate, healthy lifestyle, February, love, candy, flowers, cards — February – The Month for Love

Food of the Gods

The botanical name for chocolate is Theobroma cacao, which means “food of the gods.” Not only is it delicious, but dark chocolate is good for your heart and mind when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Notice, it’s the dark chocolate not the milk chocolate that may benefit you. Let’s check out why… .

What Makes Dark Chocolate Special?

Valentine's Day, American Heart Month, Dark Chocolate, healthy lifestyle, phytochemicals, flavonoidsFebruary, love, candy, flowers, cards — Cocoa Beans – Rich in Phytochemicals

Dark chocolate comes from the cacao bean which is rich in a type of phytochemical called flavonoids. Although milk chocolate contains some, it does not contain enough to make a difference — the darker the better.

Potential Health Benefits

According to current research, when dark chocolate is incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, it

can enhance heart health,
improve blood pressure,
decrease the “bad” LDL cholesterol, and
cause an increase in blood flow to the brain.

There are also studies that point to another benefit — it may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels thereby reducing the risk of an ever growing problem — diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease with the risk even higher for women.

A NOTE OF CAUTION…

In order to enjoy the health benefits of dark chocolate, a healthy lifestyle is important. Here are few tips to keep in mind:

Balance your calorie consumption — according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 100-gram serving of Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 531 calories whereas that much raw apple contains only 52 calories.
Avoid the dark chocolate that is higher in sugar and fat — in other words, avoid the chocolate coated bonbons that contain all the cream, marshmallow, and other unhealthy centers.
When you enjoy a little dark chocolate, eliminate another sweet from your diet, not another nutrient rich food.
If you have a choice between U.S. made dark chocolate or European, choose the European — they tend to be richer in the cocoa flavanols.

REMEMBER THE DARKER THE CHOCOLATE THE BETTER

What’s your favorite Valentine treat?

Loveland Remailing Program – Miss Loveland Valentine

Sources:

The Journal of the American Medical Association, July 6, 2005; vol 294: pp 97-104.

American Heart Association: “High Blood Pressure.”

American Heart Association: What’s So Super About Superfoods? http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Whats-so-super-about-superfoods_UCM_457937_Article.jsp#.WJN4tRCcHq0
Updated:Dec 12,2016

News release, American Heart Association. http://newsroom.heart.org/news/consuming-flavanol-rich-cocoa-237327 Consuming flavanol-rich cocoa may enhance brain function
August 13, 2012 Categories: Heart News

American Society of Hypertension Nineteenth Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition, New York, May 18-22, 2004.

Taubert, D. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Aug. 27, 2003; vol 290: pp 1029-1030.

Grassi, D. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2005; vol 81: pp 611-614.

Taubert, D. The Journal of the American Medical Association, July 4, 2007; vol 298: pp 49-60.

Military Service Dogs: Silent Heroes

Military service dogs provide an important contribution to our armed forces and the protection of our country. They are our silent heroes. In my earlier article, As Veteran’s Day Approaches – A Look at Military Service Dogs, we reviewed their service historically and touched on one of their modern day duties – sentry. This article further explores the invaluable contributions of our military service dogs.

Messenger

Messenger dogs must travel in silence and use the terrain’s natural cover to go from one handler to another. Although loyalty is an important quality in all military working dogs, messenger dogs require more. When a dog works with two handlers, loyalty becomes an even more important quality.

Patrol/Scout

Dogs with patrol/scout duty must not only have the skills required for sentry dogs (warn, work in the dark, accompany a guard, and guarding), but in order to detect ambushes, snipers, and enemies within the area, they must work in silence. Only the brightest with a quiet demeanor can handle this duty.

Patrol/scout dogs can detect enemy presence long before humans become aware of them – up to 1,000 yards. This dog alerts to the enemy in the following ways:

It stiffens its body,
pricks its hears,
raises its hackles, and
holds its tail rigid.

The presence of these service dogs not only boosts morale, but significantly decreases the risks associated with ambush.

Mine

Mine detection dogs also referred to as the “M-Dog” locate booby traps, trip wires, nonmetallic and metallic mines.

Tunnel

This duty was a specialty required in Vietnam. The Vietnam Cong tunnel dwellers caused the death of many of our military. They were difficult to locate until tunnel dogs were trained to find and explore these tunnels.

Casualty

Just as search and rescue dogs are trained, so are casualty dogs to search for casualties and report those in obscure places. Time is of the essence in cases of hemorrhage or severe shock and every minute counts in a life or death situation.

Explosives Detection

Explosives detection dogs detect and alert to the chemical scent used in explosives. Their highly acute sense of smell makes them ideal for locating explosives regardless of how they are packaged. In our fight against the War on Terrorism, it is critical to locate explosives hidden in a vehicle, on an individual, or on the roadside and there is no other member more qualified to assist than this service dog.

Military service dogs serve our military, our veterans, and our country well. While these first two articles explore the duties they provide, the next will look at the preferred breeds for these duties. If you have had first hand experience with one of these amazing dogs, please share… .

Military Service Dog, Messenger, Sentry, Scout, Patrol, Explosive Detection, Casualty, Military Working Dogs — Military Service Dogs: Silent Heroes

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

References:
Newton, Tom. “K-9 History: The Dogs of War!” Hahn’s 50th AP K-9.
http://www.uswardogs.org/war-dog-history/types-war-dogs/, US War Dog Association | National Headquarters, Types of War Dogs

Thanksgiving — Turkey Dressing Through the Generations

Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s time for a very special side dish — my mother’s turkey dressing! I only treat myself to this guilty pleasure at Thanksgiving (and of course for leftovers) for very obvious reasons. However, among the many blessings I have to be thankful for, this is one I’d like to share for all to enjoy.

Recipe

Modifications to the original recipe were made to reduce the saturated fat and salt content while retaining its delicious flavor. This has always been my favorite…

Ingredients:

1 package cubed seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 loaf bread (whole wheat or bran bread – “stale”).
Thanksgiving Basket
1 container of chicken livers
1 cooked turkey liver
Broth (boil the neck to make fresh broth, or use already prepared broth)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning.
4 cups chopped celery
4 cups chopped onion
6 large eggs (beaten slightly).
pepper
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

Sautee onions and celery in olive oil, cook until soft then set aside.
Sautee chicken livers and turkey liver, cook until soft then set aside.

Advance timeline:

3 days before — onion and celery
2 days before — cook liver, neck, innards in chicken broth, low salt.
Dice the liver and add to the onion mixture in refrigerator. Save flavored broth for stuffing.

recipe, turkey, dressing, Thanksgiving — Thanksgiving Turkey — Dressing Through the Generations

Day of Meal:

Place bread in a large pan (Take 1/2 loaf of bread out a couple of days before and dry out.)
Wet bread with broth, add beaten eggs, butter/oil, liver, onions & celery. If done in advance, you will need to lightly heat mixture before adding to bread mixture (not too hot though or the eggs will cook).
If you stuff your turkey, do it just before baking and place it in a mesh stuffing bag. Bake according to the directions. Please note, it is critical to maintain proper internal safe cooking temperatures.

Certain foods or particular meals bring us “home” in tradition. This is one of mine… . What family recipe is one of yours that you would like to share?

Thanksgiving, recipe, turkey, dressing — Thanksgiving Day
Thankful for Every Blessing

As Veteran’s Day Approaches – A Look at Military Service Dogs

Veteran's Day, Military Service Dogs, Soldier — As Veteran’s Day Approaches — A Look at Military Service Dogs

As Veteran’s Day approaches, this article will give an overview of the important contributions made by military service dogs. Their keen sense of smell, hearing, and eyesight have made them particularly useful, not to mention their devotion and innate ability to be a team member and take commands.

Historically

Military Service Dogs, ancients, World War II, WWII, Belgian-Malinois — Military Service Dogs through the Centuries
Belgian-Malinois

Used by the ancients in warfare, dogs have served various purposes that have progressively changed throughout history. In the United States, they were first used during the Seminole Wars. Over the centuries, military service dogs took on various roles and duties. Although used in the past for a myriad of dangerous activities, such as drawing enemy fire or catching rats, modern day service dogs take on humane tasks that allows them to put their unique skills to their ultimate use.

Military Working Dogs

The Quartermaster Corps started to train dogs for the Army’s K-9 Corps in the early part of World War II. After accepting more than thirty breeds, they narrowed their list to the five most effective for

Veteran's Day, Military Service Dogs, German Shepherd — Military Service Dogs
German Shepherd

their purposes. These breeds include the Giant Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Belgian Sheep dogs, and Farm Collies (short coat). Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are still trained as sled dogs for Arctic duty.

Modern Day Duties

Modern day military dogs are used in quite a few roles, including patrol or scout, sentry, mine, messenger, tunnel, explosives detection, and casualty.

Sentry Duty

Ten thousand, four hundred and twenty-five dogs were trained in WWII. Approximately 9,300 of these dogs were placed on sentry duty. Hundreds of military organizations including harbor defenses, coastal fortifications, ammunition dumps, arsenals, depots, industrial plants, and depots benefited from sentry dogs.
Sentry dogs work on a short leash and are taught to provide warnings
Soldier and Military Service Dog

through alerting, growling, or barking. They are particularly useful for dark conditions when an attack from the rear or from cover is likely. These dogs are trained to warn their handlers of the presence or approach of strange individuals. They are also used to guard airports, war plants, supply dumps, and other vital military installations. These dogs are incredibly valuable in any location where security must be maintained against intruders.

Military service dogs provide an amazing and necessary service to our country and those who have served our country — our veterans. The next article will focus on other duties military service dogs provide — patrol or scout, mine, messenger, casualty, tunnel, and explosives detection. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

References:
Newton, Tom. “K-9 History: The Dogs of War!”. Hahn’s 50th AP K-9.
“Dogs of War in European Conflict; Egyptians and Romans Employed Them in Early Warfare — Battle Dogs in 4000 B.C”. New York Times. February 21, 1915. p. S3.
http://www.uswardogs.org/war-dog-history/types-war-dogs/, US War Dog Association | National Headquarters, Types of War Dogs

The Mystery Uncovered

The Difficulty in Identifying Trace Minerals

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Heart Health: Potassium and Sodium

Potassium Needs:

Potassium Sources:

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Sodium

Helpful Minerals to Avoid High Blood Pressure

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Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Atherosclerosis and Medication

Lifestyle Factors

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Blood Pressure

Hypertension

Importance of Controlling Blood Pressure

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Ingredients:

Directions:

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Food of the Gods

What Makes Dark Chocolate Special?

Potential Health Benefits

A NOTE OF CAUTION…

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Messenger

Patrol/Scout

Mine

Tunnel

Casualty

Explosives Detection

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

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Recipe

Ingredients:

Directions:

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Historically

Military Working Dogs

Modern Day Duties

Sentry Duty

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