Looking for something really interesting to read during coffee or mental health breaks?
The NY Times devoted half of May 21st’s NY Times Magazine to come to a conclusion that’s a given among those of us in the animal health world – there’s a lot to learn and leverage from animals for the benefit of homo sapiens.
These links will take you to the individual articles.1
Obesity Risk Factors – Dogs
“A mutation in some obesity-prone dog breeds might reveal new risk factors for obesity in humans – and perhaps give rise to new drugs.”
Mental Health – Children and Horses
“Compton Jr. Posse in Los Angeles, which brings inner-city children and horses together, reveals the therapeutic power of communing with fellow sentient beings.”
Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Gastric Bypass – Burmese Pythons
“Why Burmese pythons may be the best way to study diabetes, heart disease and the protective effects of gastric-bypass surgery in humans.”
Hyperthryoidism and Epidemiology – Cats
“Forty years ago, feline hyperthyroidism was virtually nonexistent. Now it’s an epidemic — and some scientists think a class of everyday chemicals might be to blame.”
Longevity – The Tortoise
“It’s humbling to care for an animal that reminds you, each day, of your own imminent death.”
Animal Heal Thyself – Chimpanzees, Sheep and Others
“What can we learn from chimps and sheep and maybe even insects that practice medicine on themselves?”
What Animals Taught Me about How to Be a Human
“Surrounding myself with animals to feel less alone was a mistake: The greatest comfort is in knowing their lives are not about us at all.”
Take a break and enjoy the articles. Photography and design are lovely, though there are bound to be mixed opinions about the cover photo of a cat dressed as an MD.
Could the information spur additional investment in animal health? We shall see.
Please comment! What’s your recommended animal health reading? We’d like to know.
Check out the comments on the NY Times website. See if you agree or disagree.
1 All quotations are from the individual articles.
