Wiggler's DentalWorks

Our sweet Mr. Wiggles had dental surgery two weeks ago. He sailed through the event with a minimum of discomfort though painkillers were administered, as needed, from the beginning. Once upon a time antibiotics were standard protocols. Not any more. Their inclusion, whenever surgery was performed, was part of the deal. Thank goodness this routine has been stopped.

The morning after the surgery, he seemed unmoved by what had happened. I read the instructions for care over and over again. Nothing was left to chance. Only water, air and softened food could touch his lips the instructions read. Got it. I guess the ambush of a manual 1950's lawn  mower was out. I stopped immediately when I realized he was not amused by me moving this very simple machine, the prototype of all those that followed. I was trying to keep the grassy area looking pristine. Either I stopped or he would attack. Stressing his dental sutures near the back of his mouth by his antics on the tire was not a good idea. So we left.

He panted from time to time, exposing his dental work from few days ago. I did not look to see. I was not interested in seeing what was missing, inside. With the long Victoria weekend looming in 3 days, I booked a visit with his dental doctor to make sure all was well inside his mouth. Two years ago on this appointment date, this doctor saved Mr. Wiggles' life. It was then his platelet count of 14 was discovered during the unremarkable annual exam. That day would prove to be anything but unremarkable. Nothing seemed untoward until this routine blood test revealed the shocking truth. His then 3-year rabies shot was expiring the following day. That one fact alone saved his life.  A higher power had moved me to make that life-saving appointment

From that moment on, I did not trust myself to know or see all that lay hidden beneath my sweet  9-year-old puppy. They are all treasures, you know. More human than we are, I believe. He was dying that long weekend in 2020, pandemic style, yet everything seemed fine until... "You don't know what you don't know". Today's appointment went well. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health and me, too. In three days, the long weekend would be over and if something were to develop during that time its severity would be lessened knowing he had been seen by a professional -not me. I could relax till next week.

During healing and recovery, Mr. Wiggles tried to play with his sister. No play 'biting' allowed. Sutures, you know! His sweeping of the ground outside made the chewing of long grass or dandelions easy 'prey' for this lover of all things green. Stop it, I would say as I moved him gently along. The weed eater was next on his hit list, I reminded myself. By day 4 of week #1, he was drinking water again. Much had been included in his softened food but still I worried about those kidneys, nonetheless.

Company could not visit during the 14 day period as our Mr. Wiggles would excite himself while carrying something from his inventory. Carrying was not allowed. I was elated that he was bouncing back so quickly. Weeks earlier I had cried, momentarily, when I looked at him, one afternoon, knowing he would be 'ambushed' soon. I felt guilty but then recovered knowing it was in his best interests and dogs recover well. 

Diet has always been a top priority in our family - for man and beast. The body can heal itself I know and believe it to be true. My 2 cup food processor helps prepare his raw fruit for his current temporary dietary dilemma. No apple slices, cukes or berries till this is over but the Cuisinart changed it all. Processed and delicious would happen. 

The scent not the sight would keep him happy as his elder sister ate those slices. Yum. He understood. Soon all would be revealed to this precious pup. And it did.

The Sinister Cost of Sugar

Research had now tabled the cost of sugar to our nation's health in the billions, a shocking truth about us and the food industry. It would seem hunger is not the point, any more. It is about cravings, this addiction to non-stop eating.

The 'app' can now aid and abet in this day long pursuit, the instant gratification of eating anything we want. The click is quicker than quick. Our preoccupation with food, as we satisfy our cravings or desires in an instant is pointless. Hunger simply doesn't matter much anymore.

It was decades ago when Focus, a British magazine, revealed, in full size diagrams, the insidious journey of an ingredient found in many processed foods: glucose-fructose. It was harming our liver. In another shocking truth the insidious disease - cirrhosis of the liver - had revealed itself in a child as young as ten! The sugar was found in many processed drinks for these developing humans.

A processed carbohydrate laden diet is unhealthy. Food companies have placed sugar, in all its forms, wherever they deem it prudent, exciting us to eat, non-stop. (The bottom line is at stake for them.) But what about our health and financial bottom lines? 

Simple ingredients in processed foods do not need sugar. I expect sugar in pop, the few times I decide to have it with a burger or pizza slice. It is a measured response that never gets finished. Down the drain it goes or I keep the bottle capped for the next round of a special treat. The drink is not part of the food pyramid, a directive that shows us what foods matter and the daily attention they must command. I only drink orange Brio, that mimics Orange Crush from my bygone era. Sugar cane is the sweetener here not glucose-fructose, the cheaper, insidious additive used by commercial enterprises.

Sugar substitutes are not equal. Natural sweeteners, such as raw honey, honey, maple sugar, coconut sugar, organic, hopefully, are the best. Use them wisely, however. Sweet is sweet, nonetheless, and should be treated accordingly. Homemade is always the best in all situations. A less than acceptable pie or cake is still worthy of eating but in moderation. Have you had a salad lately?

Our grandchildren are being raised in a way that makes real food a delicious treat. One 'son' loves homemade lemonade while chewing lemon slices while another adores oatmeal while a third revels in the eating of an orange. Their dietary footprint was established long, long ago, by mom or dad. When something sweet is given, it is wholesome and a reminder that the main stuff is just as exciting. Momentary detours from established eating patterns serves to remind these future adults that what their parents gave them as babies is the dietary footprint of their future.

Words or phrases referring to sugar in all its guises can be found everywhere. The word crunch, for instance, conjures up enticing deep fried carbs coating the chicken, meat, vegetables or fish in a luxurious fuzzy way, making them so delicious. Why? I have always wondered why some vegetables, 'healthy ' in their natural habitat, are now being dipped, breaded, dipped again then deep fried to tantalize our palate. Calories and cooking manner do matter. Cook the stems of cauliflower, puree, then add to cauliflower flowerettes for an incredible  oven baked au gratin dish. No cream needed. 

Frostings, icings, caramel sauce, dessert toppings, fillings, sprinkles and glazes used on cakes and doughnuts conjure up dessert heaven but are a hazard to our health. The over use of the same oil in deep frying is also a hazard. The rancid oil has decomposed. De-cluttering our diet keeps us healthy. Onions and garlic are my primary dietary aids and various teas: oolong, white, green rooibos with lemon. Dialing down the sugar takes us to a better place.

As parents, our primary role is to teach our children to take care of their bodies. A sugar/carb laden diet might be the path of least resistance but never let it become the dominant path. Apples, oranges and other simple foods from mother nature are the best. Be careful of sugar's mission, though. It is a hidden danger not just a sweet and delicious one. Though I enjoy my Italian rum cake, it is usually accompanied by green, white, hibiscus or oolong tea with lemon- in a mug- together or individually.This healthy drink helps to 'move' along the questionable choices I have made.

When making a 'withdrawal'  from my diet account an equally powerful 'deposit' must follow. It is my important directive for health and longevity. Making changes in our diet to augment a healthy lifestyle takes no time. As we ponder those decisions, remember the power rests with us. Time standstill for no one. And food is medicine. 

(Steamed diced rutabaga and cubed steamed potatoes with added grass fed butter. What a treat for the senses. Cold sliced homemade meat loaf in rye bread is a treat. Add homemade pickled hot banana peppers to the mix and I'm in heaven. Dessert without added sugar is a game changer. The body will thank you.