The reasons are the same for humans and dogs: too little physical activity, age and too much food. Overweight animals suffer from many of the same problems that humans do as well, including a predisposition to diabetes, heart disease and joint problems.
The same remedy works for both species: more exercise and a healthy, lean diet. Just remember: No serious exercise program should be started without first consulting with your veterinarian.
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
The average person ingests about one ton of food and drink each year.
NEVER SAY DIET
The world's speed-eating record for matzo balls (each about the size of a baseball) is 21 in five minutes and 25 seconds, held by Eric Booker.
Virtual Hospital
uihealthcare.com/vh/
Produced by the University of Iowa, this "virtual hospital" is a good stop on the way to the real thing. It's packed with informative stories and frequently asked questions, organized by hospital departments.
STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM
Patients these days are frequently encouraged to take charge of their health, to participate fully in discussions and decisions with their doctor. But does it really help? Not always.
A study of 189 patients being treated at two Veterans Affairs medical centers and four community clinics found that patients who said they were on equal footing with their doctors when it came to treatment decisions had higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who let their doctors do most of the thinking.
PHOBIA OF THE WEEK
Somniphobia - fear of sleep
BEST MEDICINE
A boy called the doctor.
"Doctor, come quick, my younger brother has just swallowed my pen."
"I'll be right over. What are you doing in the meantime?"
"I'm using a pencil."
OBSERVATION
It takes too long to work out. It's just faster not to walk by a mirror when you're naked.
- Comedian Richard Jeni
LAST WORDS
I've had 18 straight whiskies, I think that's the record.
- Dylan Thomas (1914-1953), Welsh poet and author of "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night"
