Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Last Saturday, I attended “Healthy Pet Day” hosted by Healthy Pet Products, a natural pet store in McCandless, Pa., owned by Toni Shelaske. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical at first. I envisioned purse puppies and pet psychics. Blinged-out collars and pets in costumes. I foresaw all manner of expensive, needless items for pampered, Paris Hilton-style pooches.Don’t get me wrong. I am a self-professed crazy cat lady. I have two fur balls, one of which is the worst behaved cat on the planet – Blizzard, a recently rescued stray. The second is the most miserable, cranky cat on Earth – Boots, adopted five years ago from a local shelter, and whose behavior took a turn when Blizzard arrived in December.

Yes, I’ve been known to indulge and spoil them. They are my babies. I want them to be healthy and live long and happy lives. But still, they are animals. I only have so much discretionary income, and they already get pretty much whatever they want including prime spots on the bed. So the $20 all-natural cat food, dietary supplements and acupuncture might be pushing it a tad.

But as I listened to some very educated pet professionals and to those who asked heartfelt questions about their beloved pets’ health problems, I began to discover some important parallels between pet health and people health. It should come as no surprise. After all, they are living, breathing creatures with little hearts and lungs, whose bodies function much the same way as ours do. We actually have a lot in common with our canine and feline friends, particularly when it comes to nutrition and health.

 It all started to make sense when I heard Dr. Douglas Knueven, a holistic veterinarian, and owner of Beaver Animal Clinic. Dr. Doug received his veterinary degree from Ohio State University in 1987, but after practicing for several years, became frustrated with what he saw as shortcomings of conventional veterinary medicine: treating symptoms and sickness instead of focusing on overall wellness and prevention.

In a presentation about holistic pet care that he’s given to hundreds of vets at conferences around the country, Dr. Doug said he supports an “integrative” medical approach, that is, an equal combination of both traditional and alternative therapies. I found this interesting, because this is what I have come to believe about health care for myself; that all body systems are connected and function together as a whole; that natural is better.

It’s an approach that is gaining in popularity, although Dr. Doug is still one of the only holistic vets in western Pennsylvania. Indeed, several people who came to the healthy pets program vocalized frustration about not being able to find vets that support holistic care.

According to one survey conducted in 2006, 76 percent of people reported using some type of alternative therapy for a pet, such as a dietary supplement like glucosamine for joint health. However, more than 70 percent of vets do not offer their clients any type of alternative medical care. So, there is disconnect between what people want and what is available. For all you humans seeking alternative medical care, does this sound familiar?

People seek alternative care for their pets for the same reasons they seek it for themselves: some type of personal experience with their own health, a referral or suggestion from a friend, or when standard care has failed.

Central to holistic care is proper nutrition, and Dr. Doug, along with Jackie Hill of Answers Pet Food and Scott Freeman of Nature’s Logic Pet Food, emphasized the importance of natural and raw food (frozen pellets comprised mostly of meat) for pets.

“Ninety percent of an animal’s health issues are related to its food; allergies, digestion, infection, inflammation, even cancer,” Hill said. “More than 80 percent of an animal’s immune system is in the gut, so if you heal the gut, you heal the animal.”Dr. Doug recommends feeding dogs and cats raw food because it’s closer to their natural diet. To know what to feed animals, you need only look at the shape of their teeth – pointed teeth are for tearing meat. Flat, rounded teeth are for grinding grain. Commercial pet food is inappropriately comprised mostly of starch and carbohydrates (30-50 percent) because it is cheap, convenient and binds together easily.

“Dogs and cats never asked us to cook or process their food,” Hill said. “We did it for our convenience, not their optimal health.”

Using the example of “People Chow,” Dr. Doug adds that it’s not good to feed an animal the same commercial food over its entire life because it can lead to nutritional deficiencies, obesity, dehydration and other problems, just as when we humans eat too many cheap, processed foods and carbohydrates.

In the wild, wolves and other close cousins of dogs and cats only eat about 2-14 percent grains. They are carnivores, not corn-ivores, as Dr. Doug said. Thousands of years of domestication haven’t changed that. A high protein diet is better for animals than one that’s high in carbohydrates. So while the meat/protein rich Atkins Diet may be questionable for you, it’s the BEST diet for your dog or cat.

Disturbingly, much of the “meat” added to commercial pet food comes from animals that are unsuitable for human consumption, or as some say, the 4D’s – dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals. Additionally, when the meat is processed into kibble, it’s heated and dried at super-high temperatures creating byproducts such as hydrolyzed protein or MSG. Recent pet food recalls also have involved dangerous additives like melamine, or too many added synthetic vitamins and minerals.

“I heard an old granny once say, ‘if it ain’t real, don’t eat it,’” Freeman said. “That’s good advice for people and for pets.” His Nature’s Logic line of pet food is free of chemical additives, colorings, flavorings, preservatives and synthetic vitamins and minerals. Instead, he uses ground fruits and vegetables to add nutrients.

All the pet professionals at the Healthy Pet expo said the results of feeding animals a natural raw diet include decreased allergies, weight control, improved dental hygiene, improved coat and skin, less shedding, stable energy level and a longer, healthier life. (Hmm…sounds similar to the benefits described when we humans eat a natural, balanced diet of whole, fresh foods.)

“There are now 50 manufacturers of raw pet food, so the word is spreading,” Hill said.

“It’s the single most important thing you can do for your pet’s health,” Dr. Doug added.

For information about healthy pet products and natural pet food, visit www.healthypetproducts.net

For information about holistic pet care, visit www.beaveranimalclinic.com.

BTW…Yes, I totally caved and bought a 3.3 lb. bag of Nature’s Logic Feline Formula natural cat food ($13.99) for my fur balls. They’re worth it.

As Savvy Garage-Girls we are all about the savings!

More importantly we want to share those savings with you!

So, We want to point out some savings that you can take advantage of just because your on this site…

head on over to Biker Essentials and score an extra 25% off by using coupon code “memorial” this expires 5/31/11 you’ll also get free shipping on an order of $50 or more

Visit Wizards products and use coupon code “GIRLS” for free shipping

Visit Hot Leathers and enter code “GGN” for free shipping.

We are always lookin’ out for ya and any chance we get to pass some savings on we will!

What do you get when you take a strong minded entity with the heart of a tortured gypsy and put pen and paper in front of her?

You get the creative written and visual work of Aung Munster. Your probably familiar with her from her writing here on Garage-Girls. She has recently launched her swag site “Outspoken Mimes” and we decided to try to get into her head, check her out…..

GG. Tell us about you, where are you from, what are you into and what do you like to do with your free time?

AM.I’m from Massachusetts. As for what I’m into: writing,art,composing. I play a couple of instruments. Creating in general,which occupies most of my time.

GG.How did you find your passion for your craft? How long have you been doing it?

AM. I don’t think passion can necessarily be sought-& in that sense,it can’t be found. I believe that it’s something that has to be within you. I’ve alway’s been into creating things. When other little girls were playing with dolls,I was concocting “magical” serums w/random household products. Lemonade,Windex,Pop Rock candy etc. & I had used a few of my mother’s vases as test tubes. I had become a mad scientist at a very early age!

GG. What do you love most about your artwork?

AM. What do I love most? Probably that it confuses people-which is actually complimentative,in my opinion. If a design or something I’ve written provokes thought/ponderings-that’s contentment to me.

GG. Do you have a sweet car or a motorcycle?

AM. I have a car-yes,but no it’s not the least bit sweet. I would love to own the Batmobile. Or even a replica.

GG. What are you most passionate about in life?

AM. Anything that stimulates my mind. Music. Art. Literature. Writing is actually my forte. Everything from lyrics,to poetry to short stories.

GG. Is there anything you would love to learn to do?

AM. I would love to learn how to play the piano. I can play “Chopsticks” & “Home Sweet Home”-but that’s the extent of it!

GG. Where would you most like to visit?

AM. Definitely Paris. I would just immerse myself in the culture-not only for that reason,but I would also love to visit Jim Morrison’s grave.

GG. What is your idea of relaxing?

AM. I have a pretty large yard that overlooks a lake,so when I need to relax I literally just spawl out in the grass. When I have time to read I usually do that out there as well. It’s very peaceful.

GG. What type of music do you normally listen to?

AM. What most would consider “alternative.” The Cure,White Stripes,The Doors,Rob Zombie. Radiohead. INXS. Just to name a few! I’m also into jazz,classical. It depends on my mood. I dig just about everything except country&rap.

GG. Do you collect anything?

AM. I do. I collect oddly shaped/colored rocks-not random rocks you would find on the ground. Some are jellybean shaped rocks that are multi-colored. Some have crystals in them. What can I say. I’m into rocks!

Thanks for letting us take a peak inside your creative mind Aung!  Check out her work at printfection/outspokenmimes

The “C” word is a word we all dread. Unfortunately, it’s a word most of us have been impacted by in one way or another. Maybe you lost someone to cancer or maybe you know someone who triumphed over cancer. It’s one of the leading causes of death, and although there are no guarantees when it comes to cancer, there are proven ways to reduce your risk. Let’s take a look at what you can do to reduce your risk.

The American Institute for Cancer Research has some great recommendations:

1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods.

4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed food.

6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks for two a day for men and one a day for women.

7. Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with sodium.

8. Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.

While you may already know many of these tips, how many are you following?

Preventing weight gain can reduce the risk of many types of cancer. For those people who are already overweight or obese, your first course of action should be not to gain any additional weight. And when you begin an exercise program, remember that even modest losses of weight, from 5 to 10 pounds, can begin to benefit your health.

Although many people don’t realize it, all the foods in the grocery store that come in packages and are labeled “low in fat” may not be good for you. Your body isn’t meant to consume so much processed food, and just because it looks like a diet food, that doesn’t mean it is healthy food. Try to limit the amount of processed foods you consume and instead choose foods in their natural forms: berries, apples, nuts, carrots, dark leafy greens, tomatoes…  Regarding supplements, it’s healthy to take a multivitamin each day, but taking supplements in high doses can be counterproductive and may increase your risk for certain types of cancer. The best sources of nutrients come from healthy food and drink choices. Too many supplements can upset the balance of nutrients in our bodies.

While not smoking definitely can reduce your cancer—it almost goes without saying right?

But did you know that flossing regularly can reduce your risk as well? The health of your gums is related to the health of your body. Periodontal disease has been linked to some forms of cancer. So make sure you are taking care of your teeth—and gums. Dr. Mehmet Oz recently mentioned on his show that most people only brush their teeth for 38 seconds at a time, when you should spend two full minutes each day, twice a day brushing those teeth.

What tip are you going to start doing to reduce your risk of cancer?