Paws for Reaction

Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope

Air pollution kills 3.3 million people a year. In some parts of the world it's already so bad that people need pollution filters in their cars and homes. Pollution exposure in utero has been associated with increased risk of neuro-developmental delay. Thirty one studies published between 2006 and 2015, from the Americas, Asia and Europe were reviewed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the review came to this conclusion:

"The evidence to date is coherent in that exposure to a range of largely traffic-related pollutants has been associated with quantifiable impairment of brain development in the young and cognitive decline in the elderly. There is insufficient evidence at present to comment on consistency, in view of the different indices of pollution and end-points measured, the limited number of studies, and the probability at this stage of publication bias. However, plausible toxicological mechanisms have been demonstrated and the evidence as a whole suggests that vehicular pollution, at least, contributes to cognitive impairment, adding to pressure on governments and individuals to continue to reduce air pollution."

Climate Facts Air Pollution and EPA censorship

My original source for information on air pollution was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I wrote this in advance, and checked the link to the study today. It's been removed, allegedly the page is being "updated." CLICK HERE to see for yourself. I hope someone has archived the data. This is the type of censorship of science that we are seeing under the climate denying Trump administration.

I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca

Pet insurance: What is a pre-existing condition?

Pet Insurance: What is a pre-existing condition?

It’s always recommended to purchase pet insurance when you adopt a puppy or kitten. They are fresh and new, and in most cases in perfect health. It’s a clean slate and will likely get you the best monthly rate for your new pet’s insurance. But let’s face it, we don’t always bring home an infant pet with that ‘new puppy smell.’ A lot of pet parents rescue or adopt adult pets. Even if the pet has previous medical history, that shouldn’t deter you from purchasing pet insurance. The best thing you can do is to arm yourself with the knowledge of what coverage you will receive, and why certain claims may be denied.

A common reason why pet owner’s insurance claims are denied is because of a pre-existing condition, also sometimes referred to as a foreseeable condition. It’s very important to make sure that you research what your insurance company considers a pre-existing condition, because the definition may vary from company to company. Most commonly a pre-existing condition is defined as something your pet has been diagnosed with or have shown symptoms of before you signed up for your insurance policy. Hazel's broken femur would have been considered a pre-existing condition because she had it ever since we took ownership of her.

A pre-existing condition can be something that your pet’s doctor treated, and it can also include something diagnosed by a shelter, your breeder or a previous owner. A pre-existing condition can also be something diagnosed or treated while you are waiting for your insurance coverage to become effective. Either way, a pre-existing condition will almost always affect your coverage, so knowing the policy and your pet’s potential pre-existing condition is important before you select an insurance company for your pet.

Many pet insurance companies also have something called a bilateral condition in their policy terms and conditions. Pet Secure defines a bilateral condition as “any condition affecting body parts of which your pet has two; one on each side of the body.” Examples of this are limbs, ears and eyes. If your dog has a torn cruciate ligament on the left leg as a pre-existing condition and the right cruciate tears, then the right cruciate will be considered a bilateral condition and will not be covered. Even if the right cruciate tear happens after the policy is already effective.

When purchasing pet insurance, you will also want to look into whether your policy will cover a pre-existing condition that has been cured. Some insurance policies will provide coverage for such things that can be cured, like a urinary tract infection for example. The policy may have stipulations about the UTI, and may require no symptoms or treatment for a certain amount of time. But if your pet has had a UTI that has been cured, then it would be recommended to look into this because if the same issue occurs after a year of perfect health you may be able to get coverage for the UTI.

Some pet insurance companies may request you to do certain testing or diagnostics after they have reviewed your pet’s medical history. Blood work for example may be required before your policy will take effect. Like a human insurance company, you will be required to answer questions about your pet’s medical history. Once you send in your pet’s medical history and meet all the requirements the company will inform you of your policy, coverage and monthly rate. At this time most insurance companies will let you know what exclusions will be made with your policy, and what they consider to be your pet’s pre-existing conditions.

Shopping for pet insurance can seem complicated. Once you select the plan you would prefer, talk to a representative about your coverage and start the application process. Shop, compare and don’t despair- your pet can still get affordable rates and good coverage with a pre-existing condition!

Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope

In 2014 the Canadian government released a report titled Canada In a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation. The report details the effects climate change will have on all sectors including water and transportation infrastructure. Findings show a trend in precipitation and melting sea ice, causing more intense rainstorms and flooding. With all of the flooding in Gatineau, the Ottawa Valley and other parts of Ontario, it is hard to deny that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ottawa University climate scientist Paul Beckwith recently informed CBC that climate change has a large part to play in the recent flooding. "We've changed the chemistry of the atmosphere and the oceans with our greenhouse gases, so we're seeing the consequences of this now," he told CBC. "It's only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak."

The Canada In a Changing Climate report details the future projected trend in these heavy rainfall and flooding incident. According to CTV parts of Ontario and Quebec are seeing record breaking rainfall. Although climate change is inevitable, if we drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions we can slow the process and secure a liveable planet for future generations.

“The climate is changing – in Canada and throughout the world. Globally, international assessments continue to identify rising air and ocean temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, shrinking glaciers, declining snow cover and sea ice extent, rising sea level and changes in extreme events (IPCC, 2013). While rates of change vary from one indicator to another, the directions of change are consistent with climate warming, and climate models project that many of the observed trends will continue over the coming decades and beyond. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs; mitigation) is necessary to lessen the magnitude and rate of climate change, but additional impacts are unavoidable, even with aggressive global mitigation efforts, due to inertia in the climate system,” the report states. CLICK HERE to view the full report!