Life Of Kristen

Cats are agile creatures. They have super cat powers such as their “nine lives”. Watch the way a cat walks out of certain situations and you’ll understand why they’re said to have nine lives. They have the ability of landing on their feet even when falling upside down. This reflex can be developed as young as 3-4 weeks of age. It’s nearly perfected around 7 weeks. They’re not invincible of course. If they were to fall from a 2 story building then yes, they can suffer from major injury. For the most part, cats land on their feet falling from things like trees, fences and even a roof from a one story house.

Their skeletal system is one of the reasons why they can land on their feet out of almost any position. Cats have no collar bone. Since they have no collar bone it allows them to have more mobility over their front legs. They also have a very flexible back making it easier for them to bend and twist unlike any other animal. When they fall their legs absorb all of the shock. If they fall from 2 or more floors then their feet give out and they may hit their chin and head causing some serious injury. The added velocity doesn’t help from a higher distance. Short distances are usually accomplished but most cats but some still acquire injury.

Veterinarians have done studies that the farther the distance the more injuries the cats obtained. Don’t go throwing your cat out the window just to see how much it can take. Their ability to land is more of a survival mechanism. Their claws allow them to climb up trees and they’re able to jump down with less chance of injury. It’s a lot more than any human can do. During the fall the cats become rigid and tense all of their muscles before they reach maximum velocity. Once they are close to landing they relax and spread out somewhat like a squirrel. They can land lightly and run off unharmed. They have a great sense of direction and can tell instantly which way is up so they’re able to position themselves right very quickly.

Their vestibular apparatus is responsible for their amazing balance and coordination. When the cat is falling or even moving the vestibular apparatus becomes active and gets them balanced. Even though they have these “super powers” it’s important to not test them. Cats can get hurt from falling out of windows, balconies and porches. Even though it’s likely that they will survive there’s still a chance he can get really hurt. Make sure you keep windows screened in and doors closed. Protect your kitty from getting hurt. For more info about the anatomy of a cat and other cat info, I recommend RaisingWhiskers.com.

Millions of American adults suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. Over half of these are women. This condition occurs when you feel worried on a regular basis. Many daily events and activities stress people with GAD. The things that cause worry are often unimportant, but the dread and worry disrupts everyday life. Worry is a common emotion, but people with generalized anxiety disorder experience it in unhealthy doses. Many people with the disorder have physical symptoms, like headaches, that accompany the emotional symptoms.

Even though generalized anxiety disorder can occur at any age, it usually starts during childhood or teen years. Most people with the disorder remember a past of nervousness. Around five percent of people experiences GAD at some point of their lives. Many people with the disorder also have other issues like depression, other types of anxiety disorders like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder, or alcohol abuse problems.

The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder is unknown. According to some studies, genetics may play a role. Further, problems like hyperthyroidism are also linked to the condition. In addition, certain kinds of medicines can cause stress or make stress worse. These include drugs with amphetamines (Ritalin). Excessive caffeine intake and the use of illegal drugs like cocaine can also cause these symptoms.

Generalized anxiety disorder affects both adults and kids. Adults with GAD worry about a plethora of issues, usually centering on finances, family, health, or profession. Children often worry about their performance in school, sports, and other activities. Besides the worry and nervousness, the condition brings about many physical symptoms, like:

A feeling of tiredness
Being scared easily
Having sleep problems
Irritability and frustration
Concentration difficulty
Feeling shaky
Sweating
Having hot flashes or chills
Headaches and body aches
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling dizzy or out of breath
Having to use the restroom often

In general, to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, you must feel worry and stress about every day for around six months, at least. Besides the worry and stress, physical symptoms may also appear. This may make it hard for you to partake in routine activities like shopping. During the doctor visit, you need to talk about your symptoms. Be prepared to answer all kinds of questions about your emotional and physical state, as well as about your medical history and medicine use. These questions help doctors determine if you have generalized anxiety disorder and/or other types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized anxiety disorder can be treated with medication and/or therapy. Two kinds of therapy can be useful in its treatment: applied relaxation therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The medicines that are used to treat this condition include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and buspirone. Some of these prescription drugs work better for some people than others. The treatment for GAD helps reduce symptoms of the illness. Some people might feel better after a couple months of following a treatment plan, while it may take over a year for others.