MSU Study helps Arthritic Dogs

Arthritis sufferers long have sworn on the mysterious healing power of Michigan's tart cherries. The swollen fingers, the aching knees, the arthritis pains -- all minimized, thanks to the magic potion in cherries. Now pets can have this relief also.

Recently, scientific research proved these claims of relief from cherries.

Michigan State University studies have confirmed that the compounds that give tart cherries their bright red shade also relieve pain. The compounds also are rich in antioxidants, which slow the body's natural process of deterioration, MSU and other scientific studies show.

Eight years of ongoing study for MSU researchers show that tart cherries have an anti-inflammatory property called anthocyanin.

In addition, the antioxidants cherries contain are ten times more active than those in vitamin C.

Overby Farm worked closely with MSU university experts and practicing veterinarians in capturing these healthy benefits for our companion animals - in particular cats and dogs.

Research at Michigan State University’s Bioactive Natural Products and Phytoceuticals Laboratory identified that the natural enzymes and antioxidant compounds in cherries may help relieve discomfort and inflammation associated with normal daily exercise and activity.

Hip Bones have captured all of this research to an effective and natural way to relieve a dog's pain. (see picture above)

Use coupon: dogdays to save $7.00 on all orders > $100 at GregRobert Pet Supplies

MSU medical students serve as high school mentors

EAST LANSING, Mich. — About 40 students from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine are helping Lansing high school freshmen learn academic and life skills as part of the college’s START program, which soon will expand both in Lansing and to Southeast Michigan.

The Lansing Eastern High School program, which stands for Striving Toward a Reachable Target, culminates May 29 with a barbecue and year-end ceremony at the high school starting at 2:30 p.m.

“The START program is a perfect example of the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s commitment to voluntarism and the community,” Dean William D. Strampel said. “Despite the time constraints and rigors of medical school, our students are actively making a difference in many venues, and they’re learning skills, such as cultural competency, that will make them better physicians.”

As part of the program, the more than 40 freshmen from Lansing Eastern took part in twice-a-month study tables that promote productive and lasting study habits for use in high school and college. At separate monthly meetings, the osteopathic students talk with the freshmen about solutions to personal issues that may be affecting their school work.

“The START program is unlike anything that has been tried before at Eastern High School,” said Pierre Balthazar, a guidance counselor at the high school. “Its phenomenal success can only be credited to the commitment and leadership of the medical students themselves and the leadership at the college.

“The program’s impact at Eastern High School will be felt for years to come.”

As role models, the osteopathic students also shared their own visions of becoming physicians and the attributes and skills to make that success possible. Of the high school students who took part, some had recently immigrated to the Lansing area and did not speak English.

The college is looking to expand the program at Lansing Eastern for next fall, with several of the mentors staying on although they will be entering clinical rotations as third-year students.

Also in fall, with the expansion in Southeast Michigan to sites at the Macomb University Center and Detroit Medical Center over the summer, the college is looking to develop relationships with area high schools so the START program can be implemented in those areas beginning in 2010.