Paw Prints

These days, we see the rise of animal-friendly parks and malls in the metro. We see more animal shelters getting support from celebrities and politicians. On the other hand, we see the continuous demand for dog dishes such as the longga-dog and adobong aso in rural provinces. We see un-neutered stray cats and dogs multiplying by the dozens all over the country. We see hungry animals living in rusty cages and terrible living conditions in zoos.

If your heart breaks whenever you see a stray dog eating out of a garbage bin, a sack of kittens being thrown in dumps by ignorant people, or a TV documentary on abused animals, then you have what it takes to help the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society was founded in 1954 by British educator Muriel Jay, who was then residing in the Philippines. When he returned to England, PAWS became dormant. In 1986, Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, the current PAWS President, reorganized PAWS with the help of veterinarians, educators, and professionals. More than 20 years later, PAWS has established numerous successful programs and activities for the benefit of animal welfare. We still have a long way to go compared to first-world countries that have strict governing animal laws, but there is hope.

PAWS’ hard work paid off when the Animal Welfare Act of 98 (also known as Republic Act 8485) was signed into law by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos on February 11, 1998. PAWS fundraisers are now regularly organized to sustain animal welfare activities. Animal rescues, free veterinary services, and adoption centers have been successfully established. Educational campaigns have reached public schools and rural areas.

PAWS is not a social club for people fond of cute pets in designer garb, mind you. PAWS is a serious and professional organization that needs dedicated and sincere volunteers. If politicians, celebrities, and other professional volunteers take their time out to help these poor animals, then so can you.

For more information on the projects and missions of PAWS, log on to www.paws.org.ph. If you’re interested in adopting animals, visit the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center at Aurora Blvd. Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights Quezon City.

Caffeine for the Soul

Contrary to popular belief, coffee or tea, when taken in moderation, is actually good for you. Caffeine has been the subject of many scientific debates for decades, and many myths and old wives’ tales have sprung up on the subject. Before you head to the café for your much-needed caffeine fix, read about the pros and cons of caffeine intake.

Caffeine Benefits
“Overall, [our] research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful,” says Dr. Tomas DePaulis, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies.

Men who drink four cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease as those who skip caffeine, presumably because caffeine keeps dopamine molecules active. While caffeine raises blood pressure, the habitual coffee drinkers are half as likely to die of heart failure as those who don’t take caffeine. And while caffeine spikes blood sugar, it also helps avoid diabetes.

Small amounts of caffeine have also proven to increase metabolism, muscle strength and mental ability. This is why a lot of people always need a cup of coffee in the morning to get them going. And while many scientists still argue against caffeine’s dietary factors, it is actually the main ingredient in most diet pills.

Overdose
“Caffeine does not become a problem until you start consuming an excessive amount of it,” according to Chris Chenoweth of disabled-world.com. “As your body gets used to caffeine, it becomes addicted to it.”

Symptoms of caffeine addiction include: restlessness, irritability, anxiety, heartburn, headaches, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sleeplessness, and nausea. Symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours after your last cup, depending on the amount of caffeine your body is used to. Symptoms can last for up to a week and include headaches, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, muscle stiffness, and even chills or hot spells.

What is “moderate?”
You’ve heard the “Caffeine is good in moderation” bit so many times, but how much is too much? According to fitwise.com, a dangerously high dosage of caffeine is equal to 600 mg per day. That’s about five cups of regular drip-brewed coffee.

The key to controlling your caffeine intake is to know which drinks and foods actually contain caffeine and how much. The Center for Science in the Pubic Interest has posted the caffeine content of typical consumer drinks and foods in this link: http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm.

Now that you’ve learned a little more about caffeine, go ahead and order your favorite cup to go. Check out Belle De Jour’s coupons from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, where you get a buy-one-take-one deal on their irresistible teas, ice-blended mixes, and delectable cheesecakes.

What’s Your Coffee Story?
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf invites you to share your most memorable experiences while enjoying a cup of Chai Latte or chilling out with friends over original ice-blended drinks by joining “My Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story.”

If your story is their cup of tea, you might just become the winner of a trip to Hollywood for 4 days and 3 nights, with accommodations and pocket money. For more info, log on to www.coffeebean.com.ph
and www.whatsyourcoffeebeanandtealeafstory.com. Deadline is on July 31, 2008.