Article: Fanconi anemia is a genetic disease, so if someone in your family has a history of anemia, you may have the gene. Fanconi anemia is carried by a recessive gene, meaning both parents must have the gene and pass it on to their child for a person to get the condition. Because it's a recessive gene, both parents may be carriers and not have the disease. If you are not sure whether you carry the gene for Fanconi anemia, there are several tests you can have done with a geneticist. If neither parent carries the gene, then their children cannot get Fanconi anemia. Even if both parents have the gene, there is still only a one in four chance the child will get Fanconi anemia.  The most common test is a genetic mutation test. A geneticist will take a sample of skin, and look for mutations (abnormal changes in your genes) that are tied to Fanconi anemia. A chromosome breakage test involves having blood drawn from the arm, and treating the cells with special chemicals. Those cells are then observed to see if they break apart. In Fanconi anemia chromosomes will break and rearrange more easily than normal people. This test is the only sure way to determine if someone has the gene for FA. It is a sophisticated test and can only be done at a few centers. There are two tests for a developing fetus: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. Both tests are done in a doctor's office or hospital.  CVS is done 10 to 12 weeks after a pregnant woman's last period. The doctor inserts a thin tube through the vagina and cervix to the placenta. She will remove a tissue sample from the placenta using gentle suction. A lab then tests the sample for genetic defects. Amniocentesis is done 15 to 18 weeks after a pregnant woman's last period. The doctor will take small amount of fluid from the sac around the fetus with a needle. A technician will then test chromosomes from the sample to see whether they have the faulty genes. After the child is born, you will want check for certain physical defects that indicate Fanconi anemia. Some of these you will be able to see yourself, while others will require a doctor to check.  FA can cause missing, oddly shaped, or three or more thumbs. Arm bones, hips, legs, hands, and toes may not form fully or normally. People who have FA may have scoliosis, or a curved spine. The eyes, eyelids, and ears may not have a normal shape. Children who have FA also might be born deaf. About 75% of patients with Fanconi anemia have at least one birth defect. A child who has FA might be missing a kidney or have kidneys that aren't shaped normally. FA can also cause congenital heart defects. The most common is a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole or defect in the lower part of the wall that separates the heart’s left and right chambers.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know your family's genetic history. Get tested for the gene. Test a fetus for the gene. Look for the symptoms of Fanconi anemia.
Article: Excessive licking among older dogs can also be associated with compulsive behavioral disorders that are triggered by anxiety or conflict. As your dog ages, they may become more disoriented and anxious. Excessive licking may develop as a compulsive behavior associated with stress. Try and determine what is causing this behavior.  For example, does your dog lick while you are out of the house? Perhaps this is a result of separation anxiety. Maybe they stop and lick themselves when you say “come” because they are unsure if they will be scolded or praised. Try and determine the pattern associated with the compulsive behavior and treat accordingly. If you find your dog’s licking is associated with separation, try to create a comforting environment for them when you leave. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety while they are left alone. Try these tips:  Give them a treat to occupy their attention when you leave the house. Provide music and lighting to stimulate them while they are alone. Give them their favourite toy or an article of clothing that smells like you to comfort them. Some older dogs may begin a compulsive behavior, such as licking, out of boredom. Many pet owners will stop playing with and exercising their dog as they get older. They believe that the animal is unable to exert energy and needs to rest. In reality you should continue to stimulate your dog daily. This can help prevent neurological disorders.  Take your dog for a short walk every day. Engage in gentle play with your dog for at least 10 minutes twice daily. If your dog is suffering from anxiety, it is important that you remain patient and calm. Dogs can feel the energy of their human companions. Try to remain calm and be a comforting source for your dog. Here are a few things that you can do to help relax your dog:  Take deep breaths when you are anxious. Talk in a soft and gentle tone around your dog. Make deliberate and predictable movements around your aging dog.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Determine the trigger. Create a comforting environment. Play with them daily. Remain calm while your dog is sick.
Article: Fast foods and junk foods are high in sugar and salt. As weight gain can be a problem during menopause due to a slowed metabolism, it's best to cut out unhealthy and high-calorie foods. Try to avoid the drive thru after work and skip on dessert most nights. Keep indulgences to once or twice a week instead of making them a daily habit. Fizzy and carbonated drinks can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Avoid these drinks, especially with meals. Opt for plain water instead. To make your water slightly more appealing, try adding slices of fruit to enhance its flavor. Go for a smaller plate, bowl, or glass. When eating out, try to only eat part of your food and save the rest for later. Bigger portions contain more calories, and therefore more things like fat and sugar, so it's best to try to limit portion size whenever possible.  As your metabolism slows down as you age, your body will need fewer calories. Portions that were once acceptable may now be too large. Consider calculating how many calories you should be eating each day based on your age and activity level, and talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to modify your meals to stay within your calorie limits. It may help to familiarize yourself with what one portion looks like for each food group so you can eyeball your serving size when you eat out or prepare your meals. For instance, one portion of meat or fish is 3 ounces and about the size of a deck of cards. One serving of a nut-butter is about the size of a ping-pong ball, or 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml). 1/2 cup of grains, or one portion, would fill a cupcake wrapper. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and other age-related problems. During menopause, try your best to cut back on your overall sugar intake.  Go for sugar-free beverages, like water, decaf tea, or water infused with fruit (like lemon or berries).  Avoid adding table sugar to things like cereal and oatmeal. Flavor meals with things like vanilla, almond, and fruit extracts as well as fresh fruit instead of sugar.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Avoid fast food and junk food. Stay away from fizzy beverages. Pay attention to portion size. Cut back on sugar.