Bert McCauley: The boredom, terror of a career flying birds

IN PERSON

All Bert McCauley wanted to do was go to college.

Don't wait to buy your 2023 hunting/fishing licenses

A lot of hunters and anglers see the cold, bitter months of January and February as the so-called “off-season.” It’s easy to see why — you step foot outside and instantly need a defroster for your lungs. But with a little bit of mental preparation, the right gear, and (most importantly) an up-to-date hunting and/or fishing license, you can take advantage of every day the calendar gives you and beat that cabin fever, with nearly a dozen hook-and-bullet opportunities around the state.

FALCON: Bigger tragedy averted

The woman who beat this pet falcon Hornet, which ended in his death, could have been seriously injured. If Hornet had not trusted people as his friends, this may have had a totally different ending. She wouldn’t have been able to just walk up to it; he would have reacted by taking flight and possibly attacking her. She was lucky in that respect because hawks of any kind can do a lot of damage — they are fast and they know how to instantly kill their prey. Normally you don’t mess around with this breed of bird without protection.

Behold Birds of Prey at Cd'A Library

Birds of Prey Northwest is offering two showings of their raptor presentation with guest speaker and president of the Midwestern Peregrine Program, Jackie Fallon.

MACKAY: Perception determines reception

A bird was searching for a home to lay her eggs so they'd be safe during the coming rainy season.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — HOLLY CARLING: Your Hormonal Puzzle: Crucial for health and energy

We have an amazing substance in our body called hormones. Hormones are regulatory substances that cause specific cells or tissues to do a prescribed function in the body. When most people think of hormones, they think of sex hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone or testosterone), brain hormones that effect moods (such as serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline, GABA and dopamine) and hormones that affect blood sugar levels (such as insulin, cortisol, glucagon and others). These are only a few of the many hormones that control how healthy we are and how much energy we have. Often neglected is the quality of function of the glands and brain that produce or regulate these hormones.

Changes in diet, medication can relieve gastroparesis

Ask Dr. K

What not to do when sick: Part I

Doctor of Oriental Medicine

Every year we see a barrage of colds, flu's and other respiratory tract infections. No one likes to be sick, and as a result we reach for anything - anything that will bring comfort. More times than not, what we reach for is precisely the wrong thing! Instead of helping with recovery, it may prolong the illness.

Changes bring relief from gastroparesis

Ask Dr. K

Help from your hormones

We have an amazing substance in our body, called hormones. Hormones are regulatory substances that cause specific cells or tissues to do a prescribed function in the body. Most people when they think of hormones, they think of sex hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone or testosterone), brain hormones that effect moods (such as serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline, GABA and dopamine) and hormones that affect blood sugar levels (such as insulin, cortisol, glucagon and others). These are only a few of the many hormones that control how heathy we are and how much energy we have. Often neglected is the quality of function of the glands and brain that produce or regulate these hormones.

Counterfeit vitamins

On a daily basis in my practice, I read the labels of vitamins and supplements (herein referred to as supplements) that people are consuming. I'm astonished at what some companies put in their products! Coatings, preservatives, fillers, excipients, coloring agents, artificial flavorings, and on and on. Most people don't have a clue how good or bad their vitamins really are for them. They believe that just because the marketing tells them it's good, the title of the vitamin sounds like it's good, the label is attractive, or because a well-meaning friend, coworker, neighbor or family member recommends it, that it must be good. Others choose their supplements based on price. That could be a big mistake!

Is your thyroid function optimal?

If you have been told, "your thyroid is within normal limits," but you are still feeling tired or depressed, if you've gained some weight that just won't come off, or have a hard time warming up, these could be some of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism. Checking a TSH or free T4 does not give a true picture of what is really going on with your thyroid function. Free T3 is the active part necessary for the cells to function properly. T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) are important thyroid hormones. Yet, even with normal levels of T3 and T4, it's possible to still have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, which may be due to excessive production of rT3 in the body. Reverse T3 competes with T3 at important binding sites, which is a problem because rT3 is inactive and therefore not as beneficial as T3.

Is your thyroid function optimal?

If you have been told, "your thyroid is within normal limits," but you are still feeling tired or depressed, if you've gained some weight that just won't come off, or have a hard time warming up, these could be some of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism. Checking a TSH or free T4 does not give a true picture of what is really going on with your thyroid function. Free T3 is the active part necessary for the cells to function properly. T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) are important thyroid hormones. Yet, even with normal levels of T3 and T4, it's possible to still have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, which may be due to excessive production of rT3 in the body. Reverse T3 competes with T3 at important binding sites, which is a problem because rT3 is inactive and therefore not as beneficial as T3.

The misunderstood stomach acids: Part I

If you are suffering from heartburn or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease ("GERD" or "reflux"), or know of someone else who does, take heart - there are many things you can do to alleviate it. Some people say, "Well, I no longer suffer from it because I take medication. I don't have any problems with it." Well, sorry to say, you have more problems than you realize.

Is your thyroid function optimal?

If you have been told, "your thyroid is within normal limits;" but you are still feeling tired, depressed, you've gained some weight that just won't come off, or having a hard time warming up, these could be some of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism. Checking a TSH or free T4 does not give a true picture of what is really going on with your thyroid function. Free T3 is the active part necessary for the cells to function properly. T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) are important thyroid hormones. Yet, even with normal levels of T3 and T4, it's possible to still have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, which may be due to excessive production of rT3 in the body. Reverse T3 competes with T3 at important binding sites, which is a problem because rT3 is inactive and therefore not as beneficial as T3.

Idaho clinics rush to train staff for COVID booster rollout

Many health care providers will spend a few days training staff before they can start putting shots in arms

Bird hunters encouraged to submit wings

With sage and sharp-tailed grouse seasons opening soon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking hunters to help gather grouse information by providing a fully feathered wing for each bird they harvest.

BLIND: Two Moose inspire

I read Saturday’s article about Moose the Lab who is not only blind but also has no eyes. It’s a great animal interest story.

Did Alaska dog walk on water?

No headline

Michael