I have a CPAP machine. It is a machine that is used at home while you sleep. It is for people who stop breathing during sleep to help force open your breathing passages through a steady stream of air.

This machine kind of looks pretty scary but in fact it is not. Well, not once you get used to it and the wonderful feeling of getting fully rested from your night’s sleep.

I am amazed at how many of my friends and family are now getting or have been using the machine. I know that in my family we are horrible snorers. My mother never would admit that she snored. As kids we would tell her and tell her and she would deny it until one day I being the oldest got a great idea that I would tape record her while she took a nap. Well, the only thing I got out of that was a warm bottom. She did not like that at all.

All kidding aside and back to the CPAP machine. If you have one use it faithfully. If you need to be tested for sleep apnea get it done. It is a painless overnight testing done usually in the hospital.

I have been trying to get my husband to get that done for more than 4 years now and he just refused. Now that his close friend has been tested and is getting a machine, he has agreed to get tested. I think it is a man thing…can’t go just because wifey said to, but when you friend does it then it must be okay. Go figure!

If you get a CPAP machine or know someone that is you need to be aware that all health supply companies are not equal. I mean that you really need to shop around. The first company my doctor hooked me up with would only deliver supplies for the CPAP machine every 6 months. And they had a hefty charge for me that they claim my insurance company didn’t cover. Then I did some shopping around and now I get all supplies I need every month with no extra out of pocket expense. It really matters which company you choose so shop around.

The CPAP machine is not an easy thing to get used to as you can see from the picture. It does not come natural to try to sleep with all that gear on. But, it can be done with a little determination and then you will have a great night of sleep and definitely notice the feeling of being well rested from it.

The most important thing to remember is that if your doctor says you need the CPAP machine it means that you are getting obstructed breathing while you sleep. This is a serious health risk. I personally can feel the problem I have as I try to relax to go to sleep with out the CPAP. Most people, like my husband, do not and can live in denial. But, with the understanding of the health risks involved I have been able to relax and sleep very well with my CPAP machine.

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• ResMed Introduces Next-Generation CPAP Series in Europe (eon.businesswire.com)
• Study finds reduced brain gray matter concentration in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (scienceblog.com)
• Implant can help sleep apnea patients not frighten their partners (crunchgear.com)
• EasyLife PAP Mask from Respironics, a Review (medgadget.com)
• Brain Damage Seen in People with Severe Sleep Apnea (nlm.nih.gov)

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Well, I have been making a lot of “Gramme’s Cookies” my homemade dog treats, lately.  They seem to be getting more and more popular.

I have been researching pet nutrition too.  I just really want to know that I am giving my pets the best that I can and they are nutritionally fit.

I have 2 dogs that are getting older now. A pekingese that is now 10 years old this year.  A Lab mix that is 9 years old this year.  The fact that the bigger the dog the less the years they seem to live.  My Peke should live to more than 15 years in good health (she is not in good health because of the history of seizures).  My Lab mix well the Lab in him is known for shorter lifespan, not usually more than 12 years in good health.

My Lab mix that is now 9 years old

This is my Pekingese "Mitzy" now 10 years old

This is Deo my Pug and he is now 2 1/2 years old

I also have a 2 1/2 year old Pug.  He is a pistol too.  He can and does, run circles around the other 2 dogs.  They all love the dog cookies.

My main “Gramme’s Cookies” recipe is always the same.  I start with one of my homemade stocks, vegetable, beef, chicken or turkey.

Then I add the main protein (beef, chicken, turkey, peanut  butter).  I also, add Brewer’s Yeast, Wheat Germ, Oatmeal and shredded vegetables (usually carrots).

This makes a pretty healthy treat.  I had one problem though.  Being homemade with no additives they did not have much shelf life.  They did not last much after 3 weeks unless refrigerated or frozen.

Gramme's Cookies fresh cooked

I have been researching natural preservatives.  I found that vitamin E is a natural preservative and so is citric acid.  They are not only a natural preservative but they are actually healthy additives.   So, the new additions to my dog cookies will be Vitamin E and Citric Acid (vitamin C).

Well, if you have a great dog treat recipe that you would like to share please feel free to post it here in the comments.  If you are interested in more about “Gramme’s Cookies” you can find more here: http:/athomelifestyle.com/blog/grammes-cookies/

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