Let’s be honest: No one made it rich by getting 3% back from a credit card. I doubt any millionaire out there is saying that using their credit cards is the reason for their fortune. No one can say they’ve made their wealth primarily because they learned how to max out all the benefits from their credit card.

People spend 12% to 15% more when they use a credit card vs using their debit card or cash.

 A few years ago, when paying for things in cash was more common, transactions felt different. When you handed a clerk $300 in cash, you felt much more energy drain from your body than if you handed them $3. Because swiping a credit card feels the same whether the transaction is $300 or $3, it’s no wonder how people spend more money when they use a credit card instead of cash. I’ve seen people who learn this fact, go extreme, and give up using credit cards altogether, but I am not sure that’s the answer. Because we live in an ever increasingly digitized world, it’s hard to imagine that we will even have the option of using cash in the decades to come. So, my thought is: We might as well try to use them in the healthiest way possible and see whether we can use them as a tool without allowing them to push spending habits in the wrong direction.

I find there are 2 extremes: people who are deathly scared of credit cards and people who feel as though credit cards are as essential to life as having air to breathe. Many still feel this need to play the FICO score game and believe that if they have bad credit or no credit, their lives will surely end. Most of you probably sit somewhere in between—I hope—working to use them with a healthy fear of making sure they don’t get out of control in their balances or only using them for rare occasions or select expenses. A FICO score is a 3-digit number based on the information in your credit reports. It helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay a loan, and this affects how much you can borrow, how many months you have to repay, and how much it will cost (the interest rate).

For those who are drowning in credit card debt, if your credit cards are already out of hand and you need some help figuring out how to eliminate them, it might be the time to consider contacting a company that can consolidate them. This is where a company will pay off your credit cards and consolidate them into 1 single debt that will have a lower interest rate and a specified amortization length for the loan to be paid off, thus, most likely providing you a manageable monthly payment and eliminating your credit cards entirely.

Be careful with these, though! Once your credit cards are freed up, there is always the chance that your behavior could cause you to rack them back up if you’re not careful. I’ve seen many people get into trouble multiple times with credit cards after they used a debt consolidation company, so please don’t fall prey to this!

We’ve found a few different ways to use credit cards where the chances of accidental overspending or the natural result of spending more by using credit cards can be reduced or eliminated. Points are great. Credit cards offer protection. They’re easy to use and have nearly zero downside if they are lost. This is very different than cash where once it’s lost, it’s gone! Using points to go on vacations or pay for Amazon purchases is clearly a win in the direction of using credit cards.

So, let’s run through some resources that we have used ourselves and have heard other people use.

: If you haven’t signed up, consider it. This is a great resource for people who want to get an inventory of all the loans in their name. It also will help you select loans (not just credit cards) that may be helpful for you to refinance current loans that you have, help you select credit cards, and a few other fun tools.

: If you’re unsure as to which credit cards are out there that would give you the most bang for your buck based on where you spend money and the lifestyle you live, check out this website! The danger is that you find credit cards that offer points on purchases that you aren’t already making, thus causing you to spend more. Be careful with that! If you don’t go out to eat much but get a credit card that is going to cause you to want to go out and eat more, it might be something to consider staying away from!

Pay off your credit cards every week—preferably right before the part of the week that you spend the most money. For me, it’s the weekend. I work Monday through Friday and don’t have much opportunity to spend money, but the weekends can be a time where my spending increases dramatically. When people are off from work, they typically want to spend their time doing something that costs money—hobbies included!

When you pay off your credit card every week, the balance never gets out of control, and it will bring your cash positions in your checking accounts down to a more realistic representation of how much cash you have. Credit card balances get high when people think they have the money, and then when the monthly bill comes in, they realize it’s outgrown their cash positions and now they’re in real trouble!

There’s no definitive answer on credit cards being good or bad; it’s all about how you use them and how responsible you are with your spending. Sometimes, it takes us a while to learn this lesson, and that’s OK. If you’ve found yourself with high credit card debt, there are tools you can utilize to get yourself out of the hole. With patience, dedication, and newfound money wisdom, you’ll figure out the right balance for yourself and your wallet.

Traffis C. Leveling up: why customers spend more when paying with credit cards. SumUp. Accessed November 18, 2024. 

https://www.sumup.com/en-us/business-guide/why-customers-spend-more-with-credit-cards/

What is a FICO score? myFICO. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/what-is-a-fico-score

Articles

How to navigate the fine line between smart credit use and financial pitfalls, plus discover practical tips for maintaining control without sacrificing the benefits 

How to best use credit cards

Mars Science & Diagnostics, a relatively new division of Mars Petcare, focuses on veterinary diagnostic and scientific research. Its vision aligns well with legacy brand, Antech, in helping veterinary professionals predict, diagnose, and monitor wellness or disease using science, data, and technology, so pets can live their healthiest lives.




 - Learn how Antech’s KeyScreen® test harnesses PCR testing.
 - Hear how the Antech Imaging Services® RapidRead™ test complements the expertise of veterinarians by harnessing artificial intelligence to provide rapid imaging solutions.
 - Understand what makes the Nu.Q® Canine Cancer Test so attractive in monitoring the wellness of high-risk breeds and senior dogs.


Podcasts

James Barr, DVM, DACVECC, joins Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to discuss the latest in veterinary diagnostics and scientific research. 

Science Meets Compassion: Diagnostic Innovations are Driving Change in Veterinary Medicine

Mark J. Acierno, DVM, MBA, DACVIM, talks about his lecture on hypertension, presented at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey

A veterinarian discusses his lecture on hypertension

 delivers expert-led veterinary continuing education on your schedule. With 

, you can access top-tier sessions anytime, anywhere—whether at home, in the clinic, or on the go. Ready to earn CE credits? Watch this session and more on 

, Mark J. Acierno, DVM, MBA, DACVIM, professor and associate dean at Midwestern University in Arizona, talked about the lecture he presented at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey: “Hypertension. New Guidelines, New Drugs, and What's Really in the New ACVIM Consensus Statement?” During the interview, Acierno outlined what his lecture focused on, which included a talk about idiopathic hypertension vs secondary hypertension, diseases associated with hypertension, and strategies for measuring blood pressure.

 In this talk, basically, first, I provide a differentiation between primary—or what's now called idiopathic hypertension—and secondary. Idiopathic is what most people have. Secondary is what most of our canine, feline patients have.

Then we go on and define what diseases are generally associated with hypertension, so that we can better focus our attention on those particular patients because, honestly, most of us don't have time in our practice to measure blood pressure in every patient, but if we know, for example, a patient has Cushing's disease, it should ring a bell that we probably should check its blood pressure, because it could be hypertensive.

We go on and we talk about how to measure blood pressure and some best practices for it, and then we talk about not only medications, but really the pathways by which those medications work so we have a better understanding of how our therapy is affecting the patient's regulatory systems for blood pressure.

Videos

Photo: Маргарита Гусева/Adobe Stock

The dietary renal complex supplement AB070597 may prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, a new study found. Results of the study found that senior cats who were not given the AB070597 complex exhibited a significant rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and phosphorus levels compared to felines who did receive the supplement. The cats that received the supplement exhibited better overall kidney function compared to those that did not receive treatment.

AB070597 is a patented compound of 6 amino acids and 1 peptide consisting of L-arginine, glycine, L-glutamine, L-histidine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, and L-carnosine. The product is owned by Bio Health Solutions, a global manufacturer of kidney support products.

“I am excited to publish this research as it shows that the AB070597 complex has a reno-protective effect,” Sato Masahiko, DVM, PhD, DACVIM(SAIM), DAiCVIM(SAIM), coauthor of the study, published in the 

 “While further research is needed to fully understand the reno-protective effects of AB070597, it shows promise as a valuable addition to supporting renal health in aging cats."

The prospective, randomized, controlled parallel-group study looked at 35 cats with CKD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg of AB070597 orally or a placebo for a period of 180 days; 20 were given AB070597 while 15 received the placebo. Throughout the study, the cats were reevaluated every 30 days. Researchers compared the results from the beginning of the study to the end for both groups to determine how effective AB070597 was in treating cats with CKD.

In the placebo group, BUN, creatinine, and phosphorus levels significantly increased at the 180-day mark compared to the group’s baseline, 30-day, and 60-day levels. In the group receiving AB070597 however, these levels were not significantly changed. Additionally, the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage of kidney disease in cats administered AB070597 remained stable from the beginning to the end of the study, while 26% of the placebo group progressed from stage 2 to stage 3 of IRIS. There were no significant changes in body weight for either group, according to the study’s authors.

“At Bio Health Solutions, our mission is to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives,” Mark Garrison, CEO of Bio Health Solution, said in a company release.

 “As a leader in pet renal health, I am humbled to have a key opinion leader like Dr Sato reconfirm the efficacy of our AB070597 complex. We believe all senior pets and those at risk for renal issues need multimodal support that logically would include ABO70597, as a direct renal support complex.”

Tsunekawa N, Sato M. Efficacy of oral AB070597 for the management of chronic kidney disease in cats: A prospective, randomised, controlled parallel-group study. 

https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X241275249

Bio Health Solutions announces newly published research for supporting renal health in cats. News release. Bio Health Solutions. November 15, 2024. Accessed November 20, 2024. [email]

Recent research has found the compound AB070597 had a positive impact on older felines' kidneys

Renal complex supplement may slow CKD progression in cats

Officials with the FDA have approved fenbendazole oral suspension (Safe-Guard Aquasol; Merck Animal Health) for treating parasitic roundworms in chicken flocks. According to Merck, the drug product was designed for use with backyard flocks.

Fenbendazole oral suspension is indicated for the treatment and control of adult 

 in broiler and replacement chickens, and for the treatment and control of adult 

 in breeding chickens and laying hens. The drug is the only chicken dewormer designed for home use that has been approved by the agency, according to Merck.

affects the small intestines of chickens, and other bird species. This roundworm is associated with anemia and emaciation as well as decreasing the production of eggs and meat. Although 

in the larval stages have a major role in pathology, both adult and young parasites affect the gut health of chickens.

 thrives in chickens’ ceca. It is prevalent in poultry and large numbers of birds raised in small areas are thought to be a higher risk of this parasitic disease. Although 

typically causes mild pathology and does not significantly affect bird performance, this parasite is a vector for 

“Chicken flocks of any size can be affected by intestinal parasites, leading to animal welfare concerns and decreased production efficiency. Safe-Guard Aquasol effectively treats common intestinal parasites in the average-sized backyard flock with the added benefit of no meat or egg withdrawal,” Blayne Mozisek, DVM, livestock insights and outcomes for Merck Animal Health, said in a news release.

Fenbendazole oral suspension is administered daily by adding a dose of 1 mg/kg BW (0.454 mg/lb) to drinking water for 5 consecutive days. This medicated water should be prepared each day before administration.

Six pivotal dose confirmation studies and 5 field effectiveness studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of fenbendazole oral suspension against 

 in broiler and replacement chickens; and 

 in breeding chickens and laying hens. These studies demonstrated evidence that supports effectiveness at the dose, body weight, and duration indicated by the FDA’s approval.

A pair of margin of safety studies also demonstrated no clinically significant effects for the evaluated parameters were shown in chickens that were administered fenbendazole oral suspension. However, protective gloves should be used by humans and care should be taken when handling the product to avoid skin and eye exposure and accidental ingestion. Exposure in humans may result in skin and eye irritation and may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions.

The newly approved drug product will be available in a 3 mL presentation at fleet and dealer retail outlets beginning in January 2025, according to Merck. Clients should be advised to consult a veterinarian for assistance in diagnosing, treating and controlling parasitism in their chickens.

Merck Animal Health announces FDA approval of Safe-Guard Aquasol (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chickens. News release. Merck Animal Health. November 13, 2024. Accessed November 21, 2024. 

https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/merck-animal-health-announces-fda-approval-of-safe-guard-aquasol-fenbendazole-oral-suspension-for-use-in-backyard-chicken-flocks

Safe-Guard Aquasol. Product label. Merck Animal Health. March 2024. Accessed November 21, 2024. 

https://assets.morganmyers.com/NewsReleasePhotos/Safe-Guard%20AquaSol%20Product%20Insert.pdf

infection in chicken: pathobiology and immunological orchestra. 

. 2023;11(9):e1001. doi:10.1002/iid3.1001

, the cecal nematode of gallinaceous birds: a critical review. 

. 2019;63(3):381-388. doi:10.1637/0005-2086-63.3.381

Merck Animal Health's Safe-Guard Aquasol is designed to treat roundworms in backyard flocks.

FDA approves dewormer for home use in chickens

Editor’s note: All names and businesses in this dilemma case are fictitious, but the scenario is based on real occurrences.

Hill Animal Hospital was a large, busy veterinary facility: 7 veterinarians, 19 veterinary technicians, 4 administrators, and a large reception staff. For 31 years, this facility had served the community’s pet owners. The technicians, as is the case in most facilities, were pivotal when it came to the efficient performance of the medical staff. During a recent monthly staff meeting, several of the technicians asked for a clarification from the hospital administrator. They mentioned that owners often referred to them as “techs,” “vet techs,” “nurse,” and “nurse practitioner.” Their name tags simply had their first names. They went on to say that how they were addressed did not affect their role at the clinic nor did it confuse the clientele. They simply wanted their title to be consistent.

During the meeting, some doctors and veterinary technicians felt their duties clearly were consistent with those of a nurse. The hospital administrator agreed that was true. The issue of addressing veterinary assistants or technicians as nurses had created a bit of an intraprofessional conflict in the past. The nursing profession was clearly of the opinion that the term nurse referred to a trained certified health care professional who cared for humans. The American Nurses Association feels strongly about this,

 and the term nurse is legally protected in at least 35 states.

The administrator agreed that veterinary technicians certainly could be addressed as “nurse,” but by law, the term is legally restricted to graduates of a human medical nursing program. To add some clarification to the issue, the administrator, going forward, said they would see that all technician name tags included a top line with the staff member’s first name and last initial and a second line with veterinary technician. Additionally, when a technician was asked how he or she should be addressed, they could respond by telling the client to use any title that makes them comfortable. It may simply be a first name, or a label such as technician or nurse preceding their first name. It would then be the pet owner’s choice. If the title nurse was used, it would be a client choice, not a mandate or suggestion by the staff member. 

At this point, the hospital administrator took a moment to extol the attributes and value of the veterinary technician staff. The veterinarians are highly skilled and are the face of the practice, but the technicians are the lifeblood. Their skills are diverse and sophisticated. They are responsible for the veterinarians’ efficiency and production. They are certainly worthy of the title nurse but, with or without it, these professionals remain compassionate, skilled health care workers and invaluable assets to the pet care community. The administrator’s final words were hopeful. With the role that pets play in our country today, it won’t be long before all the health care disciplines will be glad to refer to the highly skilled animal caregivers as part of the veterinary nursing community.

In the 19th century, skilled animal caregivers were horse doctors. For a good part of the 20th century, veterinarians were surrounded by vet assistants. The 21st century has witnessed veterinary medical care reach unprecedented levels of scientific sophistication and compassion. Trained veterinary caregivers wear the title of nurse with pride even though, like Voldemort, the word cannot be spoken.

Zimlich R. RNs fight veterinary technicians over the word ‘nurse.’ dvm360. September 11, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.dvm360. com/view/rns-fight-veterinary-technicians-over-word-nurse 

Title “nurse” protection. American Nurses Association. July 2021. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/ advocacy/state/title-nurse-protection/

Title clarification and use may be needed for the professionals who assist veterinarians and also care for patients