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UP and down the country, many puppies will be settling into their new homes with families eager to play with them.

But dog owners have to be careful when it comes to exercising their young pup.

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A pet expert from YuMOVE has revealed that playing fetch, and other inappropriate exercises, can negatively impact their joints. 

Dr Charlotte Rice, their in-house Senior Veterinary Technical Manager, explained. “It’s natural to want to play with your new puppy and it’s exciting to see them running around and having fun.

“But it’s also important to think about the impact on their joints as they grow. 

“Too much running, jumping and other high intensity activities can impact their joints.”

As an alternative, Dr Rice suggests puppy enrichment toys as a “fantastic” way to keep your pet active.

She added: “Puppy enrichment toys are a great tool, not only for keeping your pup entertained and preventing boredom when long walks aren’t on the cards yet, but also for keeping them engaged.

“Toys like puzzle feeders or interactive toys can engage your puppy’s mind and help them to problem solve, which can help reduce stress.”

Short training sessions while they’re still a pup are also a great alternative alongside appropriate exercise.

Not only do puppies thrive on mental challenges but teaching them simple commands from a young age can help keep them safe in future.

Short training sessions are a great way to keep them engaged every day.

Start with the basic commands such as sit and stay, then move on to more advanced ones like lie down and roll over.

Finally, Dr Rice has advised that young puppies should be asleep more than they are awake as it’s essential for brain development, growth, and behaviour. 

She said: “Having a comfortable and peaceful environment for your puppy to sleep in is essential for their development.

“You can try crate training them or putting a dog bed in a quiet area and encouraging them to go there when it’s time for a nap.

“This way, pup will get the rest they need, and you can get things done around the house.”

VIRGIN MEDIA has announced its first five TV games of the new League of Ireland season – starting with champions Shelbourne’s opener.

The broadcaster recently confirmed a landmark four-year TV deal which will see them televise 36 matches – equating to a match per round.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

On Wednesday, the first five games of the new arrangement were confirmed, including two Dublin derbies.

First up, on February 14, champions Shelbourne will begin the defence of the Premier Division title when they welcome Derry City to Tolka Park.

The Candystripes lost out to Damien Duff‘s men on the final night of the season – with Harry Wood’s goal securing the LOI title.

Two days later, on February 16, Virgin will be showing the all-Dublin meeting of Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, live from the Aviva Stadium.

On February 21, it is the turn of Galway United vs St Patrick’s Athletic.

The Tribesmen enjoyed an impressive year in the top tier, ultimately finishing fifth – just two points shy of Derry.

They will be playing host to a St Pat’s side that enjoyed a resurgent end to the Premier Division last season under Stephen Kenny.

The Inchicore men won their last nine games of the campaign; briefly flirting with a title challenge before ultimately finishing third behind just Shels and Shamrock Rovers.

On February 28, there is a mouth-watering clash pitting Shelbourne against Shamrock Rovers in an early litmus test of both sides’ league credentials.

And on March 3, Cork City make the trip to the RSC to face Waterford in the Leesiders’ fourth fixture back in the Premier Division.

Through the new TV deal, Virgin has committed to a dramatic ramping up of coverage, having initially started showing some games in 2023.

Virgin Media Television, Director of News and Sport, Mick McCaffrey, said: “We are delighted to be the exclusive broadcaster of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for the next four years.

“Virgin Media Television is committed to the League and to delivering on the fans’ ask for more live matches.

“For the first time ever, supporters will have free to air coverage of the biggest and best game each Friday of the season along with the goals from every other game.

“We are excited to bring greater exposure to the league and play our part in increasing grassroots participation in communities throughout the country.”

Virgin had shown 14 matches last year having started out with seven in 2023.

FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh added: “We’re delighted to announce this landmark broadcast agreement for the League of Ireland with Virgin Media Television.

“Since our initial agreement in 2023, the partnership has grown along with the interest in the League and this new announcement will be able to help take the League of Ireland to another level.

“Having the consistency of live broadcasts for every round will be crucial in building the level of coverage needed for the League of Ireland and we are excited to continue working with the team at Virgin Media Television who have been brilliant partners since we have started working together.

“Along with recent partnership announcements for the League of Ireland, this new agreement shows the level of interest and excitement in the League are increasing year-on-year and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

You're not imagining it: Food recalls are increasing. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data analyzed by The New York Times, food and cosmetic recalls (they're grouped together by the FDA) "have nearly doubled between 2012 and 2024." And despite federal initiatives to reduce food-borne infections, "Incidence of Listeria, Salmonella, and Shigella infections did not change in 2023 compared with 2016–2018," reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now, the FDA has elevated three recent food recalls to their highest risk level, which signals that an affected food—those sold at Costco and Walmart in this case—could cause "death."

RELATED: FDA Recalls 3 Supplements That Contain "Toxic" Ingredients and "Unapproved Drugs."

Costco smoked salmon may be infected with Listeria.

Costco

In late October, Brooklyn-based Acme Smoked Fish voluntarily recalled its smoked salmon sold under Costco's in-house brand Kirkland. At the time, laboratory testing of the smoked salmon confirmed the presence of L. monocytogenes, the bacteria that can lead to listeriosis.

As the FDA explains, in mild cases listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it "can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems," they note. "Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women."

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. It's estimated that 260 people die from the infection each year.

Therefore, it's not surprising that the FDA has reclassified the salmon recall as Class I, it's highest risk level. They define this designation as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The recall includes 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12oz packages with the following information:

• UPC 0 96619 25697 6
• Lot# 8512801270
• Best-by-Date 11/13/2024

The cases were distributed between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13, 2024, to the Southeast Costco Distribution Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Costco Warehouse stores in Florida.

In a statement to Best Life, an Acme Smoked Fish spokesperson noted that the company initiated the recall in October as Class I. "As part of the process for that recall, the FDA confirmed the status of the recall this week on their website as a Class 1, a confirmation that typically takes place soon after a recall is issued," she explained.

"All products were removed from the marketplace at that time," she added.

RELATED: Costco Shoppers, Take Caution: Eggs and Cucumbers Recalled Over Major Health Risk.

Broccoli sold at Walmart was also reclassified to the potentially deadly level.

Braga Fresh

The FDA also escalated broccoli sold at Walmart to a Class I recall. The 12-ounce bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets were originally recalled earlier this month by California-based company Braga Fresh. The affected bags have the following information:

• UPC 6 81131 32884 5
• Lot# BFFG327A6
• Best-By-Date of December 10, 2024

Lay's potato chips are a Class I recall, too.

Shutterstock

• UPC 28400 31041
• Manufacturing Codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx
• Guaranteed-Fresh-Date 11 FEB 2025

According to Mayo Clinic, "Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Milk allergy can also cause anaphylaxis—a severe, life-threatening reaction."

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