Hi, I'm Joe Graydon.

I'm Terry Graydon.

Welcome to this podcast of the People's Pharmacy, where we bring you the stories behind the health headlines.

This podcast is brought to you by Redux Industries, makers of utterly smooth body cream.

800-345-7339 on the web at utter cream.com.

Are you eating a plant-based diet?

Studies suggest diets rich in vegetables and fruits can make a big difference

in our overall health. This is the People's Pharmacy with Terry and Joe Graydon.

Whether they're motivated by religious, ethical, or health considerations, many people prefer to avoid eating meat.

What's the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan dietary plan?

Are there alternatives to the highly processed soy-based meat alternatives made to resemble hot dogs or burgers?

Do vegetarians need to be vigilant about the vitamins and minerals they might be missing?

Find out about how vegetarians and vegans can get all the nutrients they need.

Coming up on the people's pharmacy answers to your questions about a healthy diet.

First, the news.

In the people's pharmacy health headlines,

Cat Scratch Fever has public health officials concerned.

Scientists with the CDC have carried out a major epidemiological study of this infection. While the incidents may be down,

complications are more severe than previously appreciated. The disease is transmitted from cat to cat through fleas that carry the bacterium, Bartonella Hansley. Cats can pass the germs to humans through bites or scratches. Bartonella can also enter the body through hand-to-mouth or hand-to-nose contact, so the CDC urges people to wash their hands after petting their cats. Symptoms of the infection include fever, fatigue, and enlarged limp nodes.

Some people also experience joint pain, headaches, memory loss, and other neurological complaints.

The CDC warns that in some cases, the bacteria may invade the heart and cause potentially life-threatening complications.

Treatment can be challenging, since it's hard to culture the bacteria,

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