Jackie Kellum

Jackie Kellum is a RN from NYC and CA, retiring in San Juan Cosala with her husband. For 12 years we provided foster care for abandoned motherless infant kittens and puppies, and now due to circumstances I only rescue kitten babies. During my many years volunteering with Anita’s Animals, I was given the privilege of writing a regular pet Column in the Ojo starting December 2010. Even with a column name change to “If Our Pets Could Talk” in August 2017, the purpose of the writings remain the same - help pet owners better understand their pets, learn what they can teach us , recognize their health needs and provide them with the best care possible.

Jackie Kellum

You and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – July 2025

This is an overview of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is a group of symptoms that occur together that affects the stomach and intestines, called the GI/gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include repeated abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, having the feeling that you’re unable to empty your bowels after pooping, and changes in […]

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YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – June 2025

Norovirus Exposure to Norovirus gastroenteritis, is not limited to cruise ships, you can get it right here at home. Norovirus is a group of viruses causing severe vomiting and diarrhea that can cause gastroenteritis. It is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines and the leading cause of food borne illnesses, and it’s very contagious.

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YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – April 2025

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. A very recent study was completed with unexpected results. The study, led by researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand, analyzed the genetic information of an astounding 2.6 million people, including 120,295 individuals with gout. This was the largest genetic study

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YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – March 2025

The topic this month is Shingles (herpes zoster) an infection that causes a painful rash. People get shingles when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, reactivates in their bodies later in life after they have already had chickenpox. About 1 in 3 people in the United States and Canada will develop shingles in their lifetime. Your

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If Our Pets Could Talk – February 2025

Cats and dogs do their own DIY self-grooming. Although dogs don’t groom themselves as extensively as cats do, self-bathing and grooming is still normal behavior for dogs. Dogs utilize several methods of self-cleaning that may not seem effective to humans. One familiar action is the extremely forceful full-body shake, usually performed by wet or muddy dogs.

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You And Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – February 2025

The topic this month is Multiple Sclerosis/MS. It is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, or balance. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. It is another

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YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – January 2025

Psoriasis Psoriasis – an autoimmune skin condition. It is a long-term (chronic) disease with no cure, in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Normal skin cells completely grow and shed in a month. Psoriasis skin cells, instead of shedding, on average over 7 to 14 days pile up

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