Star Letter I am a regular reader of Woman This Month, and fascinated by the various fields and talents of women that the magazine reveals. Parenting by the Book was another article which has really touched me. WTM has once again tried to create a close bondage in the family. Of late, books have taken a back stage in many people’s life. The habit of reading is slowly dying, especially the young, who prefer electronic media. Language and grammar have also taken a back seat due to SMS slang and abbreviations. Books have been replaced by many other sources, such as the TV and the PC. WTM has enlightened many parents on how to spend their valuable time with their kids and family with books, man’s best friend — or should I say woman’s best friend? It is said parenting is not easy, but WTM is making it a lot easier for parents and parents-to-be. If the parents are able to know their baby through books like Toddler Meal Planner and No Cry Sleep Solution, the result will be a great bondage between the parents and their baby. Quality time with the baby will lead to happy babies, happier families, better neighbourhoods and better countries. Vaidehi, by email

PREGNANT AND PREPARED
After reading Dr Darwish's article on pregnancy and terotagens, I would like to clarify a few things regarding the dangers. I mostly agree with your report, except when it comes to avoiding cats!

First of all, taxoplasmosis is not transmitted from petting or owning ‘Fluffy’, but from Fluffy’s litter box. Also, if your cat has never been outdoors then the chances of it having it are slim to none, as cats contract the parasite from the prey they kill. There are several and much more likely ways you can get taxoplasmosis, the most common being the handling of raw meat or eating undercooked meat. The second most common way is from the dirt when gardening in our own backyards.

Most humans already carry the taxoplasmosis parasite, but it does not show symptoms, as they have been exposed to it throughout their lifetime and have built-up an immunity. The best way to avoid taxoplasmosis is to have someone else clean the litter box, make sure your meat is always cooked well, wash your hands well after handling raw or undercooked meat, and wearing gloves while gardening.

These simple preventative measures will keep the parasite at bay. So please, please, do not dump Kitty out the door or rush down to the BSPCA, because you are pregnant. Pregnancy is a wonderful time with enough changes going on in your life. Take the time to inform yourself and separate fact from fiction before doing anything drastic. Fluffy will thank you for it! Pregnant and Informed, by email


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