WINSTON WEEKLY[1]

Vol. 2, No. 8

February 25, 2024

ANIMAL LITERACY

There is something magical about pelicans. Perhaps it is their wingspan, or the way in which they dip their bills into the water. I had not appreciated the differences between white and brown pelicans – aside from their color – until a recent trip to Key West. White pelicans do not plunge-dive like brown pelicans to get their food. They instead float on the surface and scoop up fish. Better understanding the subtle differences between the feeding habits of white and brown pelicans led me to think more about animal literacy.

In doing so, I came across the website for Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company. http://www.zoetisus.com. The company’s name comes from “Zoe”, the Greek word for life. An article on their website by Dr. Heather Berst caught my attention: Farting? Flatulence? Passing Gas? Words Matter: Improving Patient Outcomes by Considering Health Literacy. Dr. Berst notes that “Things such as primary language, access to the internet and access to healthcare effect health literacy. A big consideration is also reading ability.” With the average American reading at the 7^th to 8^th-grade level, it is no wonder that “Nearly 9 out of 10 adults struggle with health literacy.” In considering how a veterinary health team should communicate with customers, Dr. Berst notes that “What matters to a pet owner would be the benefit of a longer, happier life,” not bloodwork details such as renal or liver function.  She concludes with this, “So, next time consider, are you going to ask if the dog is farting, passing gas or has flatulence?!”

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

There are at least three animals you can come up with when using the letters in “Animal Literacy.” What are they? I will provide some hints. One is relatively small and is often found in large cities or in barns. Another is large, social, and communicates by humming. The other can be a single color or multiple colors, and with a tail or without.

---

[1] Copyright February 25, 2024. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Winston Weekly is a weekly Sunday newsletter by Alysen Bayles, Founder of Bayles and Bruce. “Learn, live, love, read.” Alysen’s views are her own.