By Pia Martin DVM KSTR Wildlife Vet

Kinkajous (Potos flavus) and in Spanish “Martillas”, are medium size mammals (40-55cms long, weighing 2-3kg), brownish colored from the Procyonid family. This means they are nocturnal, live in pairs or by themselves and are arboreal and terrestrial; just like raccoons (Procyon lotor) and coatis (Nasua narica). However, they have unique characteristics that make them very special in the rainforest. For example: although they are categorized as carnivores, they do not eat meat. Their diet is basically fruits, flowers, and rarely they will eat a bird’s egg or an insect. They have a 5 inch tongue that helps them get nectar from flowers making them pollinators. Their ankles and wrists can rotate more than most mammals helping them climb up and down trees and walk in branches easily. They also have a long prehensile tail that can wrap itself around a branch and hold on to most of the animal’s weight so it can hang and reach for a fruit in a lower branch.

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Filed under: Kids Saving the Rainforest, Pía Martín on June 26th, 2011
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By Shelly Workman

Scientists and doctors agree, more and more, that meditation is having a direct impact on the way the brain is ‘wired’. There has, in recent years, been a dramatic rise of the research and testing of meditation and the exact effects meditation can have on the brain and the heart. This connection helps to build up immunity and prevent diseases.  Meditation is a reliable medication that has no side effects but can bring slow healing through the nervous system. There are various forms of meditation, all of which have separate characteristics that offer a unique method for healing. Stress has been proven to result in depression and fears. That depression from excess stress can result in physical injuries and negative health disorders such as heart disease. Meditation is proving to reduce the risks of such conditions by first reducing the stress. When your bran is relaxed, a dramatic improvement to your mental health occurs, which, in turn, reduces the risks to poor physical health as well.

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Filed under: Holis Wellness Center on June 26th, 2011
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By Costa Rica Pools and Construction

The four points below are the basics of excellent pool maintenance.  Pay attention to these areas to help your pool look its best.

Circulation

Pool water must be circulated for your pool care products to work their best.  The more your water in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to grow.  And the more water that passes through the filter, the more debris is captured.  The best time to circulate water is during the day, for 10 hours or more.

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Filed under: Costa Rica Pools & Construction, Pool Care Basics on June 22nd, 2011
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Decían los antiguos romanos: “Mens sana in corpore sano” (Mente sana en cuerpo sano), para mostrar que la salud depende de la armonía entre el alma y el cuerpo. Los médicos y los psicólogos modernos han comprobado la veracidad de este dicho clásico porque han visto muchas enfermedades psicosomáticas que tienen efectos físicos, y también problemas psicológicos que han resultado de defectos orgánicos o de insuficiencias bioquímicas.  Read More…

Filed under: Academia D'Amore, Tico Talk on June 18th, 2011
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Titi Conservation Alliance invites the general public to the first Rio Naranjo Biological Corridor open meeting to be held June 24th at MINAET´s local offices 2 PM within the Zona Americana. The agenda includes a brief presentation of the corridor, its real value for the area and a good cup of coffee! Everyone is welcome to participate. Contact us: info@monotiti.org

Filed under: Tey Arce, Titi Conservation Alliance on June 12th, 2011
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These Horoscopes are meant to be fun and enjoyed. They should not be taken too seriously.

GEMINI - May 21-June 21

Walk without shoes for a day and you will soon understand the nature of the soul! Get it? People will start to resent your annoying habit of repeating the last funny thing said and then laughing.

RULING GEMSTONE: ALEXANDRITE

CANCER -June 22-July 22

Although it may be true that you are being hunted down by pirates, you may wish to avoid using the name “Long Dong Silver”. Brown is your unlucky color this month. Avoid it where possible.

RULING GEMSTOME: RUBY

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Filed under: Cosmic Confetti, Horoscopes on June 4th, 2011
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June's cover photo by Sean Johnstone

Bienvenido/Welcome to Paradise! We are happy to see you and know you will have a great time visiting us whether this is your first trip or a return visit. June is a great time – not so hot – rain in the afternoon and plenty of fun things to do…..if you should get caught in a downpour while driving  just slow it down and take your time – our scenery is beautiful so enjoy it…. at times the streets of Quepos can flood so if you are wading around trying to reach a dry spot just remember to really wash your feet when you get back to your hotel…….we have all the great tours available in our area – just take a look at our advertisers…..from paddleboarding, white water rafting, fishing and zip lines to just about anything else you want to try….they will take great care of you & you’ll have a blast……….our beaches are beautiful but the sun is strong even this time of year so don’t forget the sunblock and watch out for the rip tide if swimming……we would also like to mention that a couple of our estuaries at the beach are home to large crocodiles…please exercise caution with small children and dogs…we would like to thank Sean Johnstone for our cover shot….send in those photos and you might make a cover!………please mention to our advertisers that you found them in Quepolandia and follow us here online when you get home…have fun – be safe and come back soon……….ciao…………P
 
Happy Father’s Day!

Filed under: Qué Pasa en Quepos on June 2nd, 2011
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