Be Kind To Pets, Vet case studies, Photography tips, Travel Stories

----------------------------------------------

An educational video explains the importance and benefits of basking for the pet red-eared slider in Singapore. Vit D3 helps Calcium absorption. The body produces Vit D3 if the turtle or red-eared slider basks in the sun or under the UVB light. What set-up and equipment are required. A photographic tip for taking photos of the turtle in the wild, in Yishun Pond – use a tripod and shutter priority. MORE INFORMATION AT: https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/05/6001-reflection.html

P.S. On 8 May, 2026, I saw one milk advert saying that 40% of Singaporeans is deficient in Vitamin D. Recently, my second blood test showed my Vitamin D and Calcium levels are normal and I have no kidney disorder. The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital specialist said he would review my Vitamin D and calcium case after 2 years and would I like 2 years' prescription of Vitamin D vials? I would be 77 years old. He did not say I should take Vitamin and Calcium tablets too. In retrospect, the prescription of only Vitamin D will be sufficient as it will help calcium absorption. The calcium will be from my food and milk. Hence he did not prescribe calcium or Vitamin D + calcium tablets. I did not ask him.

-----------------------------------------------

Basking is essential for turtles to regulate body temperature, metabolize nutrients, and maintain shell health, as they are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and cannot generate their own heat. It allows them to raise their body temperature for digestion, synthesis Vitamin D3 using UVB rays, and completely dry out to prevent fungal infections and shell rot. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Benefits of Basking:

Thermoregulation: Because turtles rely on their environment for heat, basking allows them to raise their internal body temperature, which is crucial for metabolism, digestion, and immune function.
Vitamin D3 and Calcium Metabolism: UVB rays from the sun (or a specialized lamp) are necessary to synthesize Vitamin D3, which enables the turtle to absorb calcium, ensuring proper bone and shell growth.
Preventing Infection: Allowing their shell and skin to dry out completely is critical. Inadequate basking can lead to shell rot, fungal infections, and bacterial issues.
Shedding Scutes: Regular basking helps turtles shed their old scutes (shell scutes) effectively.
Behavioral Needs: Basking provides a way to reduce stress, avoid parasites, and conserve energy. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Components of a Proper Basking Area:

Dry Platform: A place where the turtle can fully exit the water.
Heat Lamp: A heat source that makes the basking area 10-15°F warmer than the water, usually reaching 85-90°F (29-32°C).
UVB Light: A dedicated reptile UVB bulb is crucial, especially for indoor setups, as standard light bulbs do not produce these necessary rays. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Without proper basking opportunities, turtles can suffer from serious health issues like metabolic bone disease, shell deformities, and chronic respiratory infections

SINGAPORE - 4 MAY 2026: 8.37am. An adult turtle stays on the ground of the plants of the Yishun Pond to bask in the morning sunlight. Sunlight helps its body to produce Vitamin D to stay healthy. The reflections of the green and yellow leaves are seen on the clear waters of the pond.

Canon R5, tripod, 300mm, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, iso 100.

P.S. On 8 May, 2026, I saw one milk advert saying that 40% of Singaporeans is deficient in Vitamin D. Recently, my second blood test showed my Vitamin D and Calcium levels are normal and I have no kidney disorder. The KTPH specialist said he would review my Vitamin D and calcium case after 2 years and would I like 2 years' prescription of Vitamin D vials? I would be 77 years old. He did not say I should take Vitamin and Calcium tablets too. In retrospect, the prescription of only Vitamin D will be sufficient as it will help calcium absorption. The calcium will be from my food and milk. Hence he did not prescribe calcium or Vitamin D + calcium tablets. I did not ask him.

--------------------------------------------------

To bask is to lie in or be exposed to pleasant, warm heat—often the sun—or to figuratively revel in praise, glory, or happiness. It implies a state of satisfied, blissful relaxation. [1, 2, 3]

Key Definitions & Usage

Literal Meaning: To sit or lie down to enjoy warmth (e.g., "The cat basked in the sun").
Figurative Meaning: To take great pleasure in a positive situation (e.g., "Basking in the glory of victory").
Origin: Derived from Middle English and Old Norse, meaning "to bathe oneself"

MORE INFORMATION
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/05/6001-reflection.html

-----------------

Reflection is the throwing back of light, heat, or sound from a surface, an image seen in a mirror, or the act of careful, serious thought. It often refers to a "bending back" of light (physics) or thoughts (mental reflection), or it can be a sign or consequence that reveals something about a person or situation.

Key Aspects of Reflection:

Physical (Physics/Optics): The return of light, heat, or sound waves from a surface (e.g., an echo or a mirror image).
Mental/Cognitive: Careful, serious, or long-term consideration and contemplation of a subject, idea, or past experience.
Sign or Indication:
A result, consequence, or sign that reveals a particular situation or trait, such as "his behavior is a reflection of his upbringing".

Discredit/Reproach: A remark that brings blame or negative attention, such as "that action is a reflection on her character".

Mathematics/Anatomy: In math, replacing points symmetrically across a line or plane; in anatomy, the bending or folding back of a structure.

Common Synonyms:

Thinking: Meditation, contemplation, consideration, deliberation, thought, rumination.
Image: Mirror image, likeness, representation, counterpart.