Pets – A real lifesaver....

A majority of households have animals (pets). Everyday they meet and greet us. They interact with us and spoil us with tons of love and attention. They are amazing creatures with feelings and they bring out the best in us.
Animals are not just adorable to look at and to spend time with, but they can be so funny and entertaining. They have their own energy, their own fears, their own quirks and their own characteristics. Being around the pets that we love has amazing health benefits for us. Our pets can chase away our blue moods, help to keep us calm, can sense seizures......our pets are just amazing in and of themselves.

Lets talk about the power of our pets and the way they affect us and what blessings they really are to help brighten our lives.

Cats

Did you know that cats can help strengthen your bones? I know that sounds a bit far-fetched, but it is true. Cats purr. This sound frequency that emanates from a cat when it purrs, is proven to increase bone density.

Cats tend to have fewer bone fractures than dogs and they have fewer hip problems and arthritis. Scientists suspect the same frequency can help strengthen the bones of other species besides just humans. It's been proven with chickens and rabbits in two separate studies.

People who have young babies assume that having a pet around, especially a cat, can lead to childhood asthma. According to a study done by Columbia University, researchers report that by age 5, children raised with a cat are much less likely to develop asthma than those in pet free homes or even those that have dogs. Making antibodies to cats at a young age appears to protect against wheezing and other respiratory symptoms throughout life. Other studies have shown a reduced risk of allergies, even non-feline related ones like pollen, in kids with cats in their homes.

A small study has shown that 30% of ex-smokers cite their pet as a main reason for quitting.

Another benefit of living with a cat in your home is that it lowers your risk of heart disease, even more than taking cholesterol medication. The University of Minnesota conducted a study and tracked 5000 people for 10 years and this study concluded that having a cat lowers the risk of heart disease by 30% and slashes your odds of having a heart attack by a whopping 40% compared to people without any pets - dogs or cats - in the house. Researcher theorized that petting a cat, and listening to its calming purr lower stress levels so effectively that it helps stop heart problems from developing.

Dogs

Now lets talk about the benefits of having a dog in your household. Dog owners tend to be in better shape because they have to walk an average of 30 min. a day at least five days a week. In fact, studies have concurred that dog owners walk an average of 66% more than their dogless  counterparts and dog owners walk 24% faster. According to an Australian study, children who had a dog in their household were less likely to be overweight or obese. And a second study showed that dog owners need fewer doctor visit than those who live without a dog in their household.

A survey conducted by Texas A&M researchers showed that 70% of families surveyed, reported feeling happier and less stressed after getting a dog. Scientists at the State University of New York at Albany found couples become closer, more connected and more loving towards each other after bringing a dog into the home. Petting a dog triggers a rush of cuddle hormones that heightens feelings of trust and closeness. 

Did you know that dog can help your child's reading and math skills? Studies have found that children who practice reading out loud to their dog, improve their skills 20%, then those who read to other children or adults. Other studies conducted have found having a dog reduced math anxiety as well as symptoms of ADHD. A slew of other research studies reveal that kids with dogs are more confident, set higher goals for themselves, participate in more extra curricular activities and are even more agreeable about doing chores and homework.

I'm not saying that by having it pet in your house things are going to be hunky-dory, but there are definite benefits to having a pet in your home. I, personally, can not imagine not having my furball babies. They create an atmosphere that I love being part of and I am very comfortable, relaxed and quite entertained by my crazy girls. At one time, I had what many would consider a petting zoo. However, at this present time, I have a rabbit and a cat. Both of my girls are considered 'special needs or defective' by many due to their disabilities, but I love them to pieces and wouldn't trade them for anything in this earth realm. We are very happy in this household together and all who enter it, fall in love with my girls. They are just so precious to me.

I hope this article gives you something to think about. The article came from a Woman's Magizine and I just added to it with my thoughts. There is no author shown, otherwise I would give credit where it is due.
Brightest blessings to all.



Old wives tails-fact or fiction?

Should you swim with a full stomach? Let scrapes air out? Tinkle on a jellyfish sting? There once may have been some wisdom behind the advice (although probably not with the jellyfish sting), but many summer suggestions are outdated. With the lowdown from top experts, find out which warm-weather beliefs are based on real common sense—and which are complete nonsense.....So, lets see what are myths and what are actually helpful.

1. Put butter on a sunburn?

Truth beknownst, while butter’s an accessible cool salve for a hot burn from cooking, you’re better off saving your stick for your buns. “Butter is just moisturizer with no specific burn-healing properties,” says Margaret E. Parsons, MD, an associate clinical professor in the dermatology department at the University of California, Davis. A better home cure? “Cool ice-milk compresses (crushed ice and milk on towels) are soothing,” she says. “The coolness is anti-inflammatory and the milk is mild and not acidic so it won’t irritate skin.” Ibuprofen, another anti-inflammatory, can also be helpful taken with water. “Then, a day or two after the burn’s cooled down, keep the skin well moisturized to help it heal,” explains Dr. Parsons. While you could use butter at this point, why waste food? Stick with petroleum jelly. But if your sunburn blisters or swells, see a doctor for topical steroid creams or oral steroids, suggests Dr. Parsons.

2. The ocean's salty water will heal wounds quicker..

Even though your doctor may use saline, you shouldn’t rinse scrapes and cuts in the sea. “What we use is carefully made, pure water with salt content, like what the body produces,” explains Sandra Fryhofer, MD, a past president of the American College of Physicians and a clinical associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Saltwater from the ocean can actually irritate a wound and contain infection-causing bacteria. Instead, Dr. Fryhofer recommends cleaning scrapes and cuts with “clear, clean water—tap is fine for most wounds—and mild soap.”


3. Does getting a base tan prevent sunburns?
So this isn’t a complete lie: “There are some skin types that burn less once they have some tan,” says Dr. Parsons. But don’t go there: “It’s a false sense of security because the damage from tanning is done whether you burn or not.” That’s because UV rays from the sun and tanning beds alter skin cells’ DNA, potentially causing skin cancer, according to the AAD.

4. Does urinating on a jellyfish sting really help?


Despite what friends may have you believe, all this does is leave a stink. As for what you should do if you’re stung, Dr. Fryhofer recommends splashing seawater and grab a handful of wet sand to wash the affected area to remove any remaining jellyfish parts—there may be tentacles or venom sacs left behind. Avoid fresh water and rubbing a towel on the area, since they can cause the tentacles to release more venom. You use a credit card to brush off remaining parts. Then, if you can get your hands on vinegar, wash the area with it for at least 30 seconds to neutralize the sting. A paste of seawater with baking soda is also helpful, so consider stashing baking soda in your beach bag for your next trip. Last, soak the area in hot water to relieve pain. You can also apply soothing calamine lotion if it’s available, but don’t use a pressure bandage. Most stings don’t require a hospital visit, says Dr. Fryhofer, but if you have a lot of stings or experience difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness or fever, seek care as soon as possible.


5. Don't swim after eating....
The old wives’ tale said right after you eat, your muscles don’t work as well because your body is busy breaking down food, explains Dr. Fryhofer. “That doesn’t happen, but it makes sense that after eating a lot, you’re not going to be as comfortable exercising.” So whether you swim laps after nibbling on a sandwich is up to you.
6. Why are some people more susceptable to mosquitos and being bitten?
 
There’s some evidence that some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites,” reveals Dr. Fryhofer, but it’s not necessarily because their blood tastes better. So who’s more likely to get bitten? People with type O blood seem more susceptible to mosquito landings because they emit an odor that mosquitoes like, says Dr. Fryhofer.


To ward off those blood-suckers, wear long sleeves and long pants when outside and use DEET-containing repellent. Just avoid spraying it on glasses and watch faces and in your eyes. Follow package directions closely, and wash your hands after use and wash off your skin before bed, unless you’ll still be exposed to mosquitoes. If you’ve had adverse reactions to DEET, spray Picaridin-containing repellent or wear permethrin-treated clothing you can buy in sporting goods stores. Before going on vacation, wear the special clothing to check if your skin is sensitive to the repellent, recommends Dr. Fryhofer.

To read the article on the web, click the link below:
http://health.yahoo.net/articles/womens-health/photos/9-summer-health-myths-debunked#10

UTI problems? Outsmart bladder infections by trying these suggestions.

Many women suffer from bladder infections and UTI problems. As a result, more women are taking antibiotics and are having more visits to the doctor. For some women, it could be as easy as changing toilet paper from scented to unscented. For other women, it just seems to be a way of life. For those of you who are sick and tired of being sick and tired with these UTIs, here are a few preventative remedies worth trying:

Try probiotics. Some women who take one or two probiotic capsules daily are up to 80% less likely to develop urinary tract infections. These good bacteria strengthen your immune system by helping it destroy infection causing bacteria, before it can attach to the bladder's lining.

Try adding more garlic to your diet. Bacteria, such as E. coli are top triggers a bladder infection. Ground beef can sometimes contain E. coli. By adding garlic to your ground beef, it reduces the E. coli danger by almost 90%. Garlic is also a good immune strengthener, so by adding more of it to your diet or even taking the capsules, you can give your health and your body a seriously good boost.

I'm not sure if you know this or not but bacteria that tends to set up shop in the bladder, loves acidic environments. Making less urine will lower the risk of infection, but we really have no control over that. However, by taking vitamin C you can help to lower the acidity within. Doctors and scientists recommend taking buffered vitamin C daily, in divided doses.

White wine is known to kill bacteria that can cause UTIs. The blend of alcohol and sulfur dioxide in white wine kills troublemaking E. coli, according to lab studies. The dose that was used in the study was four ounces daily. However, there are cases where alcohol can make UTI bacteria grow faster.  Know yourself, know your body and use discretion wisely.

Don't forget the powerful antioxidantsand useful benefit of cranberry or blueberry juices. By drinking 8 ounces of pure unsweetened cranberry juice daily, you can cut your UTI risk by 60%. Don't like cranberry juice, well try drinking blueberry juice instead. Blueberry juice is a great substitute for those of you who do not like cranberry juice. Blueberries are in the same family – meaning same berry family - as cranberries.
And according to researchers, blueberries work just as well as cranberries.

Here is to preventative measures and to finding and maintaining good health for us all.

Smart ideas to banish worries

In my line of work, I deal with people every day on a daily basis. Everybody is dealing with some type of situation or some type of stress and here are a few ideas to help banish it.

1. Activate anti-worry genes with coffee - okay, we all know that drinking coffee can give us the jitters, however, its aroma has a different effect on us. Next time you are feeling anxiety, go take a deep long whiff of coffee. According to South Korean researchers, a report they worked on stated the unique genes are turned on by smelling coffee, allowing us to supercharge our production of stress fighting antioxidants.

2. Kick your angst by knitting - by doing a mere 20 min. of manual activity, which requires fine motor control, such as knitting, crocheting or even scrap booking, can help you reach a meditative state that lowers your flow of stress hormone's. And best of all, the effects can last up to three hours.

3. Boost your cheerful side with junk food - as it turns out, an occasional diet busting treat can zap stress. According to some new research from Australia, the report found that eating foods high in fat and sugar helps reduce anxiety level and increases your calmness.

4. Feel happier by saying two words - did you know that just by saying 'thank you' and expressing gratitude has been proven to relax your body and mind, which increases feelings of optimism by 15 percent, while significantly reducing worries.

So the next time you are feeling stressed or anxiety comes creeping in, why not try one of the above ideas? Here's to your health, blessed be to all!

Sweet ways to better health

We all know that aromatherapy can help brighten our moods. However, did you know that there are certain foods that can also help brighten your mood? Foods are a very powerful thing. Not only do they nourish our body with nutritious ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants, but also has amazing health benefits.

Fight fogginess with maple syrup. Yes, that is what I said. Start your day with a breakfast that includes this sweet toper. It's an excellent source of manganese, which is a mineral now study proven to keep you clear headed and energized for a few hours. Most Americans don't get enough of this source in their diets. So keep this in mind the next time you feel a little foggy because it may be just what you need to get through the slump.

The power of the vanilla - a slew of studies prove that vanilla is a potent stress buster. One of the studies that was undertaken had a group of patients undergoing CAT scans. Many of these patients were a little panicky. However, once they breathed in a little bit of vanilla, it produced instant calming affects. Vanilla extract can keep your skin vibrant. By adding 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract to your bath, which is rich in the antioxidant, vanillin, and can target skin damaging radicals that leads to signs of aging.

Maintain healthy bones with molasses. Studies show women are more likely to develop osteoporosis then men. Luckily, research proves you can dramatically cut your risk of the disease just by enjoying more of this thick dark syrup. Molasses is loaded with calcium, a mineral vital for building bone mass, and magnesium, a nutrient that accelerates your body's calcium absorption. Molasses is also rich in copper, a mineral shown to help usher bad LDL cholesterol from the body and raise the level of the good HDL kind - say the researchers.

Soothe arthritis pain with cinnamon.  If you are struggling with joint pain, find fast and long-term relief by adding more of this spice to your diet. Researchers discovered that people suffering from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis had significantly less pain when they enjoyed as little as 1 teaspoon of cinnamon daily. This spice contains a unique compound proven to inhibit the body's production of nitric acid, which is a top culprit behind joint inflammation. Another benefit of cinnamon, is that this spice is loaded with an antibacterial agent that destroys germs that cause bad breath.

Use sugar to heal cuts and scrapes. Do you have a minor cut or scrape? The perfect remedy is as close as your sugar bowl. According to a University in the UK, they found that pouring granulated sugar over a wound reduces the pain and cuts heal quicker. Sugar kills bacteria by absorbing the moisture it needs to live. Plus, it contains an anti-inflammatory so it helps lessen pain.

Honey is another proven home remedy that is great for burns and cuts. Yes, honey is extremely sticky, but it is a fantastic healing ingredient. Honey also has amazing benefits for the body. By putting some in your tea, adding it on food, mixing it in a glass of water, or taking a teaspoon of it, you increase your body's healing power.

The powers of cocoa. Danish scientists just discovered that you can quickly relieve sweet cravings simply by sniffing and smelling cocoa. A study revealed that a group full of women were asked to breathe in the rich aroma for just a few seconds... Then the women were asked how they felt. Most of the women reported feeling just as satisfied as those who actually ate a 1 ounce piece of dark chocolate.The scent of cocoa tricks the body to suppress production of the hunger hormone while it activates the same feel good emotions that are stimulated when eating chocolate. So, if you happen to be a binge eater, or someone who eats when stressed, try smelling and inhaling cocoa to break you of that habit.