It’s why we go out of our way to return the favor, giving our dogs the right diet, good exercise and the care they need to remain in our lives as long as possible.

It’s also why we need to be aware of the risks they face, especially when it comes to cancer.

That’s because according to the American Kennel Club, one in three dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, with cancer reigning as the leading cause of death for our furry friends.

And sadly, there is an additional factor to be aware of that can increase our pets’ cancer risk — one that is not only strange, but strangely enough, they share with us.

Cancer risk by size

A study from researchers at the University of California Riverside has found that like us, dogs experience a higher cancer risk with increased size.

In fact, research on humans has shown that tall people get the short end of the stick when it comes to cancer, with an 11 to 13 percent higher risk of the disease for every 3.9 inches in height.

After surveying dog mortality rates with three different data sets, the researchers found the smallest dogs, including Pomeranians, miniature pinschers, shih tzus and chihuahuas have about a 10 percent chance of dying from cancer.

By comparison, many relatively large dogs, such as Burmese mountain dogs, have more than a 40 percent risk of cancer death.  

Now there were some exceptions in the study…

The team discovered that flat-coated retrievers had the highest mortality from cancer, getting a type of sarcoma with higher frequency than they should have for their size.

And Scottish terriers were far more prone to cancer than other small dog breeds.

Additionally, the team found that very large dogs, like Great Danes, have less cancer than medium-sized dogs. However, they say that this is due to their shorter life expectancy.

“For every pound increase in typical breed size you lose about two weeks of life. A very big dog, you’re lucky if they live past nine years, whereas small dogs can go about 14,” said study author Leonard Nunney. 

And as we all know, while cancer can start early, by and large, it’s a disease associated with aging. So a reduced lifespan means a reduced risk of cancer.

According to the researchers, it all boils down to this — larger size and longer lives offer more opportunities for cells to mutate and cancer to take hold.

Cancer prevention

You’re probably asking how you can prevent cancer in your dog.

And the answer is much like what we’re supposed to do ourselves to stay healthy and keep cancer at bay.

This includes:

• Getting good nutrition – A well-balanced diet is vital in the battle against cancer. And for both dogs and humans this can include getting plenty of nutrients from healthy greens that are packed with antioxidants to stop cancer growth. You can easily find a greens supplement for your dog online or in your local pet store.
• Focusing on fitness – Exercise and weight management are important for cancer prevention in both humans and their pets. While overweight dogs are more likely to develop bladder or mammary cancers, studies have shown that in humans belly fat fuels cancer growth.
• Having regular dental checkups – Oral care and cancer prevention go hand-in-hand for us and our furry friends. Seeing your dentist (or your pet’s) can ensure tumors are caught early when they are more treatable.

Sources:

Study reveals cancer vulnerabilities in popular dog breeds — EurekAlert!

Cancer in Dogs: What to Know — American Kennel Club

Everyday Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk for Your Dog — American Kennel Club

The post The strange cancer risk we share with our pets appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Despite what most might think, the bacteria that dogs carry can actually make you less likely to get sick. Dogs have been known to detect cancer in their owners, and living with a canine friend can make you happier and less apt to become depressed.

More and more senior living facilities are becoming pet-friendly. They recognize that pets encourage social interaction and physical activity, both of which can benefit heart health.

In return for all they do, it’s only fair that we protect our pets and keep them safe. This can be challenging during the holiday season. With all kinds of dangerous and unusual items around the house, curious pets can get hurt, become sick or even die when they go investigating.

Our pets are part of the family, and they want to celebrate with us. Here are more than a dozen tips for making it a safe holiday season for your furry friends.

Christmas tree dangers

The National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 170 home fires a year start with a Christmas tree. An artificial tree may not smell as good, but it’s a lot safer.

Here are some tips to “pet-proof” your tree:

Avoid low-hanging ornaments and lights. Pets like to lay underneath your tree and will break ornaments and get tangled in lights. Cat owners who have “climbers” may want to opt for unbreakable ornaments.

If you don’t want to use plastic ornaments, opt for handmade paper ones along with dried fruit on strings.

No candy or nuts on or under the tree. Pets are persistent and will get at the treats. Chocolate and some nuts, including macadamia nuts, are toxic to your pets.

Use twine instead of metal hooks. Metal hooks can hurt pets’ eyes and mouths, and cause bleeding if swallowed. Twine is more easily digested, if it comes to that, and gives our tree a more homemade look.

Steer clear of tinsel. Not only are your pets attracted to its sparkle, but it can really harm them. If it gets caught in their intestines, it can cause problems that require expensive surgery.

Make your tree tip-proof. Anchor your tree with some fishing line looped around the trunk and into a bolt in the wall behind it. This can also be done from the top of the tree into a bolt in the ceiling.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Other dangerous decorations

Toxic Christmas plants. Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are poisonous for your pets. Keep these plants way out of reach, or consider the artificial version.

Pine needles from your tree aren’t toxic, but they are small and sharp and can injure your pet’s mouth and intestines. Keep your tree well-watered to minimize fallen needles, and sweep them up every day.

Watch those candles! At any time of the year, a lit candle and a pet should never be left alone together! It doesn’t take long at all for a cat to jump on a table and knock over a candle.

Homemade salt-dough ornaments may seem safe enough, but the amount of salt they contain can make a dog very sick or prove fatal.

Food hazards

Sweets are not sweet for your pet! Chocolate or anything with the artificial sweetener xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure or even death.

Safeguard your dinner table leftovers, your garbage, and any other place where sweet treats lurk.

Safeguard your alcohol. If drinks are being passed around, your dog might easily lap up some spilled wine or cocktails. Drinking alcohol can make them weak, sick and even cause them to go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

Pet-safe parties

Set the house rules. Make sure your guests know exactly what they should and should not feed your cat or dog. For the most part, table scraps should be off-limits.

Lock up the meds. Some of your guests may carry necessary medications in their purses or coat pockets. Ask your guests to make sure medications are zipped away in a place where an adventurous pet can’t get to them. You might even offer to store coats and purses in a separate room and keep that door closed to keep Fido out.

A room of their own. Many pets may need a place to escape the noise of a holiday gathering. Give them a room of their own complete with food and water (and a litter box for cats).

New Year’s noise. Noisy poppers can potentially damage a pet’s sensitive ears. And remember that pets are also scared of fireworks. In general, as the countdown to New Year’s approaches, it’s best if your pet has a quiet space to retreat from all the noise.

Also bear in mind that confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines if ingested, often requiring surgery.

Sources:

1. How to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree — Pet Central by Chewy
2. 8 Tips to Dog-Proof your Christmas Tree (and Tree-Proof your Dog) — The Dog People by Rover.com
3. Holiday Safety Tips — ASPCA
4. How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays — The New York Times 

The post 13 ways to make the holidays safe for your pet appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, and the most common form is lymphoma.

Lymphoma in dogs is similar in many ways to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans — including the concerns linking exposure to the herbicide glyphosate to the development of cancer.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your pet…

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Canine lymphoma could be linked to environmental toxins

Lymphoma accounts for 15 to 20 percent of new cancer diagnoses in dogs and tends to be most common in middle-aged and older dogs. Several breeds are predisposed to lymphoma, suggesting there may be a genetic component.

But as Dr. Barbara Hodges, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has stated, “Cancer is increasingly common in dogs and disturbingly, canine cancers are occurring at younger ages. A dog who is not a member of a breed linked to a particular cancer is not immune to that cancer — or any other cancer, for that matter.”

One of those breeds, the golden retriever, is the subject of an ongoing study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Morris Animal Foundation. This study is examining the link between toxins in the environment and the development of canine lymphoma.

Their goals? Early detection and prevention.

Human studies have found connections between lymphoma and environmental toxins like benzene and glyphosate. Some as well have linked glyphosate with lymphoma in dogs.

The University of Wisconsin study will analyze blood and urine samples from 60 participants in the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study that were diagnosed with lymphoma. These dogs will be compared with a control group of 60 healthy dogs from the same study matched by age and sex.

“These data allow us to look at the chemical exposures not only at the time of diagnosis, but a year prior to diagnosis to see whether there is early DNA damage that can be seen in the blood in association with chemical exposures,” says study lead Dr. Lauren Trepanier, professor of internal medicine and assistant dean for clinical and translational research. “This might help us screen high-risk animals or understand the impacts the chemical exposures have on dogs.”

According to Trepanier, available data already suggests that people should avoid using herbicides on their lawns. Scottish terriers exposed to glyphosate-treated lawns were found to have a 7-times higher risk for cancer in a 2013 study.

Trepanier says they hope this new study clarifies some lymphoma risk factors and helps owners minimize their dogs’ exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

“Through the identification of potential modifiable risk factors for lymphoma in dogs, we hope to make substantial progress in preventing and treating this devastating disease,” she says.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Keeping your dog toxin-free

It’s a good start to keep your dog away from glyphosate-containing weedkillers — if not all of them. Instead of using commercial herbicides, look for brands with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own using a recipe like this one.

It can be tough to protect your dog from airborne environmental toxins, especially if you live in an area near factories or heavy traffic. If that’s the case, you may want to feed your dog small amounts of broccoli on occasion. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain a chemical that can actually remove air pollutants like benzene and acrolein from the body.

Just be careful not to feed your dog too much of the vegetable. Broccoli contains substances called isothiocyanates that can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. As long as you keep your dog’s daily broccoli consumption to less than 10 percent of their food intake, they should be fine.

As for the rest of your dog’s diet, avoid dog foods high in carbohydrates. The glucose from carbohydrates promotes the multiplication of cancer cells. For these reasons, a grain-free dog food, high in protein, and balanced amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a good option.

And just as you would with children, avoid exposing pets to cigarette smoke and household chemicals.

Sources:

Study aims to uncover link between environmental toxins and lymphoma in dogs — EurekAlert!

Dogs, lawn care and cancer—Humane Society.org

Cancer in Pets — American Veterinary Medical Association

Lymphoma in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals

How to Make a Homemade Weed Killer — The Native Plant Herald

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? — American Kennel Club

The post Protecting pets from toxins linked to canine lymphoma appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Their health benefits go well beyond those provided by service animals like assistance dogs. The affection and companionship provided by your pet can help lower blood pressure, slow down heart rate and reduce depression and stress. And some pets make it much easier for you to get the daily exercise you need.

Pets are especially good for seniors who live alone or who are making the transition to a retirement community or nursing home.

Pets can help prevent loneliness and depression and keep their owners entertained. Having a dog that needs to be walked can help seniors stay active and engaged with others in their community. Even playing indoors with a smaller animal like a cat or bird can help seniors get gentle exercise.

Recently, researchers uncovered another point that makes pet ownership especially attractive for older adults…

Peak PS^™

It’s a mouthful, but Phosphatidylserine, or PS for short, is a nootropic that promotes brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning and comprehension. This nutrient is a key building block for the cells in your brain, that scientific literature has shown can… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The impact of long-term pet ownership on the brain

Results of a preliminary study show long-term ownership of a pet like a dog or cat could help slow cognitive decline in older adults. The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 74^th Annual Meeting in April 2022.

“Prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress,” says study author Dr. Tiffany Braley of the University of Michigan Medical Center. “Our results suggest pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline.”

The study looked at cognitive data from the Health and Retirement Study of Medicare beneficiaries. A total of 53 percent of the 1,369 older adults in the study owned pets, and 32 percent owned pets for five years or more. All participants had an average age of 65 and normal cognitive skills at the start of the study.

The researchers examined the results of multiple cognitive tests involving subtraction, numeric counting and word recall administered during the Health and Retirement Study. Then, they used the results to develop a composite cognitive score for each participant, ranging from zero to 27. The composite scores were used to estimate the associations between years of pet ownership and cognitive function.

According to the data, cognitive scores decreased at a slower rate in pet owners over a six-year period. And the difference was strongest among long-term pet owners.

When including other factors known to impact cognitive function, the study showed that long-term pet owners, on average, had a cognitive composite score that was 1.2 points higher at the six-year mark than non-pet owners. The cognitive benefits connected with lengthy pet ownership were stronger for Black adults, college-educated adults and men.

Braley cautions that more research is needed to confirm the results and identify underlying mechanisms for this association.

“As stress can negatively affect cognitive function, the potential stress-buffering effects of pet ownership could provide a plausible reason for our findings,” she says. “A companion animal can also increase physical activity, which could benefit cognitive health.”

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Can you be too old to have a pet?

The benefits of pet ownership for seniors are clear. In a University of Michigan survey of pet owners between the ages of 50 and 80, the majority reported their pets help them…

• Enjoy life (88 percent)
• Feel loved (86 percent)
• Reduce stress (79 percent)
• Have a sense of purpose (73 percent)
• Connect with other people (65 percent)
• Stay physically active (64 percent overall; 78 percent for dog owners)
• Stick to a routine (62 percent)

You may wonder if an older senior or a senior with physical limitations should skip having a pet. One thing to remember is that, according to the Michigan survey, 72 percent of pet owners who lived alone reported their pets help them cope with their physical or emotional symptoms. And 46 percent of pet owners in fair or poor physical health said their pets help take their mind off their pain.

Still, if you’re a senior considering pet adoption, or you’re thinking of getting a pet for an elderly family member, there are a few things to bear in mind.

Make sure you or your loved one is capable of properly caring for the pet. For instance, if you’re weak and prone to falling, you may want to avoid adopting a large or energetic dog that will need to be walked. And if you have asthma, you may want to check for a cat or dog allergy before bringing one home.

Does the pet match your personality (or that of your family member)? If you’re someone who loves to stay active, having a younger dog or cat that needs a lot of play and exercise would be a good fit. But if you prefer shorter walks and long periods of sitting quietly with a good book or crossword puzzle, you may want to adopt an older, calmer pet that doesn’t need as much stimulation.

Sources:

Do Pets Have A Positive Effect On Your Brain Health? — American Academy of Neurology

American Pet Products Association Releases Newest Edition of National Pet Owners Survey — American Pet Products Association

Exercise, good for you and your pet! — Colorado State University

The Complete Guide to Pet Ownership for Seniors — A Place for Mom

How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging — University of Michigan

The post The brain perks of pet ownership appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

You’ve probably heard the old belief that one dog year is equal to seven human years. That means your 1-year-old puppy is about the same age-wise as a 7-year-old child, while your 10-year-old dog is like a 70-year-old elderly adult.

However, experts say the measurement of a dog’s age is a lot more complicated. This is because while humans have clear markers for healthy aging, much less is known about what’s normal in aging for dogs.

One thing that’s clear is that big dogs tend to age very quickly — possibly 10 times faster than humans, meaning their 8 years are equal to 80 years in humans. And smaller dog breeds can live to be 20 years old, meaning each of their “dog years” equals five human years.

If you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering how you can most accurately measure your dog’s age and what factors contribute to making your dog’s life a long and healthy one….

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Project explores the secrets of your dog’s true age

That’s the mission of the Dog Aging Project, founded in 2018 to develop a full picture of dog health and aging. The project is enrolling and studying tens of thousands of dogs of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds to develop a complete understanding of canine longevity.

The Dog Aging Project is providing their open-source database to veterinarians and scientists so they can have the tools to assess how well a specific dog is aging. The information gathered by the project will also form a foundation for further research into healthy aging in both dogs and humans.

“This is a very large, ambitious, wildly interdisciplinary project that has the potential to be a powerful resource for the broader scientific community,” says Joshua Akey, a genomics professor at Princeton University and a member of the Dog Aging Project’s research team. “Personally, I find this project exciting because I think it will improve dog, and ultimately, human health.”

The Dog Aging Project expects to run for at least a decade. So far, more than 32,000 dogs have joined what the project calls the “DAP Pack.” Researchers continue to recruit dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes across the United States, paying particular attention to puppies and young dogs up to 3 years old.

Owners agree to fill out annual surveys and take measurements of their dogs for the duration of the project, as well as cheek swabs for DNA sampling. Researchers also are working with veterinarians across the country, who submit fur, fecal, urine and blood samples of select Pack dogs to the project.

“We are sequencing the genomes of 10,000 dogs,” Akey said. “This will be one of the largest genetics datasets ever produced for dogs, and it will be a powerful resource not only to understand the role of genetics in aging, but also to answer more fundamental questions about the evolutionary history and domestication of dogs.”

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The goal is for the researchers to identify specific biomarkers of canine aging. They also believe their findings will translate to human aging for several reasons.

“Given that dogs share the human environment and have a sophisticated health care system but are much shorter-lived than people, they offer a unique opportunity to identify the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors associated with healthy lifespan,” says Dr. Daniel Promislow, a University of Washington professor and the principal investigator for the National Institute on Aging grant that funds the Dog Aging Project.

The researchers are especially interested in studying the 300 oldest dogs in the DAP Pack to see if they can identify the reasons behind their longevity. They plan to compare the DNA of these “super-centenarian” dogs to that of dogs that live to the average age for their breed.

If you’re interested in enrolling your own dog in the Dog Aging Project, you can do so by visiting https://dogagingproject.org.

Extending your own dog’s longevity

We all know our pets won’t live forever. But there are steps you can take to ensure a long, healthy life for your dog.

For instance, experts recommend you ditch the cans and kibble and feed your dog a fresh, raw diet with foods like beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots and blueberries. This type of diet can support your dog’s heart health, increase their energy level, make their coat shiny and improve their breath, eyesight and bowel movements.

Whatever you feed your dog, make sure you don’t give them too much of it. If your dog becomes overweight, it can cause health problems and strain on their joints.

Also, don’t forget about water. It only takes a 10 to 12 percent decrease in hydration to cause serious illness in your dog. Make sure you always have a fresh, clean bowl of water available for your dog, especially in the hotter summer months.

Keep your dog active by taking them on daily walks in the morning and evening and tossing them a ball or Frisbee in the park or backyard. It’s also important to allow them time to play freely with other dogs at a friend’s home or at the local dog park. This keeps your dog occupied and happy as well as active.

However, you have to be careful not to overdo it with exercise, especially as a dog gets older. Too much exercise can lead to injuries like bruising, strains and sprains. An elderly dog will still want to run, so it’s up to you to know their limits.

There are also supplements you can give your dog to help protect their joints and vision, as well as keep their coat and nails strong and healthy. Just make sure you check with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any supplement.

Sources:

What is your dog’s lifespan? A Princeton geneticist is seeking the keys to canine health and longevity — Princeton University

7 Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog Live Longer — Preventive Vet

Preventing Summer Dehydration in Pets — Nutrena

Athletic Injuries in Dogs — Wag!

The post How you can tell your dog’s true age? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

From watching funny pet videos to relaxing with our favorite pooch, pets make us laugh, smile, and feel better about the world around us.

That’s why doctors and hospitals have long enlisted the help of therapy dogs to help patients, whether they’re recovering from a physical injury or need emotional support to overcome a mental health issue.

But according to researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC), it takes more than just having a dog in the room with you to get the most benefits for your well-being.

Petting and cuddling

As Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, director of the Building Academic Retention Through K-9s (BARK) program at UBC said, while past studies had proven the power or pet time to enhance well-being, we didn’t know why or what that time should include.

That’s why his team decided to recruit 284 students from the college to help them find out.

Each student answered questions about their overall well-being, including self-perceptions of “flourishing,” social connectedness, happiness, integration into the campus community, stress, homesickness, and loneliness.

Peak D3^™

When you step out into the sunlight, your body begins the process of making vitamin D. But getting the ideal amount can be difficult because some of us can’t effectively absorb it. That’s just one of many reasons the vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Then they were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• Group 1 spent time with a therapy dog, but without any physical contact.
• Group 2 not only interacted with their dog but was also able to pet and cuddle the pooch.
• Group 3 had no pup time at all, but instead met with a dog handler to just talk.

And here’s where it gets really interesting…

While all groups experienced improvements in well-being, those who spent time with a pet benefited more.

And the participants who felt the best were those who actually had physical contact with their dog.

Petting and cuddling led to significant improvements in all categories of well-being.

The results were so dramatic that Dr. Binfet called canine cuddles “a surefire way to reduce stress.”

Pet power for a healthy mood

Yup, loving our pets is proving to be one of the best things we can do for our mental health.

But don’t be fooled. Pet power goes beyond improving our well-being.

Studies have also shown that owning a dog can improve your physical health in five powerful ways.

Of course, while our dogs look out for us, it’s essential that we return the favor and look out for them too.

So be sure to give your dog — or cat or hamster — the one thing they need from the start for good health.

Always be aware of pet dangers and learn how to protect them from everything from holiday food and decoration hazards to party worries.

Pet your pet and grab a canine cuddle to give them the love they deserve and you a little slice of happiness in a stressful world.

Sources:

UBCO researchers explore the impact of canine cuddles on students — The University of British Columbia

The post Want to feel better fast? Try a canine cuddle appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For me, having fresh flowers in the house is one of the best ways to bring the feeling of the season indoors.

But, with two cats in the house, I have to make some careful choices about the flowers I bring in, and where I place them.

Some of the most beautiful spring flowers, those that really say “spring is here,” can make cats (and dogs) terribly sick. Some can even kill them.

If you’ve got the same dilemma, here’s some information that will help you choose which flowers to bring into your home this spring.

6 flowers that will poison your pet

Lilies. Even a small bite of this popular Easter flower could cause kidney damage in cats. And it’s not just the flower that’s a danger — the entire plant is poisonous.

If your cat has eaten a piece of lily, you might notice drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Or, there might be no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your cats and your plants, and to either keep poisonous flowers out of your home, or position them out of reach (hard to do with cats, who jump and climb).

Lilies are less harmful to dogs, but they can irritate their mouths and stomachs, especially calla lilies.

Tulips. For me, yellow tulips are a source of great joy. I’d love to have them right in the middle of my kitchen table. But I’ve had to enjoy them in a vase on my stove, or in my bedroom, where cats are not allowed.

Any part of the tulip can irritate your pet’s mouth and throat, but it’s the bulbs that are the most toxic. If your pet eats a few, they may have trouble breathing, start drooling, or even have convulsions.

Begonia. The leaves and blossoms of this popular and hardy indoor house plant are poisonous to your animals. But it’s the roots that will cause kidney problems. So, if you keep begonias in the house, place them where your curious pet won’t be able to knock the pot over and get into the soil.

Begonia leaves and flowers can irritate the inside of your dog or cat’s mouth and cause vomiting, drooling, and trouble swallowing.

Azaleas. These gorgeous flowers are some of the first to show up in spring. Their candy-like blossoms of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow or white are quite attractive to young children, who can also be poisoned if they decide to try a taste.

If your pet has eaten part of an azalea plant (also known as a rhododendron), you may see excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and difficulty walking. If left untreated, ingesting this plant will cause seizures and coma.

Iris. Both dogs and cats will show symptoms if they’ve eaten part of an iris plant, but the consequences can be especially dangerous for dogs.

Cats will experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain, along with mouth ulcers and skin irritation. Dogs will exhibit all these symptoms, along with lethargy and depression, stomach ulcers, eye irritation, and burn-like sores on the lips and muzzle.

Daffodil. This popular spring flower contains a poisonous alkaloid that can trigger vomiting. But daffodil bulbs are even more toxic and can cause abnormal heart rhythms and breathing problems in both cats and dogs.

What to do if you suspect your pets poisoned

If you think your pet may have eaten part of one of these plants, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms yet, it’s crucial that you get them medical attention right away.

If you can’t get them to a veterinarian right away (many communities have 24-hour emergency vet services), call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

If you do go to a vet, be prepared to describe any symptoms your pet is having. Bring along a picture or sample of the plant they may have eaten. Different plant-based poisons require different treatments. Some have antidotes, while others can only be treated by inducing vomiting or by stomach pumping.

Having a pet is just like having a young child in your home. If you take precautions and make wise choices about how you enjoy those spring flowers, you can keep your furry “child” safe andrevel in those beautiful springtime blossoms.

References

Houseplants that are poisonous to pets pets.webmd.com

Are azaleas poisonous? Plant Addicts

Spring plants poisonous to dogs Blue Cross for Pets

Animal poison control ASPCA

Iris poisoning in cats wagwalking.com

Symptoms of iris poisoning in dogs wagwalking.com

The post Warning: Spring flowers spell danger for your pets appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Your dog can develop some of the very same diseases, and diabetes is the most common of these. It can occur in dogs as young as 18 months, although it’s most commonly seen between seven and 10 years of age.

Recent research has shown that, when it comes to diabetes, there’s an intimate connection between you and your dog.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Owners of diabetic dogs are more likely to develop diabetes

According to a study by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden, dog owners whose pets are diabetic have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes themselves.

The researchers tracked the health of close to 210,000 owner-dog pairs for six full years, from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2012.

They identified persons with type 2 diabetes by examining publicly available health records and dogs with diabetes by looking at veterinary insurance records.

After controlling for various factors, including age and gender, as well as the breed of dog, they discovered that people who owned a dog with diabetes had a 38% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes than those who owned a dog without diabetes.

So, what’s the connection?

The study authors point out that this is an observational study, meaning that no cause-and-effect relationship was determined between your dog having diabetes and you developing the disease.

But they do have some thoughts about why this might be the case (and, by the way, no such connection was found between cats and their owners).

Researcher Dr. Beatrice Kennedy said: “We have not had access to information about household lifestyle behaviors, but we think the association [with dogs] might be due to shared physical activity patterns and possibly also shared dietary habits as well as shared risk of adiposity. If shared exercise habits are indeed a key factor, it might further help explain why we don’t see any shared diabetes risk in cat owners and their cats.”

In other words, when people are being physically active, particularly outdoors, dogs often accompany them and, therefore, also benefit from the exercise. And, when humans are sedentary, their dogs tend to be inactive as well.

Cats, on the other hand, run on their own agenda. Even if their owner is a couch potato, chances are they are getting quite a bit of exercise, running around the house.

Also, since data on dogs with diabetes was obtained from veterinary insurance records, the researchers note that the results reflect only pet owners who had the financial means to purchase veterinary insurance, something that many pet owners do not have.

Dogs provide early diabetes detection

In their conclusion, the authors of this study note that “It is possible that dogs with diabetes could serve as a sentinel for shared diabetogenic health behaviors and environmental exposures.”

In other words, if your dog is diabetic, or shows any symptoms of diabetes, it might be time for you to get screened for the disease and start making lifestyle changes, like walking or exercising more to benefit both you and your dog.

Signs of canine diabetes include:

• Extreme thirst and increased urination
• Sudden appearance of cataracts in the eyes
• Weight loss, despite eating well

Dr. Tove Fall, the study’s co-author, adds this thought: “Humans and dogs have lived together for at least 15,000 years and continue to share their everyday lives for better or worse.”

Sources:

Dogs and Their Owners Share a Risk of Developing Diabetes — neurosciencenews.com

The shared risk of diabetes between dog and cat owners and their pets: register based cohort study — bmj.com

Diabetes risk is shared between people and their dogs — Medical News Today

Dogs with type 2 diabetes ‘raise’ owner’s risk — Diabetes.co.uk

Dogs with diabetes — Diabetes.co.uk

The post Could you have diabetes? Check with your dog appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They’re certainly much less of an “open book” than dogs are and more difficult to communicate with.

But a team of psychologists and animal behavior scientists at the Universities of Sussex and Portsmouth has discovered that the best way to communicate with your cat is through the eyes.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Slow blinking is how to “talk” to your cat

“This study is the first to experimentally investigate the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication. And it is something you can try yourself with your own cat at home, or with cats you meet in the street,” says Professor Karen McComb of the University of Sussex in England.

If you are a cat owner, perhaps you’ve observed this slow blinking behavior when your cat is very calm. It involves a series of “half-blinks,” followed by a narrowing of the eyes.

Well, it’s not that they’re sleepy. It seems that cats are sending a positive signal when they do this. And, when you “slow blink” back, they interpret it as a friendly, positive message. Think of it as cat sign language.

In two experiments, Professor McComb and her team of psychologists and animal behaviorists examined slow blinking as a means of communicating with cats.

First, they looked at how cats responded when their owner initiated the slow blink behavior. Then, they investigated whether cats were more likely to approach an unknown human who slow-blinked at them.

These experiments showed that:

• Cats made more eye narrowing movements when their owners slow blinked at them than when the owner was in the room but did not slow blink at them.
• Cats slow blinked more frequently at unfamiliar people who first slow blinked at them, than at those who did not.
• Cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar person who slow blinked at them, than one who did not

More reasons to be a cat owner

Of course, a cat’s purr is still something to cherish. And, in fact, it has some health benefits that most people don’t know about…

Apparently, a cat’s purr vibrates between 20 to 140 Hz, a range known to be therapeutic for many conditions. These include:

• Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
• Heart attack (one study showed a 40% lower risk in cat owners)
• Infection and swelling

A cat’s purrs are known to lower blood pressure, and vibrations in this range also promote bone strength. Your cat’s purrs might even help you avoid osteoporosis!

The vibration of a warm, purring cat on your lap is a real stress-buster. And if you live alone, it’s always nice to be greeted by that sound in the morning, even if it is because they know breakfast is on the way.

Sources:

Feline friendly? How to build rap-paw with your cat — Science Daily

The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication — Scientific Reports

The healing power of cat purrs — Daily Infographic

The post Use this ‘sign’ language to have a healthier relationship with your cat appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But researchers have discovered that what your dog eats from the start of their life is critically important to one aspect of health…

Poor early-life diet can lead to skin problems in dogs

Data gathered from a food frequency questionnaire conducted by a University of Helsinki research group has revealed novel early-life risk factors, including early-life diet, that affect the prevalence of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) in adult dogs.

CAD is an incurable inflammatory allergic skin disease prevalent in up to 10% of the dog population that usually erupts within the first 3 years of age. Atopic dermatitis in both humans and dogs is a complex disease resulting from an interaction between genetics, epigenetics, immune system and environmental exposures, including diet. Sometimes the veterinarian uses an elimination diet to see if the CAD is food-induced.

So far more than 12,000 dog owners have answered the Internet-based questionnaire from the university’s international multidisciplinary research group DogRisk. Previously identified risk factors for increased presence of atopy in adult-age dogs include the dog being from an allergy-prone breed, its mother having a history of atopy and more than 50 % of the dog’s hair coat being white.

But out of all the risk factors found by researchers, early-life diet had the strongest association with the disease.

When the mothers were fed a non-heat-processed, meat-based diet during pregnancy, and the resulting puppies were given that same diet as their first solid food at 1-2 months of age, both showed a significant protective effect from atopy when the puppies reached adulthood.

By contrast, when the mothers were fed an ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet of commercial dry kibble during pregnancy, and the puppies received it during that period of 1-2 months old, atopy incidence increased in the adult-age dogs.

Dr. Manal Hemida from the Helsinki One Health network, the study’s main researcher, observed that since the diets were so differently processed and had such different macro-nutrient profiles, it was difficult to tell which of these aspects was responsible for the raw diet being so much better for atopy health: the lack of “cooking;” a minimal amount of carbohydrates, preservatives and coloring agents; the different quality and quantity of animal proteins and fat; or the non-sterility of the food.

Other actions associated with a significant decrease in CAD risk in adult dogs included deworming the mother during pregnancy, exposing the young puppies to sunlight for at least one hour per day, spending time on a dirt floor or lawn before six months of age, keeping the young puppies at normal body weight, and continuing to live in the same family where they were born.

“These results, however, only suggest causality, but do not prove it,” says Anna Hielm-Björkman, adjunct professor and leader of the DogRisk research group. “A prospective diet intervention during pregnancy and at young age is needed to confirm our findings.”

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Healthy food for dogs

So, what should you feed your dog to keep them healthy and happy? Experts are recommending pet owners move away from dry kibble, which is heavily processed, often contains heavy amounts of grains, sugars, and other low-quality ingredients that can leave dogs dehydrated. Some also warn against giving dogs canned food, which can increase their levels of the hormone disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).

Instead, they are recommending you try feeding your dog a fresh, raw diet filled with foods like beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots and blueberries. This type of diet can promote your dog’s heart health, increase energy level, make their coat shiny and improve their breath, eyesight and bowel movements. If you decide to go this route, it’s important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to put together recipes that are safe and healthy for your dog.

If the idea of constantly preparing food for your dog is too overwhelming, consider using a fresh pet meal delivery service like Ollie, Spot & Tango or The Farmer’s Dog. These services meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials standards for vitamin and mineral content by working with canine nutritionists to develop cooking methods and personalized formulas. They can also account for food allergies and calculate the exact number of calories your dog needs based on weight, breed, age, activity level and body composition.

Sources:

Early-life diet and can­ine atopy can have a con­nec­tion — University of Helsinki

Identification of modifiable pre- and postnatal dietary and environmental exposures associated with owner-reported canine atopic dermatitis in Finland using a web-based questionnaire — PLOS ONE

Fresh vs. Raw vs. Kibble: What Should You Feed Your Dog? — American Kennel Club

Yes, Kibble Is Bad For Your Dog: 7 Issues With Dry Pet Food — Raw Bistro

Study Finds BPA in Canned Dog Food—and Dogs — The Bark

The post The one thing a dog needs from the start for good health appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The good news is there are a lot of benefits to playing with your cat using a laser pointer… the biggest being that it gives your cat exercise and entertainment. I can’t think of too many other uses for them these days… but pocket laser pointers were once popular, and you could find them laying around offices, where they were handily used to direct attention during a presentation.

But if you do happen to have one of these laser pointers laying around the house, you should know they’re not completely harmless…

In fact, they could cause serious damage to your eyes.

A new scientific case study shows these popular pet toys have the power to “blast away” cells in the back of the eye within a few seconds. And those cells may never recover.

A pet laser pointer permanently damaged a 14-year-old boy’s eyes

An Ohio teenager recently caused permanent damage to his eyes after looking at the beam of a pet laser pointer for too long.

The 14-year-old boy was playing with pet laser pointers with a friend when he stared at the laser for several seconds. Suddenly, he saw a bright light that limited his vision for several minutes. Later, he noticed that when he was looking at text with his left eye closed, one letter was missing. When he looked with both eyes, he didn’t notice a problem. But he decided to seek professional help anyway and here’s what they found…

By looking directly at the laser pointer for several seconds, he had created lesions in the retinas of both eyes. His ophthalmologist said the boy’s retinal cells were basically “blasted away” by the laser. He had two lesions in the right eye and one lesion in the left eye that looked like black gaps in a large grouping of eye cells.

Just to give you a little rundown of what the retina does, it’s an area of the eye that contains something called photoreceptors. These photoreceptors are light-sensitive cells that are also known as rods and cones. And they have a pretty important job… they enable us to see.

“There’s just nothing left there,” said Frederick Davidorf, the co-author of the paper describing the case. “The affected areas are devoid of cones.”

Doctors examined his eyes 11 months and 20 months after his initial injury. And although there was a slight decrease in his lesions, they say these lesions will never go away completely. Which means those few seconds of staring at a pet laser pointer gave this boy permanent eye damage. Yikes.

Peak Vision Support^™

Unique Dual Nutrient Formula Supports Healthy, Clear Vision and Protects Eyes from Blue Light!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Laser pointer safety tips to protect your eyes

As someone who’s wielded a pet laser pointer many times without even thinking about its potential dangers, this case study is a little scary to me. Granted, I know not to look directly at a laser pointer, but accidents happen. And clearly based on this boy’s case, it doesn’t take long (only a few seconds) for permanent damage to occur. That’s why I thought it may be a good idea to go over some laser pointer safety tips that we all probably need a little refresher on…

The first thing to know is that laser pointers come in different classes: Class 2, Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4. Class 2 is the least powerful laser and therefore the safest for your eyes. Try not to buy anything in a class higher than that if possible. Class 3R is relatively safe for the eyes, but a little stronger than Class 2. The other two classes are powerful lasers and are more dangerous to the eyes. Also, make sure to never buy a laser pointer that doesn’t say what class it is. Who knows what you’re getting? You should also:

• Never point a laser pointer directly at someone
• Not allow minors to use laser pointers unsupervised
• Avoid pointing a laser pointer at a mirror or a mirror-like surface, because the reflected beam can bounce back and damage your eyes.

Just as a point of reference, the energy a laser pointer shoots into the eye is significantly greater than the energy that enters the eye from staring at the sun. And you know how bad staring directly at the sun is for your eyes. So, take laser pointer safety seriously… and maybe find another toy for your cat. I think I’m going to.

Sources:

Pet laser pointers have enough power to ‘blast away’ cells in the back of the eye — MedicalXpress.

Cone Photoreceptor Integrity assessed with Adaptive Optics Imaging after Laser-Pointer-Induced Retinal Injury — Retinal Cases and Brief Reports.

Laser Pointer Safety — The Laser Institute.

Laser Pointer Safety — Harvard University Radiation Safety Services.

Laser Classes Chart — LaserPointerSafety.com.

The post That laser pointer the cat loves to play with can permanently damage your eyes appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Most of us think, curiously and perhaps even enviously, “how in the world were they able to bring their dog with them on the plane?”

It’s easier than you might think…

Welcome to the era of the Emotional Support Animal, or ESA. An ESA is a domesticated pet who provides comfort and emotional support to a person.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, ESAs as “trained or untrained animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities.”

So unlike service animals, ESAs do not have specific training or tasks they accomplish for that person. By just like service animals, ESAs can serve important functions for their owners: they provide distraction from physical or emotional pain, they help calm worries and frazzled nerves and they can even serve as companions for a sense of connection and support.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Strong evidence that pets are good medicine

From a natural health perspective, there is strong evidence to suggest various benefits to a person’s mental and physical health from interacting with a pet, and there is even a name for it — Zooeyia. The term is a combination of the Greek root words for animal (zoion) and health (Hygeia). It was coined in 2011 (Hodgson and Darling). This study found a significant reduction in stress among cardiac patients when compared to non-pet owning cardiac patients with similar conditions. Further, it found that pet owners reported non-judgmental social support which may act as a buffer against pathogenic responses to stress.

The Center for Disease Control lists multiple positive health effects of pet ownership including decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol, fewer feelings of loneliness and increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities. And with the onset of COVID-19 and the rise of social distancing recommendations, it is likely that many people are experiencing an increase in feelings of loneliness.

In fact, former Surgeon General of the United States (and currently a Distinguished Policy Scholar in Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins University) Vivek Murthy has dedicated his work toward ending loneliness. He stated in a 2017 interview that “The greatest gift of animals is they remind us we can love and be loved” and encouraged interaction between people and animals.

Mental health: Changing attitudes, coping strategies and the role of pets

Over the past few decades, our national attitudes toward mental health have been changing — in a very positive way. The younger generations feel more comfortable and confident in talking openly about aspects of their mental health which were once considered taboo. It’s much more common nowadays to have conversations with your friends about experiences with depression or anxiety, conversations that have facilitated the sharing of resources and adaptive coping strategies between peers. With this increased discourse has come a recognition of the many different facets of life which can play a role — helpfully or adversely — in our overall mental health and emotional fitness. And thus, with the proliferation of various animal-assisted mental health therapies, the concept of the ESA was born. So while many folks may not become pet owners with the expressed intent of relieving distress or bolstering their mental health, we’re now better able to recognize just how crucial a role pets often play in guarding the well-being of their owners.

Pets have long been recognized for the health benefits they give to their owners. But more recently, federal law helped establish this linkage by determining that landlords (Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988) and airlines (Air Carrier Access Act of 1986) cannot discriminate against individuals who have a documented ESA. What this means is that ESAs are allowed to travel with their owners on most airlines (without incurring additional fees) as well as able to reside in housing which might otherwise prohibit pets (also without charging a pet deposit or fee).

But just how do get your pet documented as an ESA? Well, any licensed medical professional — including primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers — can validate your pet as an ESA, and all you really need from a legal standpoint is a letter from them stating you have a mental condition that your ESA helps alleviate.

Many of these medical and mental health professionals will now provide this service remotely, saving you an in-office visit (and bill) and improving timely access to this service. The benefits of pursuing the online evaluation option is that you don’t have to wait weeks for an in-person office visit, you won’t incur additional office co-pays or insurance fees and you get a letter that meets all the legal requirements and is written by medical professionals experienced in conducting these evaluations — something not all general medical practitioners are accustomed to doing.

So, if you’re someone who struggles with an emotional issue or mental disorder and your pet helps provide you with relief, wouldn’t it be great to be able to take them with you everywhere you go?

The post The natural health benefits of an emotional support animal appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Well, first off, you’re not alone (even if it feels like you are). We’re all more digitally connected than ever. But that seems to be making us more lonely rather than less. Why?

Because it’s changed the way we socialize. Our social interactions have become more about quantity than quality. Sure, we connect with lots of people on social media and other online spaces every day. But our interactions are more superficial and less beneficial. Just think about it…

Is liking a Facebook picture of your friend’s baby as fulfilling as visiting your friend and meeting that baby in person? Or is writing a birthday message on your sister’s Facebook page as fun as taking her out to a birthday lunch? Probably not.

The obvious solution here is to get back to socializing in-real-life again. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. Maybe you’re an introvert who struggles to connect face-to-face. Maybe you’re too exhausted after work to do anything more than log onto Facebook and like a few pictures. Or maybe you have a hard time scheduling in-person get-togethers because of everyone’s busy schedules

No matter what’s holding you back from tackling your loneliness head-on, don’t worry. I know a simple way to feel far less lonely within the next three months…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

1 obvious reason (and 1 less obvious reason) dogs take a bite out of loneliness

A recent University of Sydney study revealed a way to tackle your loneliness in the next three months — adopt a dog.

I know, I know. Adopting a dog is a big commitment that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. But if you really are lonely and you like dogs, you should consider it. Here’s why…

In their study, University of Sydney researchers found that new dog owners felt far less lonely within three months of getting a dog than people who didn’t have dogs. People who adopted dogs also felt less upset and scared than people without dogs. And these benefits lasted for the whole eight-month study.

Related: 7 ways dog owners are healthier and live longer

Now, it’s easy to assume the reason dog owners feel less lonely is that dogs are good companions. And that’s probably part of it. But there’s likely another reason dogs take a bite out of loneliness…

Dogs need walks. So if you have a dog, you’re more likely to get out into your neighborhood. Once you’re out in the world, you’re more likely to interact with other people.

In fact, dogs (and other animals) are a great social lubricant. They make it easier to break the ice and socialize with other people. Just think about it…

Who are you more likely to talk to?

A man walking by himself? Or a man walking an adorable Boston terrier in a holiday sweater?

I’m guessing the man with the dog will end up in way more impromptu conversations.

So, even though a new dog won’t necessarily get you to your friend’s house to see her new baby. (Or if your friend loves dogs, maybe it will. She can meet your dog and you can meet her baby.) It will inspire you to get out in the real world and socialize more. Who knows? If you head out to trails, dog parks and other places dog lovers congregate frequently enough, you could make a long list of friends you never would’ve known without your canine companion.

Consider this before adopting a dog…

If you’re thinking a dog will be too much work, keep in mind: you don’t have to adopt a puppy or even a young dog.

Middle-aged and senior dogs are usually more mellow and easily fit into a low-key lifestyle. In fact, the time I adopted a five-year-old black lab/chow mix was the easiest adoption experience I’ve ever had. You can also look for low-maintenance dog breeds that pretty much only require food, a walk, and a warm bed, like pugs, French bulldogs, basset hounds, and Havanese.

In other words? There are all sorts of dogs out there. If you do your research, you can easily find one that fits your lifestyle. Start your search on Petfinder.com. It provides information on different breeds and dog care. Plus, it has a searchable database that lets you look through all the adoptable dogs in your area. If you start your search today, you’ll be well on your way to a less lonely life.

Sources:

1. Why the Internet Has Made Us Lonelier Than Ever — Psychology Today
2. Dog ownership could reduce loneliness — MedicalXpress
3. Companion dog acquisition and mental well-being: a community-based three-arm controlled study — BMC Public Health

The post The super fun (and fluffy) secret to being less lonely in 3 months appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Yup, more people than ever before will have huge amounts of knowledge and life experience to draw from, but more people than ever before will also be at risk for potentially deadly health conditions — including heart disease and stroke.

That’s why researchers the world over have made it their mission to discover ways to lower these age-related health risks.

And, a team in South Korea just helped bring home the importance of one extremely effective way…

Studying over a million people

The scientists, working out of Seoul National University Graduate School Department of Biomedical Sciences in Seoul followed over 1.1 million people over the age of 60 for a full eight years.

They looked at their health checkups, how much physical activity they got on a regular basis (and what types) and whether their level of activity changed for the better or worse over the timeframe.

They then compared the data to the participant’s risk of suffering heart disease or stroke and of course, adjusted for compounding factors, like smoking, alcohol use, and other medical conditions.

And, it all came down to this…

To grab the highest levels of protection from heart disease and stroke once you pass the 60 mark, you have to exercise more than you did when you were younger.

In fact, the researchers found that people in the study who went from inactive to moderately to vigorously active three to four times a week reduced their risk of heart problems by a full 11 percent.

And, people who were already getting that level of exercise one or two times a week, who went up to five, benefitted for a 10 percent lower heart risk.

Peak Cardio Platinum^™

Clinically-Tested Nutrients Help Arteries and Cardiovascular Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Unfortunately, the reverse was also true…

People who used to be extremely active and regularly exercised five times a week but became sedentary after 60 ended up with a whopping 27 percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems.

In other words, exercise could be the best medicine for your heart after 60.

Related: How much exercise does it take to keep your heart from aging?

And, don’t think that if you’re already living with a chronic condition or disability, that statement doesn’t apply to you.

The truth is that the study showed those with a disability who became more physically active lowered their heart risk by 16 percent while people with issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems grabbed a 4- 7 percent added protection.

Mr. Kyuwoong Kim, a Ph.D. student at Seoul National University Graduate School Department of Biomedical Sciences in Seoul had this to say about the study’s results, “The most important message from this research is that older adults should increase or maintain their exercise frequency to prevent cardiovascular disease.”

Bottom line: Moving more protects your heart

So, what kind of physical activity will help you protect your heart?

Well, anything that gets you moving is a step in the right direction.

Some good options include:

• Dancing
• Brisk walking
• Gardening
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Jogging
• Aerobic classes

And, don’t forget to build your muscles through strength and resistance training as well.

You can start simple with bodyweight exercises such as chair squats, lunges, and wall pushups and once you feel ready, you can add free weights to make your muscles work harder.

Remember, passing 60 means adding more physical activity to your daily life, not less if you want to keep your heart ticking along.

Sources:

1. Increased exercise over the age of 60 reduces risk of heart disease and stroke — EurekAlert!

The post The lifesaving truth about exercise after 60, heart disease and stroke appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

And, is it any wonder considering the fact that since their discovery, these drugs have been looked upon as a “magic bullet.”

You go to your doctor for a cough. You get an antibiotic.

Have ear pain? Your doctor writes you a prescription for another antibiotic.

And, the list goes on…

In fact, the widespread and too often inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to an average of two million antibiotic-resistant infections in the U.S. each year — a number that’s predicted to continue to rise.

And, according to a new study, some of the dangers could be lurking in your pet food dish.

Here’s why…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

It’s in the enzymes

Bacteria that have become antibiotic-resistant produce enzymes called extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (EBSL). These are enzymes that make certain antibiotics ineffective.

What’s really concerning about these enzymes is the fact that they are behind the resistance of certain bacteria to even broad-spectrum antibiotics.

So, if you become infected by one of these dangerous versions, it may beyond even the strongest of antibiotics to save you.

And, a recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that these types of EBSL-producing germs are often found in our best friends — the cats and dogs we love so much.

But, why?

Raw pet food diets

Well, according to the researchers, the answer could be because we love them so much.

You see, there’s been a big movement in recent years to feed our pets a more natural diet, one that’s closer to what they would normally eat if they were hunting for themselves.

Related: 7 ways dog owners are healthier and live longer

And so, the raw pet food industry has boomed and pet foods that include raw meat, animal by-products, bones and additional food such as fruit and vegetables have been lining the store shelves and taking their place in online sales.

This food mix is called “BARF” (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — and come on, who thinks of these acronyms.

Yet, while eating this way may seem like it’s healthier for your cat or dog, it could have dangerous consequences for you.

Contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Once they realized that so many pets were carrying around EBSL-producing bacteria, the Zurich researchers started wondering if their diets were to blame.

So, they set out to test 51 raw pet food samples from various suppliers to find out the total number of germs present, the number of normal and antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria, and the number of Salmonella bacteria in each sample.

And, the results are a wakeup call…

They found:

• Levels of enterobacteria that exceeded safety limits in 73 percent of the samples (This is a group that’s become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and causes infections both in and out of your intestines.)
• EBSL-producing bacteria in 61 percent of samples
• Salmonella in two of the samples
• coli that harbored the colistin-resistance gene in two samples (Despite being found in only two samples, this one could be the most dangerous since it’s resistant to the last line of defense antibiotics for E. coli infections.)

Because of these findings, the researchers concluded that “BARF” diets are a significant risk factor for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria for two reasons.

The first is that as you feed your pet and prepare their food you may come in contact with the bacteria. And, the second is that due to close contact the risk of transmission of the bacteria from your pet to you is also increased.

“We, therefore, advise all dog and cat owners who want to feed their pets a ‘BARF’ diet to handle the food carefully and maintain strict hygiene standards,” said Magdalena Nüesch-Inderbinen, the study’s first author. “Pet owners should be aware of the risk that their pet may be carrying multidrug-resistant bacteria and can spread them.”

So, if you have your furry friend on a raw pet food diet, know your risks, decide what’s safest for you and your pet, and take steps to avoid contact with the deadly bacteria that could be lurking in their food bowl.

Sources:

1. Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance (AR / AMR) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. The DISARM Act Proposes New Strategies to Fight The Growing Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance — Infection Control Today
3. Antibiotics: Are you misusing them? — Mayo Clinic
4. Raw meat-based diets for pets pose a health risk for humans — EurekAlert!
5. Enterobacteriaceae — Infectious Disease Advisor
6. Description of the First Escherichia coli Clinical Isolate Harboring the Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 from the Indian Subcontinent — Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 

The post The pet food trend helping to spread antibiotic-resistant bacteria appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If you’re an animal lover like me, I’m guessing you have a few furry, feathered or scaled family members in your household. And if you do, I have good news…

You’re healthier for it.

A new study from Italian researchers shows that pet owners are more physically active, eat better and have better blood sugar than people who don’t own pets.

Man, if your pets can keep your health on the straight and narrow, that’s a major pet-owning perk, am I right?

But you should know, there’s one pet that stands out from the pack when it comes to your health….

I don’t want to discourage you from adopting a cute little box turtle or the irresistible calico kitten at your local animal rescue, but dogs dominate when it comes to boosting their owners’ health.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Dogs: Your blood sugar’s best friend

Researchers from the University of Catania in Italy recently discovered that dogs give their owners the biggest health benefits.

The study included 1,769 people. Researchers scored them based on the Simple 7, the top seven factors linked to overall heart health: body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol.

All pet owners received a higher score on the Simple 7. Especially because, they exercised more, had a better diet and had balanced blood sugar.

But dog owners had the best diet, did the most exercise and had the best blood sugar scores. There was only one catch…

Dog owners were more likely to smoke, which dragged their Simple 7 score down.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Don’t shop, adopt!

How about this…

Instead of spending money on cigarettes or maxi dresses or takeout, adopt a dog. I can tell you firsthand that they get your butt off the couch. I have two dogs, and there have been many times when all I wanted to do was settle into a Netflix binge, but their sad little eyes motivated me to take them for a walk instead.

Of course, I have a disclaimer…

Don’t adopt a dog if you don’t like dogs that much. Or if you’re never home. Or if you can’t (or don’t want) to commit to caring for a dog for its entire life.

If you don’t think dog adoption is for you, consider adopting another pet. Cats are easier to care for and can still motivate you to move more if you play with them daily. I don’t know how much a turtle or snake would improve your Simple 7 scores. But if they bring you joy, they’d improve your life in other ways. And you’d improve theirs. Just make sure to adopt your pet of choice from a reputable rescue organization. A great place to start is your local animal shelter.

Sources:

1. Your heart’s best friend: Dog ownership associated with better cardiovascular health — MedicalXpress
2. Dog Ownership and Cardiovascular Health: Results From the Kardiovize 2030 Project — Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes

The post The best pet for balanced blood sugar appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Pets provide emotional support, entertainment, and even physical health benefits for seniors.

There are plenty of pet-friendly senior living facilities located around the US and the world. If you’re a senior who wants to continue to live with your pet, be sure to look into these facilities to find a great fit for you — because the health benefits are just too good to give up…

Here are 8 great reasons every senior should consider having a pet.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

#1 Pets prevent loneliness and depression

Pets provide a form of unconditional love and support that can be incredibly beneficial to seniors, particularly seniors who aren’t able to socialize much anymore.

That’s because the bond between a human and pet can be incredibly strong, and the companionship that animals provide can keep you from feeling lonely when living on your own.

Studies have also shown that seniors who have pets are far less likely to develop depression, which is a major risk many people suffer when they move into retirement communities or nursing homes.

Interacting with pets also releases positive chemicals in the brain that relieve stress, and when you’re not stressed, you’re less likely to get sick and develop muscle tension.

#2 Pets are funny and entertaining

Having a pet around is an easy way to keep a smile on your face. Their cute and quirky behavior can really liven up your home life. Need proof?

Research at Indiana University shows that you can quickly recharge your personal energy and warm your outlook just by watching a cat video online. Just imagine the effect in person!

Their hilarious antics can also make for great stories to tell your friends and can keep you occupied during retirement.

#3 Pets encourage exercise

Many seniors struggle to stay active but having a pet can encourage you to get out of the house and move around.

Dogs are particularly good for exercise because they need to be walked every day, but even playing with a cat, bird, or other pet can be a great form of gentle exercise.

Playing with a pet is fun and engaging, so if you struggle to fit exercise into your routine, pets can be a great way to do that.

#4 Pets encourage social interaction

Pets, dogs, in particular, are great for getting you involved in your community because you’ll need to take them out and walk them. This makes it easier to meet other people in your neighborhood and even get involved in local events in a natural way that’s not too overwhelming.

Ironically, pets can actually be a great source of bonding among humans. It’s very easy to start chatting to somebody if your pets become friends, and in many cases that makes it easy for you to become friends as well. Sharing funny stories about your pet also makes for a great topic of conversation in social situations.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

#5 Pets encourage routine and purpose

Another benefit that pets provide is that they require a daily routine, and that can be incredibly helpful for seniors as they’re transitioning into retirement.

It can be very difficult to develop a fulfilling daily routine without the structure of work or caring for a family. Having a pet can give you a basic structure to make this a bit easier.

And, when you take care of a pet, you’re not only investing in your own well-being, you’re also giving an animal a great chance at a healthy life. With so many animals living in shelters, knowing you’re helping even just one can be very fulfilling. It’s especially gratifying to adopt a senior pet. Older animals are often overlooked for puppies and kittens.

#6 Pets provide a feeling of security and protection

For seniors that live alone, having a pet can provide an invaluable feeling of protection, particularly at night.

Knowing that your pet would alert you to the presence of an intruder and potentially ward them off can be very relaxing.

For seniors with special needs, like PTSD, seizure conditions, mobility or sensory issues, a service dog, can add an extra level of relief, security, and independence.

#7 Pets, especially dogs, can help you live healthier and longer

Dog owners are exposed to great bacterial diversity (which can boost your immune system), suffer fewer allergies, are more likely to survive a heart attack… and that’s just the beginning.

Did you know dogs can sniff out cancer? A dog’s nose has 300 million sensors, compared to our five million. They also have a second smelling organ in the back of their nose called Jacobson’s organ.

There are many stories of dogs who insistently nosed a mole or spot on their owner’s body, later found to be cancerous.

#8 Seniors make great pet owners

Seniors make particularly good pet owners because they can provide so much support and time for their pet. Their maturity also makes them very responsible, which is an essential quality in a pet owner.

There are plenty of pet-friendly senior living facilities located around the US and the world. If you’re a senior who wants to continue to live with your pet, be sure to look into these facilities to find a great fit for you.

The post 8 reasons every senior should have a pet appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The fact is, whichever side of the fence you’re on, there are definite benefits to health and well-being that accompany owning either type of furry friend.

But dogs are more like children. They need us more, which inspires a dynamic that carries with it very real perks for both physical and mental health.

Here are 7 proven ways that having a dog can make life better…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Physical health

1. More bacterial variety. Believe it or not, we don’t need to rid our bodies and our environment of every last bacteria. Research shows that living in a bacteria-free, sterile environment actually causes greater susceptibility to bacterial illnesses.
2. Fewer allergies. Spending over 90 percent of our time in a bacteria-poor environment indoors, especially early in life, can cause our bodies to overreact to harmless substances later in life, bringing on allergies and autoimmune disease.

A 2016 study found that Amish children in Indiana who grew up around a variety of animals had far lower rates of asthma than Hutterite children, who were raised apart from animals on more modern farms in North Dakota.

According to Jack Gilbert, co-author of the study, the solution for modern children is to “bring the farm to them” by having them live with pets.

3. Better heart health. Just the act of petting a dog lowers blood pressure and heart rate. A 2017 Chinese study found a connection between owning a dog and having lower risk of coronary artery disease. Other studies show that pet owners are more likely to survive a heart attack.
4. Dogs can sniff out cancer. A dog’s nose has 300 million sensors, compared to our five million. They also have a second smelling organ in the back of their nose called Jacobson’s organ.

This doubled sense of smell allows trained dogs to sniff out the volatile organic compounds in cancers that give them unique odors we humans can’t detect.

There are many stories of dogs who insistently nosed a mole or spot on their owner’s body, later found to be cancerous.

5. More exercise. Dogs must be walked, and larger breeds require even more exercise. This forces dog owners to get out and move, perhaps as much as thirty minutes a day, doing wonders for their heart, lungs, bones and immune system.

According to a 2017 study, adults 65 and over who own a dog tend to walk an extra 22 minutes a day over those without dogs. Pet owners may even walk faster with their puppy companions, which can boost longevity by as much as 50 percent.

Peak Vitality^™

Your adrenal glands support essential functions from metabolism to stress response. But when they become fatigued, problems with sleep quality, unwanted weight gain, moodiness, energy levels and more can take your vitality for a dive. Nutrients called “adaptogens” help restore balance and improve… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Mental health

6. Greater happiness. Studies have found that dog owners are less lonely, less prone to overwhelming stress, and less likely to experience depression. In particular, single adults and women are less likely to be depressed if they are dog owners.
7. Better social connections. Associate Professor Lisa Wood of the University of Western Australia’s School of Population Health analyzed the results from telephone interviews with people living in Perth, as well as San Diego, Nashville, and Portland.

She found that pet owners were significantly more likely to get to know people in their neighborhood than non-pet owners. In the three U.S. cities, dog owners were significantly more likely than owners of other types of pets to regard people they met through their pet as a friend.

Social isolation is an issue in many large communities and is highly associated with mental illness. In this study, around 40 percent of pet owners reported receiving some form of social or emotional support from people they met through their pet.

Consider adopting

If you do decide to bring home a four-legged friend, consider getting one from a local animal shelter. There are dogs of all ages out there just waiting for a loving home, but senior pets are typically overlooked. So if you have it in your heart to take one (or two) in, they’ll pay you back with years of health and happiness.

The post 7 ways dog owners are healthier and live longer appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

You’re more likely to maintain healthy friendships. You have more freedom to pursue your dreams and travel. You have the whole bed to yourself… and you’re never stuck listening to another person’s snoring.

But despite the many benefits of single living, single people get the short end of the stick in one area — health.

Studies show that married people live longer, have fewer strokes and heart attacks, and are more likely to survive cancer or major operations.

But if you prefer the single life, don’t sign up for a dating website just yet. There is something you can do to stay healthy…

Get a dog.

Studies show a canine companion may be all you need to give your health a little boost.

Dogs are doggone good for you

A recent study from researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden found that dog ownership comes with major health benefits… especially you’re single.

The study tracked the health of 3.4 million people over 12 years using Sweden’s national health registries. And researchers concluded that single people who own dogs have a 33 percent lower risk of premature death and an 11 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to single people who don’t own dogs.

This is big news considering premature death and cardiovascular disease are two of the biggest health downsides of the single life. So why is a canine companion so good for single people?

Well, the study didn’t delve into why dogs do wonders for heart health and lifespan, but researchers have a few guesses:

• Dog-owners tend to be more active. Those daily dog walks do your body good!
• Dogs may count toward your social interaction quota. People who socialize more are healthier, and that may extend to socialization with animals too.
• Dogs may have a positive effect on your microbiome. Dogs expose you to all sorts of new and interesting bacteria—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It could diversify your microbiome in a positive way.

Taking the plunge into pet-ownership

So should you head to your local animal shelter and find yourself a canine companion?

It’s definitely worth considering — but only if you love dogs, of course. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, so you don’t want to go into it impulsively or half-heartedly.

If you do decide to get a dog, there’s one other finding from the study that may help you decide what kind to get. Researchers found that people who had hunting dog breeds had bigger health benefits—maybe because these dogs have higher exercise needs. Some popular hunting breeds include:

• Labrador retrievers
• Golden retrievers
• Flat-coated retrievers
• Beagles
• Bassett hounds
• Brittany spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Fox terriers
• Jack Russell terriers
• Rat terriers
• Weimaraners
• Welsh corgis

And if you’re more of a cat person, don’t worry. A previous study showed that cat owners have a 30 percent lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke than people who don’t own cats. So it seems the love of a pet is all you need to make your single life a bit healthier.

Editor’s note: One thing you might consider is adopting a senior pet. Dogs and cats can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years, sometimes even longer. And plenty of senior pets are displaced when their owners can no longer care for them. A senior pet may mean a shorter commitment but boatloads of benefits.

The post The secret to unleashing a longer life and healthier heart appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, recent studies show that the sound of a cat purring can do everything from preventing heart attacks to healing injuries.

Who knew our furry friends were so powerful?

The secret to a cat’s purr begins in their larynx where a vibration of the vocal cords is produced. The cat’s hyoid bone, a small, half-circle of bone beneath their chin hums along with the vocal cord vibration, producing a frequency of 25 to 140 cycles per second.

It’s this specific frequency that’s known to be medically therapeutic for so many illnesses.

Why do cats purr?

While nobody knows for sure why cats purr in the first place there are a number of possibilities.

The first theory is the most simple in that it’s believed that cats using purring in order to bond with their kittens.

Others believe that a purring sound shows that a cat is happy or comfortable.

However, this idea may not be factual because cats have been known to purr when they’re injured or sick as well.

Which has led to an even more interesting idea — that cats purr to heal themselves.

Could it be true that cats possess the ability to repair injuries and stimulate good health in themselves and their owners just through the power of their purr?

It could be…

According to researcher Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, a specialist in the field of bioacoustics at the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina (FCRI), purring is nature’s way of endowing felines with an evolutionary healing advantage.

Let’s take a look at the medical benefits that have been documented from that soft purring vibration…

Benefit # 1 – Decreased Stress

Anyone who’s ever held a purring cat knows how much it helps in decreasing your stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. In fact, a 2011 survey by the Mental Health Foundation and Cats Protection found that 87 percent of cat owners feel their pets have a positive impact on their well-being and 76 percent find coping with everyday life easier thanks to their kitties.

Benefit # 2 – Ease Breathing

The sound of a cat’s purr can also help you to breathe easier according to researchers.

Benefit # 3 – Lower Blood Pressure

Spending time with your cat has been shown to lower your blood pressure by reducing stress.

Benefit # 4 – Get Strong Bones

Frequencies of 25 and 50 Hz promote bone healing and a 100 Hz frequency can increase bone strength. This means the sound of your cat’s purr could actually help you prevent osteoporosis.

Benefit # 5 – Prevent Heart Attacks

Thanks to the decreased stress and lower blood pressure cat-owners experience, recent studies credit kitties with lowering their owner’s risk of heart attack by as much as 40 percent.

Benefit # 6 – Heal Infections, Swelling and Injuries

Purr vibrations also stimulate healing of everything from infections and swelling to muscle and ligament injuries. This means your cat could be your best therapy.

With all of the benefits your cat gives you from love and companionship, the “Purr Therapy” they provide could just turn out to be the greatest one yet. In exchange for a tummy rub, they could help you avoid the doctor and stay strong and healthy for life.

Sources:

1. Can suits that simulate cat purring keep astronauts healthy? — i09

2. How your cat can benefit your mental health — Your Cat

3. Owning a cat ‘cuts stroke risk by third’ — The Telegraph

4. The Healing Power of Cat Purrs — Daily Infographic

The post Purrfect remedy builds better bones appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Research shows that brisk walking can reduce belly fat, strengthen your bones and muscles, and prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among other things.

But despite all these worthwhile benefits, sometimes you just don’t feel motivated to put your walking shoes on. Not to mention that walking by yourself can feel boring, tedious or even downright lonely — a feeling you want to avoid because of the ‘stroke connection.’

So here’s where dogs come in…

Dogs make walks more fun and give you that extra motivation to get out and go even when you don’t feel like it.

And, as a result, man’s best friend packs a punch in the health department — especially if you’re over 60. A recent study found that those daily dog walks lead to lower body mass index and fewer doctor visits for seniors.

“Our results showed that dog ownership and walking were related to increases in physical health among older adults,” said Rebecca Johnson, the director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri. “These results can provide the basis for medical professionals to recommend pet ownership for older adults and can be translated into reduced health care expenditures for the aging population.”

Researchers at the University of Missouri reviewed data from the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration’s 2012 Health and Retirement Study, looking specifically at human-animal interactions, physical activity, frequency of doctor visits and health outcomes.

Based on their analysis, researchers concluded that older adults with dogs exercise and socialize more, which led to better health outcomes. But just because you own a dog doesn’t mean you’ll be the picture of good health. You actually have to develop a strong bond with your dog, according to researchers.

That’s because people who had a stronger bond with their dog were more likely to walk their dog frequently. They were also more likely to socialize with other dog owners, which is another boon for their health.

One more important takeaway here is that walking your dog is the key to being a healthy dog owner. If you and your dog share a love of couches and T.V., you’re probably not doing your health (or your dog’s health) any favors. That is, of course, unless you’ve taken a walk before settling down with your favorite show.

But maybe you’re not a dog person… or you’re just not ready to head to the animal shelter and bring home a pooch (it’s quite a commitment, after all). You can still reap some of these benefits by getting out and walking with or without a canine companion. Walk with a two-legged friend instead or go to a park or trail where you can bond with other people for an extra health boost. You can even volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter, where you can enjoy some canine company without the same level of commitment.

Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160420162947.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261

The post Can the canine cure work for you? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.