When people think about health, diet, exercise, and sleep come to mind. They aren’t wrong because all of those things are fundamental to overall health. If you’re truly committed to creating a healthier life, you have to address your home, where you spend a lot of your time. Depending on your type of dwelling, your living space may require very little or a lot of upkeep. Regardless of where you live, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind. In this article, we break down the most important ways to keep your home safe and healthy. 

Preserve Indoor Air Quality

The air you breathe inside your home is the first thing to address. After all, indoor air quality can positively or negatively affect lung health. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) said that 50% of homes potentially have six allergens detectable in the air. Of those allergens, popular ones include pet dander, mold, dust mites, and cockroach droppings. You should ventilate your home when possible, but the weather can dictate whether or not the windows stay open or closed. For better indoor air quality, consider the following:

• Vacuum any rugs or carpets regularly to control pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. 
• Try to keep your bathroom dry to help prevent mold and mildew from growing. Clean any mold you see on hard surfaces with bleach cleaners in a well-ventilated space. 
• Keep your thermostat below 70 degrees F and aim to have humidity levels between 40-50%, if possible. 
• Was all bedding once a week in hot water to help get rid of allergens. 

Prevent Falls

Believe it or not, 60% of all falls occur in the home, where people spend the majority of their time. It’s very natural to let your guard down at home, so you move around in a distracted way without considering safety. To prevent falls or other injuries, the following tips may be helpful:

• Install handrails wherever possible: next to toilets, along stairs, and in bathtubs. 
• Wear a medical alarm if you are at a higher risk of falls. 
• Make sure that your home has sufficient lighting throughout, and install night lights in bathrooms and other spaces you may need to access at night. 
• Choose larger rugs over small area rugs. For those larger rugs, make sure that the corners are firmly affixed to the floor, or you have anti-slip pads in place.
• Make sure that there are no wires or cords obstructing common area walkways. 

Clean Your Home

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy home is to clean it regularly. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces, cleaning your bedding, vacuuming your carpets, and mopping floors work to prevent indoor allergens (discussed above). Having a regular cleaning schedule can help remove general grime and germs, including the norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disinfecting the home may be necessary if you or another member of your household is sick. Clean the following areas to maintain a clean and healthy home:

• Carpets and other flooring
• Light switches
• Toys
• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices

In order to properly clean your home, you have to scrub surfaces with soap and water. Sanitizing the home is a little different, as it reduces germs with the aid of sprays or products that contain a small amount of bleach. Always remember to clean surfaces before sanitizing them. If you are sick, disinfection may be necessary, especially for high-touch surfaces. 

Store Your Food Properly

The way you store your foods is just as important as the foods you eat. Because of increased exposure to harmful ingredients in various plastics, health experts advise looking for containers that are free of bisphenol A (BPA). High exposure to BPA may have adverse effects on reproductive health. Glass containers are excellent, but make sure that you check that the materials are free of BPA. Additionally, make sure your bottled water, or reusable bottles, are BPA-free.

Personal Hygiene And Medical Supplies

Smelling great is a beautiful thing, but personal hygiene goes beyond soaps and bath supplies. Some people don’t have certain products in their medicines cabinets, but health experts recommend having the following on hand at all times:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Antibacterial ointment
• Bandages
• Calamine lotion for bug bites and minor burns
• Tweezers
• A thermometer
• Activated charcoal
• Allergy medicines

Foods That Support Your Health

Dietary needs and preferences vary from person to person. Some people may have food sensitivities that others don’t, so a healthy diet for you may be different than it is for someone else. That said, health experts agree on a list of basic food items that you should always have on hand in your pantry to promote better eating habits: 

• Steel cut oats
• Wild rice
• Beans (no salt added varieties if purchasing canned varieties)
• Raw nuts and seeds
• Raw nut or seed butters
• Coconut oil, avocado oil, and extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar and raw apple cider vinegar
• Natural sugars, including grade A maple syrup, stevia, and raw agave nectar
• Seasoning and dried herbs
• Frozen fruits and vegetables

Additionally, stock your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables. We all know that fruits and vegetables are essential for optimal health!

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Whether you live in a six-bedroom house or studio apartment, you understand that a home can get dirty in a matter of days. In fact, it’s impressive how quickly dust, stains, or general grime starts to accumulate. It’s up to you to take action and keep the home clean. So what do you do? You go straight for the high-touch surfaces and make sure that they pristine. That is an excellent start, but there are so many neglected areas of the home that require cleaning. 

Spring cleaning has become a trendy movement, and people tend to go into somewhat of a frenzy. Some people decide that a furniture move is important or that getting rid of junk is the primary goal. Others seem to do a general once-over of the counters, fridge, floors, and carpets. This is wonderful, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas of the home that often go unnoticed. We are talking about every nook and cranny in the home. That means under the couch, the backsplash behind the stove, and the other parts of the home in this article. 

Remember, good health starts with a clean home. Start the spring season on a healthy note by including the following neglected areas in your cleaning routine. 

Base Of Toilets

When is the last time you cleaned the base of your toilet? Chances are that you neglect the base when you clean the seat and the bowl. If you don’t clean it, urine can accumulate, especially in a home with children. Leaving urine at the base of the toilet can harbor germs, while the moisture can increase the risk of mold, which can cause respiratory problems. Use an antibacterial cleaning agent to scrub the base of the toilet so that the porcelain sparkles.

Under The Couch

Unless you have a robot vacuum, chances are that you aren’t cleaning under the couch. Even the robot doesn’t get every square inch under there! Spring is here, which means that you need to move the couch, bed, or other furniture item and get in there. You may need a vacuum and a mop to complete the task. It’s not the most difficult thing to do, but it can be annoying. Get those spots clean once and for all, but don’t continue to neglect them from now on. 

Rugs

Area rugs can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and more, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, their hair doesn’t come off with each vacuuming session either. For small rugs that are machine washable, read the directions and toss them in the washer. For larger rugs, you may need a separate piece of machinery or plan of attack to deep clean them. Check the material of the rug and research how to wash it before you just go for it. The last thing you want to do is ruin a rug and have to buy a new one.

Windowsills

It’s common to see dust on windowsills, but mold can easily grow in these areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners or renters don’t consider this when it comes to cleaning. Mold spores are very small, discolored areas on the windowsills. If you don’t regularly clean them, it’s possible to damage your windows and indoor air quality. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms in regards to mold accumulation. It’s best to clean mold and condensation from windowsills with bleach diluted with water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask. 

The Curtains

Sure, curtains help to keep out the sunlight and the rest of the world from looking in, but they are dust traps. You could make the argument that a curtain’s sole purpose is to collect dust. Most people don’t realize how dusty they are until they give them a quick shake and see the dust linger in the sunlight. Depending on the type of curtains you have, you may want to have a professional do the job. Some curtains, however, are machine washable and you can clean them yourself. 

HVAC Filters

If you have central ventilation, heating, or an air-conditioning system in your home, you should change the filter regularly. Most filters should be changed every three months, so be sure to check if you are overdue. Filters work to catch particles that affect indoor air quality, including animal allergens, mold spores, and pollen. If you don’t change your filters, they can fill up and become less effective. 

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In hard times when you have nothing or the best of times when you have everything, there is always room for gratitude. It’s a powerful habit to form, but it takes discipline to make it a regular part of your life. Too often do people take things for granted, but expressing gratitude can make you happier, reduce anxiety levels, or put a smile on someone else. There is time to savor each moment, be it a walk with a loved one or food on the table. 

Clinical psychologists explain that gratitude can influence your mental health. Studies show that being more grateful allows the brain to develop connections that have positive associations. When you are grateful, you focus on what is instead of what isn’t or what could have been. This practice keeps you in the present moment, the only moment in your life that you can completely control. 

During the holiday season, people start to think about gratitude more and more. There are so many people who struggle on a daily basis, and it seems irresponsible to ignore that struggle when you look at your own life. Be grateful for everything you have and all the things you don’t have. Treasure what you have because the path to happiness starts with gratitude. Below, you’ll find both big and small things to be grateful for.

Pets

For many people, there is no greater companionship than that of a pet who loves you. A pet can easily put a smile on your face and comfort you when you need it. Pets love you unconditionally, and that love is rare and pure. Appreciate your pet(s) and all that you share with them. 

Good Friends

If you manage to build strong friendships with a few people, then you are blessed. One of the easiest things to be thankful for is a core group of friends. People that stand by your side in moments of greatness and sadness are truly special and deserve appreciation.

Nourishment

Be it a breakfast sandwich, granola bar, smoothie, salad, or burger, food is a gift. It is so easy to take the food you eat for granted! It fuels you for daily activities and can bring a smile to your face. Without proper nourishment, you would not be able to do so many things. 

Kindness

Some argue that kindness is a rarity in the present day, but you can spot kindness almost everywhere. Knowing that kindness is out there can restore your faith in humanity. Witnessing kindness can inspire others to be better people, and perhaps they plant kindness seeds for others to see. If someone helped you overcome a difficult time, let that be enough to spark gratitude within you.

Your Body

Sure, you can wish that your body was a different shape or had different features, but the reality is that your body is amazing. It does so much to keep you alive, which is something to be grateful for. When you accept your body for all the things it does and how it helps you enjoy so many things in life, your physical and mental health tend to benefit. 

Nature

It’s a lot easier to appreciate nature when you go to it, as opposed to seeing it through your social feed. Water, clean air, trees, mountains, and more are held together by a beautiful force. When you are grateful for these things, you can develop a deep sense of accountability to help preserve them. Doing your part to take care of the environment can inspire others to do the same.

Family

Life is so much easier to bear when you have the loving presence of others. Whether you are with your parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, children, or grandparents, family is worthy of gratitude. Family can also mean your chosen group of people that make up your constellation. Cherish each person who brings love and comfort into your life.

Sunshine

Besides being a loving light that brightens the day, the sun helps to keep you warm and helps plants grow. Without the sun, we would be nothing. Whenever you get a moment, walk outside and stand in the sunlight for a few minutes. We guarantee that it will put a smile on your face and ignite gratitude. 

Learning From Mistakes

The ability to learn from your mistakes is truly a gift. It’s something that is only the privilege of humans because we can comprehend what went wrong and how not to repeat that moving forward. Be thankful that we have been blessed with this ability!

Having A Home

Shelter, or a roof over your head, is a luxury. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have shelter, so be grateful for the one you have, no matter how big, small, rented, or owned it is. The fact that you have a place to reside and rest is one of the biggest things you can be grateful for in this life.

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The United States currently leads the world in monkeypox cases, and national and global numbers continue to rise. Although the virus has predominantly spread among men who have sex with men, some women and children are now contracting the illness. Recently, the first case in a pet was reported. It was an Italian greyhound in Paris, France. 

Due to the fact that there are more than 42,900 cases of monkeypox across 95 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency. The WHO calculated nearly 7,500 new cases in the week prior to August 17, 2022, marking a 20% increase from the previous week. After the United States, Spain has the largest outbreak, with 6,119 cases, followed by Brazil with 3,450 cases. Germany comes in fourth with 3,295 cases, and the United Kingdom with 3,081 cases. 

Before this current outbreak, most human cases of monkeypox came from close contact with infected animals while farming or hunting. Monkeypox is dissimilar to smallpox in that it does not exclusively infect humans. Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus, which is less discriminating in its host. That means that squirrels, prairie dogs, rats, and groundhogs can be infected.

What Pet Owners Should Know

There are more dogs and cats in the U.S. than the combined human populations of Australia and The U.K. The role that these animals play in the spread of infectious diseases within households has been ignored. Because monkeypox can jump species, health experts want people to think how a human infection affects pets. It gets dangerous when an animal infects another animal, and another, and another. If too many animals contract the virus, they can pass it back to humans in a more altered, vicious form. That’s when you start to see a rapid evolution of the virus, which is the last thing the world needs. If

Earlier this month, the Lancet medical journal published a scientific account of the first human-to-dog monkeypox transmission. The dog was an Italian greyhound in Paris, France, and it caught it from his infected owners by sleeping in their bed. Veterinarians want people to understand that pets show affection for owners. They climb in their bed, lick their faces, nuzzle their skin, and go wherever they go. All of these habits are potential transmission pathways. An infected pet can easily pass the virus to other animals via bites, scratches, feces, or urine.

Concerns About Human To Dog Transmission

Before people get up in arms about a serious monkeypox outbreak in pets, there are a few things to know. A severe outbreak may not result just because one case of human-to-dog infection occurred. Veterinarians just want people to understand that pets, especially dogs, are easily susceptible to monkeypox. Additionally, there is no evidence on paper that reported just how much monkeypox was found in the dog’s DNA. That means that the dog may not have had enough for an active infection. Reports about the dog’s antibodies to monkeypox have not been documented either. 

If People Have Monkeypox, Should They Isolate From Pets?

Anyone with a known infection or suspected exposure should not engage in close contact with their pet. Additionally, anyone who is immunocompromised and living in the same house with an infected person should isolate or leave during the infection period. Any and all animals should be kept in isolation from all other animals and people for at least 21 days after the pet’s first known exposure to the virus. That means no dog park!

Lastly, do not surrender, euthanize, or abandon pets just because of a potential monkeypox exposure. Keep the pets isolated after exposure to keep them and everyone safe from infection. Additionally, don’t bathe or wipe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. If you are infected and cannot be isolated from your pet, make sure to wash your hands or care for them with gloves before and after caring for them.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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The body doesn’t perform or respond the same way it does in your 60s as it did in your 20s. You can’t simply bounce back like you used to, as they say. Sitting down the wrong way can induce pain! The mind doesn’t perform the same way either, and there is a connection between the aging body and the aging mind. 

As you get older, the risk of mental health problems increases. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), roughly one in four older adults has a mental health problem. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also reports that about 6.5 million American seniors suffer from depression. Seniors who live independently tend to have a lower risk of depression, with the condition only affecting about one to five percent in this group. 

Despite the the numbers, mental health problems in elderly citizens are often overlooked. This is often because the symptoms may resemble those of a different disease. For example, weight loss and poor appetite may seem like a digestive issue, and problems with general functioning may seem like a case of arthritis. As you can see, symptoms of mental health disorders can be mistaken for physical issues that elderly people commonly experience. Aging takes a toll on your mental health, both in a psychological and emotional way. To support mental health as you age, use the following strategies. 

Go Back To School

Challenge the brain as you get older by taking a class at your local community college. Often times, many classes are free or available at a low cost. Stimulating the brain’s learning channels is a great way to stay sharp as you age. Consider a language class or another area of study that interests you. You can even take classes online if you don’t want to leave the house.

Prioritize Physical Activity

Exercise benefits both the body and the mind. According to multiple studies, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times per week may improve mood and reduce anxiety. Another study found that one 60-minute dance class per week helped to dramatically reduce depression symptoms. Go for a daily walk or join an exercise class at a nearby gym or senior center. Staying physically active also helps to preserve cognitive function, making it easier to solve problems and maintain independence. 

Do Things You Enjoy

Some people embrace traveling in their old age, spending time in various countries around the world. You don’t always have the luxury to devote a lot of time to hobbies and activities as a young adult, especially if you’re raising kids and working hard. Embrace life in your old age and use this opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Doing things that make you happy is one of the best forms of self-care, which is a valuable component for optimal mental health.

Get A Pet

A lot of psychologists agree that caring for a pet is a great way to improve mental health. Animals help to keep seniors more socially engaged, even-keeled, and less depressed. According a 2014 study, seniors with pets are less agitated and have a more social life. Socializing, no matter how you do it, is an excellent way to maintain your mental health. The idea is to maintain relationships and connections, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. 

Eat A Nutrient-Rich Diet

The foods you consume can influence your mental health, regardless of your age. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein, and legumes ensures optimal vitamin and mineral intake. Lacking in certain nutrients can contribute to mental decline. For example, a lack of folate in your diet increases the risk of depression. Low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of depression and mood changes. Many experts say that the Mediterranean diet is the best for keeping the mind sharp and healthy as you get older. 

Stay connected with people and find ways to be involved with family. Healthy interactions go a long way in maintaining mental health in old age. Schedule phone or video calls with friends and family. You can even consider volunteering, which comes in all shapes and sizes. You can get involved with beach clean-ups or animal shelters. The possibilities are endless!

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There are some days or weeks when things just seem off, as though everything in life is a struggle. Some people live by the motto, “no bad days,” but that statement isn’t true for everyone. This isn’t to say that you live life with a negative outlook; rather, there are times when things don’t go as smoothly as they could. 

When it seems that everything that could go wrong actually goes wrong, you need time to recuperate and shake off bad energy before it consumes you. If you neglect your self-care during these times, things only worsen and you start heading down a dark, depressive path. Every person can recover from a bad day or week, even though it can seem scary or impossible. We have seven self-care tips to lift you up when you’re feeling down. 

Write It Out

If it’s embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss your problems or hard times in person, you can let them out on the page. Bottling up your feelings is not a positive way to deal with life events. This is why journaling is a great therapeutic way to release your feelings, stress, or whatever is on your mind. After you finish your journal entry, be sure to reflect on what you wrote. When you engage in reflection, you’ll find that you have an ability to flourish in life moving forward, especially if you encounter a similar scenario.

Sing Your Song

A lot of people know how to play instruments and use that creative outlet to turn bad feelings into positive moments. Music has power, and you can lift your spirits even by listening to a song, but don’t be afraid to belt it out. Some bad days call for screaming to feel better, so why not add a little melody (or not, if you’re not musically inclined) and sing your favorite songs? Alternatively, you can relieve stress and mellow out by listening to soothing sounds that stabilize your mood. 

Massage Time

If you can afford it, make an appointment to get a massage. More often than not, people carry a lot of tension in the body and it can take a toll on the nervous system. Allow a skilled masseuse to massage the tension out of your body; we promise that you’ll start feeling like a new person after the first 10 minutes. If you don’t have the time or funds to schedule a massage, sit on the couch, grab some lotion or oil, and give your legs and arms a good massage. You can also engage in some gentle stretching to promote relaxation and better sleep. 

Put Your Phone Away

The smartphone is an amazing technological device, but it can also stir up emotions, ruin your sleep, and cause stress. Ending the day on your phone is the worst way to end the day, especially if your day was already a struggle. Instead of getting sucked into the social media vortex, end your day with a reading session, writing session, or meditation session. All of these things put your mind at ease and help you focus on positivity. 

Allow Yourself A Good Cry

Sometimes, it’s necessary to sit and acknowledge your feelings. Too often do people ignore their feelings, which is unhealthy behavior. Don’t be ashamed to have a good cry when things in life frustrate you. Showing emotion doesn’t make you weak; in fact, it makes you stronger and healthier. Express your feelings and good things will follow!

Cuddle Your Pet (if you have one)

Often times, we don’t deserve pets because they are just too perfect. Pets, especially dogs, can sense if you’re having a bad day and they come to your side to support you. Love your pet, cry with your pet, or simply lay with them, embracing their love and affection. You can even play with your pet because that will surely lift your spirits. 

Don’t Eat Your Feelings

Emotional eating is a huge problem, especially when people experience sadness, frustration, or anger. These emotions cause uncontrollable eating habits, but food is not your savior. You’ll find that you don’t need to resort to food when you use one or more of the previous tips to care for yourself. 

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We are living in uncertain times. There’s a global pandemic, a looming election, several natural disasters, police brutality, and economic recessions. Social media and technology are both a blessing and a curse because they keep us informed, but they keep us too informed. We never get a break and can develop feelings of insignificance, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and stress as a result. 

There is no magical antidote to fix all the problems of the world, and there isn’t one to immediately fix your mental health. That being said, new research found that having a pet is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Human-animal interaction is powerful and it may counteract the psychological distress, which has increased dramatically  over the past three months.

How Do Pets Improve Mental Health

Roughly 68% of American households have have pets, but that doesn’t mean that all of those people are stress-free. The NIH found that different animals, from fish to cats and dogs to guinea pigs, help reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure. While regular human-animal interaction can boost your mood and reduce anxiety, there’s no one way that pets can improve mental health. Pets benefit people in different ways, and you can see how if you keep reading. 

Pets Help With Depression

Dogs seem to understand you on an emotional level. They know when to comfort you, but they also help to motivate you when you’re feeling down. Depression can overwhelm the body, and you may not want to step out of your home as a result. If you have a dog, though, you need to walk it! You put your dog’s needs ahead of your own and caring for it gives your day purpose and reward. Some people may even find that dogs help them get out of a depressive slump and inspire creativity. 

Pets Encourage An Active Lifestyle

To piggyback on the previous tip, dogs get you out of the house and increase your physical activity. Whether you go to the dog park, go on hikes, or walk around the neighborhood daily, having a dog keeps you active. Studies show that increased exercise or physical activity helps to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, being out in nature with your pet helps to reduce stress levels. Dog walking is great cardiovascular exercise and can improve the function of the sympathetic nervous system, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of obesity.

Pets Diversify Your Microbiome

More and more research points to a strong connection between the gut and brain. An unhealthy gut can increase your risk cognitive decline, depression, or anxiety. More recent studies found that children who grow up with pets, particularly dogs, have a lower risk of developing autoimmune disorders, including allergies and asthma. The reason for this is because pets bring in diverse microbes from the outside world into the home. One study found that dog owners had an additional 56 classes of bacterial species in their gut, when compared to non-dog owners. Another study found that increasing the diversity of bacteria in the gut has a major influence on overall health and immune function.

Pets Lower Stress And Anxiety

When you spend a lot of time with animals, you help to naturally increase the production of oxytocin, a calming endorphin that improves relaxation and trust. This happens whether you smother a cat with love or lock eyes with a dog as you pass it on the street. The constant presence of animals can actually comfort and support people with anxiety. One study found that pets provide a sense of stability and security, emotionally supporting owners with long-term mental health conditions. A 2019 study found that 10 minutes with a pet can lower your cortisol levels!

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Sometimes fleas attack your pets and you have to resort to some pretty potent chemicals that are not good for them. The fleas go away, but at what cost? The chemicals hurt your pet’s skin, even if you don’t think that they do. You don’t have to use these chemicals because you can make your own flea powder with natural ingredients.

The homemade flea powder is composed of several ingredients that work to naturally repel insects. Most of these ingredients are actually recommended by holistic vets as killer flea treatments.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

This powder is comprised of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms (this includes coral) known as diatoms. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is very sharp, when inspected under a microscope, which helps to puncture insects and ultimately kill them. Food grade DE is harmless to humans and pets, but deathly to insects.

Yarrow Powder

This has famously been used to help heal wounds in herbal medicine because it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritated skin. It also has antimicrobial properties, which help to remedy the flea bites or secondary infections that pets can get.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This natural insect repellent has some pretty potent antiseptic properties, which help to accelerate the healing process after your pet is bitten by insects.

Neem Powder

This classic, Ayurvedic medicinal herb has been used as an insect repellent for centuries. It can help ward off ticks, lice, mites, mosquitos, and fleas. There are compounds in neem that kill larvae, if insects breed on your pet’s skin. It also has moisturizing properties that help to keep your pet’s skin from becoming too dry.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup food grade Diatomaceous Earth
• ½ cup neem powder
• ½ cup yarrow powder
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil (omit this if you are using on cats)

Instructions:

• Mix all of the ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine. Put a shaker top on the jar when you are ready to apply it to your pet.
• Starting from the head, apply this powder on your pet’s back all the way to the tail. You should also rub it on the belly and legs. Cover as much area as possible.
• It can be beneficial to brush the fur in the opposite direction to allow the powder to penetrate the fur to the skin.
• Use this once a month, but reapply if you give your pet a bath. You may need to apply more frequently if there is a flea infestation.

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Not unlike ourselves, it’s easy to over feed our pets. Between their regular feedings of that healthy dog food, they also get those in-between-meal doggie treats. And, let’s not forget the “people food” snuck under the table that the kids don’t want. And, anything dropped on the floor is fair game for our little furry friend. Before we know it he’s no longer going for a walk, he’s going for a waddle.

Many people don’t realize it, but obesity in animals causes many of the same conditions as obesity in humans. Diabetes, for example. Obesity causes an increase in insulin because of increased blood glucose levels. As the need for insulin becomes higher than what the body is able to produce, diabetes mellitus will result. Just as with humans, if the condition goes on long term, the pet’s pancreas will stop producing insulin completely. A regular regime of an herbal pancreas formula will help prevent and cure pancreas disease in your dog.

Another common illness that strikes our pets, as well as ourselves, is arthritis. Obesity doesn’t necessarily cause arthritis, but it most certainly is a complication of our joints being required to handle an excess amount of weight. Our pet’s joints react the same way under the stress and strain of a heavy body. Their joints being damaged can also lead to ligament damage. The animal’s bones, ligaments, joints and muscles are all severely impacted when he’s is allowed to become obese and sedentary. Start your pet on a program of a natural formula which will provide calcium with oatstraw, devil’s claw, horsetail, safflower, and other pure ingredients to aid in joint and bone health.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is also common in overweight dogs. The heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood to all that extra body tissue. If the heart continues to be overworked, the dog could go into congestive heart failure. This can be a very serious condition for a dog. The pet’s immune system needs boosting just like their master’s. Since they live in this world of polluted air and other toxic environments, protect them with an immune boosting formula of dogwood, echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, pau d’arco, cloves, cat’s claw, yew tips and korean red gingseng.

And not to be forgotten is the respiratory system. Just as it’s difficult for the overweight person to climb that flight of stairs, so is it for the overweight family dog. Because there’s extra fat produced in the chest area, the lungs can’t expand as much as they should. This causes shortness of breath and, eventually, could lead to serious respiratory disease, just as it could for humans. For temporary respiratory ailments, rely on an all-natural herbal formula that will help dissolve mucus and relieve chest congestion.

The obvious consequences for an overweight pet is that he or she is not going to have a quality of life that they could have if they weren’t carrying around those excess pounds. If they’re able to enjoy any activity, it won’t be as much as they could without the extra weight. Don’t they deserve a chance to live a full, rich life; running, jumping, and playing in the park or the ocean? Think about it the next time you’re tempted to give in to that face begging for that greasy cheeseburger that you’re eating. Instead, get him on a program of an herbal multivitamin and mineral complex, give him a healthy dog food and treats, and take him for a walk in the park.

Suzanne VanDeGrift Alternative Health Researcher and Writer. Suzanne researches various alternative health issues and writes articles on specific issues.

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