Sarah – she’s feral, the boys love her, and she’s fertile. For several years, she has blessed my backyard with litters of kittens birthed somewhere in the city and presented to me for feeding.
Nine lives go quickly here, but Sarah has beaten all odds, outliving her own broods that have died in traffic or that have simply disappeared. Sarah has been around for a while.
A recent study found that pet dogs provide valuable social support for kids when they’re stressed, according to a study by researchers from the University of Florida, who were among the first to document stress-buffering effects of pets for children.
Parenthood…it’s one of the most difficult jobs any of us can hold. The people who choose to take on this monumental task are committing decades of their lives, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—to being parents. Regardless of all of the other roles and responsibilities in their lives, being a parent becomes a large part of their identity. Through all of the trials and tribulations that come with raising children, their parent’s lives become less focused on their marriage and more focused on the lives of their children.
Summer and warm (hot) weather are upon us shortly. This means a few extra precautions for our furry friends.
SUN PROTECTION:
We protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun and should do the same for our pets. Animals can get sunburn, too! Apply small amount of pediatric SPF 30 to pale nose tips and bridges of noses, and ear tips. White animals, especially, are prone to melanomas on their ear (pinna tips) and eyelids when exposed to harsh summer sun for long periods of time. Animals that are coated and are shaved for the summer may need sun protection on their backs until their fur grows back, for at least a month or so.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution may be the 9th leading cause of death and disability in the world. Hearing that around 3 million people die from contaminated air worldwide each year makes me want to gasp (or actually avoid gasping). Science clearly links air pollution to many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, asthma, and liver disease. It even has been shown to increase the risk of diabetes. Since avoiding air is not an option for more than a minute or so, how can you help yourself remain healthy in a polluted world?
As recently as a few years ago, that was the default. But now pretty much everyone agrees it’s a bad idea, because some of the more than $230 billion worth of prescription drugs used by Americans every year will make it through the sewage treatment process and into the waterways. (The FDA still recommends flushing OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, and a couple of dozen other drugs so kids and pets can’t fish them out of the trash.
What is not as commonly known are the cognitive benefits of exercise, especially for those with ADHD. In fact, studies have shown that aerobic activity has provided some with ADHD the same benefits as stimulant medications. Many have been able to work with their physician to adjust their medication when following a consistent fitness routine.
“Welcome. And congratulations. I am delighted that you could make it. Getting here wasn’t easy, I know. In fact, I suspect it was a little tougher than you realize,” writes Bill Bryson in his introduction to A Short History of Nearly Everything (Random House, NY, 2003).
Trillions of Uncomplaining Atoms
“To Begin with, for you to be here now trillions of drifting atoms had somehow to assemble in an intricate and intriguingly obliging manner to create you. It’s an arrangement so specialized and particular that it has never been tried before and will only exist this once. For the next many years (we hope) these tiny ‘particles’ will uncomplainingly engage in all the billions of deft, cooperative efforts necessary to keep you intact and let you experience the supremely agreeable but generally underappreciated state known as existence.”
A National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism review of research studies from at least 20 countries around the world demonstrate a 20- to 40-percent lower coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence among drinkers compared to nondrinkers. It asserts that "The totality of evidence on moderate alcohol and CHD supports a judgment of a cause-effect relationship... There are cardioprotective benefits associated with responsible, moderate alcohol intake."
Technology has worked its way into every aspect of daily life. Technology has impacted everything from health to toys to “Infinity and Beyond.” The researchers of the future may consider our generation as an evolution point where smart phone and person have become one. Through sites like Twitter and Facebook, never ending conversations have been started about everything under the sun, as well as the sun. Trends come and go daily; one thing that was popular a week ago will be lost and forgotten one week later or less. In this article, we are going to be covering a topic that is near and dear to me, Beer. For American’s Friday
Let’s face it. Looking up at the sparkling night sky simply can’t compete with the magnetic draw of looking down at your smartphone. Handheld devices have become so much a part of our lives they may soon be sandwiched somewhere between food and shelter as top human necessities. Unfortunately, there are many negative health consequences resulting from this excessive act of bowing one’s head, especially when it comes to those most addicted: teenagers!
If you fear I am going to declare that everybody needs to stop using smartphones, I will provide an answer in the exotic language of the common American teen: “Seriously? Why are you being SOOO mean? STOP!!! You don’t get it! Leave ME alone... don’t talk to me!” (Followed by the distinct sound of a bedroom door slamming shut.) Two minutes later, “what’s for dinner?”
Do you feel like your knee is hanging on by a string? Wonder how you’re supposed to get through life (let alone walk 10 feet) when your knee is swollen, painful and unstable? Having suffered from a sports-related injury that left me in chronic pain for years, I believe my experience, personal struggle and quest for alternative solutions can offer you hope for dealing with your own knee problems without surgery or excessive medication.
First, there are important facts to address about most knee problems to address before a long-term solution can be obtained:
The underlying cause is often not within the knee (think of the chicken and the egg)
Since 2008 Jurdy® has appeared on the pages of Living Well Magazine. We thought you would like to know more about Jurdy and how this character has matured throughout the years. Jurdy is more than a cartoon character, meet the mascot and hero of “happy-ness”. 
"Women are taught to look for lumps, but my “lump” was better described as a firmness, more akin to superficial inflammation than an embedded lump. Women are told to have a mammogram to investigate abnormalities, but radiologists told me that my abnormality looked normal on the screen. Women are told to visit with a surgeon to inquire about a biopsy, but my first surgeon told me that a biopsy was not needed because I did not have cancer. After 18 months with an undiagnosed firmness, and at my spouse’s urging, I made an appointment with a new surgeon who was willing to perform a biopsy. Within two days of the biopsy I had the answer of IBC. If I hadn’t been so persistent in seeking a diagnosis, where would I be now? I was my own best advocate toward getting the help I needed."
As people age, some regions of the brain begin to shrink. Studies show the hippocampus shrinks one to two percent annually in people without dementia — a loss that is associated with an increased risk for developing cognitive difficulties. This is drawing much interest to the importance of exercise for the aging brain, and how it can alter brain health. 
Due to the physical nature of chiropractic care and the fact that it involves performing maneuvers to the neck and back,people sometimes question its safety. As with any medical procedure, it is wise to consider the risks. Being an informed patient can help bring about better choices for yourself and your loved ones. Before we look into the safety of chiropractic, I’d like to provide some perspective. 
Poison Ivy can grow on the ground, it climbs and sometimes as a shrub. This is the plant that causes most of the misery since it grows on nearly every roadside, path, pond, stream, and beach But if you know what to look you might be lucky enough to avoid it.
Q:
By definition detoxification (or detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, to include the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. The toxic remnants of everything you eat, breathe, and put on your skin passes through the liver before leaving through another system. Think about this: your coffee pot 
A SEVERE HEADACHE CASE STUDY
Acupuncture and Pain“Laughter is inner jogging.”—Norman Cousins
(The big weight loss secret!)
“Taking time–in to focus your attention on your internal world has been shown in research to grow those important prefrontal fibers that integrate your life, give you a strong brain and enable you to have healthy relationships .” 
The cold sucks. Ok, I said it. In case that first sentence was not clear enough, I am not a fan of the cold. In fact, I don’t like it at all. It just makes me want to grow a beard and hibernate. In college, I used to grow a beard every November through March and try to stay indoors as much as possible during that time period. When I braved the cold to attend classes (apparently, most teachers did not want to hibernate like I did), it was always as quickly as possible. School, home, school, home. Extra sleep during those months was always welcome. Strange hibernation and facial hair habits aside, sleep is a very important part of our lives.
Twitter. Pinterest. Instagram. Facebook. Trivia Crack. Fantasy football. Email. Text messaging. Many other things. We use our phones for almost everything but phone calls. All of these things involve staring at the screen, usually with some scrolling or tapping thrown in for good measure.
If you’ve watched television or listened to the radio lately, chances are you’ve heard an advertisement for a pharmaceutical product or medical treatment. We have become a nation accustomed to popping pills for everything from anxiety to arthritis. And while traditional medicine is a necessary part of combating illness, some individuals are seeking alternate forms of treatment. One alternative therapy is Reiki, an ancient Japanese technique for relaxation and stress reduction which also promotes healing. While not intended for diagnosis or treatment of disease, Reiki can be utilized to complement and even augment traditional Western medicine.
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly,
our whole life would change.”
—BuddhaWhen we realize the real cause of disease in our own personality is within our control, we can fearlessly move forward knowing the remedy lies within us. Dr. Edward Bach had a vision for the future physician when he created his flower remedy therapies (known as Bach Flower remedies). “So the physician of the future will have two great aims: the first will be to assist the patient to a knowledge of himself and to point out to him the fundamental mistakes he may be making. Such a physician will have to be a great student of the laws governing humanity and of human nature itself, so that he may recognize in all who come to him those elements that are causing a conflict between the soul and personality.”
Approximately 20 years ago I received a telephone call from a physician in California. He was interested in speaking with me about my treatment of cancer with high doses of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). He had heard from the manufacturer who produces the intravenous form of Vitamin C that I was utilizing this treatment in animals with cancer.
My name is Melisa Wilson and I am 38 years old. I have been married to my best friend for 15 years, Joshua. Together we have a wonderful 4 year old son, who is a miracle. In late 2011, our son was born premature at 23 weeks, weighing just 1.4 lbs. and only 11 inches long. The hospital would be his home for the next four almost five months. When he finally came home, he weighed 6 lbs. 6 ounces. He continues to do remarkabley well; thanks to prayers, lots of love, outstanding medical care and extremely supportive family and friends. 
1. Over 2 ½ million women in the United States have a history of breast cancer. 
Back pain is an extremely common medical ailment, affecting eight of 10 people during their lifetimes. Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain, and is the No. 2 reason people in America visit the doctor. So it goes without saying that back pain is the most common reason that patients come to our office.
Functional Medicine is an integrative, science-based healthcare approach that medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic, osteopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, and nutritionists use to treat illness and promotes wellness by focusing on the bio-chemically unique aspects of each patient, and then individually tailoring interventions to restore physiological, psychological, and structural balance.
A study by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention investigators reveals that breast cancer survivors who eat more vegetables that are cruciferous may have improved survival. 
One of the major advancements in science in recent years has been the expanded understanding of the immune system and its far greater and more important role in general health and wellness. Initially, it was thought that our immune system only protected us from “invaders” from the environment, bacteria or viruses. We now understand the immune system plays a protective role as well. The defense component of the immune system does fight off those “invaders” that cause illnesses and the repair component helps restore tissue and organ damage the illness may have caused. If either the defense or repair function becomes overburdened, immune dysfunction and disease may result. 
Protecting yourself from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) should be a year-round consideration. With more options than ever to keep your ears safe in a wide variety of loud settings, there is really no reason to take chances with your hearing anymore although many people will likely continue to use the same old excuses for not doing so. Here are three of the most common reasons given for skipping hearing protection and why they don’t hold up under scrutiny. 
No-one’s life is perfect, everyone has challenges and diabetes is just one of mine. I can’t control it or change it so I have accepted it and continued living my life.Melissa Gray, 2009- Living Well Magazine
Sunglasses have become a large part of our fashion culture, with an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, styles and colors to choose from the possibilities are endless. However, are those great looking shades protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun? 
Musculoskeletal (bone and joint) problems are on the rise in the United States. They are now one of the top reasons that people see a doctor in this country. In fact, in recent years, they have become the #1 reason for physician visits! In my orthopedic and sports medicine practice, I noticed a tremendous increase in these types of symptoms, ailments and injuries, especially in active individuals. 
Approximately 80-90% of couples report that their relationship satisfaction declined once they had their first baby. I would never profess the belief that you can childproof your sex life right after you’ve had a baby. Generally, for at least the first 6-9 months a postpartum female’s hormones have not returned back to her pre-pregnancy levels. If she’s breast feeding, her estrogen levels are very low; which causes low libido. Low estrogen levels also cause vaginal dryness, another reason why she may not be too enthusiastic about sexual activity during that timeframe. 
Even NASA agrees that the stuffy air in your home and office can be detrimental to your health. They have done the research to provide us with a list of the most air cleansing plants for you, your family and even your pets. 
Have you ever accomplished anything great with an inconsistent effort? Unless failure is considered a great achievement, you probably haven't. You must exercise consistently to get the results you want! It blows my mind how many people don't even try to be consistent with their diet and complain about not seeing results. Even the best programs are ineffectual if they are not followed on a consistent basis.
I'm cramped in a New Jersey transit train seat like it's a sardine can. The train home from NYC is packed with a holiday weekend crowd. Some of them are returning Santas from SantaCon -- my personal favorite Santa sighting was a portly young man who was running down the street in Santa pants, boots, and hat while yelling into his cell phone. Somewhere along his inebriated meandering, he lost his shirt and was content to race through the 35 degree December weather while half naked. Ah, New York is a magical place at the holidays. Besides the people watching, the department store window displays and the Rockefeller Tree are personal favorites of mine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that “nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, accounting for one in every three deaths. About one in every six U.S. healthcare dollars is spent on cardiovascular disease.”
Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, despite misconceptions. Through lifestyle and health management it is possible to promote and even restore healthy heart function. Appropriate nutrition and fun, sweaty, activities (exercise) can significantly reduce chances for a heart related problem.
Are you angry with the American health care system? If so, you are not alone! It costs a fortune and many people question if they are getting their money’s worth. Even with countless “experts,” guidelines, task forces, and government agencies and interventions, Americans are sicker than ever and the costs continue to rise.
Consumer Reports recently stated, “In 2015 Americans spent over $35 Billion on dietary supplements.” But did you know that supplement manufacturers aren’t required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their products are effective, or even safe, before putting them on the market? As a clinical nutritionist, it is my mission to empower people to make educated choices that will enhance, not compromise, their health. If you are using, or considering using, vitamins and supplements, it will be helpful to consider these important guidelines: 
One in four people suffer from some type of chronic pain. Medications for chronic pain, specifically opioids, have gotten a lot of attention lately with the side effects, risks, and possibility of addiction. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently published opioid prescribing guidelines for medical professionals. The first of these guidelines states, “Nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid pharmacologic therapy are preferred for chronic pain,” . Suggested therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage. Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric.
“But doctor, I didn’t do anything! I don’t know what happened! It’s just my bad luck!” Have you ever made such a statement? One day you feel great and the next it all seems to fall apart. 
The phrase ‘gut health’ describes effective digestion and an optimal state of well-being. Just like the saying ‘happy wife, happy life’, ‘healthy gut, healthy life’ may be true as well.
Our digestive tract acts as a guardian between the outside world and the internal workings of our bodies. If this barrier is healthy, it allows nutrients into the body while at the same time blocking foreign invaders.
Don’t you just love to watch a great rivalry between epic foes? The Yankees vs. the Red Sox, Superman vs. Lex Luther, Rocky vs. Apollo Creed? Many of us can relate to battling a nemesis, that one opponent who pushes us to our very limits. I must admit, in my 22 years of chiropractic practice, I’ve had a few. I would like to introduce you to a true adversary that has caused me to stretch my abilities beyond almost all others. I am referring to the villainous frozen shoulder! 
Navigating all of the “Dos and Don’ts” of dating can be quite the labyrinth these days. It’s become such a complicated issue for so many people that when you use Google to search for “dating don’ts,” there are over five million results. Clearly, a lot of people are looking for some direction. 
Working to identify effective strategies to increase physical activity among older adults, particularly women, University of Arizona researchers have identified dog ownership as a key to better health. The findings were published in the January journal Preventive Medicine, Volume 70.
Can phone apps actually improve communication skills for couples? On the face of it, the idea seems to be completely incongruent. A phone app to help couples improve their communication seems self-contradictory in its intended purpose. As a therapist, when I'm helping couples hone their communication skills, much of the focus in the beginning of treatment is listening to each other's thoughts and feelings, and includes learning how to use validation and empathy in their responses. 
Nice weather inspires an extra mile or two. Cheering at an interval class leads to setting a new personal record with kettlebell swings. An extra hour gardening means the job gets done sooner. Trying kickboxing for the first time? Push it to keep up with the class! Who wants to be left behind? 
It Does A Body Good. 
Celeste was expecting. She felt great and welcomed each miraculous change. The baby moved easily into the head-down position. She walked comfortably with a steady confidence throughout her last trimester. The birth went smoothly and as desired. Her midwife commented on the joy of assisting in such a wonderful delivery experience. Her recovery quickly unfolded.
Do it yourself, Great new products and how to's
