Just like humans, dogs can catch the flu too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the respiratory illness is caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. The first case of canine influenza was reported in Florida, in 2004, and a second strain, from South Korea, was reported in 2015. And while no cases of human infection have ever been reported from either virus, both strains are highly contagious among dogs.

The first strain, H3N8, initially transferred from horses to racing greyhound dogs in Florida in 2004. The equine virus is thought to have mutated and then transferred to canines. There were very few fatalities in dogs from the new virus, however, it did spread significantly between dogs throughout the United States and became well established in the dog population. Prior to 2004, the H3N8 virus had been present only in the equine population for over 40 years and had never been transferred to humans. This new virus, at the time, created difficulty for veterinarians as it mimicked symptoms of Bordetella, or kennel cough, an infectious disease among the dog population.

In 2009, a vaccine was developed and approved, to help protect dogs against canine influenza. Like the vaccination for humans, it does not offer instant protection. The canine vaccine takes 30 days to provide full efficiency and, in some cases, can require a second dose.

In 2015, a new strain of canine influenza was identified in the United States, from an infected dog arriving on a flight from South Korea to Chicago. This strain, labelled H3N2, had been found in dog populations in Asia since 2007 and is considered to be a mutation of the avian flu. While this new virus was initially much milder than its predecessor, it triggered some severe cases of pneumonia in dogs in the United States that year. The H3N2 strain spread much more easily than its predecessor as there was no immunity against the new virus among dog populations. Scientists have suggested that the increased spread of the new virus is because it remains contagious for one week longer than the previous virus.

Both of these strains have since been identified worldwide among dog populations. Symptoms of canine influenza can include fever, lethargy, dry cough and loss of appetite. The newer form of the virus, H3N2, seems to come in two forms: one more mild version and another that presents more serious symptoms, including a higher fever, and can be accompanied by a secondary, bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia. Some cases have involved what appears to be a nervous tick and can be related to extreme difficulty in breathing, resulting in wheezing and incessant coughing. Veterinarians can conduct tests to determine whether your dog has contracted canine influenza. Most dogs recover from symptoms within 3 weeks.

According to the SPCA, the canine influenza virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. These surfaces can include not only the dog itself but blankets, food and water bowls, leashes and clothing.

Most often, dogs who contract either strain of canine influenza have been housed in kennels and shelters but anywhere that dogs socialize can be a risk. Many boarding facilities require the influenza vaccination be given one month before they will accept your dog. Dogs who play in dog parks or those who attend doggy-daycare type facilities are at higher risk of contracting the virus and, like humans, the elderly and very young populations are most vulnerable. Exposure to the virus is limited amongst residential dog populations and therefore immunity is lacking.  

The majority of dogs do not necessarily require vaccination. Speak to your veterinarian to determine whether your dog should be vaccinated against canine influenza and what you can do to keep your dog safe and healthy. 

A new study published by the American Heart Association this week indicates alarming sex-related differences in survival rates from heart surgery. According to this study, conducted by the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative, women are much more likely to suffer complications, even death, from aortic surgery, and the reasons why remain unknown.

In this study, scientists compared 1700 Canadian men and women who had undergone surgery to repair the effects from aortic disease. Despite both men and women having identical procedures to repair the aorta, the main blood vessel connecting the heart to the lower body, 40% more women were likely to suffer from complications after surgery, 90% more women were likely to suffer from a subsequent stroke and an alarming 80% more women were likely to die than men.

Researchers are now scrambling to determine why these disturbing gender differences are occurring. Experts speculate that women likely have more delicate heart and blood vessel tissue than men and therefore require more specified surgery that is tailored to their biological requirements. Researchers are also wondering whether women are not diagnosed early enough, in comparison to men.

Doctors are urging women to advocate for their own heart health. February is designated as Heart Health Month and what better time to take a look at your own health practices, family history and lifestyle choices to determine what more you can do to take better care of your heart.

Aortic disease has no symptoms, which is the frightening reality. Some symptoms of a possible aortic tear can include chest or back pain, loss of voice, problems breathing or swallowing, nausea or vomiting, low blood pressure and/or rapid heart rate. If you suspect you may be experiencing an issue with your heart, see your family doctor immediately and push for a thorough check-up.

While you cannot control your family health history, your gender, ethnicity or age, you certainly can control your lifestyle choices that may affect your heart health, such as smoking, being overweight, physical inactivity, poor dietary choices, excessive drug and alcohol consumption, and the way you handle stress. Small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a big difference in the health of your heart. Heart attack and stroke kill many more women than breast cancer. Heart disease is a very serious health issue. Evaluate your heart health today. 

According to an alarming, new study from the on-line Neurology journal, if you’re overweight, particularly around your mid-section, you likely have shrunken the volume of gray matter in your brain. This gray matter contains the majority of your brain’s 100 billion nerve cells, which, as it shrinks, can increase your risk of dementia, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to name a few. Gray matter is responsible for processing information in your brain.

This study, based out of the UK, involved 9,652 middle-aged participants, the highest number of subjects ever used in a study of this nature. Scientists used the subject’s Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as their waist to hip ratio to calculate whether they were considered overweight. Their brain volume was scanned using an MRI. Scientists incorporated the participant’s age, levels of physical activity, blood pressure and whether the individuals smoked to determine external factors that could also lead to reduced gray matter in the brain.

The study’s findings concluded that those with a high waist to hip measurement and a high BMI had the lowest volume of gray matter. They found a direct correlation between increasing waistlines and reductions in brain size. Interestingly, this correlation was relevant to specific regions in the brain, all of which are connected to motivation and reward. Mark Hamer, the author of this study, reported that it remains unclear whether these abnormalities in brain structure lead to obesity, or vice versa.

Assistant Professor Cara Bohon, with the Stanford University School of Medicine, noted that this connection between reduced brain volume and an increasing waistline could suggest that inflammation and vascular factors may be connected here. “If there are nutritional factors impacting brain volume, these same nutritional factors could be a direct cause of obesity.” Bohon would like to see additional research to explore inflammation, nutrition and vascular health as it relates to brain health and obesity. Her own research has shown that weight loss can reverse these changes in brain volume, differing for each patient.

Health experts recommend lifestyle choices that are easy to incorporate into your life with an aim at protecting the life of your brain. A few of these suggestions include:

Exercise

You know this already, but the same Neurology journal that published the study noted above suggests that regular exercise can delay brain aging by 10 years, so get up and get moving! Exercise has a wide array of health benefits, including for your mental well-being. You can read about several quick and easy ways to incorporate movement into your daily life here.

Talking

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, engaging in the world around you through conversations with others will help to reduce your risk of dementia and keep your brain firing as it should.

Mindful eating
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In other words, pay attention to what you are eating each and every day. Diets consisting of healthy, whole foods are best. Many doctors agree that the Mediterranean Diet, which consists of reduced red meat and saturated fats and increased fiber, legumes, fish and nuts, is one of the best ways to feed your brain and keep it healthy. There are also many supplements that can help benefit the brain. It is best to discuss these with your medical doctor first.

Train your brain

Keeping your mind sharp is key to good brain health. Reading books or magazines, playing games, jigsaw puzzles and even some computer games can exercise your brain. Find something you enjoy and give your brain a workout!

Laugh more

We recently wrote about a psycho-neuro-immunology based study out of the U.S. that reported subjects who laughed at humorous material for 30 minutes a day had fewer arrhythmias, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels and required less heart-based medications. Your physical body cannot tell the difference between genuine or forced laughter, just as long as you’re laughing. Laughter forces a rush of happy endorphins to the brain, so give it a try and notice the difference in the way you feel.
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Ultimately, this new study shows that abdominal fat can negatively impact even more areas of health than have previously been confirmed. It is imperative that you keep your body weight under control in order to live a longer, healthier life. 

T’is the season for giving! And while it feels great to give material gifts to those you love, did you know that it also has direct health benefits for you in return?
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People who are generous actually have the upper hand when it comes to their health. Research shows that those who give, and not just material gifts but more meaningful gifts as well, are happier, more optimistic, have lower blood pressure, and increased immune systems. Not only does altruism benefit your own health, but studies have shown that generosity from you will often inspire generosity from others, therefore creating a domino effect of giving.

At a time of year when finances are often stretched beyond comfortable limits, it is important to remember that giving does not necessarily mean purchasing and giving material goods to one another. There are several meaningful ways in which you can “give” during the holiday season, something you can do in the name of others, all of which are guaranteed to boost your mental well-being and can actually make you feel healthier at the same time!

The Gift of your Time

When organizations ask for donations, sometimes the gift of your time to volunteer can have just as much of an impact as your money. Some examples of this may include helping to run a donation drive at your local religious or community center, help to give out food at your local Food Bank, assist in distributing donated goods through your local thrift shop or community homeless program (i.e. warm winter coat drives, giving out gloves, etc.), and/or driving patients to treatments and appointments. Or you can give your time to those who are simply seeking some company over the holiday season. Seniors living in a residence facility or in hospital may enjoy some extra company at a time of year when they feel more lonely than usual. Also, children’s hospitals are often looking for assistance with holiday programs and entertainment. All of these ideas cost nothing but your time.

The Gift of your Words

The holiday season is a time for reconnection with friends and family, and often times that includes those with whom you may not have kept in close touch throughout the year. By calling or visiting with these people, sharing in conversation and catching up, you are boosting both their health and yours through expressing feelings aloud. Another way to give through your words is to call or visit with those for whom you are truly thankful in your life and tell them what they mean to you. If this is a difficult exercise for you, consider writing them an e-mail or letter instead. Altruism is a proven mood booster for all involved, leaving everyone feeling happier.

The Gift of Fundraising

If you do have money to spend on giving this season, why not donate it to a place where it will have maximum impact? Research some of your favorite charities and find out exactly how the funds are spent. Once you have all the details, consider hosting a charitable dinner or game night over the holidays. This is a great way to gather friends and family, while collecting funds for a worthwhile cause. You could “charge” a donation for entrance to the party, or create games and contests for which people make a donation to participate. You can do this in lieu of some gifts or holiday cards. Get creative and engage others in your generosity!

The Gift of Supporting Local Business

When you do purchase a gift for someone in your life, try supporting a local business. Often times, smaller businesses are family-run, showcasing hand-made, one of a kind products. By supporting local, you are boosting your town’s economy, helping a family business thrive and supporting the environment too. Locally made goods require less fuel in transportation and often require minimal packaging.

Science supports the theory that generous people often live longer through being more at peace within themselves. Give one of these ideas a try this holiday season and see how good you feel afterwards!

For more healthy holiday tips, visit our Blog here!
 
 
 

Not only are the holidays the “most wonderful time of the year”, but they can also be the most stressful time of the year. Between the shopping, rushing, cleaning, visiting and cooking, just to name a few, it’s no wonder that the holidays can bring on stress like no other season. This stress can lead to headaches, neck and body pain, elevated blood pressure and depressed immunity, along with many other ailments.
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For the sake of your mental health, here are some holiday hacks designed to help you save time in the kitchen as you prepare your holiday feast. That time can then be better spent on much more important things, like having the time to truly enjoy your company … or perhaps to enjoy a quiet cup of tea with a book before company arrives!

Prepare Ahead

Many side dishes can be prepared a day or two in advance, sometimes frozen until serving day. Run through your menu a few days in advance and look for opportunities to save yourself from doing too much at once. This can also include preparing the kitchen utensils you will need, as well as lining up recipe cards, getting things ready and put in one place for easier access the day-of.

Cook in your Sleep

There are several recipes on-line for cooking your turkey overnight. This holiday hack will not only save you time on the day of your big meal but also oven space, enabling you to prepare other side dishes more comfortably.
  
Use a Microwave or Slow Cooker

By using your slow cooker for things like mashed potatoes or other vegetable dishes, you have more space and time to prepare oven-necessary dishes. By utilizing your microwave, to heat up vegetables, rolls, gravy, even to cook potatoes or other side dishes, you are saving both time and energy.

Skip the Dishes
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If finances permit, why not cater your holiday feast? While this will undoubtedly cost you more money, it will certainly save you lots of time. Many companies provide pre-cooked meals and there are services available for the provision of dishes, cutlery and even delivery. Use what works for you.

Change Your Style

Why not host a pot-luck style holiday dinner? Or go buffet style? Pot lucks offer a wider variety of foods for all guests and are much less work for the host. Or go with a buffet-style dinner instead, to save you time on plating and serving. Both of these choices are a change from the ordinary and enable your guests to have whatever they really want to eat for the holidays. Another option is to host an Appetizer or Dessert party instead of a dinner. These are best with the pot-luck style idea, to save the host both time and money, and will engage your guests in the theme of the party. Many appetizers and desserts can be made ahead of time. Take a break from the ordinary and expected this holiday season and try something different. You just might start a new tradition in the process!

Save Your Bones

This last tip is not so much about saving you time during the holidays but will save you time in the New Year, as you undoubtedly vow to eat more healthily and mindfully after the holidays. Save your turkey bones for bone broth. Bone broth, an excellent source of collagen, is one of the best ways to employ your holiday scraps (bones aren’t good for most dogs anyway!), as broth helps the body to fight off colds and flu, aids with gut health, reduces joint pain and inflammation and is great for your skin! You can use broth in recipes or drink it like soup. You can even save some in ice-cube trays for use further down the road. However you use it, save your bones this holiday season. 
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For more healthy holiday tips, visit our Blog here!