Is your phone within arms-reach right now? How many times a day do you pick up your phone? And out of those times, how many are for an actual phone call? Chances are, the majority of times you use your phone in a day are for social media and/or e-mail.
 
Many people feel like their lives are run by their phones; checking e-mails while on breaks at work or just before heading to bed, or aimlessly scrolling through news feeds unaware that over an hour of time has passed. Then you wonder why there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything you want to do.
 
Work-life balance is enough of a challenge without modern technology. But in an age where computers and smart phones are supposed to be making our lives easier, we are more stressed and anxious than ever before, as we have higher expectations imposed upon us and a constant demand for immediacy. Mental, emotional and physical stress have all been linked to increased use of digital technology, due to the pressure to respond promptly to messages and e-mails, the self-imposed pressure to present yourself and your life in the best light possible on social media, to keep up with the newsfeeds of friends and family … to name a few. This can all lead to memory loss and a decreased attention span, as well as adrenal fatigue, as the body has a hard time producing enough cortisol, which is the hormone that helps the body deal with stress. Heart problems can also result from this obsessive digital engagement and trends in society suggest that smart phones have become more of an addiction than a convenience.
 
This addiction has become so strong that many parents cannot put down their phones even while on vacation with their children. According to a recent travel survey in the UK, nearly half of children who were asked about their parents’ cell phone use said they felt ignored by their parents, who use their cell phones too much while on vacation. How many times have you been in a restaurant and seen parents at a table with their children, only to be staring at their screens instead of engaging in conversations as a family?
 
How can we self-regulate and inspire our children to do the same?
 
We need to make the conscious choice to put down our phones and break this cycle. There are many ways in which you can remain in touch with those who matter while still distancing yourself from digital technology. While some people choose to do a complete digital detox, which is a worthwhile challenge if you’re up for it, there are some simple ways in which you can disconnect to reconnect.
 

For example:

• Turn your phone on silent when you arrive home for the evening
• Keep your phone out of your bedroom
• Leave your laptop at the office
• Delete apps that make access to sites far too quick and easy
• Turn off your notifications

 

​Re-focus on what matters
 
Ask yourself what is most important to you and refocus on what matters. If keeping up with friends is important, make a point to get together with those you care about more often, instead of looking through their Facebook or Instagram feed. The same goes for your relationships with your family. Instead of checking out your children’s Instagram photos or SnapChat, have a real conversation with your children, ask about their day, and reconnect as their parent. This will inspire them to do the same. You cannot expect your children to put down their phones and relate one-on-one if you are not setting the example first.
 
If keeping up with the news is what matters to you, why not read the newspaper or a news magazine while enjoying a morning coffee outdoors, instead of scrolling through Twitter or MSN updates? That way, you are not only giving yourself a break from screen time, but you are enjoying some quality, quiet time as well. By taking back your time, you will find that you reconnect with yourself and feel more engaged with your family as well.
 
Set limits for yourself
 
Digital technology is not a negative thing, but boundaries need to be put in place in order to stay present and mentally fit. Streamline your expectations and adhere to them.  Designate a time at which you will check your social media and stick to that schedule, no cheating! First thing in the morning, whether before work or at your first break, scroll through your newsfeeds, share what you want to share, get caught up and then leave it alone for the remainder of the day. You will likely find that you haven’t missed much between one morning’s review to the next. And you will be amazed at how much more free time you have given yourself, that you can fill with more meaningful accomplishments and interactions. When it comes to work e-mails, while you are at work, you are expected to focus on work. But once you leave the office, leave the work e-mails behind. They will still be there when you return tomorrow!
 
Accept that you cannot please everyone
 
By shutting off your devices, you will undoubtedly feel like you are letting some people down. But ask yourself this: Is it worse to let others down or to let yourself down? You can still meet your workplace demands while using your digital time more sparingly. You will find that by putting your phone down, you will actually get more accomplished, despite what you may have thought before you became more mindful of your time. The immediate gratification from social media gives you the illusion that you have it all and can do it all, when in fact, you accomplish much less due to the countless distractions. Allow yourself to say “no”, to restrict yourself on-line, so that you can ultimately give back more to yourself by putting yourself first.
 
When you read articles written by people who have gone through a complete digital detox, they all have one common thread: You never know how addicted you are to your phone until you force yourself to put it down. But once you get through the first few days of self-imposed rules and/or restrictions on your digital devices, you will find that the world goes on as it did before, that you are still in tune with those who matter most to you, and that you have actually regained control of your time and are now better prepared to use it more wisely. 

When you are a parent, keeping your child safe is at the top of your priority list. It can feel overwhelming as a new parent, with so many hazards at every turn for your child, but the best place to start to protect them, and also the one where you have the most control, is in your own home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2.3 million children are accidentally injured each year and more than 2,500 die from preventable injuries. This is why it is imperative that you childproof your home and maintain safety.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the important task of childproofing your home, try dividing the task. One way to get started is to safety your home according to the age of your child, which you can do by keeping in mind your child’s height and mobility. It is important to implement these safety methods before your baby/child reaches these stages (i.e. baby-proof before you bring baby home from hospital, childproof for crawlers before your child starts to crawl, etc.). Another method is to childproof your home one room at a time, starting with the room your child most frequently inhabits. 
And keep in mind that not every home you visit will be child-safe, so remain on high alert when visiting others. Never assume that homes with other children maintain the same level of safety as your own home. And when you travel, always remember to childproof your hotel room as best as possible.
The following checklist will help you to childproof your own home, give you some ideas to use when visiting other s and provides tips for making your hotel room as safe as possible for when you travel.
Let’s get started …

Get down to your child’s level
One of the most effective ways to keep your child safe is to get down to their level – to simulate their height and their reach. If you have a baby, lie on your back and see what you can reach in that position, see what is within wriggling and (before you know it!) crawling distance and safety accordingly. When you toddler begins to walk, revisit this method and remember that childproofing is a constant effort. While there are many wonderful devices available today, supervision and continuous safety checks are the best way to keep your child safe.

Go Room by Room
 
Childproofing your entire house in one day can seem overwhelming, no matter how big or small your home. In order to avoid feeling defeated before you begin, try tackling your home one room at a time, starting with the places where you child spends the majority of their time.
 
Your Child’s Bedroom
 

• Ensure your crib and mattress meet the current federal safety standards (i.e. cribs with drop sides are no longer manufactured because they can cause injury, so do not borrow one from a relative who used one years ago).
• For newborn babies, it is best to have a crib that is completely empty (i.e. no blankets, stuffed toys, pillows, etc.). Crib bumpers have also been shown to cause accidental suffocation, so it is best to leave those out for newborns.
• As soon as your toddler can stand up, lower the crib to the lowest setting so that your child doesn’t pull themselves out of the crib.
• Once your child demonstrates a will to climb over the top rail of the crib, it may be time to change to a toddler bed, or place the mattress on the floor.
• Ensure all furniture is bolted to the wall, including chests of drawers, change tables, shelving, etc. A toddler can easily pull furniture down on top of themselves.
• Avoid blinds or curtains with strings as accidental strangulation from window coverings is one of the leading causes of death for young children in the home. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a child between the ages of 7 months – 10 years is killed each month in the U.S. by strangulation due to window coverings.
• Never hang anything on the wall around the crib. Wall art can become detached and fall into the crib or your child can pull it down with the same result.
• As soon as your toddler can stand up, remove all mobiles from the crib. This can be another strangulation hazard.

 
The Bathroom
 

• Ensure the bathtub has slip-proof mats both inside and outside of the bath, even when using a baby bath inside the tub. And never ever leave a child, of any age, unattended in the bath. Accidental drownings can happen in even the smallest amounts of water.
• Use temperature gauges when running baths for babies. Thermometers or even some bath toys can tell you when the bath is too hot. And never leave your child in the bath as you run the water.
• Use soft spout covers on all taps and shower heads that are with reach.
• Install a locking mechanism on the toilet seat.
• Install locking devices on all cupboard doors and medicine cabinets. Every cupboard door is a hazard to young children, despite what is inside.
• Keep all medications and poisonous products out of the reach of children. Dispose of any outdated medications safely. If you live in the U.S., you can call your local waste disposal agency for information on drug disposal. The CPSC reports that 30 children die each year in the U.S. from accidental poisoning. Be vigilant with poisonous and toxic materials in the home.
• Remember to keep the bathroom closed whenever not in use.

 
The Kitchen
 

• Install locking devices on the refrigerator, freezer and oven doors. Also lock all cupboard doors and drawers, regardless of what is inside (fingers can easily be trapped in doors and drawers).
• Ensure all small appliances and any cords are safely out of reach.
• If your oven has knobs, install covers so that your child cannot accidentally turn them on.
• Put your trashcan up high, or install a locking device on the cover.
• Keep all chemicals, cleaners, soaps, etc. out of reach and in locked cupboards.
• Use foam panels or rubber bumpers around sharp edges/corners of tables, chairs and countertops.
• Never cook with your baby/child in your arms and keep hot food and drinks well out of reach.
• Remember to turn pot handles towards the back of the stove and use rear burners whenever possible.

 
The Laundry Room
 

• Use locking devices on any front-loading washers or dryers, to prevent your child from crawling inside or opening them while in use.
• Ensure all chemicals, cleaners and soaps are far out of reach and in locked cupboards.
• Single-use laundry detergent packets are particularly harmful for children if swallowed, due to their highly concentrated formula. Because of their bright color and toy-like appearance, children may be tempted to play with them and/or bite into them. If possible, avoid using these altogether. The same is true of dishwasher packets.

 
Living Areas
 

• According to the U.S. CPSC, nearly 20,000 children under the age of 5 are rushed to the emergency room each year with injuries caused by furniture or televisions tipping over onto them.
• Bolt all furniture and large appliances to the wall, including the television.
• Ensure all cords are kept out of reach and are secured. You can buy devices to cover electrical cords and keep children safe.
• Keep remote controls out of reach, so that children cannot get to the batteries.
• Block all access to any heating devices and/or fans.
• If you have a fireplace, install a grill and keep in in place at all times. Keep matches out of reach. Keep the chimney clean.
• Minimize clutter on shelves and tables. Remember that anything and everything is up for grabs, literally. Keep the space as clear as possible to minimize hazards.
• Cover all table and furniture corners with rubber or foam.
• Secure all lamps and keep cords out of reach.

 
General Household Safety
 

• Cover all electrical outlets, either with replacement outlets that include a sliding safety latch or with plug-in caps that fit tightly (ones that are loose can easily be removed by toddlers and they will likely end up in their mouth!).
• Use locking devices on all doors that lead to descending stairs (i.e. the basement)
• Use safety gates across the top of all stairs and ensure they are kept closed and locked at all times. Never use pressure gates at the top of stairs as they are not 100% reliable.
• Buy cordless window coverings whenever possible. Cut off or tie up all strings/cords.
• Place brightly colored stickers on sliding glass doors.
• Ensure windows and deck doors remain locked at all times. Use window stops whenever possible as they prevent the windows from opening more than a couple of inches. Move furniture away from windows.
• If any household or deck railings have openings wider than 3.5 inches, use safety netting as a safe-guard.
• Maintain your floor areas. Small pieces of food, paperclips, small stones from shoes, etc. can all be choking hazards for your young child.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year and test regularly. Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen of your home.
• Post all hotline numbers in a place from which you can get fast access if needed.
• Ensure none of your household plants are hazardous (i.e. philodendron).
• Never leave water, no matter how small the amount, in buckets or containers around the home. This includes cleaning solutions.
• Always maintain a fully-stocked first aid kit. Include medicines that are age-appropriate (i.e. infant Tylenol or Advil, toddler-aged medications, etc.).
• As soon as your child is old enough to understand, review your fire evacuation plan with your child.
• If you own a gun and/or ammunition, ensure it remains tightly under lock and key at all times. Teach your children that guns are not toys and teach gun safety as early as possible.
• If your home has a pool, make sure you have fencing and a locked gate in place. Empty kiddie pools when not in use and never leave your child unattended around any amount of water.

 
Tips for Introducing Pets Safely
 

• Allow your cat or dog in your nursery before the baby arrives. That way, your pet can familiarize themselves with the new furniture, layout of the room and scents that linger on bedding, curtains, and furniture.
• Familiarize your pet with the scent of baby’s clothing by allowing them to nestle into a pile of fresh laundry.
• If possible, bring home your baby’s hat or an outfit from the hospital and allow your pet to familiarize themselves with the baby’s scent, before they arrive home.
• Try to treat your pet the same way you did before the arrival of your baby, so as to prevent feelings of jealousy (yes, pets get jealous!).
• Introduce your pets to your baby safely, with full supervision, and never leave your child unattended with an animal, no matter how much you trust your pet.

​
Childproofing for Travel
 

• Remember to take electrical outlet covers with you when you travel. All hotel rooms will have several plugs so be prepared. If you forget, electrical tape can also be used to cover outlets.
• Secure cords for window blinds, telephone cords and any other hazards immediately upon arrival. Plan according to your child’s height and mobility to keep your child as safe as possible.
• Ask the hotel for extra towels, roll them up tightly and place them underneath the fitted bed sheet, along the outside and bottom of the bed, to create a safety barrier for your child while sleeping.
• Use thick tape (electrical or masking tape will work) to tape down the toilet seat. Whenever possible, keep the door to the bathroom closed.
• Keep all windows and doors to the balcony closed and locked at all times.

 
Safe travels!
 
 

We often like to think about retirement as being a stress free vacation - a much deserved rest and relaxation after decades of hard work. However, stress can hit us at any age and in fact, the over 60s are more prone than most other generations to it. These feelings and pressures often develop due to growing health problems, reduced mobility, and financial problems.
 
These feelings can profoundly affect our bodies and our mental health. When we are younger, our bodies are better able to rebound from setbacks and we feel like there are options, chances to turn things around, and most importantly maybe - financial options. As we age, we feel these things lessen - children leave, friends and family pass away, and we become lonelier. This can lead to health problems such as chest pains, asthma, digestive problems, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and clouded thinking.

 
How Stress Negatively Affects Our Bodies
 
At least 43% of adults in America have experienced health problems relating to stress and it is estimated that up to 90% of doctor visits ultimately stem from stress related problems. When we think of stress, we imagine the emotional and psychological tolls which can lead to anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and suicidal thoughts. However, there is a vast array of physical manifestations too such as:
 
●       Skin blotches and breakouts.
●       Hair loss
●       Headaches
●       High blood pressure
●       High blood sugar
●       Digestive problems and problematic bowel disorders
●       Insomnia and disrupted sleep
●       Physical tension

 
Furthermore, stress will exacerbate existing health problems. For example, it will make asthma worse and is thought to make cancerous tumors grow faster and spread cancer cells more widely while inhibiting recovery. It is also linked to heart disease long term and a weakened immune system, which makes it easier to catch colds and other illnesses.

 
There are Ways to Reduce Your Stress
 
All's not lost, however. Stress can be debilitating, but it is fightable. Ultimately, it is best fought by solving the underlying cause be it social, emotional, financial or caused by something else. However, we need to be fitter and in a better frame of mind sometimes in order to find that solution. Therefore, it is recommended to try several different solutions to feel better in the long and short term. These include:

 
1.      Seeing a Therapist: There are many good therapists out there who are trained to help you through stressors in your life in a calm, private manner.

2.      Meditating: Deep, relaxed breathing is proven to reduce stress. All it takes is 10 minutes of quiet reflection and relaxation to help. You can find videos and apps to help.

3.      Exercising: Even going for a walk can immeasurably reduce stress and improve how the body deals with it. You can go for more strenuous exercises too if it helps. It is also worth noting that losing weight and improving diet are two great ways of dealing with stress too.

4.      Yoga: Yoga has proven to be one of the key exercises for reducing stress though if it’s not for you try Tai Chi or Qigong instead.

5.      Getting Plenty of You-Time: Sometimes you just need to do something for yourself instead of for others all the time. Do things you find relaxing and fun be it the TV or walking or a hobby.

6.      Walking Away from Anger: Many emotions can fuel stress, but anger is one of the significant ones. Reduce stress by managing your anger and cooling off.

​7.      Getting Support: Friends and family are invaluable to helping you take all of these steps. They can cheer you up, listen to you, and support you in other ways too.

In 2017, the American Cancer Society predicts that there will be nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer in the United States. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, causing 1 in 4 deaths. A study using information obtained by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently named Kentucky as the U.S. state with the highest rates of cancer diagnoses.
 
This information, which was last analyzed in 2013 by the CDC, estimates that 511 for every 100,000 people in Kentucky are diagnosed with cancer. Kentucky also has the highest rate of cancer-related deaths in the nation, with 211 for every 100,000 people. This is far above the national average of 163 deaths for every 100,000 in the U.S.  The national average of diagnoses is 439 people for every 100,000.
 
In contrast, from the same last analysis in 2013, Utah has the lowest cancer death rate at 133 for every 100,000. And New Mexico has the lowest rate of diagnosis with 363 per 100,000. The entire Midwest has a much lower cancer incidence rate than the rest of the country.
 
Incidence of cancer varies widely across the United States. There are great variances between the states when comparing mortality rates, new cancer diagnoses and the number of Americans living with cancer. Some states sit much lower on the spectrum than others. Why is that? With society’s knowledge about cancer today, as well as targeted healthcare solutions and lifestyle awareness, why are there such variances across the map?
 
There are no clear reasons as to why there are variances across the United States but there are definite markers in each individual state that can help to clarify why the rates are what they are. 
 
Some Alarming Statistics
 

• According to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, from 1980 to 2014, approximately 19.5 million Americans died from cancer.
• Lung cancer kills more people in the U.S. than any other form of cancer, and smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer incidence and mortality. More specifically, lung cancers are the top cause of death in 45 states and digestive system cancers are the leading cause in the remaining 5 states.
• According to the CDC, approximately 8.7% of American adults have been diagnosed with some form of cancer.
• In both men and women, breast cancer is expected to be the fastest growing diagnosis.
• The American Cancer Society predicts that lung, bronchial, prostate, colorectal, melanoma of the skin and urinary bladder cancers are the most common in America. Lung and bronchial cancers are predicted to be the most fatal. Skin cancer is the most common worldwide.
• The CDC reports that ageing is the most important risk factor.

 
Interpreting the Data with Contributing Factors
 
It is important to keep careful consideration of many factors in attempting to interpret this data across the different states. Some examples are:
 

• Differences in race and ethnicity: The racial make-up of a state must be taken into account when interpreting cancer incidence rates. For example, Caucasian women have a higher incidence rate of breast cancer than other ethnic populations. And African American men have a higher incidence rate of prostate cancer. New Mexico, reportedly with the lowest rate of diagnosis in the U.S., has a high number of Hispanics who have a lower cancer incidence rate than African Americans and Caucasians.
• Variations in healthcare: Some states have more government funded cancer screening programs than others, and subsequently more cancers are diagnosed in these states.
• Exposure to environmental carcinogens (substances that may cause cancer).
• Population behavior: Some states have more smokers than others, and subsequently there are more cases of lung and bronchial cancers in those states.
• Economic factors: States with lower poverty rates have higher access to healthier foods and more exercise opportunities. The poverty rates in the 10 states with the highest rates of cancer related deaths are significantly higher than the national poverty rate of 15.8%.
• The age of a population: Cancer incidence is much higher among an ageing population. Some states with a higher retirement community, for example, may show a higher number of cases.
• Many cases of cancer go undetected, sometimes unreported, or treatment may be sought outside of traditional medical practice, in which case these are not included in analyzed data.

 
Cancer Incidence and Smoking
 
In the state of Kentucky, where new cancer diagnoses as well as deaths due to cancer are the highest in the country, deaths related to tobacco are at 25.6%, the second highest of all the United States. Whereas, less than 10% of adults living in Utah report a history of tobacco use, which is the only state where the percentage of smokers does not exceed 10%.  9 of the 10 states with the highest death rates due to cancer also have the 10 highest percentages of smokers in the population.
 
Experts note that one million cases of cancer diagnosed in the US in 2015 would likely not have occurred if Americans had not smoked, had improved their diet and had exercised more. That being said, there are plenty of people who follow all the suggestions and maintain optimum health and are still diagnosed with cancer. Genetic disposition is a leading “cause” of cancer, which occurs in many cases where the patient is otherwise in good health.
 
The CDC estimates that 40% of cancer cases in the US are tobacco related and that cigarette smoking causes one-fifth of all annual deaths. Sadly, despite the fact that we know full-well how bad smoking is for our health, the number of tobacco-related deaths is projected to increase by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They estimate the current 6 million deaths attributed to tobacco worldwide will rise to nearly 8 million over the next 13 years.
 
Interestingly, smoking costs the global economy more than $1 trillion a year and yet that cost far outweighs global revenues from tobacco taxes, which the WHO estimates at $269 billion (between 2013-2014). The study, conducted by the WHO and the U.S. National Cancer Institute, which was peer-reviewed by more than 70 scientific experts, found that tobacco is the single biggest preventable cause of death across the globe. Tobacco is responsible for over $1 trillion in healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.
 
Cancer Prevention
 
While there is still no cure for cancer, there are many ways in which we can try to prevent cancer. We can be much more proactive about our health, starting with the basics, such as:
 

• Avoid tobacco entirely. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. And if you do smoke, there are so many ways in which you can quit. Talk to your healthcare provider about a method that will work for you.
• Keep your weight under control. Obesity is a risk factor for many cancers. Control your weight through healthy eating and regular exercise. Keep in mind that what you eat also affects your levels of immunity. If you feel you are unable to do this on your own, there are many resources out there to support you. Again, speak to your healthcare provider.
• Exercise regularly. Science has shown us that physical activity can help to reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Find a workout that you enjoy and make it a part of your regular routine.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use approved sunscreens as directed, stay in the shade whenever possible, wear lightweight clothing to keep your skin covered and always wear a hat.
• Eat a healthy diet. Studies have shown us that by eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish or poultry, and healthy fats, you are lowering your risk of cancer. In contrast, eating processed foods and frequent red meat has been linked to an increase in developing some types of cancers.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Get regular screenings to ensure that you catch cancer early, making it easier to treat and sometimes stop cancers from spreading.  

 
There are also some more obscure things to consider in our efforts to protect ourselves against cancer, such as:
 

• Limit the amount of food you barbecue on a grill. While there is no evidence that grilling alone causes cancer, cooking meats at high temperatures can create some of the compounds that have been known to cause cancer.
• In addition to minimizing exposure to the sun, limit exposure to radiation from things such as CT scans, dental X-rays and other medical imaging procedures. Speak to your healthcare provider about what is safe.  
• Ensure your air quality as excellent within your home – sometimes, it is worse than outdoors!
• Try to reduce stress in your daily life. Incorporate daily meditation, yoga practice or journaling if you feel it will help.
• Talk to your Human Resources Department in the workplace about setting up cancer awareness events, access to screening clinics, counselling services for those affected by cancer and prevention programs.

 
Some good news: According to the American Cancer Society, cancer death rates in the United States have been going down over the last few decades. There is still a lot that we can do to try and prevent cancer and we must do our part to raise awareness of this disease within our families and communities.
 

• All statistics taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and from the American Cancer Society websites. Information was also sourced from the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau survey.

If you have a pet, whether your pet is a cat, a dog or an aquarium with fish, you are well aware of the calming effect pets have on your well-being. But what you may be less aware of is the multiple benefits pets have on your overall health, from helping to fight off depression and obesity to warding off diseases and easing anxiety. There is a tangible sense of warmth in a house with animals but there is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to the advantages of having a pet.

Emotional Wellness

If you come home to your dog, then you know what unconditional love feels like. That level of admiration and excitement is a mood enhancer at the best and worst of times. Most people have a genuine love for their pets and consider them a member of the family. To your pet, you are their world. For that reason, pets teach you a lot about what it means to have a meaningful relationship but they also become a significant focus in your life, diverting the spotlight from more stressful worries. Most cats and dogs have a very strong bond with the people upon whom they rely for food, shelter and love. This is why your pets are usually very connected to your emotional state of mind.


Your body will experience physical changes when interacting with a cat or a dog, a horse, or when watching fish swim, as the stress hormone (cortisol) lowers and the chemical responsible for happiness in the brain (serotonin) increases. Pets are directly responsible for lowered anxiety and a more balanced state of mind.


Pets are natural mood enhancers. Their energy shows us what it means to be positive, which, even when feigned in response to your pet, often times puts you in a sincerely good mood. This is part of the reason why pets are wonderful when you are sick, because that positive state of mind contributes to healing.

Dogs and cats in particular teach you the true meaning of what it is to be empathetic. Because you must learn to understand how your animals feel before you are able to communicate with them, this forces you to focus on your pet before you focus on yourself, which in turn teaches empathy in the truest sense. This is also an exercise in patience! Pets also teach you compassion, like in empathy, by focusing attention away from yourself, which studies have shown can have multiple benefits, such as contribute to more meaningful interactions with people, reduce levels of inflammation, and can lengthen your life! 

Cardiovascular Health

The fact that pets improve your emotional state contributes to your cardiovascular health in more ways than you might think. Not only do animals have a calming effect, helping to ward off stress and anxiety, which aids in overall heart health, but they have been proven to physically lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and moderate the imbalance caused by diabetes, all because of the way in which they improve our emotional state of mind.

Research has shown that people who have cats are less likely to have a stroke than those who do not. This is due in part to the effect that pets have on circulation but also because cats have a significantly more calming effect than other animals.

Having a horse or a dog forces you to exercise, regardless of the time of year, whether that is going for rides or walks, running with your dog or playing catch. Even playing with toys inside the house, with cats and/or dogs, helps to keep you active and is great for exercising your pet’s brain. Studies have shown that people who have a pet routinely get more exercise than those who do not have pets. If you haven’t already, make your pet an exercise buddy – it’s the key to healthy living for you both.

Mental Health

Knowing than an animal depends on you for its wellbeing has far-reaching effects on your mental health. The level of responsibility for a pet has been shown to help motivate those suffering from mental illness, acknowledging that another living being needs you in their life.  

There is a reason some dogs are classified as “therapy dogs”. Once treatment for an illness or disease begins, including mental illnesses, having an animal sometimes becomes a part of the recovery process, as those who have interactions with animals report improved psychological well-being, improved oxygen levels and shorter recovery times. For some patients, this is as simple as having company during a difficult time. These “therapy” animals prevent feelings of isolation during recovery and help to motivate patients to get better. Petting an animal has an instrumental calming effect and helps to combat stress, anxiety and feelings associated with depression, as does playing with and caring for animals.

Pets are the best listeners. An animal will listen to you talk for as long as you need them to, without interruption or argument, and sometimes all you needed was to verbalize your thoughts and get them out of your head. Having a pet helps you to feel less lonely at times when you may feel like no one understands you or that you have no one on your side. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet. People with animals often gravitate toward others with similar animals, especially people with dogs who pass each other on walks or at the park and end up in conversation about their pets. Part of keeping a healthy mind is remaining engaged in an active lifestyle, which includes social engagement with others. Pets contribute significantly toward this.

Scent Detection & Disease Prevention

For cats and dogs, scent is their primary sense. Your pet’s sense of smell is so strong that they can easily detect chemicals in your body and on your breath that are indicative of stress, anxiety, fear and illness. This awareness can be magnified if you are hiding feelings of fear and/or anxiety as your pet can detect those as well. Studies have shown that dogs are being used in the medical field to detect early signs of diseases such as cancer and epilepsy that may otherwise remain undetected for a period of time, as well as detect chemical changes in patients with diabetes, alerting them to a sudden drop in their level of blood glucose. In some cases, this has meant the difference between life and death. Researchers have suggested that having a pet actually changes your immune system and decreases sensitivity to allergens, making you less vulnerable to immune system-related diseases.

Just like dogs are trained to sniff out prohibited items at airports and important public events, they are also now being used to sniff out peanut products in areas where contact with nuts could cause those who are allergic to suffer a life-threatening reaction.  And you have likely heard stories of how pets have saved their owners from fire, smoke and weather related disasters, including earthquakes. Their nose always knows!

Chronic Pain

If you sleep with your pet then you know how warm their bodies are, especially when they are cuddled under a blanket next to you. The warming benefits from your pet can be used to your health’s advantage, helping to alleviate back pain, muscle ache, the effects of fibromyalgia and even menstrual cramps. Heat is often prescribed for debilitating pain and what better way to keep your body warm than to cuddle up with your pet?

Playing with your pet is also a great way to combat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Not only do pets offer a distraction from the pain but they also enforce movements such as going for a walk, playing with a Frisbee or a feather wand, all of which help to combat this condition.

Sleep aid

The above point shows some of the ways in which pets contribute to improved sleep (provided they are not competing for your side of the bed!). But in addition to keeping us warm and cozy, studies have shown that repeatedly petting your pet can help you to get to sleep as you physically transfer your stress out of your mind and body, through the calming action of petting. And last but not least, they will keep you company if you otherwise sleep alone.

Benefits for Children

Pets are completely dependent on humans for their care and well-being. When you engage a child in the care of family pets from a young age, pets then not only hold a more significant position within the family unit but they also are a means for teaching your children what it means to have the utmost responsibility, for a living being. Dogs in particular take that a step further when you teach your child what it means to be a responsible dog guardian, with regards to obeying leash laws, safely introducing your dog to another dog, picking up after your dog, etc.

Studies have shown that pets have mental, cognitive, emotional and physical advantages for children. Pets are sometimes a child’s first friend and certainly a most loyal one at that, teaching a child about empathy and the value of positive, meaningful relationships. In this manner, they also help children to combat the anxieties that are a part of growing up. Children with autism are sometimes better able to interact with a pet than with other children, which in turn can result in a greater use of language and social interaction. Pets have also been used to help autistic children with sense integration, helping them get used to how something feels against their skin or helping with reactions to smells and sounds. And because pets need to remain active, they are great for helping to keep children active too, getting them outside into the fresh air to walk and play.  

Research shows that children who are in contact with cats and dogs during their early years of life have higher levels of microbes associated with lower risk of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, less likely to require antibiotics and have a stronger immunity against allergies. Children in families with pets are also less likely to develop asthma than those who do not have pets. This is especially true for children who live on a farm.

Motivational Benefits

Many diseases that affect humans can also affect pets. While you are more likely to ignore your own health before that of your pet, learning about what can affect the health of your pet can inspire you to learn about your own health issues as well. Pets can inspire you to get regular check-ups with your doctor, whether that is because you are more cognizant of your health as you maintain theirs or because you want to remain healthy for their sake, as you would for your child. A recent on-line poll found that one in three people who smoke said that their pet inspired them to quit smoking, knowing that their smoking was detrimental to the health of their pet.

Pets can motivate you to recover after an accident, such as a serious fall or car accident, through your desire to return to your normal, active interactions with your fury family member. Pets also inspire us to keep fit by engaging us in their play and exercise. Pets are great motivators for a healthier lifestyle!