Dogs can actually catch your cold or flu. Who knew?? Like us, they can come down with a whole slew of respiratory bugs: cold viruses, flu viruses, bacterial respiratory infections such as kennel cough (Bordatella). Dogs even have a doggie-specific flu virus, “canine influenza virus” and the symptoms are similar to our own annual people version of the flu…achiness, fatigue, fever, runny nose, wet cough.
As the seasons shift, you may notice yourself being affected by it in many different ways. Perhaps you'll develop seasonal allergies, feel more sluggish, or have sinus problems. Whatever the case, it's important we take the time to prepare our bodies for the shift to fall to ensure a healthy transition. Here's how to do exactly that.
One of the best parts about waking up in the morning is that cup of coffee or if you're anything like me, it's that warm cup of latte! There's just something about nursing a warm and hearty beverage first thing in the morning.
There is no doubt that coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages but is it good for us? It depends on whom you ask!
Glucose, the main form of sugar circulating in our blood stream, is also the main form of fuel burned by our cells so that we can live and function. For getting into many types of cells, glucose (and certain other nutrients) needs a key to open the “door.” That key is insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Though glucose is necessary for life, sometimes the level in circulation can get too high and cause all sorts of problems.
When flowers are in bloom all around and the earth is warming, the last thing you want is to weigh yourself down with heavy food. That’s why spring is a great time for these scrumptious vegetarian stuffed bell peppers. What makes them so scrumptious, do you ask? It’s all about taking flavor and texture up a notch by adding fragrant herbs, vegetables, and a creamy walnut sauce to the mix.
While it may seem like an odd marriage to combine reishi mushroom extract and alternative milk lattes, these ingredients complement each other to make one surprisingly delicious beverage that’s guaranteed to boost your immunity and
Did you know that at least 10% of the dogs in the U.S. suffer from heart disease? The rate is even higher in elderly dogs (my old chihuahua has the beginnings of congestive heart failure), and in certain breeds. Breeds with a susceptibility to heart issues include chihuahuas, along with basset hounds, lab retrievers, German shepherds, golden retrievers, boxers, rottweilers and others. If you have one of those breeds, it’s not a bad idea to start support early and, of course, to make sure your dog is checked out by the vet regularly.
You may have heard of using lemon balm for preventing and treating cold sores. And it’s great. We know it’s helpful from a long history of traditional use as well as from research studies. But lemon balm’s not the only game in town.
As someone who has been living with chronic pain for years, I’m slowly learning that nature has all the answers. We just need to ask the right questions and be willing to listen—listen to our bodies, to our minds, and to our souls. In our lifetime, we all go through physical and mental pain—not to mention heartache. And nature has everything that we need to heal, ready and waiting.
Can I convince you that there’s a best time for pizza, and that it happens to be right now? When it’s cold, we naturally crave heavier foods that provide fat and protein which our bodies transform into insulation. And while many people feel the need to resist food cravings, I’d say that listening to your body, giving it the best version of what it’s asking for, and enjoying every bite is a great approach to health.