5 Animals Used in Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy, better known as pet therapy is a type of therapy that involves a specific animal and is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as provide educational and motivational effectiveness. Although controversial and disputed by the scientific community, in recent years pet therapy has become more and more popular. Here are 5 animals frequently used in animal-assisted therapy.

Dogs

Therapy with dogs is commonly agreed to have been established by Elaine Smith, an American who worked as a registered nurse for a time in England. She noticed how well her patients interacted with a Golden Retriever that visited the hospital and when she returned to the US in 1976 she started a program for training dogs to visit institutions.

Man’s best friend is by far the most common animal used in pet therapy. Therapy dogs can be found in hospital, nursing homes, children's homes, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, elder care centers and working with people with learning difficulties.

Therapy dogs are not required to be of a specific breed, but they are trained to respond to the patients needs. They can listen to children while they read them books, play simply structured games, do tricks or simply stay with the patient. Dogs are mainly used to relieve depression and anxiety, calm and motivate hospital patients, increase physical activity and lower blood pressure.

Dolphins

Highly controversial, described by some as a dangerous fad, disputed by the scientific community and praised by others, dolphin therapy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for psychological problems and developmental disabilities.

The majority of studies have concluded that there is no compelling scientific evidence that dolphin assisted therapy is a legitimate therapy and only helps with a fleeting mood improvement.

Dolphin therapy is mainly used for patients suffering from neurological disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome, enuresis, phobias, depression, neurosthenia, infantile autism syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Cats

Cats have been associated with humans for thousand of years and are the most popular pet in the world. Cats are mainly used in nursing homes to keep company to the elderly who have physical ailments such as strokes, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis and grooming the cats is great therapy for people with muscle conditions.

Short hair cats have been used in the past but more recently long haired cats are being used, like Persians cats, very well suited in animal assisted therapy because of their calm nature and unconditional love.

Cats are also thought to alleviate negative moods; they can reduce blood pressure and dispel feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Therapy cats are especially beneficial to Alzheimer patients, by stimulating both memory and forgotten emotions. Cats are also put to work with children and teens in mental health facilities to encourage children to learn responsibility and hygiene.

Horses

Horses have been domesticated around 4000 BC and these magnificent animals are the first ones to have been used in animal assisted therapy. Horse assisted therapy has physical, psychological, educational and social benefits. Ponies, miniature horses and calm, even tempered and well trained horses are used for therapy.

Therapeutic horseback riding is an Equine Assisted Activity where specific riding skills are taught and has been used to help autistic children and people with orthopedic dysfunctions such as scoliosis. Beneficial to both children and adults it can help confront fears, develop social skills and can teach companionship, friendship, responsibility, leadership, vocational and educational skills.

Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse to provide motor and sensory input and has been used to treat patients with neurological or other disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, head injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, behavioral disorders and psychiatric disorders.

Rabbits

Pet rabbits are being used in animal assisted therapy due to their social nature and the fact that they can easily find companionship with humans and even cats and dogs.

To be suited for animal assisted therapy the rabbit needs to have a sense of adventure, no fear of the unknown and be acclimated to different surroundings, sounds, and people.

Rabbits are commonly used is nursing homes to provide companionship, alleviate stress and loneliness and improve general mood. They can also be used in hospitals, with autistic children, violent prisoners, mental home inmates, nursing home patients and wayward teenagers

10 Witty and Funny Health Quotes

I chose 10 of my favorite health quotes by authors who lived in the last 100 years. Some are funny, some witty, others dead serious, but in each of them there is something we can learn from. Enjoy



“The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat”. Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (1 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a theoretical physicist, philosopher and author regarded by many as the greatest mind to have ever lived due to his many contributions to Physics. Over the years his name has become a synonym for genius.




“It's more important to give life to years than to give years to life”. Ana Aslan

Ana Aslan (1 January 1897 - 20 May 1988) was a famous world renowned Romanian Physician and biologist. Her contributions to geriatrics and gerontology as well as her amazing innovations in anti-aging treatments (Gerovital H3 and Aslavital treatments) drew notable personalities to her Geriatric Institute in Bucharest, among them U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, Kirk Douglas, Salvador Dali, French President Charles De Gaulle.


“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.” Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American novelist and humorist that William Faulkner once called “the father of American literature. His most famous works are “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”.


“Our body is a machine for living. It is organized for that, it is its nature. Let life go on in it unhindered and let it defend itself, it will do more than if you paralyze it by encumbering it with remedies.” Leo Tolstoy

Count Lyev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (September 9 1828 – November 20 1910) was a Russian writer regarded as one of the greatest novelists. His most famous works include the novels “War and Peace and Anna Karenina.” His works influenced personalities such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.




“Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Albert Szent-Györgyi (September 16, 1893 – October 22, 1986) was a Hungarian physiologist, credited with discovering vitamin C and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Active within the Hungarian Resistance during World War II, he emigrated in the US in 1947.




“The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind.” G.K. Chesterton

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936) was an English writer, nicknamed “the prince of paradox”. His most famous works include “The Everlasting Man” and “Orthodoxy”.





“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Green Hubbard (June 19, 1856 – May 7, 1915) was an American writer, philosopher and artist. A very prolific writer, Hubbard was very well known during his lifetime, his death on the Lusitania ship prompting the publication of “In Memoriam: Elbert and Alice Hubbard”. His most famous work is the essay “A Message to Garcia”.



“Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.” Susan Sontag, Illness as Metaphor, 1977

Susan Sontag (January 16, 1933 – December 28, 2004) was an American author. Although surrounded by controversy and accused of plagiarism she found great success with her essays.



“In minds crammed with thoughts, organs clogged with toxins, and bodies stiffened with neglect, there is just no space for anything else.” Alison Rose Levy

Alison Rose Levy is a New York Times best-selling health writer and journalist. The quote is excerpted from her article "An Ancient Cure for Modern Life," Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2002.


“The healthy, the strong individual, is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul. ” Rona Barrett

Rona Barrett is an American gossip columnist and businesswoman. She began appearing in “Good Morning America” in 1975 and has published at least 4 books.

7 Effective Natural Remedies

Cannabis

The major psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). At least 66 other cannabinoids are also present in cannabis, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
The first records about the use of marijuana for medical purposes were made during the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung in 2737 BC. It was also used in India, Persia, Assyria, Greece, Africa, South America, Turkey and Egypt. In Western medicine, cannabis-based treatments peaked in the nineteenth century.

Medical marijuana have several well-documented beneficial effects: amelioration of nausea and vomiting, stimulation of hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients, glaucoma treatment, as well as general analgesic effects (pain reliever).
It is believed to also be effective in the treatment of various diseases : Alzheimer's Disease, Anorexia , Arthritis, Cachexia, Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Epilepsy, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, Spasticity and Wasting Syndrome.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula officinalis contains flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and a sesquiterpene glucoside.
Marigold infusion is used as therapy with cytostatic drugs and radiation, if it is necessary to increase body strength in cancer patients. Other uses include acne, burns, frostbite, hepatitis, dysmenorrhea, eczema, eye care, asthma. It is also used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.

Ointments containing marigold (in case you buy the ointment make sure it contains more than 10% marigold) can help in treating impetigo and eczema.
From calendula flowers can be extracted oil that is used to treat varicose veins, colitis, enteritis, gastroenteritis, liver diseases, psoriasis, dysmenorrhea and sunburn.

Propolis

Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees collect and use t as a sealant for small gaps in the hive and protection from microbes and mold. Propolis is sticky and usually brown in color, but it can also be found in green, red, black and white. It has approximately 50 constituents, primarily resins and vegetable balsams (50%), waxes (30%) and essential oils (10%), but it can also contain flonase derivatives, ferulic acid, amino acids, yeasts, resins, prenylated acids. The ingredients of propolis vary from hive to hive, therefore any potential medicinal properties that may be present in one hive's propolis may be absent from another's.


Propolis has antiviral, anti toxic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti fungal properties. Can restore tissues damaged by wounds, cuts, burns and frostbite and it is also used for the relief of various conditions such as viral diseases, ulcers or sore throat.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile flowers contain: essential oils, vitamins B1 and C, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, iron, manganese, calcium, copper, lead, zinc, zirconium, glucides, lipids and acids. Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is one of the most known and used plants for its medicinal properties, especially in Europe. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, disinfectant, antibiotic, emollient and healing properties.

Chamomile infusion is ideal for an ulcer, gastritis, abdominal colic, asthma, eczema, wounds, ulcers, burns, cardiovascular conditions, common cold, diarrhea in children hemorrhagic cystitis, hemorrhoids, infantile colic, quality of life in cancer patients, open penile sores, skin inflammation, sleep aid, vaginitis. Is also popular in aromatherapy, whose practitioners believe it to be a calming agent to end stress and aid in sleep.
Chamomile Chamomile is used cosmetically, primarily to make a rinse for blonde hair but also for dry and wrinkled skin (infusion) and irritated and reddened skin.

Donkey's milk

It is well known since antiquity that Cleopatra used to bathe in donkey’s milk to keep her beauty and skin elasticity. Today, asses’ milk is used in the manufacture of soaps, creams, lotions and dietary supplements.
Nutritionists describe donkey milk as having a lower content of fat than cow milk and as being the closest to human milk, it is richer in vitamins, proteins and many other nutritious minerals and compounds.

It is also recommended for whooping cough (pertussis), although not scientifically proven. Because a female donkey gives between 0.2 to 0.3 liters of milk a day, donkey’s milk has a price ranging between 50 and 140 dollars.

Quail eggs

Quail eggs contain vitamins A, B, D3, calcium, zinc, sulfur and potassium (cholesterol levels are about similar to chicken eggs). Quail eggs revitalize the body of any age, regulate and improve the circulatory activity, digestion, respiration and improve reproductive function and are believed to have a positive effect on the lymphatic and immune system and brain.

Especially in the Balkans quail eggs are believed to have therapeutic properties including: normalization of heart activity, help cure kidney and liver disease, improving memory, stimulate body growth and development in children.

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Scientific name Hypericum perforatum, St John’s wort is a herb that has become known especially for treating depression. Used in ancient times, St. John’s wort is a perennial plant that grows in hills, mountains and plains, meadows and forests. It contains anthracene derivatives, volatile oil, flavonozide, caffeic and clorogenic acids, tannin. It is used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, antihemoragic, antihemoroidal, anti neuralgic and healing.

Various studies have shown St John's wort’s efficacy in mild to moderate depression. Be careful though, sometimes severe drug interactions can happen, especially with some antidepressants.
St John’s wort is beneficial not only for the nervous system but also for the digestive system (colitis, biliary dyskinesia, cholelithiasis, dyspeptic syndrome, gastritis, hyper acidity, ulcers). Is indicated to use infusion or tincture. Is a good antiseptic and healing for aphthae, abscesses, various wounds, burns (including solar), allergies, eczema, skin irritation. It also helps relieves itching.

How a Retinol Wrinkle Cream Erases Wrinkles

A specific type of anti-aging cream is the retinol wrinkle cream. Its main ingredient is retinol, a type of Vitamin A. This was the first compound ever to be used in wrinkle creams that didn't require a prescription. Retinol is an antioxidant and it binds with free radicals from your body. Free radicals are the compounds that cause those wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.

Behind retinol there is a complex chemical process. The enzyme sin your body will lead to retinoic acid. Your body cells can then use this retinoic acid in order to make new cells, collagen and elastin.

But in order to really see some effects your body needs a lot of this acid. However, applying to much retinol on your skin will most likely cause irritation and other discomfort. Most retinol based wrinkle creams do not contain enough retinol to truly benefit your skin, and those that do require a prescription from your doctor.

You can get the same results by using products based on retinaldehyde. Retinaldehyde is also transformed into retinoic acid in your body, giving thus the same effects. A retinaldehyde cream is more expensive but the results make it worth your money.

Why is My Moisturizer For Dry Skin Not Working?

Can your skin moisturizer efficiently hydrate all layers of your dry skin and keep it moist for hours? If it can't than you are probably using a poor product. There are many moisturizers on the market but only few of them can properly treat really dry skin.

The reason a moisturizer can or can not effectively nourish dry skin is its ingredients. Dry skin should be looked at as a problem. Many factors can caused really dried skin but the main one is the loss of hyaluronic acid.

The Hyaluronic acid moisturizes your collagen proteins. Collagen dies very easily without this vital acid. A dry skin is a condition that also affects a deeper layer of your skin not just the surface layer. A big molecular structure of the moisturizer ingredients prevents it to be effective.If the deeper layers of the skin are not also hydrated than it can't provide the desired results.

Using the right moisturizer makes all the difference in the world. A functional kind of protein called Keratin is the ingredient to look for in the ingredient list from your moisturizer.. This is the ingredient needed to regenerate collagen and elastin. Your skin will remain strong and supple if your body has enough of elastin and collagen.

HEQ10 is another type of antioxidant that because of its small molecular structure, can penetrate deep into the seven layers of the skin and combat all harmful free radicals (contributors to your dry skin condition)

Tips for looking slim

These days every woman in the world wants to look her best. For women looks are very important, and buying clothes can be a real ritual. Finding the perfect dress to make them look slim can be a challenge sometimes.

Imagine having to go to an important event. You need to look casual while also looking your best. Another example, a woman that is going on dates needs to go on a special diet few days before the actual date. All this just to appear slimmer on the actual day.

But looking slim does much more than just making you look presentable. It also boosts your confidence. Dieting helps us be slimmer but clothes can also help you look slimmer. Clothes have a very important role in enhancing your overall appearance. Dressing the right way will help you look slim. The wrong clothing combination will do just the opposite. It might make you look fat. Great tips:

- Keeping your outline look sleek and unfussy will help you a lot
- Always try to wear a solid color from head to toe
- Choose a jacket that buttons a little above or below the waist
- You should wear socks having the same color as your trousers.
- Wear high heels and a pair of tailored trousers that are cut a little longer
- Wear flat-fronted, boot-cut trousers with a side zip. Avoid pleated fronts and flaps on pockets.
- Set a high in the arm-hole look with A tailored jacket should with skinny sleeves (while avoiding raglan sleeves)

The Shocking Ways in Which We Choose Corrosive Foods That Cause Bone Loss

This can happen to just about anyone. It will happen all of the sudden and you won't see it coming. One day you are 50 or so, happy with how well your live is going, and the next day, the slightest jolt sends you to the hospital with a fracture as small as a hairline. The loss of bone density (osteoporosis bone loss) is something to be afraid of, especially if you are a woman. Certain diet habits we've all learned somehow bring us to this point. Let's examine all of them and try to get past these bad habits.

Many studies have been made on women who present the highest risk of bone loss (women at the earliest stage in their lives : menopause). The typical American diet consists of about twice the salt dose recommended for a healthy diet: 50 g of salt every single day.Doctors explain: for each unit of 22 g of salt that we take in, our body melts off about 3,5 grams of calcium. Our body takes in salt from everyday food: canned meats, french fries, chips and pizza. So, if you tried to avoid processed food, you probably consumed even more salt without even noticing a difference.

I know, your coffee is the highlight of the morning as it is for me to; If you think good about this, the coffee is pretty much the highlight of the rest of your day as well. And that's just the thing. A cup of coffee weighs in at about a gram of caffeine in your body. This is more than enough to make you lose a fraction of a gram of bone calcium each and every time. Indeed, this is not a lot but it will certainly add up over the years. Your best bet here, would be to switch to really milky coffee, and to stick to drinking no more than a small cup or two per day. Forget about those endless refills.

We all know that dairy is full on vitamin A and calcium which is in fact very good for your bones. But there is such a thing of too much vitamin intake. Getting too much vitamin A will severly affect your bones and can even lead to bone loss (in time). So, our advice is to check the vitamins from your diet, and you should be all set.

We have all heard those stories about Coca-Cola, and how it can melt our bones. Conspiracy or real? The doctors alert us that all fizzy drinks contain phosphoric acid. This substance makes your body melt your bones to excrete calcium through your pee.

Drinking soft drinks is comparable to taking a bone loss pill every time(if such thing existed). For women past their menopause dietitians suggest lots of juices fortified with vitamin D.


I bet friends and family asked you to give up fizzy drinks before but now you have a good enough reason. Living a longer and healthier life with stronger bones would make up for all the fizzy drinks in the world. Or would you rather prefer weaker and thinner bones?