Many of us are suffering from the high heat. But we’re not the only ones. So are our pets. The National Weather Service put out this chart to remind us of the symptoms to watch for in our pets so we can take measures to get them cooled off and avoid heat illness. They ARE our responsibility, and they depend on us.
It may seem like a silly “National Day” to have, but it makes sense. Hugs have many benefits: 1) They improve our relationships. 2) They are good for our physical heart. 3) They help keep us from getting sick and help us recover. 4) They produce oxytocin, which reduces stress and increases a feeling of well being. 5) They may relieve existential anxiety. 6) They can reduce pain–even if you just give yourself a hug.
If you don’t believe any of this, read the explanations at “7 Reasons to Celebrate National Hug Day.”
Okay, so you noticed that I listed only 6 of the 7. I saved the best for last: the benefits come from being the hug-ee OR the hug-er.
So, what are you waiting for?
Before you buy more antimicrobial products, like wipes and hand soap, consider the conclusions resulting from studies done by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). You can read their abstract at http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=478930. But here are their conclusions:
“ The use of common antimicrobials for which acquired bacterial resistance has been demonstrated should be discontinued in consumer products unless data emerge to conclusively show that such resistance has no effect on public health and that such products are effective at preventing infection. Ultimately, antibiotic resistance must be controlled through judicious use of antibiotics by health care professionals and the public.”
For purposes other than disinfecting for illness, a good cleaning with products not containing antimicrobial (plain white vinegar works for a boatload of uses), kills many germs. One example scrubbing your hands for 20-30 seconds with plain soap. And, as studies are indicating, because antibacterials get into our air and water, not using them is healthier for our environment and our own health.
Today is the 12th annual World Day Against the Death Penalty. This year the focus is on mental health. The message the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty hopes to get across is that too many prisoners who are mentally ill or intellectually disabled are being executed rather than receiving treatment to address the condition that is the underlying cause of the crime. Many of us wish that our country would join other industrialized countries in abolishing the death penalty totally; many others view executing a person who is mentally ill or the mental age of a child as barbaric.
For more information about this day and topic, and for what you can do, go to http://www.worldcoalition.org/worldday.html.