11 minute read
PET HAPPY
from Natural Awakenings Magazine, Palm Beach County Florida July 2021
by Natural Awakenings, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida
As any parent whose child has begged long and hard for a puppy or kitty can testify, animals are close to children’s hearts. Up to 90 percent of kids are lucky enough to live with a pet at some point in their childhood, and studies show the effects can be profound for their health, character development and well-being.
Kids and pets seem to share a deep and special bond. “Kids often recognize a kindred spirit in animals, especially pets. Like children, pets are cared for and nurtured in families by big people who get to make the rules,” says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children.
In one of Melson’s studies, 40 percent of 5-year-olds said that they turn to their pets when they feel sad, angry or have a secret to share. Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets, her research shows. A University of Cambridge (UK) study reported that kids were happier with their dogs and cats than with their brothers and sisters. Pets enhance kids’ health.A study by UK’s Warwick University found that children with pets had more robust immune systems and attended school an extra nine days on average each year compared to those without pets. Early exposure can be optimal: Babies living in homes with two or more dogs and cats are less than half as likely by age 7 to develop reactions to indoor and outdoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and ragweed, reports a Medical College of Georgia study.
Pets can have a measurable impact on children with special conditions. In a University of Massachusetts Medical School study of young people with Type 1 diabetes published in PLOS
How Animals Help Kids Thrive
by Ronica O’Hara
ONE, those that actively helped care for family pets were 2.5 times more likely to have well-controlled blood sugar levels, perhaps by learning the importance of daily routines. In families with an autistic child, owning a dog reduces stress and significantly improves interactions, benefits that grow over time, report UK University of Lincoln researchers. Pets build social skills.According to a largeAmerican Humane study, small pets like guinea pigs and reptiles in third- and fourthgrade classrooms improve students’ levels of communication, cooperation, responsibility, empathy, engagement and self-control. Pets can also train kids to set boundaries. Growing up in Verona, Wisconsin, twins McKenna and Samara Fagan became skillful at stopping their 70-pound golden retrievers and great Pyrenees from jumping on them, stealing their toys or persisting after a petting period had concluded. “As girls, they learned how to create boundaries not just with words, but also with body language and energy,” says their mother, Tia Fagan, a certified conscious parenting and authenticity coach. Now, she says, the 20-year-olds know “how to create and hold healthy boundaries with people.” Pets teach responsibility.“A child who knows that every day they will need to walk the dog (if it’s safe), feed the dog (with guidance) or even scoop the yard, will thrive on the routine of care and often will feel a confidence boost because they are taking care of their dog. This is empowering for kids who may not have much control over other things in their lives,” says Antoinette Martin of Cornelius, North Carolina, head veterinarian with the online vet locator HelloRalphie.com. Pets teach the cycles of life. Because pets have shorter life spans than humans, surveys indicate that about 80 percent of children first experience death when a beloved pet dies, offering a teachable moment for the whole family, says Melson. Veterinarian Michelle Burch’s 3-year-old daughter grieved when the family dog died, but the child was encouraged to express her sadness and was helped by the award-winning book Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant. A year later, “She loves to bring up her dog Baxter to strangers and how he is in dog heaven, but she knows that not all animals will stay on Earth forever,” says Burch, veterinarian for the pet insurance site SafeHounds.com.
Difficult as the grief is, it’s still worth it, says Fagan. “Our pets have taught my children that to give and receive love unconditionally is the greatest gift of all and is worth the sadness and pain we feel when they pass.”
Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
Archangels
Archangel Ariel
Archangel Michael Archangel Chamuel
Archangel Raphael Archangel Gabrielle
Archangel Raziel Archangel Jophiel
Archangel Thuriel Archangel Melchizedek
Archangel Uriel Archangel Metatron
Archangel Zadkiel
2610 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 • 561-369-2836 • orders@TheCrystalGarden.com
The Crystal Garden is Evolving WE’VE GONE VIRTUAL!
While we’re not accepting guests into our building at this time, we’re still off ering the same great service virtually. Shop our improved website, we add to it daily— TheCrystalGarden.com Call us at 877-444-5099 Email us at orders@TheCrystalGarden.com
We’re happy to text you photos, video, or shop with you on FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Join us live on Facebook Tuesday nights at 6 pm for fun and shopping. Join Margaret Ann on Zoom for virtual classes.
New hours for pickup & shipping: Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–5:00 pm Friday 11:00 am–3:00 pm TheCrystalGarden.com
The Practical Side of Family Pets
Evaluate the commitment. “It’s important to remember that taking care of pets is expensive and time consuming, and you’re making a commitment to the pet for the duration of their life,” cautions Jennifer Coates, DVM, an advisory board member of Pet News Daily. “Fostering is a great alternative if pet adoption sounds like more than you can handle. Children can also volunteer at some animal shelters (often when accompanied by a parent), allowing them to experience some of the benefits of caring for animals without the long-term commitment.”
Pick a child-friendly dog or cat. The American Kennel Society puts Labrador retrievers, bulldogs, golden retrievers and beagles at the top of their best family dog list. For cats, birman, ragdoll and Himalayan breeds are recommended as calm choices for kids by PetMD.com. Consider improving an animal’s life by taking home a shelter or rescue dog or cat. Shelter workers can help select a family-friendly choice.
Consider other species. Smaller animals with fewer care demands may be a strategy if house space is limited or if a child needs to grow into responsibilities. Animals that can delight and teach include tropical fish, turtles, rabbits, birds, hamsters and lizards. Mae Waugh Barrios’ three children enjoy feeding, watering and collecting the eggs from the family’s four chickens every day at their Holliston, Massachusetts, home. “Not only do our farm-fresh eggs provide my family and my children with the best nutrition, it’s also been a lesson in symbiotic relationships. Because we give such good care to our chickens, they show their appreciation by providing us with delicious eggs,” says Barrios, who blogs at RaisingEmergingBilinguals.com.
Train children about safety around dogs. It’s a natural impulse for younger children to run up excitedly to a dog and try to touch it, but this can create fear in the animal and raise the danger of an aggressive response. Instead, teach a child to ask permission of the adult handling the dog, and then to approach it slowly and calmly, letting it smell the back of the downward hand before touching it.
Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. ~Julia Child TUESDAY, JULY 6
Live, Online Morning Face & Ear Reflexology Certification – Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 6-29, 10:30am–1:30pm, 24 Florida LMT, NCBTMB, AMTA CEs. Study and get certified in our holistic approach to Face & Ear Reflexology, including Laura Norman’s new Face & Ear Reflexology techniques
and our unique Face & Ear Reflexology protocols. 561-272-1220, classes@LauraNorman.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7
Free Online Intro to Laura Norman Re-
flexology Training Class on Zoom – 8-9pm. Talk with Laura Norman about: How to Add to Your Services. Start a New Career, Earn $75-$150 an Hour. Study Laura Norman’s unique Holistic Method of Reflexology, techniques anyone can learn. Bring a friend! reflexology-training.LauraNorman.com/ registration-free-intro-class.
SATURDAY, JULY 10
Live, Online Weekend Professional Reflexology Certification Program (Foot Hand
Face Ear) – Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30am5:30pm, July - February 2022. Study Laura Norman’s unique Holistic Method - make a difference in the world and be appreciated for what you do. • 561-272-1220 • classes@ LauraNorman.com. Visit our website for savings! reflexology-training.LauraNorman. com/checkout-livestream-we-prof-certif.
Live, Online Weekend Professional Foot Reflexology Certification Program – Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30am-5:30pm, July - February 2022. Study Laura Norman’s unique Holistic Method - make a difference and be appreciated for what you do. Location: Right at home - over Zoom! 561-272-1220, classes@LauraNorman.com. Visit our website for special savings! reflexology-training.LauraNorman.com/checkout-LS-WE-foot-certif.
Free Flower Essence Guided Meditation –
10:30-11:15am. Treat yourself to the healing benefits of a Flower Essence Guided Meditation where you’ll experience the subtle energies of flower essences as you are guided through a grounding and relaxing meditation. Free. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
Free: Intro to Herbs – Noon-1pm. Curious about herbalism? Come discover what herbal medicine is, how herbs are used, and ways to select helpful herbs. You’ll discover how vibrational flower essences and earth-based practices fit into a holistic health model. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/ classes. THURSDAY, JULY 15
Shamanism Workshop – 5-7pm. Join us each month as we explore the teachings and practices of the medicine wheel, spirit animals & guides and nature-based ceremony. Bring a notebook and pencil. $35. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
SATURDAY, JULY 24
Intro to Flower Essences – Noon-1pm. At almost every occasion, we give flowers… ever wonder why? Flowers inherently know how to heal, celebrate and support us. Come explore the subtlety of Flower Essence healing. $35. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
“A Splash of Sound Frequencies and Vi-
brations” – 6:30-7:30pm. World Renowned percussionist Petro Bass playing Exotic instruments from around the World. Nothing but Joy and Fun. Which we need plenty of today. eventbrite.com/e/a-splash-of-sound-frequencies-and-vibrations-tickets-158326299223. Admission $35. South Florida Science Center Aquarium and Planetarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North West, Palm Beach. PetroBassExperience.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 29
Culinary Herbs for Good Health – 1-2pm. Discover the herbal goodness that’s right inside your own kitchen. Learn the medicinal benefits of herbs like rosemary, cinnamon, fennel plus tasty recipes and ideas that’ll inspire you to eat more herbs! $35. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
Live, Online Evening Face & Ear Reflexol-
ogy Certification – Mondays & Wednesdays, August 2-25, 6:30-9:30pm, 24 Florida LMT, NCBTMB, AMTA CEs. Study and get certified in our holistic approach to Face & Ear Reflexology, including Laura Norman’s new Face & Ear Reflexology techniques and our unique Face & Ear Reflexology protocols.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
Live, Online Morning Hand Reflexology
Certification – Tuesdays/Thursdays, August 3 – Sept 2, 10:30am–1:30pm, 24 Florida LMT, NCBTMB, AMTA CEs. Study and get certified in our powerful, nurturing relaxation and Hand Reflexology techniques, Laura’s holistic approach, and the profound results clients experience through the hands. 561272-1220, classes@LauraNorman.com.
Local ongoing calendar items for the community may be submitted online for print and/or online. We do not accept phone calls for these items. DEADLINE: 10th of the PRECEDING MONTH.
sunday
“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” — Muhammad Ali
thursday
“Light tomorrow with today.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
monday
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” — Earl Nightingale
tuesday
“A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.” —Anonymous
friday
“Music always sounds better on Friday.” — Lou Brutus
saturday
“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” — Les Brown
classifieds
To order a classified, call our office: 561-626-5584 or order online: NaPalmBeach.com/pages/classifieds Due date is the 10th of the month.
wednesday
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” — Dale Carnegie
Coming Next Month
AUGUST Boost Happiness & Well-Being
Plus:
Shamanism Today Benefits of Having a Life Coach
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine, get real results, distributing monthly to 44 cities throughout Palm Beach County. #1 Healthy Living ~ Healthy Planet magazine in the United States! Call our office today 561-626-5584.
D r . T o m O ' B r y a n
Chief Health Officer, KnoWEwell
Personalized. Diverse. Inclusive. Regenerative Whole-Health and Well-Being Benefits. It’s how KnoWEwell is transforming the future of healthcare. Award-winning. One global online destination for today’s trusted Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources, and ecosystem collaborating to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address chronic diseases and achieve WELLthier Living – Happy. Healthy. Abundant. PurposeFilled. Join the movement as we share knowledge and healing success stories, access to evidence-based resources, immersive learning opportunities from the experts, and help create meaningful connections..
Take control and optimize your health and well-being by visiting:
KnoWEwell.com
As a Natural Awakenings reader, receive 50% off your first year of membership. Individuals apply: NAPUB0221 Practitioners apply: NAPUB0221P
