Dogs are one of mankind’s most beloved companions, spanning cultures, genders, income brackets, and, especially, ages. Elderly people derive a lot of love and affection from their pets, keeping them company and preventing loneliness. Dogs help their owners stay healthy, keep a schedule, and find the motivation to go about their daily lives. Studies have shown they help to improve moods, reduce stress, and aid in their owners’ overall cognitive ability.

But what factors should you consider when buying dogs for elderly loved ones in your life? Join us today as we unpack several of the best breeds out there, and learn why they’re the perfect fit.

Also Read: Elderly Fall Alarms: The Threat Of Taking A Fall As An Elderly Person

What To Look For

Finding the right dog to match an elderly lifestyle is a balancing act. You want a dog that is small enough to not worry about it injuring the owner, but large enough that they won’t trip over it.

An overly powerful dog could easily pull or push their owners over if they get excited and that can lead to serious injuries. Avoid pets that were bred to do work, guard or fight because their size and strength will not be appropriate.

Lastly, be sure to look for a breed with fewer known health problems. Specific dog breeds have more common health issues than others, so avoid breeds with hip dysplasia or early blindness for best results.

Poodle

Poodles are the classic “elderly” pet, owing in no small part to their small size and “permed” hairstyles. Available in small, medium and large sizes, this is a dog for all occasions, with their calm and loyal sensibilities. Unquestionably smart and trainable, they also score points for being completely hypoallergenic.

Pug

The pug may be one of the goofier pets on the market, but they are also a wonderful pet for the elderly. This dog enjoys being around people and does not require a lot of exercise, which is a bonus for somebody with a hip problem.

They are also extremely affectionate, making them an ideal companion. Add to that their small size, ideal for apartments, and you’ve got an adorable pet with a winning personality, perfect for grandma.

French Bulldog

One of the easiest companions anywhere in the dog world, the French Bulldog brings a playful and obedient element to any home. You’ll enjoy a mostly-quiet experience, with easy obedience and very little need for trimming and maintenance.

Dogs For Elderly: Now You Know

When it comes to choosing dogs for elderly companionship, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, and why. Find a dog that is physically the right size, as well as the right temperament and volume, for improved elderly health. Remember to take your time during your search and find an animal that really speaks to you.

Elizabeth Cooler Ross’s “five steps of grieving” framework has been the go-to method recommended to grieving families and loved ones for many years. It’s a famous breakdown of the process, dividing into five individual stages. These steps proceed in the same order almost every time, after which the person in question can achieve resolution on their grief. 

But is it accurate? Are the five stages of grief a myth or a convenient story we tell ourselves to help make dealing with the passing of a loved one easier. Join us today as we break down the 5 steps of grieving, their efficacy, and how the process holds up in the light of day.

Also read: Introducing: The Death Positive Movement

What Are The Five Stages?

The traditional five stages of grief include:

1. denial 
2. anger 
3. bargaining 
4. depression 
5. acceptance 

It’s safe to say these stages are applied across the board when people are obviously processing grief. These are a standard by which most of us navigate these turbulent waters, but what’s interesting is that newly published studies have indicated this might not be true. 

New research describes the sadness of mourning as more of a stress response than something we can plot out and create standard rules for. Every person is unique, and no two people experience sorrow in the same way. So, with that said, how could we claim that everyone would have the same standard set of recovery steps as each other? 

Taking it a step further, there are claims that actually sticking to these five steps can have the opposite effect, robbing you of your peace because you’re not reaching each step “on time”. Or even in order. Because it’s completely possible to experience a different order of emotions or even none of these emotions and be completely normal.

Final Thoughts

Sadness is a 100% natural experience following the loss of family or a loved one. You don’t need to worry about processing it “properly”, so long as you are being good to yourself during the process. Reach out, ask for counseling or support, and lean on the people around you if you need. And, if you need assistance with an upcoming funeral, visit Woodward Cremation and Funeral Services.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to give your home something a little…daring. It’s one thing to create a comfortable, quiet and unintimidating room. It’s another thing entirely to say something with your kitchen. And when it comes to kitchens that say things, nothing says it louder than Just A Spot Of Red.

Cabinetry Creations Inc.’s bold, vibrant kitchen installation is equal parts crisp white surfaces and elegant wood cabinets. From the recessed lighting to the electrifying red central hanging lamp, this is a captivating installation. Let’s take a closer look.

Also read: Home Designs Sydney – Kitchen Trends For 2018

Geometry

Creating a beautiful room installation is subtle work. It takes a balance of functionality with the countertops, cupboards and lighting, with boldness in the colors and decor. 

With Just A Pop Of Red, Cabinetry Creations Inc. uses a balance of square and rectangular countertops, cupboards and wall panels with rounded bowls, lights, and vases. The entire space is finished off with a bright red lamp like a literal cherry on top, offsetting the room for a charming finish.

Contrast

Sleek frameless cabinetry and a recessed oven keep the wall line unbroken and smooth, with wooden slats adding a rich, textured frame around everything. This kind of contrast is incredibly important to creating an authentic, gorgeous living space.

Imagine a kitchen decked out entirely in white. It might sound nice, but even in just the wrong light, it can seem sterile and uninviting. Similarly, a space covered in wood and darker decor can feel “heavy”. Contrasts like A Splash Of Red give the eye more to look at, and the kitchen installation results? Well, just take a look.

Open Plan Design

Open plan spaces aren’t anything new in the world of kitchen design, but Just A Pop Of Red makes fantastic use of this style. Elegant and understated, this kitchen opens up to the house around it, making it seem twice as big as a result.

The effect is also to create a “warmer” space. Have guests over for dinner or the kids watching TV in the nearby living room, and everyone in the room can talk to each other. Everyone can smell what’s cooking, without going back and forth between rooms, for a wide-open home space custom made for building happy memories.

A Pop Of Red is a kitchen installation that brings living spaces to life, with bold contrasts and innovative space usage. See more of this installation or find out more about their services, today.

Increasing the value of your home is something you can accomplish in various ways. Sometimes, homeowners choose to upgrade their kitchens or convert their bathrooms. They may hire a topiary designer, slap on a new coat of paint, or finish their basement.

Alternatively, replacing or adding windows may help add to bring out the best in your home. Join us today as we put home window installations under the microscope, and let’s boost that home value with a high-end window.

Also read: Home Grants For First Time Buyers: More Options Than You Think

Does Adding Windows Add Home Value?

Installing windows in your home is, hands down, one of the most straightforward ways to increase its value. Realtors have recorded cases where, for instance, investing $ 10,000 in simple vinyl replacement windows for homes raised a home’s price to $ 8,000. This represents 80% of your return on investment.

Adding a new window to your home makes your home more valuable for a variety of reasons. Curb appeal improves almost as soon as your new windows are installed. When passersby pulll up in front of your house, and old, ugly windows greet them, what do they see?

Replacing your windows as soon as possible is a great way to enhance your home’s visibility, making it look more modern, well kept, and valuable. And as your curb appeal swells, the value of your house will increase exponentially.

A Note On Energy-Efficiency

Worried you’re spending too much money every month running heating and cooling systems? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this same problem, every year, with hundreds of dollars and their HVAC systems on the line.

Adding new vinyl windows to your home has been shown to help. These replacement windows make your home more energy efficient, helping to avoid wasted energy and skyrocketing bills. And the concept’s simple enough:

• Install a new window
• Prevent air from coming in
• Prevent warmed / cooled air from escaping

This is another great way to increase the market value of your home. 

Death is never an easy process, even when it follows after years of sickness. But are we as a society giving death too much negativity? Is there a more positive way, beyond funeral flowers and services, to look at this thing that comes for us all in the end?

When Did The Movement Begin?

Good Death founder, Caitlin Doughty, started the death positive movement in 2011 as a play on the “sex positive” movement. Doughty described the movement as developing a positive outlook on the culture around death. 

Mostly, the idea was to lead a movement to stop seeing death as a negative thing, and not to be too embarrassed to ask about the things that confuse or scare you.

Also read: Seeking ‘a Good Afterlife,’ and Not Just for Humans

What Is This Movement?

Doughty’s Order of the Good Death was started with the goal of changing how we think about death. Through work in the public sphere, the Death Positive movement is helping people realize that the best way forward is actually to accept death and prepare for their own passing.

Their website wraps up the deeper meaning behind the movement a little more thoroughly:

• open examinations of death through discussions, art, and education
• Becoming more closely involved with burial preparations
• completing advance directives no matter your age or physical health to make things easier for those left behind
• spreading and adopting environmentally-friendly burial concepts 

Why It’s Important

One of the most tragic parts of living in a society where we don’t embrace death is that we tend not to want to think about it. And, when we ignore death, we neglect to plan for it. As a result, we lose all control over our personal death experience, passing away at the hospital instead of at home as we wanted, for instance.

They say failing to prepare is preparing to fail. It’s best to face death upfront, so nobody has to guess at what you would have liked best. At the end of a long life well-lived, you’ll be happy you considered these questions.

This is not to mention the psychological benefits of being able to process death in a more healthy way. With so much of what we do every day impacted by our own lifespans, there’s a lot of personal growth to be had when we accept death as a natural part of life.

If you’re in need of funeral services from one of the industry’s most trusted names, visit Woodward Funeral Homes today!

It’s Summer, and that means pool time with friends, family, and, most importantly, the kids. And, while the opportunity to cool off for a couple of hours can be a lot of fun, it’s the children we really need to look out for around the pool, whether at home or a friend’s house.

Join us today, as we break down four important pool safety tips for pool fun this year. Then, get out there and enjoy some good safe fun with your children, this Summer.

Also read: Five Great Dominican Republic Vacation Visits

Constant Supervision

The sad truth is, roughly 3,563 are accidentally killed from drowning every year in the United States. One out of every five of these people is a child under the age of 14. Beyond that, even a non-fatal drowning can result in serious injuries and even brain damage from lack of oxygen.

Always supervise young children in the water no matter how strong their swimming may be. Babies, especially, should be kept within arm’s reach at all times in the water, for their own safety and pool hygiene.

Take Advantage Of The Buddy System

It’s important to never leave your children in the water alone, as we’ve said, but mistakes do happen. A good addition to this rule is to implement a buddy system, where if your child finds themselves alone, they have someone nearby to either help or run to find help.

Accidents or dangerous situations can become fatal extremely fast. Even with a buddy system, should make sure your children know to tell an adult where they’re going and keep an eye on them in the water.

Learn CPR

As far as possible, everyone at the pool should ideally know CPR. Parents. Children. In an emergency, paramedics will do their best to arrive soon, but if someone onsite is already trained, they can get to work immediately. 

This is obviously a big responsibility, so make sure to actually train, at a class with an instructor. YouTube videos may be better than you’d expect, but they’re not fool-proof.

Foam Toys Aren’t Safety Devices

Summer days with your kids at the pool are an awesome opportunity to break out the foam toys and swimming accessories. That said, these are not in any sense of the word, a tested, reliable safety device. Life jackets, water wings, and other flotation devices can’t be replaced by pool noodles, balls, and other toys. They will not prevent children from drowning, and shouldn’t be relied on to do so.

Pool Safety First

Ultimately, a day out at the pool should be a fun experience for everyone involved. If you can keep the kids in line and remind them that pool safety is fun, you’ll be able to relax while still being able to have a good time yourself.

Of course, it’s always more fun to spend time around a great looking pool. For custom-built swimming pools perfect for any summer frolicking, visit Artesian Pools today.

The Dominican Republic is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. With gorgeous beaches, lovely people, and plenty to do, it’s not hard to see why its popularity is skyrocketing.

Join us today for three pro tips for your next big Dominican Republic vacation.

Ditch The Crowds

The best way to experience a new country, especially the vibrant Dominican Republic, is to go on a solo trip. It’s all about the freedom to stop whenever you want, the charm of your own experience, and letting you change plans in the blink of an eye.

Forget the sightseeing bus that seems so central to your itinerary. Tour buses will always be there and you can opt-in whenever convenient. But, for a better experience, it’s not exactly fun to watch the clock on your vacation.

Also Read: 5 Attractions You Must See In Las Vegas

Go With A Local Guide

Obviously, the single best way to guarantee you’ll see the best parts of the country is to go with someone who knows it like the back of their hand. They may offer their own car, know where and when to park, and generally bring more to the table than you might have on your own.

Take a break in the back seat of their car for a little bit and enjoy your trip without worrying about navigation. This is also a more reliable way to discover hidden secrets and fascinating historical sites you may not have seen, otherwise.

Spanish: Speak It

This isn’t so much a travel tip as it is a survival hint. The spoken language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish, and learning a few words can smooth your way. In many of the most important tourist sites in the world, people who take care of tourists usually know some English and manage to communicate without a problem.

However, you should not expect everyone to know and understand you, just by learning the basics like “Hola” or “Muchas Gracias”, can help you improve your vacation.

And there you have it: three great tips for a really great Dominican Republic vacation.

As we grow older, it’s important to maintain specific diets if we want to stay healthy. Nutrition can affect our bodies in dozens of different ways, and it’s our doctors’ job to make sure we know what to take in for the best effect.

The elderly can require complicated meals with very specific nutritional purposes. Some of the most common key nutrients in an elderly diet include calcium, fiber, sodium, Vitamins D and B12, and good old fashioned water. With these in tow, it’s easier for an aging body to adapt to the various stresses and illnesses that come with getting older.

Let’s take a closer look at how nutrition plays a big part in elderly health. 

Read also: Life Style Modifications: Senior Health, The Smart Way

Nutrition and Ongoing Elderly Health

Chronic illnesses and health conditions are fairly common among the elderly. Proper nutrition is of crucial importance in these cases, and it’s with that in mind that we need to pay close attention to the diets of the elders in our lives.

For example, more than 9% of United States residents suffer from diabetes. No matter your age, this is a diagnosis that comes with very specific dietary restrictions. In the case of the elderly, however, diabetes can be especially dire. It’s recommended that these people follow low-carb diets to control their blood sugar. 

Arthritis, as another example, may not have any commonly associated nutritional choices. It does, however, often mean their doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, which may be counteracted by certain foods. This could lead to long-term problems with mobility that take a long time to heal or recuperate from.

Heart diseases, dementia, problems with breathing or chewing and problems with your heart are all heavily influenced by your nutrition. This is why it’s incredibly important to have a solid idea of the exact nutritional requirements of the elderly people in your life and to make sure their caregiver staff is informed as well. The elderly with specific medical diets need to follow their doctors’ instructions to avoid any further complications. 

A Special Note

Don’t underestimate the dangers of loneliness for your loved ones’ diets. One of the biggest problems when it comes to elderly nutrition is a lack of motivation to eat or diet because they don’t have a companion to encourage them.

It may sound impossible, but pay close attention to how they’re eating when you’re not around. Eating meals is usually possible and there are very few reasons not to do it, so don’t accept any excuses. 

Out of all the work out regiments, personal fitness center’s, and gyms, there is no other like Title Boxing Club in Winter Park. With an atmosphere that promotes high-energy and fun, staff that pushes you to your limits, and a work out that will kick your @ss, Title Boxing Club is the best way to keep you and your family in shape! Here is everything great about this amazing Boxing Club.

Atmosphere

Walking into Title Boxing Club for the first time is like walking into a new world. It does not have the same feel or aesthetic as a normal gym, which I suppose for some, can be a reason for going.

Upon entry you are immediately met by the staff, who are understanding and calm. Though with their great attitudes and knowledge of all things boxing, it is not hard to tell these are professionals.

All these things come together to create an atmosphere that is truly welcoming. Although you may not feel truly comfortable until you find yourself sweating at the bags, just like everyone else.

Become a Member here!

The Workout

The workout regiment cultivated at Title Boxing Club is one of high intensity, high cardio, and high ferocity as you let everything out on the bag in front of you.

The workout is set in 8 rounds. It is like a boxing match, except the opponent is yourself. You start with the warm up which is no understatement. It is like preheating an oven to 450 and then cooking a raw egg.

The staff are constantly watching out for participants, making sure punches are being done correctly. Or they may be there to single you out, and make you hit your bag harder and faster. This Title Boxing work out is designed to push your limits. We really don’t know what we are capable of until we are pushed to the edge.

Title Boxing Shop

At Title Boxing Winter Park, there is a shop with all the necessary components. Wraps, gloves,a and bags are all there and made in very high quality. However, if you are not apt to buying gear, they do have gear that you can borrow for the class.

In an environment like Title Boxing Club Winter Park, A welcoming atmosphere with a staff that wants its participants to succeed, that is nothing but achievable. Make your way to Title Boxing Club Winter Park!

One of the most common things done at a routine dental visit is having x-rays. It’s those x-rays that allow the dentist to take a closer look at the overall health of your teeth to detect damage and disease affecting the roots and bones of your mouth, and to look for any possible cavities – things that aren’t visible during a routine visual exam. Sounds good, right? But then we cover you in a heavy vest and ask pregnant women to forgo x-rays which prompts lots of questions from our patients about dental x-ray safety. So, let’s talk about it!

Radiation 101

The worrisome part about digital dental xray machines is the exposure to radiation. Radiation is a scary term, but the reality is that we are exposed to radiation in our everyday lives, not just during x-rays. Radiation is measured in units called rems. The doses in the medical world are so small, they are measured in millirems, or “mrem” which is just one thousandth of a rem. Below are some examples of amounts of radiation we’re exposed to in our everyday lives*:

• Airport scan is 0.001 mrem.
• Eating a banana is 0.01 mrem.
• Natural radiation in the human body is 0.04 mrem.
• Average flight from New York to Los Angeles is 4 mrem.
• Average chest x-ray is 10 mrem
• Average mammogram is 40 mrem.
• Annual cosmic radiation living in Denver is 50 mrem.
• An average (full body) CT scan is 1000 mrem.

On average, you can expect to be exposed to somewhere between 200-360 mrem throughout a year, far below the fatal level which is one million mrem.

Dental X-Ray Safety

So how much radiation are you exposed to with dental x-rays? Just a little – a digital dental x-ray averages 0.4 mrem, and a film dental x-ray averages 0.6-0.9 mrem. Flying cross-country exposes a person to a far higher amount of radiation than digital or film dental x-rays!

While dental x-rays do expose patients to a small dose of radiation, that dose is so small the benefits outweigh the harmful effects. Dental x-rays equip the dental team with much needed information about your teeth and gums, information that can’t be seen by the naked eye. When we cover you with a vest and ask pregnant women to forgo x-rays for one visit, it’s not because the x-rays are dangerous, it’s simply an effort to expose you to as little radiation as possible in your lifetime. So, the next time your dentist tells you it’s time for x-rays, don’t worry, they really are safe!

Now that you better understand dental x-ray safety, there’s no excuse to avoid the dentist. Call us and get you next check-up scheduled. We are here to help you have the best health you can achieve, starting with oral health. Find a dentist near you today or call us at 877-662-9235 for questions or to get scheduled today!

*Data compiled from a number of sources including, Environmental Protection Agency, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the American Dental Association.