Pets in Our Lives Month

October 2, 2019

“The best therapist has fur and four legs.”      ~ Unknown

In 2018, it was estimated that 68% of U.S. households owned a pet and this number continues to rise. It’s an amazing thing how pets can make such a difference for people—mentally, physically, socially, and surprise… medically! Our companion animals come in all shapes and sizes and don’t always have fur so even the reptilian aficionados or the strictly fishbowl pet owners still benefit. For the past ten years, human-animal interactions have been studied and proven to have a positive impact on children’s health and development.

So how do they make our lives better? Besides the joy, entertainment, and unconditional love that pet-owners already know, the five measurable medical benefits include:

• Exercise and socialization – most pet owners are more active and feel less isolation or loneliness. This is especially true for elderly per owners.
• Stress reduction – there is extensive research proving canines can reduce stress and blood pressure. Snuggle a pooch today!
• Pain relief – chronic pain sufferers require up to 50% less medication to manage pain.
• Lower lipid levels – cholesterol and triglycerides may be lower for pet owners.
• Less depression – the act of caring for an entirely dependent pet can increase motivation. Receiving unconditional love is also a factor.

The bottom line? You don’t have to be a pet owner to find opportunities to interact with animals. If you are out for a stroll and run across a pet, many pet owners are willing to let their companion animal share the love, but be sure to ask before reaching. Visit the zoo, browse a pet store, volunteer at the local animal shelter, sign up for equine therapy classes, watch the ducks at a pond… the possibilities to interact with animals in a way that you are comfortable with is endless. Many social media sites are dedicated just to pet lovers like “Dogspotting Society”, “Happy Cats”, or “Horse Obsessed” on Facebook. Be on the lookout this month for visits to some locations from our own Pet Therapy program. The canines promote wellbeing with our patients just as many pet therapy programs have successfully been introduced to prisons, hospitals, and schools. Read here for more animal-human interactions in the news.

Want to make your pet a treat they can’t resist? Cabot’s Best Recipes for Your Four-Legged Family Members

October is filled with pet holidays:

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

Adopt a Dog Month (AH) / Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (ASPCA)

National Pet Wellness Month

National Pitbull Awareness Month

October 1: National Fire Pup Day

October 1: National Black Dog Day

October 1–6: National Walk Your Dog Week

October 4: World Animal Day

October 4: World Pets Day

October 7–13: Animal Welfare Week

October 9: Pet Obesity Awareness Day

October 14–20: Veterinary Technician Week

October 16: National Feral Cat Day

October 26: National Pit Bull Awareness Day

October 27: National Black Cat Day (UK)

October 29: National Cat Day

One final note: Wellness Wednesdays will be coming out the first Wednesday of each month moving forward rather than every Wednesday.

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October 25, 2019

CHECKING IN AND REMAINING PRESENT: A SPECIAL MESSAGE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM BEREAVEMENT SERVICES AND THE EMPLOYEE WELLNESS COUNCIL.

Today is three weeks since the tragic and shattering death of our coworker and friend Doc Kenser. Although we continue to move forward with our responsibilities, both personal and professional, there is no doubt we remain deeply affected by this loss.

How ARE we affected? We all cope in various ways depending on our personal beliefs or other stressors in our lives. We may find it difficult to focus or to get “back on track”. In addition, being in the actual physical space where we worked and spent time with Doc may result in ongoing sadness, regret, guilt, confusion, shame, anger, and possibly even physical manifestations such as actual aches and pains.

How many of us have walked out of our way to get to a destination because we didn’t want to walk by Doc’s desk? How many of us have lingered there in silence, in a moment of communion? How many of us work in a different office and may feel isolated in their grief?

These are ALL normal responses to grief and loss. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a timeframe or roadmap for this journey. Although bittersweet, we are being provided with an opportunity to grow in our understanding of depression as an illness, and to encourage, lift up, and be present for one another. Shakespeare said, “Give sorrow words”. Telling our grief story in whatever way is most meaningful empowers us and helps the healing process begin. Share, then share again. Part of self-care is carving out intentional time and space to acknowledge our feelings and ask for what we need. It isn’t an easy task. Grief is hard work. The gift comes in knowing that when we care deeply, we mourn deeply.

Death by suicide may leave us even more vulnerable and experiencing complicated grief. If your thoughts and feelings are intense or you need help now, please let someone know. We wouldn’t allow an abscessed tooth or broken bone to go untreated.  Nor should we deny mental health concerns. We must also bring suicide out of the darkness. Bereavement Services is nearby to support anyone who is struggling and needs a safe place to share, or who may need resources for additional support. If anyone is uncomfortable with Bereavement Services, then the Arkansas Hospice EAP is available, as well.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1-800-542-6021, Website: www.uams.edu/eap)

Suicide Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text Start to 741741, Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

These are early days in this journey. Feelings of grief may be acute right now, but they do soften with time. We are meant to reengage and reinvest in the world. We are meant to “live forward”. That is the nature of life and hope.

Be Well…

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