MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacterium infection that is difficult to treat in humans, is said to be eight times more prevalent in households with cats as pets.

The first cases of MRSA in pets was discovered just five years ago, though it seemed to be limited to therapy dogs who were exposed to health care workers and patients on a consistent basis, and fell into the belief that illnesses jump from humans to pets, and not vice versa. However, in more recent studies it’s been found that animals store the infection in their bodies, though a healthy dog or cat …read more

Awhile back I wrote about Zola Brazilian Superfruit Juice Drinks. My family tried a variety of the juices that included Acai, Energy Smoothie, Antioxidant Smoothie, and their Immunity Smoothie.
I liked the drinks, once I got used to the tang of Acai. It tastes like a combination between grape and cranberry, but stronger and thicker. Acai is a superfruit and very high in antioxidants and vitamins.
I’ve been using their new Daily Wellness Shot for a couple of weeks now. One shot – a 1 ounce serving – contains 100% of the recommended daily amount of ORAC. ORAC helps to protect the …read more

Yesterday I posted about a new product called Zestra that has had great success in increasing women’s sexual satisfaction.  You can read my interview with Dr. Krychman, an experienced medical professional who has been studying sexual dysfunction in cancer and non-cancer patients here: Zestra Helps Women Find Sexual Satisfaction.
I am excited to announce that Zestra is hosting a giveaway with Blisstree to offer readers the opportunity to try out this new product for free.  Zestra uses natural botanical oils and is applied to a woman’s body to increase sensitivity with a fabulous warming sensation called the Zestra Rush.  Clinical trials …read more

Women are complicated sexual beings.  As the topic of women’s health and sexuality has grown in interest over the last ten years, so have studies to discover ways to increase sexual satisfaction in women.  I am excited to see women and doctors talking about this subject and openly addressing the idea that women might need to work a little harder to be sexually satisfied.
Zestra is a new product made from natural botanical oils that is applied on a woman’s body to increase sexual satisfaction.  I wanted to hear a little more about how Zestra works, so I conducted an interview …read more

In response to my post,  Crafts Good for Mental Health, one of my readers shared her  experiences with mixed media art in her struggle with multiple sclerosis. 
“Crafting and art has kept me sane,” she said, in spite of her left hand sometimes experiencing pain. 
I’d imagine her crafting also keeps her hands more agile, even though she does have some pain.  I know this was true of my grandmother.
Nanny’s hands were curled and crippled with arthritis in her later years.  However, she insisted on keeping them busy with snapping beans, shucking peas, mending clothes, stitching quilts, making doll clothes, and crocheting rag rugs.  I recall sitting …read more

 Many crafters, quilters and fabric artists find their activities good for their mental health and alleviating depression.  Perhaps you’re going through a stressful time in your life.  Why not concentrate on your creative activities?
 In addition to giving you something to concentrate on when your thoughts could delve into darkness, crafts and related arts may bring you together with others in your field.  This helps you find new directions and boost your spirits. 
 I’ve found working with my hands a great diversion over the years.  The actual task of quilting, scrapbooking, crocheting and other crafts is relaxing.  Often you can take your work …read more

Accordingly to Travel Weekly (the newspaper of the travel industry), occupancy rates at Mexico hotels dropped to 24% after the Swine Flu (officially called the H1N1 virus) outbreak.  That represents a drop in over 50% from the same week in 2008.
My experience in Cancun earlier in the week was consistent with these numbers, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the occupancy rate plunge even lower.
High schools were reopening the day after I left, and the lower schools were scheduled to reopen next week.  The city seems to be getting a handle on things, and slowly starting to return …read more

Another form of parenting consists of caring for one’s parents or elderly relatives. You’ve gone from being parented to parenting that older person.   Most caregivers go into this stage of life without adequate preparation or support.
Finding caregiver support groups in your area, or online, can be a challenge.  Here are a few suggestions.
Check out the following places in your community to see if they have a support group or know of any:

Home health agencies
Senior Center
Local Hospital
Local Nursing homes
State Alzheimer’s Association
State Department of the Elderly or Family Services
Others caring for elderly parents or spouses

If there is nothing in your community, the …read more

I found something interesting today on AOL Health about diet and health. It seems that some of that healthful eating we do can actually be detrimental to our bladder health. Who knew? Well, after reading this we both will. 
The following evidence is known as “anecdotal” which means it will affect some people, but not others, according to Kelly O’Connor, R.D., L.D.N.
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, while full of healthy vitamin C are also full of acid. This can irritate conditions such as urinary incontinence and over-active bladder. Spicy foods can do the same thing, so watch the jalapenos.
Water is good because it …read more

Laughter is good for us, whether we’re in business or not.  However, at Woman on Business, I found an interesting post, Laughter is Serious Business by Chrysty Beverley Fortner.

Chrysty tells us that if you make her laugh, she’ll do business with you. So perhaps this is a good tip to keep in mind if you’re in a craft (or any other) business.  She also mentions how laughter is good for health, stress relief and your life in general.
I know when my mother had Alzheimer’s, laughter helped my husband, Mother and me get through this difficult time.  When Mother commented, “We …read more