Blog Team Mascot: Lola

They are cute and cuddly, greet you with a happy face and wagging tail when you arrive home from a long day; all they ask in return is a good scratch behind the ears, pat on the head, and regular feeding. Who is more devoted to you than your fur-ever friend?

For pet owners, there’s no doubt that having a furry friend is a wonderful addition to their life, but are pets actually good for you? Studies show that yes, in fact, there are multiple health benefits to pet ownership. Pets are proven to be incredibly effective stress relievers, reducing the incidence of stress-related diseases ranging from heart disease to hypertension to ulcers. 

A new study shows that among people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol, those who owned pets enjoyed better cardiovascular health and more adaptable heart rates than those who didn’t.

This study only reinforces a solid body of evidence that proves the healthy benefits of pet ownership. A 2008 study showed that cat owners have a far lower risk of dying from a heart attack than people who’ve never owned a cat. And pets have long been proven to encourage a more active lifestyle – people who own dogs are more likely to walk more and walk faster than people who don’t.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s devoted to one of life’s most important primary foods: romantic love. Whether you plan to dine in with your special someone or go out with your spouse, a happy romantic relationship is something to cherish all year long.

Having a partner to love is good for the soul – not just for the moments of passion, but also for the ordinary comforts of sharing how your day went over dinner and watching Modern Family together.

Study after study shows that love is good for your physical health, too. For centuries, scientists have observed the “marriage advantage” phenomeon; people in happy romantic partnerships tend to be healthier and live longer.

Last week we kicked off our new Vitamin L series, which celebrates the various relationships in our lives throughout the month of February, with a post on friendship.

Next up, we’re talking family. That’s right, those crazy people who drive you nuts, and at one point (circa age 15) you didn’t want to be seen with, but at the end of the day, you love ‘em anyway.

Unlike some other relationships, we don’t get to choose our family members. Who we marry, yes; but that mother of yours who made you take those really awkward photos on the first say of school, you know, the one who is constantly reminding you that she’d like grandchildren someday? Well, you’re sort of stuck with her.

At times it’s easy to be harsh or brutally honest with these people, as we know our family will love us unconditionally. But that’s also the reason that we cherish them so much. On our good days they’re our biggest fans, and on our bad days there's nothing quite like the comfort a family member can provide.

February is all about one thing: Love. Or as we like to call it: Vitamin L. This month we will be exploring the various relationships that not only help define who we are, but bring us closer to our happiest, healthiest selves!

Let’s start the series with a relationship that has been proven essential to our health and well-being: Friendship.

What would life be without our friends? Slightly lonely? Probably. Much less fun? I think so.

But could being friendless also affect your health? Several studies say yes.

In 2006, a study, involving 3,000 women diagnosed with cancer, was conducted to see what effect friendship had on cancer patients. Researchers found that women, who had 10 or more close friends were four times more likely to recover from the disease.

“I’ve got a perfect body ‘cause my eyelashes catch my sweat.” – Regina Spektor

No matter what your shape or size, gender or age, most (if not all) of us have experienced the nagging doubts of body insecurity. Little imperfections can cloud our heads, and we can forget to love ourselves.

What many people don't realize is that no one is born with self-confidence - it is practiced.

One fantastic way to practice self-confidence is to eat right and exercise. A healthy body will certainly make you feel more energetic and radiant, but what else can you do to remember to love yourself?

The day of love is upon us. Are you getting your optimal dose of love, or Vitamin L, as we call it?

Amidst the feeling that today is about romantic dinners, chocolates and flowers, check in to make sure you are getting your Vitamin L, in whatever form feels good to you! Vitamin L is what we refer to as love, and it is the most important nutrient for your health and wellbeing. When it comes down to it, love is the food for the soul and it nourishes the body, mind and spirit.

Vitamin L doesn’t have to come only from a romantic partner or relationship, and in fact some of the most nourishing doses of Vitamin L can come from a loving relationship with yourself, or through loving interactions between friends, family members, co-workers, pets, neighbors…there are so many possibilities.

It’s important to recognize these valuable sources and to nurture them so that you can be nourished as well. You can drink all of the green smoothies in the world, but love (in all forms) is a vital component to being a happy, healthy and balanced person! What's your favorite way to make sure you get your Vitamin L?

If you'd like to share how you get your dose of Vitamin L, check out our Vitamin L photo contest. Submit an entry of your own or get new ideas from others!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s rare to meet someone who feels entirely supported by his or her family, friends, coworkers, boss and significant other. Sometimes the answer to getting the support you need is as simple as asking for help from these people or from a professional. Other times, the answer may lie in creating new relationships and letting go of the old ones that no longer serve you. Start by looking at the relationship you have with yourself. When you find ways to nurture and love yourself, you will be better able to communicate your needs to others.

Figuring out what kind of love relationship works best for you is crucial. For many, a happy marriage early in life is their main goal. They are clear that they want to have children and build a firm structure for their whole life and for future generations. Others look for alternatives to marriage or wait until later in life to marry or settle down with one person. Many people feel pressure from their families or society to get married and have children, while this is simply not the right path for some. It is important that you take time to determine what you want, and then work practically and positively toward it. Having a dream is one thing; making it happen is another. We all need support on this very important issue, so find people in your life that can offer it to you.