When you get stressed, you get sick.With the hustle and bustle of the holidays upon us, stress levels are up and everyone’s getting sick.
Its no mistake that the common cold and flu are at an all time high this time of year. Immune systems are low and with all the traveling and picking up germs you’re bound to get the sniffles just in time for the holidays.
Taking extra care of yourself during the holiday season will keep sickness at bay and you feeling merry and bright for all your holiday parties and traditions.Immune System Boosting SuperfoodsThere’s plenty of delicious food to indulge in during the holidays, most of which unfortunately doesn’t provide you with the nutrients you need to naturally boost your immune system. Incorporate antioxidant rich foods like citrus and green leafy veggies to give your system the fighting chance it needs. A daily dose of probiotics in foods like yogurt will keep your digestive system on track and breaking down indulgent foods like those extra cookies you snuck at the company party. You are what you eat, so make a conscious effort to balance your party eats with a healthy variety of nutrient rich food.
Dodging Germs While Out and AboutThere’s so much to do and so many errands to run, forcing you to head out into the germy wasteland that is the mall and supermarket. Instead of putting yourself on the front lines, try shopping online in the comfort of your thoroughly sanitized home. Your treasures arrive conveniently at your door and you can avoid the crowds, lines and frustration of the holiday shopping scene. If you do have to go out, stay prepared. Wash your hands and get fresh air frequently and avoid touching your face! Germs enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth so keep those yucky hands off your beautiful clean face.
Practice a Healthy Amount of Self CareTake care of yourself? Who has the time!Well actually, a sprinkle of self care into your daily routine takes no time at all and will help you banish stress and feeling great all season. Take the time to relax and unwind at the end of the day, and stretch out your breakfast to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. The holidays are stressful because of the constant need to get everything right and it really wears you down. Take a step back and do things that you enjoy, even if it means putting down the wrapping paper and the tinsel for a while.
Who wants to start 2017 sick in bed?Taking some extra precautions and focusing on your health this season will keep you from catching the flu or a nasty cold; the gift that keeps giving. Eat right, get some fresh air and be a little more conscious and you’ll feel extra festive for all of those upcoming holiday parties and obligations.
Tissues aren’t a cute accessory for your holiday outfit, so leave the red nose to Rudolph.

For dog lovers, our pets are family.If this is your first pregnancy, your dog might have very well been your first baby. When it comes time to bringing your baby home for the first time, you might be wondering how to introduce your dog to your brand new baby. 
Our dogs are very in tune with our emotional energy, but they don’t always know what these different feelings around the house mean. Pregnancy is an emotional journey with ups and downs and your pet will likely reflect these emotions in their own behavior.
New parents shouldn’t feel stressed to introduce their two favorite “people” together for the first time, so we’re bringing expectant parents some peace of mind for this exciting new chapter for their growing families. 
Break Bad HabitsWhile you’re pregnant, it’s a great opportunity to focus on your pet and breaking some bad habits they might have. If your dog has some behavioral quirks like jumping when greeting new people, territoriality or even accidents in the house, it might be helpful for you to get them on a training regimen. When it comes time to bring home your newborn, it’s a sigh of relief to have your dog being well behaved and in a calm and comfortable state of mind.  ​
Prepare Your Pet 
Dogs have an acute sense of smell and sound and these are immediately connected to many of their behaviors. Preparing your dog with the sights, sounds an scent of your new baby helps acclimate your dog to the changes around your home. Play baby sounds at a low volume throughout the day, turning the volume up while your dog is more relaxed. Use a realistic baby doll to help your dog understand how to interact around the baby, praising or rewarding them for good behavior. It can also be helpful to introduce your new baby’s scent on a blanket or an article of clothing to help your pet develop a relationship with the new baby.
Don’t Scold
When dogs are confused or anxious, they might give warning signs to people that can come across as aggressive. Low growls or mumbles out of your dog give you an opportunity to assess the situation or conflict, understanding more about what is triggering this emotion in your dog. Observe their body language, help remove them from the situation if they become visually stressed. Don’t punish the warning signs your dog are sending you, they are just looking for some understanding.
Patience is everything in the first few weeks home with your new baby and that goes for your baby’s relationship with your dog too. Don’t overstimulate your pet by forcing the interaction with your baby and a little understanding and patience will result in an amazing lifelong friendship.