A recent study involved middle-aged women and researchers observed that having a high attachment to a furry friend helped reduce anxiety. Specifically, dog ownership, not cat ownership, was found to lower anxiety. In fact, researchers noted that a strong connection with a dog contributed to lower rates of depression and anxiety, in addition to symptoms of either disorder. This was especially true for women with a history of childhood abuse. 

Researchers noted that the level of attachment to a pet is a crucial factor in how they help reduce anxiety or risk of their owners’ depression. This bond may be more impactful for certain groups, but that depends on the person’s attachment style and if they endured childhood abuse. Just as with anything, there are other factors to consider before adopting a pet. Although it may benefit your mental health, not everyone is equipped to have a pet. Just keep that in mind when reading about the following study. 

Women With Strong Bonds to Dogs Had Lower Rates Of Anxiety And Depression

Study authors explain that the goal of the study was to better understand if a close bond with a pet reduced a person’s anxiety and depression, especially for women who endured childhood abuse. The study included 214 women who previously enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study 2. 140 of those women owned a pet, 56% of which owned a dog and 33% of which owned a cat. The controlled group in the study consisted of 74 participants who had never owned a pet. 

Researchers purposefully, but randomly, oversampled participants who reported childhood abuse. That means that they included a higher percentage than would normally be found in the general population. This was to better understand the impact of pet ownership on women with mental health issues. The average age of the group was 61, and 156 women experienced childhood abuse. 

During the study, participants were asked about their feelings and behaviors toward the pet they spent the most time with. Did they consider them a friend? Did they talk to them or play with them frequently? Were the pets considered family members? Researchers noted that a higher attachment to dogs was linked to significantly lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dog attachment also revealed lower scores in general anxiety and overall anxiety and depression symptoms. That was particularly true among women with a history of childhood abuse.

Women With Cats Didn’t Have Lower Anxiety And Depression

Although pet attachment was linked to lower anxiety levels, there was no significant reduction in depression or anxiety in women who had an attachment to cats. Is this another reason to understand that dogs are better? We are not at liberty to make that claim. Unfortunately, researchers don’t fully understand why that is. They theorize that may have been due to a smaller sample size of cat owners. Perhaps it was the differences in the lifestyles and personalities of cats versus dog owners. 

Cats are generally more independent than dogs, though. Some people may feel that cats lack the same level of companionship or emotional support, but that is entirely subjective. The social interactions encouraged by dogs may not be as prevalent with cats. Dogs require walks, trips to the park, or even doggy playdates.  Cats tend to stay indoors and may not encourage the same level of social engagement or physical activity. 

The Love For Animals Inspires Researchers

All of the researchers behind the study had pets of their own and shared a similar love for animals. The research was driven by the growing evidence that pets have the power to benefit human health. Many researchers have noticed that elderly patients are able to relax and find anxiety relief when through the companionship of a pet. Pets bring a level of comfort and can help reduce feelings of loneliness. They offer unconditional love and support!

Should You Consider A Pet?

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, getting a pet may seem like the answer. As a disclaimer, not everyone with depression or anxiety will benefit from pet ownership. There are a lot of things to consider before getting a pet. Pet ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities and commitment, physically, financially, and emotionally. 

Many people who experience feelings of depression or loneliness may benefit from interacting with a pet. That pet may even cause you to get out of bed in the morning because that living creature relies on you. For others, getting a pet can be very overwhelming, and it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, or shame. All of that can contribute to more depression or anxiety. Just calculate the risk of getting a pet before jumping in the deep end. You may find that fostering a pet is a great first step!

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It is no secret that antidepressants can cause weight gain, which is one reason people want to avoid them. A recent study highlighted exactly which antidepressants are more likely than others to increase body weight. Researchers examined the electronic health records of more than 183,000 people (aged 18 to 80) in the United States taking antidepressants for the first time. The team tracked overall weight for 24 months. 

Researchers compared various drugs to Zoloft, the most readily prescribed antidepressant among study participants. After six months, Zoloft users gained half a pound, and people taking Prozac experienced similar weight gain. Those prescribed Cymbalta, Paxil, and Celexa gained a little more on average. Lexapro users experienced the most weight gain of 1.4 pounds at the six-month mark. That number increased to 3.6 pounds after 24 months. Although people taking Wellbutrin did not experience weight gain at six months, they did gain a pound after 24 months. 

Researchers suggest that people who experience unwanted weight gain as a side effect of taking antidepressant are less likely to continue taking medication. That is why study authors wanted to compare weight gain across first-line antidepressants. Understanding this may help inform clinicians to make the best decisions for the overall health of their patients. 

Why Is Weight Gain A Common Side Effect?

The exact mechanism for weight gain is not fully understood, and it wasn’t explored in the study. Some researchers suspect a few reasons as to why antidepressants may cause some people to gain weight. Health experts believe that it has to do with an increase in serotonin, the chemical that plays a role in overall mood. 

Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa all raise serotonin levels. Similarly histamine receptors, such as tricyclic antidepressants, raise serotonin levels. Increasing serotonin can enhance a person’s appetite and cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods. Additionally, some research suggests that certain antidepressants can change metabolism by slowing metabolic rate. They may also influence insulin, make people sluggish and lazy, and promote fat storage. 

It is possible for some people to lose weight once they get off antidepressants, but that isn’t feasible for everyone. Some changes that result from taking antidepressants take a long time to wear off, for example, metabolic changes. The extent of weight loss after you discontinue antidepressants can vary depending on medication use, metabolic changes, and overall lifestyle. 

Balancing Weight Gain With Other Factors

According to health experts, weight gain is a factor to consider when deciding on an antidepressant. Not only can weight gain increase feelings of depression, but it can also exacerbate underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension. Someone who is depressed may also feel overwhelmed by having to manage weight, in addition to their mental health. For this reason, clinicians need to be careful about addressing these concerns prior to prescribing antidepressants. 

Each class of antidepressants works differently, so medical professionals should consider a person’s symptoms and medical history. People with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or those who abruptly quit alcohol or sedatives should not take Wellbutrin. The reason for that is because it can increase the risk of seizures and cause other symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and risk of hypertension.

The good news is that antidepressants aren’t necessary for everyone. There are various actions a person can take to reduce symptoms of depression, with therapy being a great one. The main thing that mental health experts want is for people to take action. If you are struggling with depression, do not avoid mental health treatment options, especially if the fear is weight gain. There are many methods to treat depression, and medication isn’t always the answer. Additionally, it may not be the answer for you. Do your research and talk to your healthcare professionals to see what the right option is for you if you have depression.

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On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Juneteenth, as it was and is still called, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. In 2021, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth, which falls on June 19th, a federal holiday. Even before passing this bill, there was an observable increase in Juneteenth celebrations across the United States. 

How Did Juneteenth Begin?

The federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in June of 1865, a full two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia. The arrival of General Gordon Granger and his 2,000 troops was to inform the nearly 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued nearly two and half years earlier on January 1, 1863. The holiday, Juneteenth, is also called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day. 

The post-emancipation period, or Reconstruction (1865-1867) marked an era of new hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation. Formerly enslaved people sought to reunite with families, establish schools, push laws into legislation, run for political office, and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Juneteenth, then, acts as a second day of independence in the United States. 

How Is Juneteenth Celebrated?

Despite the fact that it has been a long celebrated tradition in the African American community, Juneteenth is a monumental event that remains largely unknown to most Americans. The historical legacy of the day represents the value of never giving up hope in times of uncertainty. While many people may get the day off work for this federal holiday, early celebrations involved small family gatherings and prayer. As the years went by, later celebrations involved pilgrimages to Galveston to former enslaved people and their families. 

In 1872, a group of African American businessmen and ministers in Houston, Texas purchased 10 acres of land to create Emancipation Park. The park held the city’s annual Juneteenth celebrations for years. Today, celebrations often take place among families and food is typically a focal point. Some cities, including Washington D.C. and Atlanta, hold larger events that include festivals and parades with local businesses and residents. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many Juneteenth celebrations were on hold for 2020 and 2021. That’s why celebrations ramped up in 2022 and future plans for the holiday are only growing. Galveston continues to remain a busy site for Juneteenth events, and artists dedicated a 5,000-square-foot mural in 2021. This year, in 2023, Galveston will celebrate the holiday with a scholarship ball, a banquet, and a festival. Organizers in Atlanta will hold a parade and music festival, while other cities, including Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Tulsa, And Philadelphia, will hold similar events. 

The Path To A Federal Holiday

Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980. All 50 states and the District of Colombia now recognize the holiday in some way, shape, or form. In the wake of the nationwide protests against police brutality in 2020, the push for federal recognition of Juneteenth gained new momentum. Congress rushed the bill through legislation in the summer of 2021. 

In fact, the House passed the measure by a vote of 415 to 14. The opposing votes came from members of the Republican party. Some of the opposers even argued that calling the new holiday Juneteenth Independence Day, echoing July 4, would create confusion among the American public and force them to choose a celebration of freedom based on race. 

The law went into effect on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth the 11th federally-recognized holiday. The first federal Juneteenth holiday was observed the very next day after President Biden signed the bill into law. Juneteenth was observed on June 18, as June 19 fell on a Saturday.

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Sometimes, you are lucky enough to find something you are truly passionate about in this life. That is a gift, and it is exactly what happened to the CEO of Dherbs, A.D. Dolphin. It took time and trial and error for A.D. to realize his dream, but he succeeded. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to celebrate A.D. for not only being a CEO of a black-owned business, but also one of the leading online retailers of herbal supplements. 

How Dherbs Began

Over 20 years ago, A.D. was struggling with some health issues, drinking more soda than he cares to admit and not in the great health he is in today. He wasn’t working out as much and started to gain weight. A friend introduced him to cleansing, an idea that had never occurred to him before. After his first cleanse, A.D. lost weight and felt better than he ever had before. From that point forth, he knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life: create a cleanse and other herbal supplements that helped people achieve the same vibrant health he was feeling. 

A.D. met with the best herbalists to formulate a cleanse that would clean out the entire body, not just the colon or digestive tract, which most cleanses focus on. Thus, the Full Body Cleanse, Dherbs’ flagship product, was born. Since its inception, the Full Body Cleanse, a 20-day program that helps to clean out the body’s major organs and systems, has helped millions of people around the world optimize their health. 

Dherbs Has You, The Customers, To Thank

Dherbs’ primary objective has been, and continues to be, to assist people in reclaiming their birthright of optimal health. Without your desire to turn your life around and become healthier, we would not be where we are today. As the company has grown, it’s been a truly amazing experience to hear stories of personal growth and health transformation. When we see the before and after pictures, it inspires us, and A.D., more than you even realize.

To see a person’s body transform in a matter of weeks never gets old. We have seen thousands and thousands of before and after pictures, and we are impressed every single time. In fact, it gives A.D. inspiration to be as healthy as he can be! He wants to continue to set an example, not only as the CEO, but as a Black man challenging the health issues that disproportionately affect the Black community.

As of a couple years ago, the life expectancy at birth for Black Americans was 70.8 years, with 66.7 years for men and 74.8 years for women. The death rate for Black Americans is usually higher than white Americans for heart disease, stroke, cancer, influenza, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and asthma. If A.D. and Dherbs can do anything to help correct, or at least make a small but positive dent, in these issues, then we have succeeded. 

Thank you, Dherbs Family, for the continued support over the years. We hope that you continue to grow with us and that you keep sending your health transformations our way. Not to be corny, but keep calm and cleanse on!

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Nearly 100 years ago, the United States celebrated the first Black History Month as a weeklong event. Carter G. Woodson established that week as Negro History Week, and he realized the importance of establishing a theme to attract and focus the public’s attention. The intention was never to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience; rather, the goal has been to bring public awareness to important developments that merit emphasis. 

Since 1976, the U.S. has celebrated February as Black History Month. Not only does Black history embrace the 400-year-long record of Black life in America, but it also emphasizes stories and activism against slavery and present-day racism. Read on to learn about eight facts about Black History Month. 

Black History Month Began As Negro History Week

As previously stated, Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. The celebration highlighted Black Americans’ lives, history, and contributions to the U.S. It wasn’t until 1976 when Negro History Week expanded to a month-long celebration that people continue to observe today. 

The Theme For Black History Month Changes Yearly

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which was founded by Carter G. Woodson, selects a different theme for Black History Month each year. The very first theme was Civilization: A World Achievement. The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance, which sheds a light on historic and modern oppressions against Black Americans. Resisting acts of discrimination, racism, and injustice plays an integral role in the well-being of Black Americans. 

Different Countries Celebrate Black History Month

Known as the “Mother of Black History Month” in Canada, Dr. Jean Augustine established celebrations in 1995. Just like in the U.S., celebrations occur in February. In the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, Black History Month is observed in October. The United Kingdom’s initial focus was on Black American history, but the focus now is on Black British history.

Black History Month Recognizes All African American Experiences

According to the Census Bureau, Black Americans accounted for 13.6% of the U.S. population as of 2022. That means that there are over 45 million different lived experiences across the nation. Each experience is honored during Black History Month, and celebrations that honor these experiences are about supporting communities, family members, and the stories that unite them. 

Black Students Protested For Black History Month

In 1968, members of the Black United Students (BUS) at Kent State University protested disorderly conduct charges against students that participated in sit-ins. The student activism was successful in that it helped establish three Black studies departments and institutes on campus. The following year, BUS members demanded Kent State extend Negro History Week into a month of Black history celebrations. This was later observed nationwide. 

National Organizations Sponsor Black History Month

Different organizations honor Black History Month every February by hosting commemorative events. Of the many Black History Month sponsors, some of them include The Library of Congress, The National Park Service, The Smithsonian Institution, and The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. These organization-run events involve art gallery productions, different speakers, and community learn sessions. 

HBCUs Promote Black History Year-Round

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education opportunities to Black Americans. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was the first HBCU established in 1837. HBCUs that were established prior to 1964 honor their mission to educate Black Americans. These universities recognize Black American experiences in addition to teaching Black history.

February Honors Frederick Douglass And Abraham Lincoln

Carter G. Woodson selected February to celebrate Black History Month for good reason. He wanted to honor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birth dates. Lincoln declared freedom for enslavedAmericans held in the Confederacy via the Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass escaped American slavery in 1838 and became a famous abolitionist, speaker, and writer. One of his most famous books was A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. 

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past and learn from earlier lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Explore community events and celebrations this February to learn more about Black History.

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No, this article is not a joke. Those little tiny green peas that you see in the freezer section of grocery stores are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich in protein, lots of fiber, and exhibit impressive antioxidant activity. They also offer lots of micronutrients, including vitamins C and K and manganese. Besides their impressive nutritional profile, green peas are very versatile and deserve to be a staple food in your diet. 

What Are Green Peas?

Green peas are technically the seeds of the pod fruit and considered a fruit, not a vegetable. The reason for this is because they have seeds and develop from the ovary of the pea flower. These pods contain several small peas, either yellow or green in color, and (despite their fruit classification) are popularly used as vegetables in culinary applications. Different pea varieties offer different flavor profiles and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or added to soups, stir-fries, and even desserts.

Peas have a rich history of culinary use, being a staple food in Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, and British cuisines. In fact, archaeologists found evidence of wild pea consumption dating all the way back to 9750 B.C. Different civilizations consumed peas throughout the course of history, but were they aware of their nutritional benefits? Even if they weren’t, you can be by reading about the following health benefits of green peas.

Rich In Protein

Protein makes up the foundation of your skin, muscles, bones, and hair, but it plays a role in overall health. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues as well as synthesize enzymes and hormones. A protein deficiency can impair immune function, stunt growth, and decrease energy levels. Green peas are naturally rich in pea protein, with a cup of peas providing 8.6 grams. That makes green peas on par with other plant-based proteins, including quinoa, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast. 

Support Healthy Digestion

In addition to the impressive protein content, green peas boast 8.8 grams of fiber per cup, which fulfills 35% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Studies suggest that incorporating more fiber-rich foods into your diet benefits several aspects of your health, especially digestion. Fiber passes through the digestive tract undigested, which adds bulk to stool to increase stool frequency. Some research indicates that fiber may benefit digestive conditions, including stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

May Protect Against Cancer

Green peas contain a lot of antioxidant compounds, which work to fight free radicals. They also help to relieve inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells. In some in vitro studies, some antioxidants in green peas have exhibited anti-cancer properties. Saponins are a type of antioxidant compound found in green peas, and they may inhibit tumor growth. According to a 2009 review from Canada, saponins in green peas and other legumes may have therapeutic effects against some types of cancer. Another review of in vitro studies found that saponins were able to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. That said, more research is necessary to confirm the promising anti-cancer activity of green peas. 

Support Blood Sugar Control

The fiber and protein in green peas may help regulate blood sugar levels. In turn, these efforts may prevent symptoms like fatigue, increased headaches, and frequent urination (more common among diabetics). Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Increasing protein intake has also been associated with lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Not only that, but green peas have a low glycemic index. One review found that eating lots of foods with a low glycemic index, such as peas, can help lower the risk of diabetes.

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Each year on the third Monday of January, we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) in the United States. Although it is a federal holiday, it is also a chance to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to establish racial equality. This year, aim to make this holiday more than a day off from work. Take the time to select and consider how you can get involved in civil rights issues around the world. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born on January 15th, 1929. Best known for his work as a civil rights leader, King dedicated his life to working on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. On MLK Day, we remember his life and achievements, but it took quite some time for Congress to make King’s birthday a federal holiday. 

A Brief History Of MLK Day

The bill first came to vote in the U.S. House of Representative in 1979, but it fell five votes short of the number required for passage. One argument against this day was that it would be too expensive, as a national holiday requires payment for federal employees. The other argument was that it would go against the longstanding tradition to have a holiday that honored a private citizen. King never held public office and, at the time, only two other figures had national holidays: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. 

The King Center sought out support from the general public and corporate community. It was Stevie Wonder’s release of the single “Happy Birthday” that truly popularized the campaign in 1980. Six million signatures were collected to petition for Congress to pass the law, which was the largest petition in favor of an issue in U.S. history. President Reagan, who initially opposed the holiday, signed a bill to create a federal holiday honoring Dr. King on November 2nd, 1983. On January 20th, 1986, the holiday was observed for the first time, and in the year 2000, all 50 states observed MLK Day for the first time. 

MLK Spent His Wedding Night In A Funeral Home

When MLK married Coretta Scott in June of 1953, they couldn’t stay in a hotel that would allow them, as African-Americans, to spend the night. What did they do? The newlyweds spent their first night as a married couple in an African-American-owned funeral home. Five years later, they were able to take a second, more pleasurable honeymoon in Mexico. 

His Birth Name Was Michael

At birth, MLK was given the name Michael King Jr, meaning that his father was Michael King. Later, his father changed his own name to Martin Luther, after the Protestant Reformation leader. He changed the name of his son when he changed his own name. 

The Most Famous Portion Of The “I Have A Dream Speech” May Have Been Improvised

Most people are aware of the first few sentences of this historic speech. It begins with, “I have a dream…,” and his “March on Washington” speech was very long. It was long enough to have been pre-written ahead of time. Historians, however, believe that King ad-libbed his most famous words on the day he gave the speech, August 28th, 1963. The ideas were similar to some that he expressed previously, but he delivered them in a uniquely powerful, memorable way. 

MLK Delivered That Speech To Over 250,000 People

As previously mentioned, MLK’s most famous speech was the “I Have A Dream” speech that he delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” He gave the speech at the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” event. The goal: to promote equal rights for all. Over 250,000 people listened to MLK speak that day, in awe of his words that would inspire future generations. 

There Are Over 900 Streets Worldwide Named For MLK

MLK is one of the most important figures that promoted equal rights via nonviolent tactics. He is a common namesake for streets and boulevards around the world. There are over 900 streets that bear MLK’s name. About 70% of those streets are in the Southern United States, with over 100 streets in King’s home state of Georgia.

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The author of ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb‘, Sarah Josepha Hale, may have been in charge of Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday. She wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln advocating for the creation of the holiday. Lincoln agreed, and Thanksgiving became a national holiday!

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Yarrow was used by Native American tribes as a remedy for toothaches and headaches. They would chew on the plant and use its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

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During the Prohibition Era, they poisoned alcohol to prevent bootleggers from stealing their alcohol. After the Prohibition ended in 1933, it was estimated that 10,000 people had died from the poisoning.

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