Penelope Kokkinides

 

If you have been reading my blog, you probably know by now how much I love animals. Animals of all kinds are fabulous, but dogs have a special place in my heart. As much as dogs make an excellent household pet, they can provide comfort and joy in a more official capacity as a therapy dog. Different than service dogs, which help individuals perform tasks they cannot do for themselves because of a disability, therapy dogs travel to facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort, companionship and relieve stress.

News of the positive effects of therapy dogs is spreading: especially in health care. Some hospitals have even implemented therapy dog programs as part of their patient experience initiatives. Benefits of interacting with a therapy dog include: lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, the release of calming endorphins (oxytocin) and more. A therapy dog can be trained to do anything from comforting an older individual in a nursing home, to aiding a college student in relieving stress during final exams, to cheering up a child in a hospital wing.

If you’re interested in registering your dog as a therapy dog, or just want to learn more about the benefits of therapy dogs, visit the American Kennel Club for more information!

To the relief of parents and physicians across the country, flu season seems to be coming to an end.  And just in time, because allergy season is here!

Allergies can be described most basically as the immune system reacting to a substance or substances it doesn’t recognize by making you feel unwell. Wheezing and shortness of breath are two of the most common allergy symptoms.

Some individuals suffer from seasonal allergies, or allergies that are strongly affected by the shifts in pollen and other environmental conditions accompanying seasons changing. Seasonal allergies begin to cause problems for many people in the spring in the form of watery, red or itchy eyes and sneezing. Other common allergies are animal, drug and food allergies, all of which cause the body to negatively react to stimuli exposure.

If you have seasonal allergies that are beginning to bother you as we head into spring, try taking over-the-counter allergy medication prior to spending a lot of time outdoors. Hydrating and eating healthy are also important for helping your body to fight off any sickness or symptoms. No matter who you are, suffering from allergies is no fun. Above all, the best way to better your allergies is to get an understanding of what triggers them and to avoid that trigger when at all possible.

Aromatherapy is an age-old treatment that helps sooth the body and mind and can be incorporated into your daily life in a variety of ways.

Here’s a few ways to add these relaxing scents to your day:

1. Candles. Most people like the smell of candles, but don’t realize the level of relaxation they provide. Freshly scented candles are a great way to add zen to your workspace or your home.
2. Oils. With so many ways to use essential oils, they’re a great way for someone to learn more about aromatherapy! Water them down with coconut oil, and some cam be applied to the skin like perfume. Added to steam, they can bring an extra level of relaxation. The uses are endless, and the little bottles are highly concentrated and long lasting.
3. Massage. If you enjoy getting a massage now and then to relax, look for an aromatherapy massage the next time you go. It’s all the usual rejuvenation of a massage with the bonus of scents for further relaxation.
4. Diffuser. Diffusers are easy to use, and a great way to bring pure, essential oil aromatherapy to your home. Just add water to your diffuser, a few drops of your favorite oils, and turn it on! The diffused aromatherapy oils will soon make you and your house feel peaceful. Try lavender oil if you want to relax and peppermint oil if you’re looking for a boost!
5. Jewelry. For those who like the idea of using essential oils, but aren’t sure you want to apply it to your skin, aromatherapy jewelry is the perfect solution. Jewelry of all shapes, colors, and sizes is made to hold the scent of essential oils, allowing you to enjoy your aromatherapy in style.

As busy as we all might be, it’s important to slow down and reflect on all we have to be grateful for. Giving back in ways big and small is a great way to get involved in your community and improve the lives of those around you.

Here are a few fun ways to create positive change in your community:

1. Feed the hungry. In every town or city, regardless of where you live, there are people struggling with food insecurity. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or food bank or organize a food drive to help provide meals for those in need.
2. Plant a garden. To provide more locally-grown vegetables and fruits, as well as to assist in neighborhood beautification, many people are starting community gardens in their neighborhoods. Try out your green thumb and make some flower beds for people around you to enjoy. You can even invite friends to join in the fun.
3. Tutor a student. For those who like to work one-on-one with others, tutoring a student in a subject you excel at is a great way to advance someone’s education. Remember: knowledge is a gift!
4. Join a philanthropic organization. There are so many incredible philanthropic organizations and groups focused on every topic from building houses for the homeless, to helping women in times of need or crisis. Pick a topic you are passionate about and see what opportunities there are to join in with like-minded individuals to enact positive change.
5. Fill a need. If you have noticed a need within your neighborhood or community that you don’t see being met, take initiative and start a committee or volunteer group to take on the problem. Philanthropic work is often most effective when it is creative.

I’d love to hear about how you choose to get involved in your community!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling, as you probably know by now, is something I am incredibly passionate about. In my travels, I have seen various countries, cultures, and foods that have expanded my love for the world around me.

 

It may not seem it, but traveling is an art. Here are some tips to consider before your next adventure:

Save up. Traveling is most enjoyable when you aren’t overly stressed about financing it. That’s why it is a good idea to start saving as soon as you realize you might want to explore- not just for your plane ticket, transit, and lodging expenses, but also for eating local foods at good restaurants, trying a fun activity, souvenirs, and emergency situations.

Plan Ahead. Getting prepped for your trip involves making some decisions ahead of time. If you want to visit famous attractions wherever you are going, it is a good idea to buy tickets in advance. Booking your lodging before you head out is also a must and saves you from stressing about where you’ll rest your head when you arrive. Doing housekeeping tasks like this before the trip will keep you from worrying about anything but enjoying your stay when you arrive at your destination.

Pack Light. When you travel, you don’t want to bring a bunch of baggage with you. Having too many bags or items to travel with is a hassle and leaves you with lots to carry back and forth from the airport.

Spend Smart. There are plenty of things you can do to save a dime when traveling. For starters, don’t settle on the first hotel you find. Explore Airbnb options, hostels, and hotel deals before you sign up for anything. And, avoid taking expensive cabs by using public transportation like buses, trains, or subways.

Have Fun! Seeing another part of the world is a gift. Whether your exploring another city or another country, be sure to take photos, eat good food, try fun activities, and have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you spend at least eight hours a day in an office, you understand the difficulty of making your work stations feel comfortable. Without any personal touches, offices can feel sterile and dull and lack the personality or you-ness needed to make the space your own. Here are a few things that can make your office feel more like home:

A comfortable chair. A comfortable chair may seem like a small detail, but when you spend all day at your desk it becomes an essential part of your office. An uncomfortable chair can be distracting, and potentially bad for your health. It’s important that you get a work chair that makes you feel physically at ease so you can focus on something besides your back pain.

Have your necessities. When stocking your desk, be sure that you have not only the supplies you need for your work, but also for staying in place all day. Items like lotion, lip balm, tissues, gum, and cough drops are good things to have on hand during your busy day.

Personalize your workspace. Photos of friends, family, and pets can make your space feel more like your own, while fun posters or table decorations can add flare and color to a dull desk.

Good lighting. Having sterile lighting can make it hard to focus on work in the same way that having too little light can. For this reason, bring a lamp that illuminates what you are working on while also providing your desk with a happy, warm glow to work under.

 

Spring has sprung! And with it comes the need to awaken from the daze of the cold and dark of winter and enjoy some time with friends. Here are a few fun ideas for your spring celebrations with family and friends:

 

1. Bon Fire. Nothing is better on a cool spring night than a bonfire, some s’mores supplies, and good company.
2. Garden Party. Got a green thumb? Show off your skills by having some friends for afternoon cocktails in your garden.
3. Wine and Dine. If you don’t have the outdoor space to enjoy a spring night, try having company over for a bite and a bottle of wine at your apartment. Cheers to spring!
4. March Madness Bash. March Madness is here, so why not have a basketball-themed celebration of chips, dip, and game-watching?
5. Game Night. There is no better way to spark some friendly competition between friends than board game night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone knows what it feels like to get so bogged down in work, social events, and day-to-day activities that you can’t imagine fitting one more thing into your schedule. However, as important as it is to stay busy, it is essential for good health to maintain balance. Here’s four essentials worth finding time for in your day to maintain the best version of you:

 

1. Getting sleep. An overwhelming lack of sleep can become dangerous for your health. Making sure you get a healthy amount of sleep every night will keep you feeling good and energized enough to take on whatever comes your way, so be sure to catch some shut eye.
2. Exercise. It probably isn’t shocking to be reminded that working out is good for your health. However, the importance of exercise can often be overlooked. Getting your heart rate up is important for staying fit, increasing your brain function and keeping your heart muscle strong, and can even help reduce depression and anxiety.
3. Social time. Be sure to carve out time for spending with friends and family. Making a concerted effort to socialize throughout the week can increase your happiness while also keeping relationships with those you care about healthy despite your hectic schedule.
4. Alone time. Having time to decompress and do a mental self-check is hugely important, whether in the car in the morning on the way to work, or before you go to bed. Me-time is just as important as social time, so don’t forget to make time for you!

 

Try to incorporate these health musts into your day and let me know how it goes!

 

Dogs have a reputation as man’s best friend that is undeniably true. They lower our blood pressure with their cute looks, make us laugh with their funny behavior, and, most importantly, shower us with puppy love that brightens our day. As cute as they can be, raising a well-behaved puppy is no easy feat. As an animal lover myself, I have a few tips for fostering good behavior that will make your dog a better friend to you and anyone you encounter together.

1. Exercise often. A dog without exercise is a dog with pent-up energy. Excess energy is a breeding ground for bad behavior, whether it be demolishing your couch, chewing your favorite loafers, or jumping on passersby. To help your dog let off some steam, try taking him or her on a walk before work in the morning and after you get home in the afternoon.
2. Socialize with other dogs. If you have a little extra time on your hands, the dog park is another great place to let your puppy run out some energy while also imparting another vital skill: socialization. Isolated dogs can be difficult to deal with and, in some cases, dangerous. By bringing your dog to the dog park, he or she will become more comfortable around unknown canines while also letting out some steam.
3. Socialize with humans. To ensure that your puppy grows up to be people-friendly, it is vital that you take them at a young age into public to encounter folks of all shapes and sizes. By spending some time around those they don’t know, your puppy is learning that not every stranger is a threat, while also becoming more comfortable with children and adults approaching them. Next time you go to the coffee shop, bring your furry friend along for the ride!
4. Teach basic commands. Teaching basic commands like sit and stay is an important element of good puppy behavior. No dog is perfect, and occasionally your dog might attempt to eat something it shouldn’t or try jumping on someone in a fit of excitement. Having the ability to command your dog to sit or lay down is to be capable of redirecting them from bad behavior quickly.

I hope these tips are helpful to you in your dog training ventures. The most important thing to remember when training a dog is patience and not taking bad behavior personally. With good tricks for better behavior like these up your sleeve, you will end up with a better puppy and a happier you!

 

I love dessert, but am always trying to think healthy. This is a dilemma that many foodies face when their sweet tooth demands to be satisfied. But what if you could include some vegetables into your next cake or cookie? Incorporating everyday fruits and vegetables into your favorite sweets and treats is actually a lot easier, and more delicious, than you may think.

For a healthier twist on traditional baked goods, try some of these (almost) guilt-free recipes:

Chocolate cake. Any chocolate fan understands the value of a decadent chocolate cake. But chocolate cake made with black beans? That’s thinking outside the box.

Brownies. If brownies are more your speed, try this delicious avocado brownie recipe.

Cookie dough. The only thing better than a cookie is cookie dough. For a cookie dough recipe that avoids the dangers of raw egg while adding a veggie flare, try making chickpea cookie dough.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream. Ice cream is delicious, but isn’t widely considered a healthy option. Mint chocolate chip ice cream made with spinach tastes good and leaves you feeling guilt-free.

I hope you enjoy these non-traditional and delicious sweets! I’d love to know which one ends up being you’re go-to recipe for a healthier dessert.