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Health benefits of dog walking (for you and your dog)

1. Physical health. Dog owners enjoy numerous health benefits from walking their dog a few times a week including improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones. Regular physical activity is important for your pet’s health too. Obesity in dogs is associated with osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and insulin resistance.

2. Mental health. Walking regularly can decrease your stress. A walk can also make a dog very happy. They love to check out the new smells and will really look forward to spending time with you. A dog that doesn’t receive sufficient exercise can easily become bored or destructive.

3. Time to socialize. Time with friends is important for humans and animals.

Dog-Friendly Community Hike
University of Utah PEAK
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 | 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Neff’s Canyon
Holladay, Utah

Grab your pup and join PEAK Leisure and Recreation for a moderate hike up Neff’s Canyon. 

What to expect: This is a moderate hike, so you should expect some elevation gain, though beginners are welcome. There are a few creek crossings (expected to be low). Dogs are welcome (though not required), but please only bring your dog if it gets along well with dogs and people and please bring a leash and baggies to pick up after your pet. 

What to bring:

• Dress in layers; as you hike you will warm up.
• Comfortable hiking shoes (boots not required).
• A small backpack with a water bottle and perhaps a snack (for you and your furry friend).

This event is free, but please register so we know how many people to expect.

Register here.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][bs_well size=”lg” ]

5 VISION MYTHS DEBUNKED

Some warnings about saving your eyesight have a lot of merit: Wear sunglasses, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, don’t smoke and when you’re working on a computer, give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes. Then there’s the timeless command from parents to kids: “If you’re not careful with those Nerf guns, someone’s going to lose an eye!” (It happens—hence, the very real need for protective eyewear).

On the other hand, it’s good to know there are some eye myths that, although they keep circulating, you can ignore.

Read the full story here.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

The number of sexually transmitted diseases hit an all-time high in 2016. According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 2 million new cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia were reported in 2016. While some are pointing fingers at dating apps and changing moral attitudes for the increase there may be a simpler answer: Most people don’t feel they are at risk and attitudes towards STDs (also called sexually transmitted infection or STIs) keeps them from being tested and getting treatment.

Click here to read the full story.

For more expert health news and information, click here.[/bs_well][/bs_col][/bs_row]