CATS
Get all the sleep they need.
A healthy adult house cat spends
60% of a typical day asleep. Jealous? Try curtailing your TV and
internet time before bed. In a survey done in Japan, about 30%
of people who used electronic media for 1.5 hours or less before
bed cited that habit as a possible cause of their getting insufficient sleep. Among heavy users (3.5 or more
hours), more than half blamed their presleep
tube and web use. And a study by the
National Sleep Foundation found that
while 60% of American women say they
don’t get enough sleep, 87% say they watch
TV instead of going to bed early.
Stretch whenever they can. Cats are amazingly supple, with a spine that allows them to curl into a ball or extend farther than seems possible. Humans need flexibility, too; regular stretching can give you better mobility, greater range of motion, and better posture. Recently a study found that stretching your muscles not only makes them more flexible, but it can actually improve their performance. A good time to stretch is after you exercise. Otherwise, warm up before you stretch with some walking or low-intensity motion. Target major muscle groups—calves, thighs, back, hips, shoulders. Stretch each slowly for 30 to 60 seconds. Breathe freely as you stretch. If you belong to a health club, ask one of the trainers to show you a good routine; otherwise, you can find stretches at www.prevention.com (search “Stretch into Shape”).
Take care of their nails. You may not be planning to catch a mouse, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your finger and toenails. Bad nails make it harder to manipulate objects or walk. So wear gloves when cleaning or gardening and limit your use of nail polish remover to once a week. Clip toenails straight across, rather than rounded, to avoid painful ingrowth. If you go to a nail salon, choose one that’s clean, and ask if the attendants wash their hands and sterilize instruments between clients (they should). See a doctor or dermatologist if you have a change in nail color or texture, which could be a clue to anything from fungal infection to heart, lung, or liver disease.
DOGS
Really smell.
The average canine nose can
sniff out odors 100 million times less
concentrated than what humans can
detect. While you’ll never match a canine’s
ability to discern scents, there’s evidence
that surrounding yourself with the right
odors can have a surprising impact
on your day. One study found that
people exposed to the scent of
roses during sleep were better at
remembering a task that they
learned that day while smelling
a rose scent. Another study
found that drivers sniffing
pleasant odors like peppermint
and cinnamon tended to be
more alert behind the wheel.
Other research has found that
people who smelled lavender
before bed had more restful sleep
and were more alert the next day.
Love to walk. You’ll never catch a dog passing up a chance to go somewhere on his own four paws. Most of us would be better off if we cultivated a similar attitude. As a form of exercise, walking helps manage your weight, lowers your blood pressure, and eases stress. And scientists are still discovering some of its benefits: In a recent study, older people who walked five times a week undid some of the stiffness that aging normally does to the cardiovascular system. To start a walking program, take it slow and easy at first, walking only as fast or as far as is comfortable. Gradually work up to 30 minutes of walking 5 days a week.
Appreciate their friends. You left the house barely 20 minutes ago, but when you get back your pup acts like he hasn’t seen you for a year. Dogs must sense how important friendship is; studies show your social network is a significant health boost. To keep your ties of friendship from fading out when you’re too busy to get together with your friends, remember that a little communication goes a long way. Use e-mail, phone calls, and other techniques to stay in touch until you can get together in person. And always have a plan for when you and your friend will next see each other, even if you’ll probably need to change it a few times before it finally happens.
PARROTS
Ask for what they want.
When Polly wants a cracker,
she’ll tell you—and in
your own language yet. If
you’re not a speak-up-for yourself
kind of person, try developing a communication
style that’s a bit more assertive. Speak directly, using “I”
statements like “I can’t take on that project” or “I don’t
agree with what you’re saying.” Use confident body
language: maintain eye contact, stand or sit with an upright
posture, avoid nervous gestures. Practice how you’ll pose
and what you’ll say in front of a mirror or with friends.
TURTLES
Take their time.
No turtle has ever rushed out of the house
so quickly that he forgot his wallet. One way to slow down
your racing thoughts is to practice mindfulness: Focus all
your attention on whatever you’re doing at the moment,
even if it’s something mundane like loading the dishwasher
or walking to your car. Pay close attention to each move
you’re making; notice the textures, colors, scents, and other
sensory information all around you. Your mind will be
calmer in no time.
Rick Chillot writes about health for Prevention and other magazines.
