We love our furry friends  -  they’re family, after all. But did you know pets can sometimes carry infections that spread to humans? These are called zoonotic infections, and while rare in healthy people, they can be serious if unnoticed. Knowing the risks and how to prevent them allows you to enjoy your pets while keeping your household safe. Here’s what to watch out for and how to stay protected. What Are Zoonotic Infections? Zoonotic infections are diseases that can pass from animals to people through direct contact, saliva, urine, faeces, or bites. These include ringworm, toxoplasmosis, cat scratch fever, and parasites like roundworms or hookworms. Reptiles and amphibians can also carry salmonella, while birds may carry psittacosis. These infections can affect anyone but are especially risky for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Awareness is the first step to prevention. Common Pet-Related Infections Cat...

  Children are naturally active, constantly running, jumping, and exploring the world around them. So, when they complain of foot pain, it’s easy to brush it off as growing pains or just tired legs. However, persistent or unusual foot pain in children shouldn't be ignored. Early intervention can prevent long-term problems and ensure your child stays active and pain-free. Here’s how to tell the difference between what’s normal and what needs medical attention. When Growing Pains Are Normal Mild foot or leg discomfort is common during growth spurts, especially at night. These “growing pains” usually go away with rest, massage, or stretching. They don’t affect your child’s ability to walk, run, or play during the day. If pain is mild and occasional, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on patterns and comfort your child as needed. Red Flags to Watch For If your child has foot pain that affects how they walk, run, or play, it may be more serious. Limping, avoiding...

  Your heart works tirelessly to keep you alive beating around 100,000 times a day. While you might think you know your heart well, there’s more to this amazing organ than meets the eye. From unexpected connections to your emotions to the incredible strength of a heart muscle, these facts might just change how you care for your ticker. Here are ten fascinating things about your heart that may surprise you - and why they matter for your health. 1. Your Heart Beats Over 3 Billion Times in a Lifetime That’s right - your heart keeps beating every second of every day, even while you sleep. Over the course of an average lifetime, this adds up to more than 3 billion beats. Each beat pumps blood through a network of 60,000 miles of blood vessels. It’s a powerful reminder of how resilient your heart really is. 2. Heart Disease Is the #1 Killer Worldwide Despite medical advances, heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor d...

  Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, and yet it often goes unnoticed. Known as the “silent” STI, chlamydia frequently presents with no symptoms - particularly in women - making it easy to overlook and unknowingly spread. Unfortunately, this silence doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious reproductive health problems, including infertility. That’s why routine screening, awareness, and safe sexual practices are vital. What Is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat, and eyes. Because the infection is bacterial, it’s easily treatable with antibiotics - but only if diagnosed in time. People under 25, or those with new or multiple sexual partners, are most at risk. Despite its prevalence, many people have never heard of it or understand how it can impact their health. Why W...

  Stroke strikes fast and often without warning. One moment a person might be conversing normally, and the next they’re unable to speak or move one side of their body. A stroke is essentially a “brain attack,” cutting off blood flow and oxygen to part of the brain. When this happens, every minute counts . Quick action can save a life and greatly improve recovery. The key is recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and getting medical help immediately. In this article, we’ll walk through the classic symptoms to watch for – in yourself or others – and remember them in a way that’s easy to recall under pressure. Having this knowledge could one day make all the difference for a loved one or even a stranger at the grocery store. Let’s learn how to act F.A.S.T. when it comes to a stroke. What is a Stroke? A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Without blood ...

    When we hear “vaccines,” many of us think of childhood shots and little ones crying at the doctor’s office. But did you know that staying up to date on vaccinations is just as important for adults? Vaccines aren’t just for kids – our immunity can fade over time, and new vaccines can help protect us from illnesses that become risks as we age. From the annual flu shot to the shingles vaccine at age 50+, adult vaccines keep you healthy, prevent serious complications, and even protect your loved ones. In this friendly guide, we’ll walk through the key vaccines adults might need, why they’re important, and how they help strengthen your immune system at every stage of life. Why Do Adults Need Vaccines? You might feel fit as a fiddle, but germs don’t care about age. Some diseases are actually more dangerous in adulthood. Plus, immunity from certain childhood vaccines can wear off, and not everyone got every vaccine as a child. Traveling, jobs, hobbies, or health condition...

  Wheezing, persistent coughs, or that tell-tale whistling sound when your child breathes – these can be frightening for any parent. Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children and spotting it early can make a huge difference in a child’s well-being. Early asthma symptoms in kids can be subtle or easily mistaken for recurrent colds or bronchitis. In a warm, caring tone, this article will help you recognize the early signs of asthma in children, so you can get the right help and ensure your little one can breathe easy and play freely. What Is Childhood Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes it hard to breathe at times because the airways become inflamed and narrowed. In children with asthma, the lungs and airways can overreact to certain triggers like pollen, dust, cold air, or even a common cold virus. This leads to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Childhood asthma isn’t a different disease than adult asthma, but younger children have...

  Osteoporosis is often called the "silent thief" because it quietly weakens your bones over time without obvious symptoms. You might not know your bones are getting more fragile until a sudden fracture occurs from a minor fall or even a sneeze. This condition affects millions worldwide – about one in three women and one in five men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related bone break . Understanding osteoporosis and how to strengthen your bones from the inside out is key to maintaining an active, healthy life as you age. What Is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a bone disease where the density and quality of bone are reduced, making bones porous and brittle. Think of your bones as a living bank – up until your mid-20s, you deposit bone mass, reaching a “peak bone mass” when bones are strongest. After that, it’s normal to lose some bone each year. But in osteoporosis, the loss happens faster than the body can replace, leading to weak bones that can fracture easily. It’...