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DRSladic.com
August 2021
Lucky’s Service FAMILY DOG TEACHES US A LESSON IN COMPANIONSHIP O ur family dog, Lucky, just returned from an eight-week stint in Canada this past spring and summer. As we approach the “dog days of summer,” I can’t help but appreciate all that this 13-year-old Shih Tzu-poodle mix did for our family — just by taking his own vacation.
But for my mom — and for me as her son — Lucky’s presence was a welcome gift. Her friends told me having Lucky in the house perked her up, and I could tell she was happier when I came to bring Lucky back home. Having a companion in her home after so many months of having to isolate was a welcome respite for my mom. It may have been huge for her health and wellness, too. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, social isolation is a serious threat to health. It can worsen chronic conditions, increase your chances of developing dementia, and even put you at risk for premature death. It’s also been linked to serious heart conditions, like stroke or heart attack. By now, we all have had a taste of how detrimental isolation can be, but for people who live alone — particularly those who are older — this time in our history has been particularly difficult. I’ve experienced this with my own patients. Sometimes it’s not a medical or nutritional deficiency that your body is suffering from; sometimes all you need is companionship. Social isolation is just as detrimental to your well-being as any vitamin deficiency, nutritional concern, or pain. And while there may be no substitute for human interactions, pets can offer companionship during those lonely times. I know that’s true because of my medical expertise and from watching it happen to my mom. After eight weeks, Lucky was called home. My wife was missing him, so I went back to Canada and brought Lucky home to Michigan. Mom knew the arrangement was temporary, but at least for a while, she had a little friend to pass the days with. Lucky’s journey was probably no more than a blip in his life, but it meant the whole world to a woman I deeply care about.
This spring, I toted Lucky to Windsor, Ontario, in Canada to stay with my mom. Since we live in a Michigan border town, it’s usually very easy to travel into Canada to visit my mom. Luckily — pun intended — I have dual citizenship in Canada and the U.S., and because I take frequent COVID-19 tests, I’ve been able to visit Mom during the pandemic. However, I knew the loneliness that accompanied this pandemic has been affecting her. For the most part, Canada continued to stay shut down while the U.S. opened again this past spring. The borders remained closed to most travelers, so I had to act as the go-between for our family and Mom. She did have friends to keep her company, and Mom lives a very active life, walking around her condo and being outside. Still, I had a feeling Lucky would be just the remedy Mom needed. For eight weeks, Mom and Lucky were inseparable. Mom would take Lucky for walks every day, even if it was raining. I’m sure Lucky enjoyed the arrangement, too. He walked daily, had a quiet place to nap, and had the idyllic calm lifestyle all 13-year-old dogs want as they reach those golden years.
Thoughts of the Month
It’s not what you know. It’s what you do with what you know that matters!
And for that, I’m grateful for Lucky.
–Dr. Tom Sladic
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Apple Season Begins!
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPLE HARVEST
Throughout many of the northern states, August is a big month because it’s the start of apple season! Orchards begin to harvest their early season crop, and many varieties of apples are starting to ripen and will continue to do so throughout the fall. As these apples ripen, many orchards invite guests to their grounds to pick fruit and enjoy a day outdoors. Here are three orchards that are well worth the trip! STRIBLING ORCHARD, MARKHAM, VIRGINIA Situated near the Shenandoah River in the hills of Virginia, this orchard has a rich history that goes back to the founding of the United States. As you pick apples, you can enjoy learning about the orchard’s past. Guests are also invited to bring a picnic as they harvest their bounty. Learn more at StriblingOrchard.com . KIYOKAWA FAMILY ORCHARDS, PARKDALE, OREGON Tucked away in the Hood Valley just north of Mount Hood in Oregon, Kiyokawa boasts the largest U-Pick orchard in the valley and offers exceptional scenery for apple (and pear) pickers! There are many apples to choose from, but there are also fruit stands that sell cider, honey, and jam. Find out more at KiyokawaFamilyOrchards.com .
BRIGHTONWOODS ORCHARD, BURLINGTON, WISCONSIN This orchard features several varieties of apples, so it’s open well throughout the season. Their website even breaks down their apple varieties and lets visitors know the best times to stop by in order to pick the apples they want most! Check out all the selections at BrightonWoodsOrchard.com . A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME If you can’t make it to one of these three locations, why not see if there’s a local orchard that lets you pick your own apples or buy a fresh bundle? Before you go on your apple-picking adventure, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind. • It’s great for the whole family! • Pick the apples, but don’t shake the branch. • Set the apples gently in your carrier of choice so you don’t bruise the fruit! • Apples on the outer branches ripen first.
The Animal-Human Connection YOUR PET MAY MAKE YOU HEALTHIER
Humans and animals have interacted since the beginning of creation. For years, animals were tools used to help humans survive harsh environments and food they relied on, yet the bonds that grew between humans and the animals who worked for them and fed their families cannot be understated. Today, pets are just as important to families as working animals were and continue to be for many farmers — and they may be just as beneficial to our well-being as they are to our land. As society has grown, we’ve learned that our animals and pets are good for our physical, mental, and physiological well-being. PHYSICAL Because they need walks, want to play, and require physical movement for care, pets increase movement rates among their owners. Someone who doesn’t normally
exercise every day may find that it’s easier to take daily walks after adopting a puppy. Other animals, like horses, chickens, or barnyard pets may require hours of care that can be physically demanding yet beneficial for owners. Your body will appreciate the extra movement, and as a result of moving, you may find you have more energy and an improved mood. MENTAL In 2019, Mars Petcare partnered with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) to calculate the emotional impacts of pets on our mental well-being. What they discovered was staggering. A whopping 85% of respondents, both pet owners and non-pet owners, believe that pets reduce loneliness. About 80% of people who were pet owners said their pet did decrease their loneliness, too. Furthermore, 90% of older adults believed
pets specifically could help older adults feel less lonely. This provides quantifiable data of the benefits our pets have on our well-being.
PHYSIOLOGICAL As your body gets stronger and your
emotional well-being improves, the chemical and biological reactions constantly working in your body will also improve. In particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the impact of owning a pet can decrease your blood pressure and cholesterol, improving your heart health. This could be life-changing for people with a history of heart conditions! As a pet owner and medical professional, Dr. Sladic can help you find more ways to incorporate your pet into your wellness routine. Schedule a consultation today by calling 1-877-861-5927.
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You Don’t Need to Detox! But That Doesn’t Mean You Can’t
It’s Dr. Sladic here, again, with some important information on detoxing and cleanses.
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Detoxing is often seen as a palette cleanser. It’s thought to be a way of ridding your body of dangerous toxins and re-centering your body’s focus for a healthier, more vibrant, happier you. It can come in many forms, including long periods of fasting, very restricted caloric intake, or the ever-popular juice cleanse. However, detoxing isn’t necessary. Your body already has systems in place that naturally detox for you. In fact, your body’s systems are the most natural form of detoxification you can experience! And it’s happening all the time. Not only are your liver and kidneys constantly extracting toxins from your body, but those substances are also removed anytime you sweat or go to the bathroom. Your body doesn’t need a boost or other compounds to help it do what it already does naturally. Now, that being said, I don’t believe detoxes or cleanses are bad. In fact, my recommendation is that if you have found a program that makes you feel good — and doesn’t stress your body too much in the process — then you should do it! No one knows your body better than you. Science supports the argument that detoxing and cleansing your body does very little to actually help it remove toxins, but participating in a cleanse or detox every few months could be just the mental boost you need! You may feel more energized and focused on your goals, or you could experience a small amount of weight loss. That can be very motivating. If you take anything away from this newsletter, I hope it’s that you understand that you do not need to do a detox, but if it makes you feel good and is safe to do, then you should try it. (But steer clear of juice cleanses, which are often high in sugar!) I’d love to help you establish a nutritional and supplement routine that can help you find your best self, even if that includes a detox. Please call me today at 1-877-861-5927 to set up a consultation.
TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD (YES, REALLY!)
Ingredients
• 1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed • 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Sea salt, to taste
Directions
1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!
Inspired by BonAppetit.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Dr. Sladic’s Dog Offers a Valuable Lesson
2. Are You Ready for Apple Season?
Why Owning a Pet Can Make You Healthier
3. Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)
Dr. Sladic Explains the Detox Dilemma
4. The Right Way to Break in New Shoes
‘OUCH, MY FEET!’ The Right Way to Break in New Shoes
ROTATE YOUR FOOTWEAR. A 2013 sports medicine study found that runners who rotate between two pairs of shoes can lower
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If you love to run, hike, or take long walks, then you’re probably familiar with the “new shoe dilemma.” It happens in your head and goes something like this: “I really need new shoes; my old ones are falling apart!” “Are you sure? They’re expensive.” “I’m sure.” “But what about the break-in period? It hurts! You can wait another month, right?” The break-in period is the uncomfortable 2–3-week period when your shoes feel new or stiff and don’t fit quite right. You might even end up with sore feet or a blister. Unfortunately, it’s crucial that you suffer through this rough patch to ensure you’re not stuck with falling-apart, unsupportive shoes. Here are three ways to make the process less painful. 1. START SLOW. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should break in new shoes over the course of a few days. Start with one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then, if your feet still feel good, increase the time frame until you’re comfortable wearing them all day.
their risk of running-related injuries by 39%. After your new shoes have made it through the “slow start” process, consider keeping your old ones in rotation for a few more weeks so you’ll be less likely to hurt yourself. 3. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Having proper footwear is crucial to the health of your feet, knees, hips, and lower back (your weight distribution starts in your feet, after all!), so pay attention to how those areas feel during the break-in process. Are you still walking differently after a day or two in your new shoes? Does a part of your body ache that didn’t before? That’s more than the break-in blues! Your new footwear could do long-term damage to your body, so invest in a new pair or visit a podiatrist or physical therapist for help. Want to learn more about the fickle relationship between humans and shoes? Check out “These Shoes Are Killing Me!” an episode of the “Freakonomics Radio” podcast that aired May 19, 2017.
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