living

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.

An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits from an animal? And which type of pet brings health benefits?

Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health has partnered with the Mars Corporation's WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition to answer questions like these by funding research studies.

Dear Dietitian,

Before they passed away, both my grandfather and father had dementia. Although its onset probably came much sooner than our family recognized, my dad's decline seemed so very swift. It was heart-wrenching to travel to the nursing home in Missouri to visit him and realize that he didn't know me anymore. He seemed agitated as his hands fidgeted. If only I had known about fidget quilts at that time, I would have loved to create one to help soothe him. These quilts help patients feel more relaxed, thereby improving well-being. The different textures and shapes engage and stimulate the brain.

More fatal crashes happen on Colorado roads during the three months between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of year. To keep drivers and passengers safe this summer, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), local law enforcement agencies and other safety partners are collaborating to implement several safety enforcement and outreach efforts across the state.

Persistent drought conditions have parched the soil over southern Colorado, stressing even irrigated lawns and larger landscape trees. During these periods of drought, homeowners should consider supplemental watering to keep their trees healthy.

I am a 70-year-old grandmother. I am 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh 145 pounds. My daughter badgers me to lose weight. She says I should weigh 125 pounds. I think I look fine, and I feel good. What is your professional opinion?

---Grandma

Dear Grandma,

The idiom "Don't judge a book by its cover" means you shouldn't form an opinion about someone based on appearance or personality. Yet the reality is, much of society - from school to the business world - does just that.