In an opioid epidemic that currently claims an average of 91 lives per day, there have been many paths to addiction. For some, it started with a fall or a sports injury, a trip to a nearby emergency room and a prescription for a narcotic pain reliever.  For others, addiction was fostered as a treatment for chronic unresolved pain. In an article written in the LA Times, new research underscores how tragically risky — and unnecessary — such prescribing choices may have been.

Many of us find ourselves “living single” at some point in our lives. The number of people living single is increasing. According to Eric Klinenberg in his new book, Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone. The number of households with adults living alone has increased from 9 percent in 1950 to 28 percent – 31 million households – at the last census.

A pet is so much more than an enthusiastic greeter when you arrive home each day. They are a companion, a protector, some thing to love and a major factor in extending your healthy life.