Surprising therapy and emotional support animals

 Good News Notes: “Though dogs are the most common therapy animal, plenty of other animals support their owners. Pet Partners told ABC News that, “dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, rats, miniature pigs, llamas, alpacas, horses, donkeys, and mini-horses” can all be therapy animals. There are important distinctions between therapy animals and emotional support animals. Therapy…

Rescue Animals Visit Nursing Home Residents to Spread Some Joy

 Good News Notes: “Petting dogs and cats can scientifically reduce stress. It’s one of the reasons we feel such immense comfort when we pet, hug and cuddle our pets. But given the current situation going on in the world, we need to keep our distance from each other. This means therapy animals that may have…

CLC students relax with therapy dog visit

Good News Notes: “Students at Central Lakes College reacted in exactly that way Monday, March 2, when they caught sight of Chance, Goldie and Jet, three therapy dogs sent to make the day a little less stressful. All three dogs and their owners are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs in Baxter. CLC counselor Suzie…

Therapy dogs bring respite to Ukraine war veterans

 Good News Notes: “Ricky, a larger than life golden retriever, wags his tail as he nestles his head on Vasyl’s lap. But still, the war veteran looks tense. Then the dog throws his front paws onto the shoulders of the 47-year-old suffering from post-war trauma, and a smile forms across his face. “This is probably…

Music therapy helps Parkinson’s patients reconnect mind with muscles

Good News Notes: “Care providers are now turning to music to help people with Parkinson’s Disease improve their quality of life. With the help of a certified music therapist, pairing rhythms with exercise can help patients regain some movement and possibly slow down the progression of the disease, experts said. In the ballroom of the Clara…

Can mindfulness beat addiction? Research being done for more holistic practices

Good News Notes: “Researchers analyzed 6,400 people taking opioids for a variety of reasons, including chronic pain. They found moderate to large improvements for people who added meditation, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy to their daily routines.” Read the whole story here: http://weartv.com/news/local/can-mindfulness-beat-addiction-research-being-done-for-more-holistic-practices

FDA Expands Access to Ecstasy Drug for PTSD Therapy

Good News Notes: “Iraq War veteran Jonathan Lubecky was deployed to Balad Air Base in 2006, where mortar attacks became part of daily life. During one enemy strike, Lubecky was knocked unconscious, suffering a  traumatic brain injury. His overall combat experience resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder. After leaving the Army in 2009, he tried many treatments,…

Therapy Dogs Help Those on the Mend at Hampton VA Medical Center

Good News Notes: “‘On the weekends, things are quiet,’ said Brown, a 36-year-old Army veteran. ‘For myself, I don’t deal with silence too well. Depression kicks in. Anxiety.’ Enter rottweilers CoHo and Bella, who make weekend visits to the hospital’s domiciliary, where Brown and others are temporarily staying. These trained therapists boost sagging spirits with…