According to the American Psychological Association, pets improve the mental and emotional health of "everyday people", and not just those who've been traumatized, or are facing serious health challenges. In fact, they found that ordinary people who own pets tend to be more outgoing, less lonely, less fearful, and less preoccupied than those who don't have pets. And the positive effects didn't stop there.

Dancing is something that many young girls aspire to do. But for children with special needs, dance classes can be intimidating. Children who have physical ailments or other limitations might feel self conscious in a standard dance class. That doesn’t happen in a class in Maine called Steps of Grace, a special class developed by an occupational therapist for children who have special needs.

In the business world, progress is often the consequence of making the correct decisions. Of course, it’s not always clear what the correct decision is, particularly when risk is involved. All big companies have their roots as much smaller businesses based on little more than novel ideas.

People who choose to go into social work start their careers motivated with a sense of hope and the sincere desire to help people, to alleviate suffering. They are educated and dedicated, drawn to the field by a natural inclination to kindness and charity. They go into social services because they want to help people; but more and more they end up needing help themselves.

Gender equality in the medical field has come a long way since 1849, when Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States. Despite those changes, there still continues to be gender differences among doctors in the United States.

We're well into the first month of 2017, and how many resolutions have already bitten the dust, heaped upon the pile of good intentions that never saw the light of day?

Business is business; but when you are in the business of dealing with children, it's hard to keep your emotions in check. Teaching is a profession that attracts naturally compassionate folks. With a genuine sense of social concern and commitment, their desire is to work with young minds to change the world through education. No one becomes an educator for the money.

When people think of physical therapy, they often think of athletes who have gotten injured or of people who of fallen and gotten hurt. Physical therapy, though, is not just for humans.

Start taking control over your life today and watch your finances, relationships, and happiness fall into place by giving up some bad behaviors. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you begin to realize the satisfaction it brings to your life! Self-improvement is up to you, so what are you waiting for?

Psychology Today calls it a "modern plague", and confirms what we've long suspected -- Americans are getting more isolated from one another and social isolation is shortening our lives.

Runners are passionate about running. For them it's not just exercise, it's a sport that requires skill and dedication. Whether you're into competitions, want to reap health benefits, or just enjoy the sheer pleasure of moving, you know that improving your form and performance is an ongoing goal. Now Saucony, one of the giants in the running shoe market, has developed an application for mobile phones that allows for self-assessment in stance, mobility, stability, stride, and power.

Email has become an indispensible communication tool for working professionals. But the ease of writing and sending email has led to a proliferation of messages filling inboxes. It can be hard for people to prioritize the messages they need to respond to first. But if you are following up on a message that requires a timely response, it’s hard to communicate that urgency.

Children who are autistic like to play, just as nearly all children do. But sensitivity to social interactions and environmental conditions mean that these children play differently. A popular children’s play center has taken steps to accommodate the particular needs of those with autism. One Chuck E. Cheese site is holding a special day for such children on the first Sunday of each month, according to The Mighty, a website focused on disability, disease, and mental illness. These Sunday events for children that are autistic are taking place at Chuck E. Cheese’s location in Attleboro, Massachusetts.