There's more to gratitude than just the words thank you. Multiple studies have shown that expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Being consciously thankful can enhance empathy and self-esteem, reduce aggression, counteract negative emotions, and improve sleep, mood, and immunity. So make a resolution this year to be more grateful. It isn't difficult, and your body will thank you for it. Here are a few ways to make gratitude a larger part of your life: Keep a gratitude journal. Set aside a few moments every day to write down someone you're grateful for and why. Give a compliment. If a server, barista, or salesperson was particularly helpful or uplifting, tell the store manager about it – a few nice words can turn someone's day around and give you a boost, too. Write a thank-you note. Let teachers, bosses, and friends from your past know that your life is better because of something they did.
ASK THE VET A Place in the Sun
Question: Clover, my indoor cat, sits in a glass block window, soaking up sun and watching birds in a nearby tree. Do I need to worry about her getting skin cancer?
Rays in the ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths cause sunburn, eye damage, and skin cancer. Window glass blocks almost all UVB rays but only one-third of UVA rays, which can cause cancer. The most commonly affected regions are the cat's nose, ears, and other areas where hair is sparse or pink skin lies beneath white hair. Closing the curtains between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. would cut her risk, but a better option may be to apply ultravioletblocking film to the window. It's transparent, so Clover will still be able to see the birds, and it will let some of the heat through. But the
