FOR YOUR HEALTH: Tips to help you stay active and become a healthier you

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Daily walks with your family can help you all look and feel healthier and happier.

(NAPSI)—Following a challenging year, it may be difficult to get back into a healthy routine. Summer is a great time to think about what you can do to improve your health. Wherever you are on your journey to active and healthy living, there are things you can do to help you get or stay on track.

Try these tips to help manage your weight and stay active.

• Try to be active every day. Make physical activity a part of your daily routine rather than something you do occasionally. Invite a friend or family member to make it more fun and to help you stick with your goals.

• Think small. Small changes can add up to big results if you stay consistent. You don’t have to run a marathon or go on a strict eating plan to lose weight. Taking just a 10-minute walk every day or replacing your bowl of ice cream with a piece of fruit are great choices that can improve your health over time.

• Look for creative ways to be healthier. There are many ways to form healthy habits. Walk around a school track or a local park, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or try a hobby that keeps you moving, like gardening or dancing. Look for snacks low in added sugar and salt, like frozen or fresh fruit, hummus, and crunchy veggies.

• Reduce your “screen time.” We may not realize how much time we spend sitting still watching television, playing online games, or being on social media. Try turning off devices and take a walk, try a new sport with your loved ones, or create a playlist of favorite songs and have a dance contest.

• Be mindful of your eating habits. Keeping a food and beverage diary will make you more aware of what you eat and drink, which can help you make healthier choices. Many apps and online tools are available to help you track your meals.

Health is a lifelong pursuit and is more achievable when you turn healthy behaviors into habits. To do that, remember to:

• Be patient. Most people at some point in their lives try to become more active or lose weight. It’s not easy, but it is doable! If you stick to your plan, you can reach your goals.

• Be prepared for setbacks. It’s normal to have slip-ups on your health journey. Don’t feel bad or punish yourself. Instead, remember that creating new habits takes time.

• Celebrate successes. Losing weight and becoming more physically active are big achievements. Be proud of yourself for wanting to become healthier and for doing what you can each day to make that happen.

If you are not sure where to start, visit the NIDDK’s Body Weight Planner tool at www.niddk.nih.gov/bwp to set some calorie and activity goals. Also talk with your health care professional about appropriate goals based on your unique health and lifestyle.

To learn more about weight management and healthy living, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Safe Way to Return to Play

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Applying PlayArmor keeps playground equipment safe and clean for kids to play on.

(NAPSI)—As life returns to normal following an impossibly difficult year, one aspect of the pandemic likely to remain is the understanding that clean, germ-free environments are important—especially when it comes to children.

It’s well documented that playtime is vital to kids’ social and emotional health; unstructured play helps them learn key developmental skills, such as patience, sharing, role play, risk taking and imagination. Other benefits of outdoor play for kids include an increase of vitamin D and a boosted immune system, guaranteed exercise, and fostering an appreciation of the world around them.

After a year of being cooped up with very little opportunity to socialize or be active outdoors, a return to play is top of mind for many families and caregivers. But questions remain about how to do it safely.

Now parents can have more peace of mind when giving their children the outdoor play they crave, thanks to an antimicrobial coating specifically targeted for use on commercial playgrounds.

Available throughout the U.S., PlayArmor™ creates an invisible layer of protection on the surfaces children might touch. Cleaning with a disinfectant lasts only until the next person touches the equipment. PlayArmor bonds to the equipment’s surface and will not come off with inclement weather or by touch.

Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the technology is proven to be safe and is also used in hospitals, medical research labs and restaurants. PlayArmor withstands pressure washing and remains on playground surfaces to which it is applied, with no need to reapply for up to 90 days. PlayArmor is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

What to Look For

How will you know if your local playground and site amenities such as benches and tables are protected by PlayArmor? The equipment will have a visible PlayArmor label, which is a sign that the playground and site amenities are protected. PlayPower®, the world’s largest commercial playground and recreational equipment manufacturer, introduced PlayArmor in partnership with Clearstream® Technologies, a specialized chemical company. For more information on PlayArmor, visit www.PlayArmor.com.

“It’s beneficial for kids to play outdoors, especially on equipment with an antimicrobial protective coating that keeps it germ-free for months. https://bit.ly/3AdlJtL“

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Treating “Untreatable” Cancers: Functional Profiling Comes of Age

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Treating “Untreatable” Cancers: Functional Profiling Comes of Age

An oncologist has developed a way to determine what drugs work best for each individual with cancer.

(NAPSI)—Over 1.8 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year according to the American Cancer Society. If you or someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer you may be relieved to know there are techniques available that can improve your likelihood of response and survival by using your cancer cells to select the most effective drugs before you receive them.

What Can Help

The process is called functional profiling, which analyzes living cancer cells from a patient to find out the drugs, combinations and sequences that are the most effective and least toxic for each individual. It’s particularly helpful in treating cancers that have been considered “untreatable,” such as pancreatic cancers, advanced lung and recurrent breast cancers.

Why It Works

Cancers arise from cells that have learned certain tricks to enhance their survival. In so doing they outlive their normal counterparts. These transformed cells interact directly with their micro-environment. Cancer cells “talk” to each other and to all the surrounding immune cells, blood vessels and structural elements using chemical signals such as growth fac- tors and metabolic byproducts. Blood vessels, immune cells and connective tissues all participate and promote the cancer process.

Each human cancer reflects all of its genes, both mutated and normal, acting together to create what we recognize as a malignant tumor. But gene changes are only the starting point and not the final product of cancer development. The practice of just analyzing genes is incapable of capturing the complexity of human tumor biology. Only Functional analyses can interrogate each patient’s tumor in real time to provide insights that can inform drug selection and treatment decisions.

Because each cancer patient is unique and very different from one person to the next, drugs that work for one person may not for another, even with exactly the same diagnosis. Standard trial-and-error approaches cannot meet each patient’s needs.

Who Developed the Idea

The pioneer behind this is Los Angeles-based oncologist Dr. Robert Nagourney, author of Outliving Cancer and known as the father of precision cancer medicine. His testing of cancer cells against potential drugs offers patients the opportunity to take charge of their cancers and the treatments most likely to work.

Dr. Nagourney recognized the short comings of modern trial and error cancer medicine and decided to do something about it. Over the past two decades he has amassed data on over 10,000 patients, providing individualized therapies that have been shown to double response rates and improve survival. While major centers continue to offer gene profiles that examine DNA mutations hoping to find a “magic bullet,” those result have been extremely disappointing with a minority of patient’s revealing actionable findings.

Get Help

The Nagourney Institute receives samples from all over the world. If you think functional profiling would be good for you, you can arrange to have your sample collected and shipped overnight to the laboratory. The Institute will even assist you with a specimen transportation kit and specific handling instructions.

Learn More

For additional facts and to arrange for tests, visit https://www.nagourneycancerinstitute.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: They Saved A Baby’s Life — Here’s How You Could, Too

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(NAPSI)—If your family is like most, you’ve spent months preparing for the joys and challenges that arise with the arrival of a new baby—and if your family is like many, you’ve discovered not everything can be planned.

One Family’s Story

Consider the case of the McKennas: In July 2020, at six months pregnant with her second child, Erica McKenna and her husband Dan, received devastating news about their unborn daughter. Their baby was experiencing a condition called maternal alloimmunization. This condition can occur when a pregnant woman’s blood contains certain antibodies that attack the red blood cells of the fetus. This can cause the baby to become dangerously anemic.

Doctors told Erica if this condition was not treated, her baby would die. To stabilize and save her child’s life, Erica’s baby received five blood transfusions in utero starting at 24 weeks.

Just two months later, at eight months pregnant, Erica experienced worrying symptoms requiring immediate action. Within hours, she was in the hospital where she underwent an emergency C-section. Following delivery, her infant daughter was rushed to the NICU where another three blood transfusions were needed.
Nearly a year later, Erica and Dan’s daughter, Annie, is a thriving baby with a smile for everyone.

“You would never know she went through all of that,” said Erica. “We’re extremely lucky. We’re grateful for the people who donate blood and the amazing doctors who took care of us both.”

Arms Out For Annie

To give back, Erica and her family started Arms Out for Annie, a special blood donation campaign with a goal to recruit 100 donors to give blood in Annie’s name before her first birthday on September 26.

“Annie’s life was saved eight times,” said Erica, referring to the eight transfusions her daughter received before and after birth. “She wouldn’t be here without them. And I can’t imagine our lives without her.”

What You Can Do

Currently, there is an emergency need for lifesaving blood donations. As the nation confronts a severe blood shortage, due to a rise in hospital demand for blood, the American Red Cross urges those who are healthy and able to donate now.

The Red Cross is distributing more blood products to hospitals across the country compared to the same time last year. Over the past three months, the Red Cross sent 12% more blood products to hospitals each day for patients. Hospitals are responding to a higher number of traumas and emergency room visits and seeing patients who postponed medical care earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

All blood types are needed, particularly type O. With only about a day’s supply of type O blood, there is an emergency need for type O donors. Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals. In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate.

How To Help

Healthy individuals are urged to schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Tips For Shedding Those Pandemic Pounds

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Enjoying the abundant fresh fruits and vegetables of the season can help you emerge from the pandemic fit and healthy.

(NAPSI)—Living may be easier during the warmer weather seasons but that doesn’t mean your wellness goals should be swept under the rug. To help, GOLO, the pioneering wellness solutions company, has a range of healthy suggestions for the summer, whether you’re at home, road tripping with friends and family, or grilling in your backyard.

#1. Develop an action plan: Use this time as an opportunity to develop a nutritionally balanced meal plan that focuses on real, whole foods that charge your metabolism and help you feel energized.
A structured meal plan can help you lose weight and get healthier. For example, the company’s Metabolic Plan focuses on repairing metabolic health with whole foods that are affordable, simple to prepare and easy to find in a restaurant or convenience store.

It’s effective because:

• You stay fuller longer and don’t have to fight with hunger and cravings.
• You can eat delicious foods that you want to eat—you are in control.
• There’s no diet isolation. You eat the same foods as your family and friends

#2. Don’t be afraid to rock out at your cookout: The truth is everyone enjoys a good backyard cookout. The key is to make sure that you’re enjoying the tastes of the season without having a detrimental effect on your healthy eating plan.

#3. Burn off pandemic pounds: It’s essential to take advantage of the warmer weather to exercise away those pandemic pounds that many people packed on over the past year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week.

Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity and that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.

Switching up your seasonal fitness regimen can be key to staying motivated and consistent when building new, healthier habits.

Learn More

Visit www.golo.com for further facts and tips.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – NervGen Pharma: A“Blockbuster Drug” in the Making?

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(NAPSI)—More than 6 million people in the U.S. live with Alzheimer’s, and that number continues to increase each year. In 2021, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $355 billion. The Alzheimer’s Association predicts those costs will rise to $1.1 trillion by 2050.

A Canadian-headquartered biotech startup, NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSX.V: NGEN) (OTCQX: NGENF) has just entered into a research agreement to study its NVG-291 drug in Alzheimer’s disease models in animals as it prepares for its Phase 1b clinical trial in Alzheimer’s patients slated to start in 2022.

This development comes on the heels of pharmaceutical heavyweight Biogen being granted FDA approval to commercialize aducanumab – a drug that removes amyloid-beta plaques from the brain as a means of slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in patients. This approval is in spite of the fact that aducanumab’s effectiveness has been questioned by many Alzheimer’s experts.

The sceptics include Dr. George Perry, the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the University Chair in Neurobiology at the University of Texas, San Antonio and one of the most published and cited researchers in the Alzheimer’s field.

He believes that NervGen’s potential for NVG-291 is a far more “exciting” and potentially effective treatment for Alzheimer’s than Biogen’s controversial new drug. “NervGen’s drug candidate leverages a unique and powerful multimodal mechanism of action that has been shown in preclinical studies to increase both autophagy and plasticity while also reducing microglia inflammatory expression, representing an exciting new approach to treating Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Perry.

It has the potential to be one of the most disruptive pharmaceutical drug therapies of the modern era, especially for treating Alzheimer’s disease. And that gives it considerable “blockbuster drug” potential – a tantalizing opportunity that is only now just becoming apparent.

This is due to the fact that NVG- 291 is designed to heal nerve damage by unleashing the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Besides treating Alzheimer’s disease, this new therapy has also shown considerable promise in preclinical studies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

According to Paul Brennan, NervGen’s President & CEO, “NVG-291 has the potential to redefine how nervous system damage is treated across multiple indications, whether caused by trauma or chronic disease. This is an important first step to bringing this therapy to patients, and we look forward to completing our ongoing Phase 1 study and moving quickly to treating Alzheimer’s patients.”

A Breakthrough Therapy: How NVG-291 Works

Any time there is damage to the nervous system – whether via trauma such as spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, or a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, MS or ALS – scar tissue is formed. The body releases chemicals called CSPGs (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans) within the scar in order to reduce the damage.
They are initially helpful and play a protective role, but there is also a down- side to these CSPGs as over time they actually go from helping to obstructing the body’s ability to repair itself.

NervGen’s drug, NVG-291, releases this molecular inhibition, resulting in the initiation of multiple repair mechanisms including neuron regeneration, increased plasticity and “remyelination” – the process of replacing myelin, the tissue that often surrounds and protects neurons and which is often damaged as a result of diseases such as MS.
As a revolutionary treatment for Alzheimer’s disease alone, NVG-291, has the potential to make NervGen a future star of the biotech sector. For instance, consider that Wall Street analysts are now estimating peak annual sales for Biogen’s new drug will range from $10 billion to $50 billion.

It is well worth reiterating that no drugs have been approved anywhere in the world for nerve regeneration and remyelination, as well as improved plasticity in damaged nerves. Existing treatments for these diseases are often targeting the symptoms, not the underlying disease progression itself. NervGen is addressing a significant unmet medical need for the treatment of nervous system damage due to trauma and diseases.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Sober Summer: Americans reevaluate drinking post-pandemic

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Many Americans are celebrating COVID receding with an alcohol-free day, season or longer.

(NAPSI)—As both vaccination levels and temperatures rise, Americans are shedding more than their masks and an extra layer of clothes. Many are also looking to shed unhealthy habits they developed during a year of lockdown. For these post-pandemic revelers, declaring independence this July takes on new meaning, as they seek freedom from behaviors that no longer serve them.

According to personal finance company WalletHub, the Fourth of July is one of the country’s top drinking holidays, with roughly $1.6 billion spent on beer and wine. This, however, is no average year: Alcohol consumption increased significantly during the height of the COVID pandemic. A survey published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights just how prevalent stress-related drinking was during lockdown. Participants in the survey reported consuming both more drinks and a greater number of days drinking. A third of participants reported binge drinking, with 7 percent reporting extreme binge drinking.

That may be a reason the concept of Sober Summer has emerged as one of the hot trends for 2021. In recovery from the effects of the pandemic, many are “sober curious,” looking to realign their lifestyles with healthier habits. Interest in alcohol-free activities is booming—from sober travel companies, to bars that serve only virgin mocktails, to outdoor activities that don’t center around drinking.

This year, Lionrock, the leader in telehealth recovery and support services, is hosting a July 4th online marathon as an alternative to boozy celebrations. Open to everyone, Lionrock offers a safe and fun alternative for people who don’t want to center the holiday around drinking and who do want to find peer support and friendship. The event includes meditations, icebreakers, Lionrock’s popular CommUnity meetings for those in pursuit of peace in mind and body, and even a dance party. It’s not necessary to be “an alcoholic” or “in recovery” to join; everyone is welcome.

“The Fourth of July all-day marathon is modeled after our very successful New Year’s Eve event,” said Lionrock co-founder Ashley Loeb Blassingame. “Mental illness and despair thrive in isolation, which is why 2020 was so difficult for so many. For me, freedom from addiction is the best kind of independence. We want to provide a way for people to connect with others seeking a higher level of wellness so they can experience a better and healthier way of coping and living this Fourth, all summer, and beyond.”

People working toward a healthier summer that includes cutting back on alcohol consumption and not necessarily abstaining altogether may want deeper support than just a July 4th marathon. After turning to alcohol or other drugs as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or depression during the past year, they are ready to reassess their relationship with substances and find a more balanced way of managing life’s challenges. Still others will decide that a sober summer won’t be enough. For those who cannot moderate their behaviors, intensive outpatient programs and higher levels of care offer long-term recovery options.

The good news for anyone struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms and habits is that help is available and alcohol-free activities have become more prevalent. From the Lionrock meeting marathon on July 4th to wellness retreats, sober raves, and even a simple walk along the beach, this summer is an excellent time to realign your lifestyle post-pandemic and find a healthier path forward.

Learn More

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, you may care to visit www.lionrockrecovery.com or call 800-258-6550.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Six Questions To Ask Your Doctor About COVID-19 Vaccines

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Talk to your doctor if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

(NAPSI)—While most American adults have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, a lot of people still have questions. Everyone deserves to have access to factual information to make a decision about getting vaccinated. But many people don’t know where to go to get their questions answered.

For most people who want more information, talking to their personal doctor is the best place to start. Your doctor or health team will know you and your medical situation better than anyone. They can help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.
When talking with your doctor, there are a few key questions you may want to consider:

Vaccine Questions:

1. Why did your doctor choose to get vaccinated? Over 90 percent of doctors have decided to get vaccinated against COVID-19. You may want to hear more about why they chose to get vaccinated as a healthcare provider.
2. Why should you get vaccinated? Your doctor can make a recommendation based on your unique medical situation. The vaccines provide substantial protection from serious illness and hospitalization.
3. Are the vaccines safe? These vaccines are undergoing the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Clinical trials began over a year ago with more participants than most other vaccines. Your doctor can help determine safety based on your personal medical history.
4. Do the vaccines impact fertility? This myth has been appearing online but there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems. Ask your doctor if you have concerns around fertility or pregnancy.
5. Are the vaccines free? Yes, the vaccines are provided by the federal government at no cost to recipients.
6. Can you get a vaccine from your primary care doctor? Your primary care doctor may have COVID-19 vaccines available in their office. If not, they can help direct you to the closest location where you can receive a vaccine. You can also visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Learn More

Visit www.GetVaccineAnswers.org for the latest facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Critical Support System For Veterans

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Helping a veteran get to needed medical care can be a great way to give back.

(NAPSI)—There are certain aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic that many Americans may not have thought about. For example, one area that saw a sharp decline was volunteerism—placing heavy burdens on nonprofit organizations that rely on the compassion of their volunteer forces.

According to a recent research survey by Fidelity Charitable, a nonprofit organization created by Fidelity Investments, two-thirds of all U.S. volunteers had either decreased volunteer hours or stopped volunteering altogether because of the pandemic.

Volunteer to Help Veterans

One nonprofit feeling the effects is DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and its Transportation Network, which has helped get veterans to and from medical appointments since 1987, when the government-run system was shut down. The nationwide DAV Transportation Network provides no-cost rides to veterans who need help getting to their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics. Prior to 2020, volunteer drivers spent more than one million hours and logged over 20 million miles, providing more than 600,000 rides for veterans each year.

“We’ve seen a major decline over the past year in volunteer support across all of our programs,” said John Kleindienst, Director of Voluntary Services at DAV. “For our aging veteran population, getting to and from critical care appointments is a growing concern and without volunteers, many veterans have no way to access their health care or get other much needed support.”

Ramping up volunteerism for the DAV Transportation Network is critical as the pandemic restrictions lift, as it is anticipated that higher than average numbers of veterans will return to the VA both for routine appointments and for care that was delayed over the past year.

“While safety has been the key priority, we have to think toward the next phase and be prepared to meet this increased demand for transportation,” Kleindienst added. “We know the pandemic has hurt a lot of veterans and they might not get the care they earned without our dedicated volunteers. We need the help.”

VolunteerMatch’s survey, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Volunteering” found many in the nonprofit sector are rethinking volunteer engagement strategies to accommodate the current environment. While this strategy works for some sectors, it can be challenging for others.

Nonprofits, such as DAV, are hopeful that there is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel as vaccines are made widely available, restrictions are lifted and communities can safely get back to volunteering.

“We know there are many passionate and dedicated volunteers who are ready to step up and support our nation’s veterans and with added safety measures in place we’re beginning to see more people coming out to help. We can only hope it will be enough to keep pace with those veterans in need,” added Kleindienst.

Learn More

If you are a veteran in need of support or want to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the community, go to dav.org/volunteer.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Be aware: any dog can bite

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Annapolis, MD letter carrier Thomas Tyler takes a protective stance against an approaching dog.

(NAPSI)—Most people would probably agree that having a dog charge at them and bite is a frightening experience. The Postal Service reports that is exactly what happened to over 5,800 letter carriers in 2020. That represented an increase over the previous year. Several things added to the mix; more people were at home, more packages were being delivered and more dogs had been adopted.

The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority and dedicates a week each year to dog bite awareness. “Raising awareness about dog bite prevention and how to protect our letter carriers as we deliver the mail is paramount,” said USPS Acting Employee Safety and Health Awareness Manager Jamie Seavello. “Dogs are instinctive animals that may act to protect their turf. “

Here are some tips to prevent dog bite injuries. They should be enforced year ‘round:

  • If a carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Some dogs can burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors. Always keep the family pet secured.
  • If your dog is in the yard when a carrier is delivering the mail, do not let them run free. Make sure they are properly restrained on a leash away from where your mail carrier makes delivery. Mail delivery service can be interrupted at an address or in a neighborhood that the carrier deems unsafe because of an unrestrained dog. When service is interrupted at an address or neighborhood, all parties involved will need to pick up mail at their local Post Office.
  • Parents should remind their children not to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of the family pet, as the dog may view the person handing mail to a family member as making a threatening gesture.
  • A great way for customers to know if their carrier may be knocking on their door to deliver a package is through a free USPS service called Informed Delivery. Customers get a daily email with digital scans of the mail and packages that are scheduled to be delivered that day. You can easily sign up for Informed Delivery by going to: informeddelivery.usps.com. By knowing about deliveries in advance you can take precautions to keep your carrier safe.

It is important to know that if a dog attacks a letter carrier, the dog owner could be held liable for all medical expenses, repayment of lost work hours and the replacement of the carrier’s uniform and other costs. This can run into thousands of dollars.

It is in the best interest of all parties, including our dogs’, for pet parents to heed these safety tips irrespective of their dog’s breed, because ultimately, any dog can bite.