(631) 498-5632 Contact Us

Contact Us

Thank you very much for contacting Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

To best serve your individual needs, please choose from the following options:

New Patient Existing Patient Refer a Patient

“Take your probiotic, wash your hands regularly, and cuddle with your dog daily.” Wouldn’t it be great if this were actual preventative medicine advice? Well, dog lovers—you have permission to get excited. New research is showing how early exposure to dogs can lead to an increase in helpful microbes that help fight off allergies and prevent obesity later in life.

The things to which we are exposed when we’re infants can greatly affect the types of immunities we build up in our systems for later. A study from the University of Alberta showed how babies who came from homes with furry family members had more of two specific microorganisms in their gut that are associated with lower risks for developing allergies and obesity. 70 percent of the families specifically had dogs in their family tree, who carry in and transfer dirt and bacteria from the outside world.

“There’s definitely a critical window of time when gut immunity and microbes co-develop, and when disruptions to the process result in changes to gut immunity,” pediatric epidemiologist and study author Anita Kozyrskyj told Science Daily. The research piggybacked on previous studies which showed a lower incidence for asthma in children who lived in homes with furry friends. The Ruminococcus and Oscillospira bacteria in the current study were found to have “increased twofold when there was a pet in the house” in infants whose fecal matter was studied up to three months after birth.

A fascinating effect observed was how early the influence of having a dog affects the gut microbiome. The researchers found that exposure by the pregnant parent also affected the levels of these specific bacteria in the baby’s gut after birth, even months later. They theorize that, even if the dog in the household went to live with someone else before birth, the baby’s gut health would still reflect enhanced levels of these helpful organisms. The effects were still significant even if there was a C-section birth, antibiotics given before birth or no breastfeeding taking place.

So, what does this mean for the future? Kozyrskyj says she wouldn’t be surprised if these microorganisms were one day sold in pill form to boost immunity, but we might not be there quite yet. At the very least, we can remain confident in the power of inviting pets into our lives. Not only do they provide emotional and physical benefits (daily walks required!), but they can also positively shape our immunity even before we are born.

SOURCE: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/having-a-dog-around-can-protect-kids-from-allergies-and-obesity.html


Back to Blog

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

  1. We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.
  2. Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.
  3. Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us

Contact Us

Thank you very much for contacting Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

To best serve your individual needs, please choose from the following options:

New Patient Existing Patient Refer a Patient

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (631) 498-5632.
Contact Us