When you have the flu, you can pass along your sickness to your kids and hubby…and apparently also to your poodle Puddles. Researchers from Oregon State University are investigating how common rare cases of “reverse zoonosis”—where humans pass on illnesses to animals—are. Because the mechanisms of this transmission aren’t yet known, researchers say that it’s best to steer clear of Fluffy and Fido if you’ve got the flu, and to haul them into the vet if they start showing symptoms. (Do you have a cold or is it the flu? Here’s how to tell.) When Hormone Therapy Is A Good Idea [US News & World Reports] New research suggests that hormone replacement therapy, used to relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, might be safe for younger menopausal women when taken in smaller doses for short periods of time. Researchers found that estrogen, plus a progesterone did not harm the heart either in terms of raised blood pressure or hardening of the arteries. (Check out these .) Halloween Treats That Aren’t Scary [FitSugar] Anyone who’s ever ended up knuckle-deep in a bag of candy corn can attest that the season of candy can be terrifying. The good news? There’s no need to leave your sweet tooth out in the cold, thanks to these six sinless swaps for your favorite Halloween candy. The Daily Pill That Could Protect Your Noggin [BBC News] An aspirin a day may slow brain decline in elderly women at high risk of cardiovascular disease, finds new research reported in the journal BMJ Open. Around 500 at-risk women, between the ages of 70 to 92, were tracked for five years, and those taking aspirin for the entire period had much better test scores on a mental state exam. The catch? While aspirin was shown to slow changes in cognitive ability in women at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, it made no difference in the rate that women developed dementia. It’s Not Me, It’s You: 42 Ways To Break Up With Someone [The Guardian] Why did you break up with him again? Is it the way he made you feel insecure about eating cake? Or was it because he wouldn’t go to that family reunion with you? Yep, yep, and 40 more reasons why women call it quits, courtesy of these amazing reader-submitted reasons. Are M&M;’s Turning Bees Blue? [Food Navigator] How’s this for crazy: Mars France is working with beekeepers to determine whether blue and green honey produced by bees in Northeastern France is caused by its nearby M&M;’s processing plant. Local beekeepers have reported unnatural hues of blue and green honey produced by their bees and think residues from M&M;’s containers nearby are to blame.
