The day began with an introduction to the meaning of One Health by Dr. Kim Matheson, Culture & Gender Mental Health Research Chair at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ and Director of the CHAIM Centre. Dr. Matheson also introducedĚýthe topic of this year’s challenge, which is to develop a framework for designing a plan for the Ottawa inner city area to create the environment and social conditions that allow anyone, including marginalized or vulnerable populations, to be able to effectively care for and derive the health benefits of companion pets.

After a light lunch, , a professor and research chair in One Health & Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan, spoke to students about the concept of (reciprocal benefits between humans and animals) and emphasized the importance of the human-animal bond for promoting wellness. In her research with animal-assisted interventions, Dr. Dell has found that people struggling with substance use sometimes connect to animals in unique ways, reacting to the unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental support offered by furry helpers. In Dr. Dell’s words, “The animals were able to provide something that the humans couldn’t, or wouldn’t.”

Next students heard from Dr. Sue Kilborn, a veterinarian and board member of , an organization that provides pro-bono animal care alongside human health services to low-income pet owners. Dr. Kilborn spoke to students about how veterinary care for pets can act as a gateway into a vulnerable person’s life: “Because in many cases [pets] are the single most important relationship in their life, they’ll do anything to get care for them. Once that’s delivered, people are open to dialogue about their own health care.” In this way, pets may be catalysts for positive health and behaviour changes.

Towards the end of the day, team mentors facilitated a short activity with students meant to get them thinking about the Challenge topic and prepare them for managing group dynamics over the course of the competition. With these perspectives in mind, students will spend the next 6 weeks working in interdisciplinary teams to develop their own framework to promote healthy human-pet interactions in a dense urban area. Each team will be supported by a graduate mentor and will have access to a host of project consultants with expertise in neuroscience, health psychology, urban design, public policy, and other related areas. We’re looking forward to seeing what the teams come up with!

Check back here or follow us on Twitter @CHAIM_Centre for more updates as the Challenge progresses!

Growing up, one of my favourite trips was to the doctor’s office. We would get in the car and drive to the doctor’s. I would sit in the waiting room, eagerly waiting for the moment the receptionist called out my name and said “please follow me to your room”. The doctor would finally come in, ask how I was doing and tell me to explain what I was visiting for. A few checkup procedures and five minutes later, I would walk out with a prescription in one hand, a sticker on the other, and torrent of thoughts in mind.

See, what fascinated me about the doctor’s office wasn’t the stickers (though I absolutely loved them). Rather, I was fascinated by how the doctor could ask me for a list of symptoms, check whatever was hurting me and figure out what was going on with my health. Health. What an awesome word. Five-year-old me was fascinated by health. What exactly was health? What did it encompass? Five-year-old me however, built a definition of health based on doctor visits and medical documentaries on television. I thought health only encompassed the physical human body. I thought that health could only be approached from a medical perspective, and could only be treated by doctors.

As I grew older though, I came across other words. Words like stress, anxiety, depression and eventually, mental health. With this, I learned that health was so much more complex than just the physical human body. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” I particularly like this definition because it outlines all the other aspects of health I hadn’t been aware of, or really thought about when I pondered health.

The research project we are working on this summer is “Our Pets and Our Health: a photovoice pilot study.” This project is exploring how pets affect the health of people who are vulnerably housed or are dealing with homelessness. I vividly remember my first conversation with Dr. Kim Matheson on the project. During our conversation, she asked me if I’d ever heard of One Health. I hadn’t. When I shook my head and said “No,” she went on to explain what One Health meant. One Health is a multidisciplinary approach to health. It recognizes that human health is interconnected with the health of animals and the environment. It unites multiple fields for the improvement of health. To my great surprise, that one conversation with Dr. Matheson left me with a different understanding of health and many thoughts, insights and curiosity.

Just how closely is human health interconnected with animal health? This is one area of curiosity I just had to satisfy this summer. During the first few weeks of the summer, we spent time reading journal articles and familiarizing ourselves with the literature on this topic. The results of my readings? More insights. Even more curiosity. The benefits people derive from animals is incredible. From their great use in animal assisted therapy to the unconditional love and support they provide to people as pets, their important roles in the lives of people is unrivaled. I am really excited about the Our Pets and Our Health project, as it will provide us with more insights on how pets can positively impact the lives of vulnerable populations.

I never had any pets growing up. Due to this, I never really thought about the ways in which animals played a role in my life. I never thought that animal and human health could be interrelated, especially for someone who had never had a pet. However, working on this research project has allowed me to reflect on how animals have, in fact, played a role in my life. When I look back on my childhood, I have memories of walking to a park by the Rideau River with my family. My dad and I would feed the geese (though we probably shouldn’t have). We would go to hills and watch groundhogs come out. Despite not having a cat ourselves, we would play with the neighbourhood cats. Some of my favourite trips were those to the Agricultural Museum where we would watch horses, cows and other farm animals.

I recently talked to an uncle of mine who had gone on vacation. When I asked for pictures, I didn’t receive pictures of him. I was sent pictures of cats and baby goats. When I go through my camera roll on my phone, I find pictures I’ve taken of animals without giving much thought. Why is that? I’m starting to think it all goes back to One Health. Regardless of whether you’re a pet owner or not, you interact with animals and environment all the time. Ultimately, they do impact your health and play a very important role in your life. This summer has shown me that animals do play a role in our lives and discovering the health benefits we can derive from them is something I’m really looking forward to. I am eager to learn the findings of our research and to continue to expand my definitions, and understanding of health.

It’s been said that the best therapists have fur and four legs, and many individuals can provide anecdotal evidence for the healing power of animals. The idea of animals playing a role in human health and well-being has been frequently found in literature and popular culture. In many homes and communities, poor animal welfare is often indicative of poor human welfare, and there is also a link between animal abuse and family violence. The scientific community is also beginning to explore the links between animal and human welfare. Researchers have explored the idea of zoonosis, diseases which can be transmitted to humans from animals. But they are increasingly considering zooeyia, which refers to the positive impact that relationships with animals can have on human health. The concept of One Health considers how humans, animals, and the environment interact to affect human health. The framework of One Health can be utilized to explore how the welfare of animals is related to human welfare as well as how their environmental (or community) can enhance this relationship.

Biophilia, the connection an organism has with other living organisms in nature, is viewed as a basic, biological human need. Isolation and disconnect can result in negative consequences for the health of humans—mentally, physically, and spiritually. In contrast, connection and a sense of belonging can be indicators of good human health. Animals can meet the need for a connection to the natural world, and by doing so, they can improve the health of humans. One study demonstrated that a dog gazing at its owner significantly increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for feelings of attachment and happiness, in the owner. This increase in oxytocin could be indicative of one mechanism by which companion animals can improve human health. Other studies indicate that pets appear to improve the quality of life for vulnerable youth by reducing the use of drugs and number of arrests. Often the youth reduced their drug use in order to be able to provide a better quality of life for their pets. These studies support the idea that pets provide youth with stability and responsibility while also teaching them about unconditional love and trust.

More and more research is emerging on the positive effects of human-animal interactions. It appears that pets could be an effective way of helping people from more vulnerable and socially marginalized populations? Yet, understanding the needs of individuals from the populations sometimes requires looking at the world from their perspective, rather than through the administration of rating scales and surveys. Different methodologies can assess needs and impact while also providing opportunities for the individuals to feel comfortable and empowered in their participation in the research. One such methodology is photovoice.

Photovoice is a method that uses photography to allow participants to share their views and use it to enhance their community. According to Wang and Burris (1997), photovoice aims to achieve three goals: a) to allow people to record and reflect on their community’s strengths and concerns, b) to use photography to discuss and critically think about important issues in the community, and c) to forward this information onto policy makers. The process involves providing members of a community with a camera and allowing them to capture images of their community, environment, and everyday health. Participants discuss their photographs with one another, and share them with researchers, policy makers and other community members.

As a qualitative research method, the photovoice method has many useful applications. Photovoice allows researchers to have insights as to how a group of people may perceive the world around them. Photovoice is often used in health research with participants from marginalized populations and youth. The photovoice method allows all members of a group to participate and have a voice as long as they are able to learn to use a camera. It is inclusive and does not require participants to be able to read and write. As a result, it is an effective tool in giving a voice to members of marginalized populations who might feel reluctant or disempowered when pushed to communicate to people perceived to be in positions of power, such as researchers. Furthermore, the photovoice method allows participants to share their thoughts on their community and the world around them through a visual representation. As is often said, a picture can be worth a thousand words. This visual representation allows participants to share and document the world around them using a powerful mode. The photovoice method is also effective for people from cultures where storytelling is a traditional method of conveying information, beliefs and values. The use of photovoice as a research method not only gives participants the opportunity to be listened to, but it can also foster trust and social support.

Our Pets and Our Health: A photovoice pilot study will be looking at the impact of pet ownership on the health of vulnerably housed and homeless people in Ottawa, Ontario through the lens of One Health. Our goal for this research is to understand the perception of pets among this population including what motivates pet ownership and the perceived benefits and costs of owning a pet.

This study will be conducted in partnership with Community Veterinary Outreach. This organization provides pro bono animal care to individuals that may not be able to access health care for their pets. Services include vaccinations, spay and neuter, and general check-ups. Additionally, services to enhance human health are also provided, including dental services, support for those living with HIV, and programs to assist with quitting smoking. For many individuals that use the Community Veterinary Outreach service, they would not otherwise be able to access these human health care services. In this way, the clinic embodies the One Health initiative, by directly linking the health of human owners with the health of their pets.

This study has implications to the One Health research as well as policies of organizations working with homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. Our research is further exploring the concept of zooeyia, and it could open doors for further partnerships between animal health and human health professionals. If the research findings support a link between human and animal health and welfare in this population, this could encourage policy changes in organizations working with these individuals. Some changes could include increasing the number of pet-friendly shelters and housing operations, as well as increasing access to affordable animal care. Organizations might also consider the use of animal assisted therapy for client support.

Sources:

Chalmers, Darlene & Dell, Colleen Anne. (2015). Applying One Health to the Study of Animal-Assisted Interventions. Ecohealth, 12(4), 560-562.

Dell, Colleen & Anna Belle. (2015). Questioning “Fluffy”: A Dog’s Eye View of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in the Treatment of Substance Misuse. Subst Use Misuse, 50(0), 1148-1152.

Hodgson, Kate & Darling, Marcia. (2011). Zooeyia: An essential component of “One Health.”CVJ, 52, 198-191.

Kelly K.J. (2016). Photovoice Capturing American Indian Youths’ Dietary Perceptions and Sharing Behavior-Changing Implications. Social Marketing Quarterly. 23(1), 64-79.Jordan, Tyler & Lem, Michelle. (2014). One Health, One Welfare: Education in practice: Veterinary students’ experiences with Community Veterinary Outreach. CVJ, 50, 1203-1206.

Lem, Michelle, et al. (2013). Effect of Companion Animal Ownership among Canadian Street-involved Youth: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 40(4), 285-304.

Wang, C.& Burris, M. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Health Education and behavior. 24(3), 369-387.

Wang, C., Cash J.L, Powers L.S. (2000). Who Knows the Streets as Well as the Homeless? Promoting Personal and Community Action Through Photovoice. Health Promotion Practice. 1(1), 81-89.

Join the

Human-Environment-Animal Links to Health (H.E.A.L.t.H)Ěý

Student Challenge!

Click on poster for more information. Apply by January 9, 2017.

The objective of the HEALtH Challenge is to raise awareness and develop the skills to understand and seek solutions to the complex health issues that face the world today.

ItĚýadoptsĚýaĚýOne Health approach whichĚýinvolves working on multi-disciplinary teams to address global health issues at the intersection of human and animal health, with the natural and built environments contributing to, and transforming this relationship.

To address such issues, a range of perspectives isĚýneeded,ĚýincludingĚýcommunication, ethics, global development, economics, understanding human and animal behaviours, issues associated with environmental conditions and climate change, technological interventions, along with human health and mental health.

Not sure what One Health is? ĚýIt can mean many things depending on your disciplinary approach. Watch what others think…

A One Health approach involves working across multiple disciplines to address global health issues at the intersection of human and animal health, with the natural and built environments contributing to, and transforming this relationship. The objective of the Human, Environment, and Animal Links to Health (HEALtH) Challenge is to raise awareness and develop skills to understand and seek solutions to the complex health issues that face us globally.

To address such issues, expertise is needed across the spectrum, ranging from communication, ethics, global development, economics, understanding human and animal behaviours, issues associated with environmental conditions and climate change, technological interventions, along with human health and mental health.
We are seeking graduate students from all disciplines across campus who are interested in mentoring undergraduates participating in the HEALtH Challenge. You will mentor students from ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University, University of Saskatchewan and Michigan State University, in a half-day workshop conducted simultaneously at each university site in January 2017. During the workshop students will work on a case study to explore and define the factors that contribute to a global health issue, and develop approaches to seek solutions to this issue. You will also mentor these students to develop an online exhibit of their work over the course of one month following the workshop.

Graduate students who are interested in acting as One Health Student Challenge mentors should send to Christine.Shay@carleton.ca by Wednesday November 23, 2016
1) an up-to-date CV and
2) statement of interest (no more than ½ page) that outlines why you are interested in taking part in the HEALtH Challenge and a One Health approach .

We are looking for two graduate students to fill the mentor roles. A $1000 stipend will be provided. Applications will be reviewed and successful applicants will be contacted by the beginning of December.

We look forward to hearing from you about your interest in this exciting opportunity!

Kim Matheson (Neuroscience) & ĚýKristin Connor (Health Sciences)
Faculty Consultants, One Health Challenge

“Tony is waiting outside, his eyes crinkled into a smile. ‘Come inside the house,’ he says. He knows what I am feeling. And in I go, where the dogs lie flat on the kitchen floor, tails wagging, and the kettle is whistling, and the house is very warm.”Ěý―ĚýHelen Macdonald,ĚýH is for Hawk

On January 21, Dr James Gillett visited ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University to help audience members explore the advantages of non-human therapy, and to question the boundaries between human and non-human interaction, explaining the impacts on mental health and well-being.

Photo by Ariel Root

Gillett introduced the concept of “One Health”—the presence of and relationship between humans and non-humans within the physical and social environments of one’s daily life. A One Health mentality considers both illness and health across species, questioning classification, and how humans relate to all other beings. Gillett believes that One Health initiatives represent action-based research that will bring about true change.

As a social scientist and sociologist at McMaster University, Gillett has found his academic career applicable to various interdisciplinary areas and topics, most recently explored with a One Health lens. Human and non-human interaction as it relates to sport, media, gender, etc. is the evolving direction of societal attention.

“This is a pressing issue in our society” Gillett notes, especially as “we are an aging society; so [this interaction] is prevalent and interesting” across populations and social groups. Gillett presented some of his current research across three population groups including older adults, students, and youth at risk. In older adults, Gillett mentioned that non-humans are very important companion animals, influencing the flow through active aging. “Family, which is important, includes non-humans as well,” and One Health “acknowledges the fact that people’s idea of care includes… non-humans.” Gillett illustrated the stress and concerns that older adults encounter about their animals when they are forced to consider moving into care facilities, and the need to take these concerns into consideration in relation to policies concerning health care for an aging population.

At McMaster University, along side Dr. Lori Campbell, Gillett has organized and supported the “” student wellness program. Every other week, at one location across campus, the program invites three or four therapy dogs from the SPCA to hang out with students, faulty, and staff at the University. The therapy dogs assist students cope with university-life stress. “One goal was to make the University more open to people—friendlier, caring,” says Gillett. Following a showcase of the program, a student considering future education at McMaster blogged that the Dogs At Mac program enticed her to go to McMaster the following year, “so the program totally worked.”

Gillett also described the impact of human and non-human relationships on youth at risk. He described programming between youth detention facility and the SPCA, bringing in 4 dogs for 4 weeks for 4 different boys to care for, and train. The program appears to have a positive influence on both the dogs and the boys.

Despite many of the positive findings, Gillett explains there are still complications and roadblocks. When it comes to animal relations, he says, “it’s unusual… [it’s] not really mainstream or “normal,”” so researchers still need to explain what it’s all about. Some people continue to belittle the research and its significance or importance, and that can influence overall support and funding. But Gillett’s perseverance is fuelled by his genuine curiosity and temperament. “I’m a curious person by nature. I would be interested in these questions even without a Sociology background. It’s not a job, it’s a vocation… something I do because I’m compelled.”

The is a movement to forge co-equal, all-inclusive collaborations between physicians, veterinarians, dentists, nurses, and all scientific-health and environmentally related disciplines, and will test the boundary between what is human and what is not. And so, perhaps with this movement and mentality, Gillett imagines a time when description of depression, anxiety, or hardship to your physician will be followed with a prescription of dog adoption from the SPCA for a companion animal and emotional support—and who’s to say that time won’t come?

“The hawk had filled the house with wildness as a bowl of lilies fills a house with scent.”Ěý―ĚýHelen Macdonald,ĚýH is for Hawk