Stress happens. Finding the time or even the energy to relieve the hullaballoo of everyday life can be a hassle all by itself. Luckily, 63 percent of American households know how to deal. We don’t always need words to calm our tears, fears, or stress. Sometimes, a big, sloppy dog smooch on the cheek or an affectionate purr will do the trick.

How 10 foods can help or hinder your journey to a better, healthier you

Photo courtesy of International Adoption Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Mary Staat and the International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center bring peace of mind to parents who are raising children from other countries.

While completing the adoption of her second child in Colombia, South America, Dr. Mary Staat was told that her daughter-to-be, Emily, had a ventricular septal defect, a condition that creates a "hole" in one's heart. The result is an enlarged heart, which pumps more blood than necessary due to a separation in the left and right ventricles. For a newborn or toddler, the defect can be fatal. Staat was beside herself with worry. What was supposed to be a routine trip to finalize the paperwork for her new baby's adoption had quickly turned into a nightmare.

The Americans with Disabilities Act leaves it up to the health care professional to decide whether a deaf person needs a certified interpreter. The deaf person can request one, but the doctor can refuse. So what happens when important information is misunderstood?