Watch the video: https://www.lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/feline-heart-health-what-every-cat-owner-needs-know-about-early-detection

February is Heart Health Month, and staying heart-healthy isn’t just important for people, it matters for our pets, too. Here’s what cat owners need to know about feline heart health and how early detection can make a life-changing difference.

Just like people, cats can develop heart disease without showing obvious signs. In fact, cats are very good at hiding illness, or they may only show vague changes that are easy to miss. On top of that, cats tend to visit the veterinarian less often than dogs for routine checkups. That’s why awareness is so important, because with early detection and new management options, we can help keep cats’ hearts strong for years to come.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It happens when the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. About one in seven cats is affected. The challenge is that HCM is often silent and progressive, and many cats show no outward signs until the disease is advanced. If left undetected, it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, or abnormal heart rhythms.

Unlike dogs, cats rarely cough or show obvious signs of heart trouble. Some cats may breathe faster at rest, become less active, or hide more—but many appear completely normal. They eat, play, and act just like always. That’s why routine veterinary checkups are so critical. Listening for a heart murmur, monitoring lab work, and screening for high blood pressure are often the best ways to catch heart disease early.

Any cat can develop HCM, but certain breeds, like Maine Coons and ragdolls, are genetically predisposed. That said, any mixed-breed or purebreed cat can be affected, which is why regular screenings are important for all cats, not just those considered high-risk.

So, what can cat owners do to help protect their cat’s heart? The most important step is scheduling a yearly veterinary exam. Your veterinarian will listen to your cat’s heart and may recommend additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, X-ray, blood pressure check, or blood test, if they detect a murmur or other risk factor. The good news is that there’s now a new treatment option called Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets), which can help manage HCM before symptoms appear and may make a meaningful difference in your cat’s heart health.

To learn more visit heartstrongfamilies.com to learn more about feline heart health, and talk with your veterinarian about screening your cat. You can also help spread awareness by sharing information on social media using the hashtag #heartstrong.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/eat-and-drink/video/big-game-ready-host-champion

The Big Game is almost here, which means it’s time to gather your crew for the ultimate watch party. Whether your guests are die-hard fans or just in it for the halftime show and snacks, we’ve got your winning game plan covered.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer, Tast!ez from McCain Foods are these perfect bite-sized frozen snacks. They are always a fun crowd pleaser for casual hangs or to make game day feel extra cozy. You can pop in the air fryer or the oven and they’re ready in minutes. They’re crispy on the outside with a delicious savory filling - Garlic Cheese Curds, Mini Mozzarella Sticks, Mexican-style street corn, Buffalo Mac & Cheese, and Nacho Cheese Triangles. You can find Tast!ez in the frozen snack aisle at major retailers including Walmart, ShopRite, Food Lion and Publix.

Next up, an estimated 280 million pounds of avocados are anticipated to come into the U.S. from Mexico in the four weeks leading up to the big game. Nothing says game day like guac and Avocados from Mexico is doing something cool partnering with actor Rob Riggle as their guru. He’ll be serving up real-time football predictions and custom guac recipes during the big game.

We tried the “good luck guac.” It’s designed to bring you good fortune during even the most nail-biting moments of the game and it's guaranteed to score major points with your entire crew. It’s made with pomegranate seeds and gold flakes, both symbols of luck. Find it and other delicious recipes at avocadosfrommexico.com/big-game.

Finally, for those looking to sit back, relax and skip game day cooking, there is nothing like pizza. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse recently gave its beloved deep-dish pizza an iconic remix with a golden, crispy crust, rich, creamy mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, and cup-and-char pepperoni — more delicious than ever. They have the MVP bundle for just $55. It includes a large deep dish plus your choice of 3 lbs. of boneless wings or 30 bone-in wings. Don't forget to finish with the sweetest ending ever - the world-famous Pizookie Dessert.

You can pickup the bundle or have it delivered Saturday, January 24th through big game Sunday. Order via BJ's website or mobile app at bjsrestaurants.com.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/refund-jeans-pockets-big-enough-your-tax-refund

Big refunds need bigger pockets.

That’s why Jackson Hewitt, one of the nation’s most trusted names in tax prep services, is introducing refund jeans: limited-edition denim jeans with pockets big enough to hold this season’s big tax refunds. For many, that could mean thousands of dollars back.

Behind the scenes, Jackson Hewitt tax pros have been gearing up and staying on top of all the latest tax law changes, so you can rest easy this tax season.

You can’t shop the jeans — but you can win them. Jackson Hewitt is giving 100 pairs of refund jeans away to Instagram followers through a sweepstakes. From January 15 through February 11, fans can enter by following them on Instagram and engaging with select refund jeans posts. Each week for four weeks, 25 winners will be chosen. See all the rules on jacksonhewitt.com/refundjeans.

And there’s more good news: for the first time ever, Jackson Hewitt is offering its tax refund advance loan all season long. If approved, clients can get up to $3,500 in minutes, any time during tax season, on a prepaid card. Finance charge applies — it’s perfect for when you need money before your refund comes. Learn more at jacksonhewitt.com/loans.

Wondering if your refund can fill these big pockets? Make an appointment today at jacksonhewitt.com.