Some pets may be just what the doctor ordered to help you stay healthy. As many of us know , pets are able to brighten you up on some of the worst days when you see them coming home from work or school. Just seeing your pet for 15 to 30 minutes a day can reduce the level of coristol (a hormone associated with stress.) Owning a pet like a dog for instance can also increase your physical activity when you take them on walks. By taking your dog for a walks that total around 30 minutes a day you can meet the minimum recommendation for physical activity. Another benefit of walking a dog includes meeting different emotional health factors like interaction with other people walking their dogs which will reduce isolation and depression. I don't want to make this article seem like it's all about dogs either. In a 20 year study study people who owned cats were noted to be 60 percent less likely to die of a heart attack and owners were also linked to fewer strokes because of the calming effects a cat can have on their owners. Cats can also prevent asthma. Kids who grew up in hosueholds with cats were significantly less likely to develop asthma. Sure, pets take a lot of responsibility but if you ask me I'd say a lot of these rewards outweigh the little things that may bother you when owning a pet.
I completely agree! At the moment we are trying to get my grandparents, but in particular my Nana a dog. Alzheimer’s runs in my family and my Nana is showing a lot of signs that have gotten worst in the past 6 months. She stopped doing things she use to do such as going shopping or taking trips into Boston. She usually just sits in the house all day and my family is working on finding a dog for her to hopefully give her something to be responsible for while my Papa is at work. We hope that a pet will get her out being more active and the sense of companionship. It has been shown that people with Alzheimer’s actually benefit from having a dog because it gives them the sense of regularity and they don’t have to think of what to do next. They know that dogs need to be fed or taken out for walks, and if they forget the dog will quickly remind them. Hopefully we will find a dog by Christmas and will hopefully slow down the onset of this terrible disease.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with this. I had a big yellow lab dog growing up...unfortunatly i had to put him to sleep 2 years ago because he was really old and not doing well. But when he was alive he did always brighten up my day if it wasnt going so well. Dogs are very loyal and protective of their owners and I think that everyone should have something like that in their lives. I did also get a lot of exercise with him. Since he was so big he was really strong and when I was getting tired during a walk he would pull me right along and not let me stop. I hope to get another dog once I graduate in the spring!
ReplyDeleteI love this blog! I have two cats and I love them, they always make my day so much better. Its interesting that your blog said there was a 20 years study done about cat owners and the calming effects cats have. I never considered that but now that you brought it up it makes so much sense because they are such relaxed animals. Pets are a big responsibility but in the end I personally think it is worth it all!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, pets are such a big part in my life and its good to know that they've done studies that relate pets to better health and life. I've always had cats but my friends who've had dogs would always be playing with them. Cats are more calm and tend to sit with you while dogs are up and active. I hope to one day get a dog and exercise with it. Thanks
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