Life is Better with Pets: Studies
Pets are a joy to have, but did you know that they also help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and can even help us live longer?
|
Recent studies show that pets have a significant and positive effect on humans.
In short, researchers found that:
- petting and talking to an animal lowers blood pressure and stress levels
- aquarium viewing is a proven stress buster
- pet owners make fewer visits to the doctor
- pets increase the survival rate of people with heart problems
|
|
|
|
Pets Help Lower Blood Pressure
A recent study by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet.
Pets Help Reduce Stress
Walking with a pet helps soothe nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. The studies were done by Josephine M. Wills at Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in the United Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
Pets Help Prevent Heart Disease
Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows that companion animals may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus offering a measure of protection from heart disease. This according to a study at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets.
Pets Help Lower Health Care Costs
The NIH Technology Assessment Workshop also found that people with pets actually make fewer visits to the doctor, especially for non-serious medical conditions.
Pets Help Fight Depression
Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security, according to Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship by Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher.
For more information about the health benefits of pet ownership, visit http://habricentral.org. The site has an extensive collection of studies on human-animal interaction.
|
|
|