There are many heart disease tips out there today. But, are you aware of all the health benefits pets can provide their owners? Numerous studies have shown the pets bring lots of benefits to their owners including stress reduction, increased survival rates after heart attacks and the ability to improve blood pressure levels.
One study showed that of those who had experienced a heart attack, a significant difference in mortality rates could be seen between the groups who owned pets and those who didn’t. Pet owners had only a six percent rate of mortality in the year after suffering a heart attack while 28 percent of non-pet owners died within a year. Pretty astonishing!
A study concerning dental patients found that spending time watching the almost hypnotic movements of aquarium fish had real benefits. Not only did the patients tend to relax, they also had a drop in blood pressure. The same results have been found when people pet dogs.
Having an aquarium or a pet dog provides numerous opportunities during every day to spend a few minutes with your full attention on your pets, bringing your blood pressure down. It is well known that high blood pressure can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to kidney function and vision loss. Although medications may be required, other methods of reducing blood pressure enhance the effects produced by medications alone.
Pets provide a type of emotional support that can be very healing. They love unconditionally and bring out their owners’ sense of caring for another being, focusing their attention and love on their wonderful companion. This relationship with a pet gives a sense of emotional safety and wellbeing that really can help healing begin.
Although it doe not seem to matter what type of pet a person has, birds, fish, reptiles, rabbits, and cats and dogs all bring the same benefits. An additional benefit of dogs is providing a good walking companion to get you out in the fresh air and walking several times a day. Be sure to choose a dog that is leash trained, or go together to an obedience class so the dog learns to walk well with you. Large dogs especially need to be trained to follow their owners’ lead, rather than taking the lead themselves. Both of you will experience the benefits of regular, gentle exercise!
Choose your pet wisely. Carefully consider your living space and lifestyle and pick a pet that will do well in your environment. All dogs need exercise every day so if you aren’t up to twice a day walks, pick a cat, a litter-trained rabbit, a perky bird or a lovely tank of fish. Even fish require regular maintenance of their living environment so be sure you can provide what your pet needs to keep them healthy and happy for a long time.
Modern medicine does not fully understand the reasons behind the significant effect that having a pet has on a person’s health, but they acknowledge that pets can prolong a person’s life and help the healing process. I think the majority of pet owners knew this already!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
