They can be a lot of work, but pets improve your health. Moods are improved just being around pets. People with pets tend to be more social, and social connections are good for our health and well-being.
Try going for a walk with a dog and notice how they are people magnets! Contrary to some beliefs, pet owners tend to have fewer allergies and stronger immune systems.
Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had.
Another study showed that dog owners had a significantly better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure.
Pets get us up and moving. We have to feed and care for them, including walking the dog or letting the cat in and out.
For people with diabetes, a sudden drop in the level of blood glucose can be very serious. Some dogs can alert their owner to a dangerous drop before it actually happens. They may be responding to chemical changes in the body that give off a scent. The alarm gives the owner time to eat a snack to avoid the emergency.
About one in three dogs living with people with diabetes have this ability. Dogs for Diabetics is training more dogs to help more people.
Pets are used for therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools.
Kids with ADHD can benefit from working with and keeping a pet. Taking charge of the jobs on a pet care schedule helps a child learn to plan and be responsible.
Pets need to play, and playing with a pet is a great way to release excess energy. That means an easier time falling asleep at night. And because the bond between a pet and a child is unconditional love, pets help children with ADHD learn about self-esteem.
This week, pay attention to the wonderful pets that are giving love and helping humans enjoy a healthier life. If it is appropriate, consider adoption since there are so many pets waiting for loving homes.
Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips
 |
Rev.Debra Basham
Voice or text: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ Mother Teresa |