Monday, September 26th, 2011
If you live with a dog or cat, you already know how easily a furry friend becomes a member of the family. Now, studies show that people who own pets are happier, healthier, live longer and weigh less than people without pets.
Here’s how pets enhance our lives:
- They make us happy. They’re loyal companions who are always excited to see us. They listen non-judgmentally when we’ve had a bad day. They love us unconditionally. It doesn’t get much better than that.
- They keep us healthy. Studies show that interacting with a pet not only helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but also reduces stress hormones that cause anxiety and depression. But it’s not just four-legged furries that produce these results. Watching an aquarium of fish also can significantly relieve stress.
- They help us live longer. The responsibility of caring for a pet gives us a sense of purpose and increases our feelings of self-worth. Pets also have been shown to help us recover faster from illnesses and surgery and reduce our chance of developing heart disease.
- They help us keep us in shape. Pets give us a reason to be active. They get us up off the couch and outside walking, which can help us maintain a healthy weight. And studies show that kids who have pets in the household spend more time playing outside. Isn’t that every parents’ dream?
If you think owning a pet is for you, visit your local animal shelter. They can match you with the perfect pet for your lifestyle. Becoming a pet owner is an easy and rewarding way to maintain your physical health and mental well being. No doctor’s prescription required.
Posted Monday, September 26th, 2011, 10:50 am | Family, Health and Exercise, Relationships, Well-being | Follow Responses via RSS | Trackback |
