Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
The familiar adage “pets are good for your health” is based on a theory that pet ownership leads to better self care, and recent studies show possible associations between pet ownership and better eating, exercise, nutritional status and the lowering of specific cardiovascular risk factors.
Most households in the United States have at least one pet. Why do people have pets? Some of the health benefits of pets are listed below.
Pets can decrease:
•Blood pressure — A notable research finding is that, although increases in blood pressure are a normal part of aging, the social support provided by people and/or pets can moderate age-related increases.
•Cholesterol levels
•Triglyceride levels
•Feelings of loneliness
Pets can increase:
•Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
•Opportunities for socialization
The association between pet ownership and the development of responsibility is well known for children, and now researchers are investigating the pet ownership benefits for the elderly. As our population of seniors (65+) increases, there is growing concern about healthcare for members of this age group who suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Although the idea of the therapeutic value of pets for elderly people has widespread appeal and endorsement from the media, there have been few scientific investigations that actually link the presence of companion animals to changes in physical or mental health status. Investigators have begun to place increased focus on understanding how pets may contribute indirectly to health by being part of a positive nursing home environment rather than on how pets can be independently related to improved health. Clinicians in nursing homes have observed that the patient's commitment to the animals engendered an intense need for them to keep living in order to care for their pets.
Siegel (1990) investigated physician use among elderly individuals with and without pets and found that individuals who owned pets and were experiencing stressful life events reported significantly less contact with doctors than those without pets. Participants in this study reported that their pets, especially dogs, helped them in times of stress. A study of community-dwelling elderly people in a rural area (Lago, Delayney, Miller, & Grill, 1989) found that attitudes toward pets and pet ownership were significant predictors of positive morale and self-reported health status. In a 10-month investigation that followed adults who had recently acquired a pet, Serpell (1991) reported a reduction in minor health problems during the first month after pet acquisition. For dog owners, this effect was sustained throughout the study and suggests that pets may influence perceptions of stress. Thus, pets can be a healthily addition to your family and household!
Please e-mail me with your suggestions, questions, and comments on healthy living at [email protected]. Please remember to always check with your physician before incorporating any changes in exercise or diet.
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