helps reduce body fat, blood
pressure, risks of heart attacks/
disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
and stressors and anxieties
that causes universal damage
to all tissues (including the
heart). Interacting with your pet
has a proven benefit to encourage
more activity and improves
mobility in the elderly and sedentary
(handicapped) individuals.
I bet you have not associated
your pet's need to pee with your
heart's health...
They’re great for our kids
too. Pets have incredible and
wonderfull effect on shy children,
autistic kids, general socialization,
maintaing focus/
mental stimulation, and with
children fighting cancer. There
are numerous studies that show
children having or encountering
animals are more motivating
to continue participating with
their treatment. Animals' effect
on optimism and positivity is
palpable and proven. Perhaps a
smile a day can keep cancer at
bay.
Serving the seniors'
well-being. We mentioned earlier
how the pet can assist in an
active, heart healthy lifestyle.
Dementia, arthritis, Alzheimer's,
depression, companionship
are are just several more
aspects in a senior's life that pets
provide significant benefits towards.
Simply maintaing a routine
in caring for others gives
necessary structure and purpose
without taxing the person unnecessarily.
Staying connected
and interacting with others
Dogs, or maybe lions or ostriches
(to each their own) can be a
means of protection as well. The
size of the animal's bite may not
be as important as theit bark (or
growl) at times.
Emotional perks. Think of
the multiple ways how animals
assist in a person’s emotional
welfare. Symbols of unconditional
love, loyalty, and feeling
responsible for others are mainstays
of having animals in your
life. There are many more. Veterans
with PTSD have shown
remarkable improvements with
therapy dogs, accelerating their
recovery, interaction with other
PTSD veterans, and relieving
stress. Caring for others, human
or 4-legged furry things,
builds compassion and empathy
in people that transfers to hu-
Healthy Living | Spring Issue | 2018 29