Improve Your Health, Get a Pet!
By Donna Stark
There is nothing that can draw a line in the sand more than the question, "Are you a cat person or a dog person?" And that's because the answer usually says a lot about your own personality. Dog people are known to be more social and outgoing, while cat people are thought to be more introverted and intelligent, but regardless of what all the personality studies show, there is only one study that matters. And the results from that study are worth mentioning ... having a pet can significantly improve your overall health and wellness.
For the Sake of Your Health, Get a Pet!
We may say a few choice words to our pets when they escape out the door or spit up hairballs all over the house, but deep down, we know that there is no way to keep track of all the good things they bring us. So how might a pet actually improve your health? Here are a few explanations.
- More exercise - Unless you invest in a cat stroller (and yes, they do exist), dog people get the point here because walking your pet can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and can help you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. In fact, you may even surpass that if your four-legged friend enjoys working out as much as you do. Some dogs will even run alongside you as you jog or ride your bike!
- Less stress - Pets make great companions, which not only decreases feelings of loneliness but can also reduce levels of stress by lowering the production of cortisol. And if you already own a cat or a dog, you know how much laughter they can bring to your life, right? Well, we all know that laughter is the best medicine! It can help relieve your anxiety and ease the tension in your body.
- Fewer allergies - It is said that babies who are raised in homes with pets may be less likely to suffer from certain allergies and asthma as they grow older. Some studies have also found that living with a pet reduces the frequency of colds and ear infections during a child's first year of life.
- Lifesaving capabilities - Those who live with diabetes know that a sudden drop in the level of blood glucose can be very serious, but if they own a dog that can sense when that is about to happen, they may be able to avoid that scary situation altogether.
Improving Your Life With a Pet
If you ever want to be loved forever, forget people! Find yourself a pet instead because no matter what type of person you are (dog or cat ... there is no right or wrong answer, by the way), owning a pet will definitely change your life for the better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.