| Years of Research Show Pets Can Improve Your Health | |
ROCHESTER, MINN. -- If you have a pet, chances are you're reaping health
benefits from the relationship, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic
Women's HealthSource.
Research over the past 20 years has revealed a number of health benefits derived
from animal companions. For example:
* Older people with pets were more active and less likely to be depressed than
their peers without pets.
* Pet owners with AIDS were less likely to be depressed than those without pets.
* Stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a pet were better able to
control their high blood pressure than stockbrokers without pets.
* People with pets have been shown to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure,
reducing the risk of heart disease.
Pets aren't for everyone, but if you are considering the addition of a pet to
your household, pick one that fits your preferences and lifestyle. It doesn't
have to be a cat or dog. One large research study showed that birds and fish can
offer the same type of health benefits.
---Mayo Clinic
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