Your pet may give you better mental and physical health
by
Laura Hand
Posted: 04.28.2012 at 12:15 PM
Kids with dogs less likely to be overweight
Some dogs actually work at helping humans. Turns out all, and other pets as well, help keep us healthier
Benefits of a pet?
A
whole series of studies
shows they're worth the price of pet food, according to SUNY Upstate Psychologist Dr. Rich O'Neill.
Here are some of the plusses:
>Children in families with a dog are less likely to be overweight (thanks to walks & playing together)
>People who walk dogs have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol
>Pets are an 'opening' to connect to other people and reduce loneliness
>Pets give unconditional love, which makes humans feel good.