Dogs and cats have been living among humans for thousands of years. People have long understood intuitively that pets make us feel better, but now medical science reveals that they have an impact not only on our mental and emotional well-being, but our physical health, too.
Spend just a few minutes with a dog or cat, or watch a fish swim, and you’ll probably notice a reduction in stress. This happens when cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the body, is lowered and when serotonin, a chemical associated with feelings of happiness, is increased. Studies have also shown that spending time with an animal can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Petting cats, dogs or other animals can reduce depression symptoms, and people with dogs tend to be more physically active than non-dog owners, especially those who walk their dogs regularly. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why, but cat owners have fewer strokes. They speculate that it may be because spending time with a cat improves circulation, or it may be that cats have a calming effect on stress-prone individuals.
It has also been found that kids who grow up in households with cats and dogs have fewer are less likely to develop allergies, and exposure to cats at an early age has also been found to prevent the development of asthma in children.
Most of us have heard of seeing-eye dogs that assist the blind, but, amazingly, some dogs may also be able to detect chemical changes in people that indicate a drop in blood glucose levels associated with diabetes, as well as cancers.
These are just some of the remarkable benefits of having a pet. While pets can help improve health, a healthy diet, exercise and regular checkups at the doctor are essential. Benefit Packages has been helping people find affordable insurance for 25 years with reputable companies like Blue Shield of California and Blue Cross Tonik. Click here for a health insurance quote.