It's estimated that more than 60% of U. Statistics have shown that owning a pet can greatly improve our quality of life, prompting us to think of something beside ourselves, get us off the couch and outdoors. When a bond is created between a person and their pet, the results can be life-changing; relief from depression, loneliness and anxiety. .
The Minnesota Stroke Institute conducted a study which followed the lives of more than 4,000 cat owners over a ten year period. The study revealed that owning a cat can dramatically reduce your chance of dying from heart disease, specifically 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack. Cats can help keep your focus off stressors that may contribute to inducing a heart stack or stroke. Pets in general are natural mood enhancers that can keep your blood pressure down and keep your cholesterol in check. Many people report that they feel happier when they are near their pet. If you are older or have young children and are worried about the hyperactivity of a pet that could injure someone, try an older dog or cat that will more want to cuddle and relax with you than run around and possibly hurt someone on accident.
If you are big on physical fitness or would like to be more active, become a dog owner and take your dog for a walk or anything you do to be active. Dogs make it more fun and they are always excited to go with you some place besides home; make your dog your exercise buddy. Also, pet owners tend to converse more with other pet owners when they are seen walking their dog. Walking in parks allows you to visit with other people while your dog visits with their dog. Professor Hayley Christian states, "The message is that if you have a dog and you walk it, it can make a great contribution to your overall physical activity and health and well-being. ".
Pets need to play, and playing with a pet is a great way to release excess energy. That means an easier time falling asleep at night for kids with ADHD.