Pets and Health
Pets are an important aspect of health for humans. There are over 100 million pets in the US alone. Over half of all American homes have pets. Pets fulfill many needs for humans. Pets create an opportunity for meaningful interactions and emotional relationships. Pet owners are able to care and love for another living being. And as all pet owners know, pets love us in return. The greatest benefit of pet ownership comes to the oldest part of the population. A study out of UCLA followed 1,000 Medicare enrollees for one year. The subjects were interviewed at the beginning of the study and then every two months during the study. They were also assessed for psychological functioning at six months and twelve months. One third of those in the study owned pets (cats, dogs, birds and fish). The results were, yes, you guessed it, the pet owners enjoyed better health and 16 percent fewer visits to the doctor.
Pets lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, decrease stress levels, jump start the immune system, etc., etc. Pets provide companionship that is a form of intimacy. Pet owners know that they talk to their pets, they touch them, and they hold them. And pets are loyal. All of these things are a way of lowering our sense of isolation and tension. Pets have been so successful in providing positive elements to humans that many in the medical profession are prescribing pet ownership as therapy for their patients. Pets are good.
Health and Touch
Those of us that are touched frequently are the healthiest of all. People who are able to enjoy satisfying touch, a slap on the back, a hug, holding hands, can enjoy many health benefits. Studies have indicated that those that are frequently touched have stronger heartbeats, lower blood pressure, decreased stress levels and a greater sense of well-being. Touch has even shown evidence of relieving depression. Massage, manicures, hand holding are all life savers. Don't be afraid to reach out and touch someone (sorry, I couldn't resist). When you see friends give them a kiss, a hug or a squeeze of the arm, even have a significant other wash your hair. Enjoy it.
Faith
Until just a few years ago most medical and mental health practitioners considered faith or belief in God as a thing of the past and detrimental to our health. The emphasis was on becoming a "self-sustaining" independent person. Much has changed in the last few decades. Hundreds of studies have shown the positive impact of belief on our mental and physical health. This is not limited to those who believe in God but also can be applied to those with less conventional spiritual or religious outlooks. The key element seems to be our relationship with what we consider Reality itself. Most Americans see this as a relationship with God and is the source of optimism and hope in their lives. These are qualities that healthy people possess.
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