Thursday, March 12, 2009

Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

A recent feature on a CBS network affiliate discussed how further studies are being conducted on the evidence that having a pet has positive benefits to one’s health. Veterinarian R.K. Anderson says, “It’s the human-animal bond”. Over 30 years ago, R.K. Anderson helped found CENSHARE, Center to Study Human Animal Relationships and Environments, at the University of Minnesota.

CENSHARE is devoted to supporting and collecting research on the many positive effects pets have on people. Mentally and physically, pet owners feel the benefits of their animal companion. Research has shown that pet owners reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. To read more about CENSHARE, click here.


To read more about this subject and to view a video article, please click here
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According to the CDC, National Center for Disease Control, pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness by increasing your level of exercise, activity and socialization.

To read more on WebMD about specific health benefits, click here.

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