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In addition to animals having a positive effect on stress for us human animals, one study found that the human-companion animal bond provided a positive effective for a "combined people and pets" exercising together in a weight loss program. Since studies have shown that our animals do provide a support system for us, researchers questioned whether this would extend to a weight loss program. And it did! This study found that those of us who exercise with our dogs and even go on a diet together, were more effective than those of us who go it alone! On the stress front, one study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology surveyed businesses that allowed pets in the workplace vs. others that do not. The study found that even when employees did not have their own pet at work, they reported less stress, and felt that the animals improved their work environment. In this study they also found that pets increased cooperation between employees, and improved their mental health and mood. In fact, people reported that the pets improved the organization as a whole (sounds like my hypothesis may be a good theory for us being kinder to each when we are kind to animals!)! Another study done by a Professor of Medicine at the State University at Buffalo, studied people who were under high stress. These people were providing care to loved ones suffering from traumatic brain injuries. All the caregivers chosen for the study had "stress related" high blood pressure. Guess what? After 6 months, the caregivers who were given pets had significantly improved their blood pressure and heart rate levels, compared to the caregivers who were not given pets. This study used dogs. I consider this a great coping tool! Saving a pet's life by adopting one from a shelter can also give us additional rewards by focusing on the needs of another species who will love us unconditionally. So, Am I recommending everyone run out and get a pet? No. Pets are a major responsibility, but one I think well worth it. The key for me was researching what type of pet was right for me and my lifestyle. Not all of us can care for a cat or dog. For instance, many people who love fish report less responsibility, yet a calming effect when they observed and cared for their fish. Can't get a pet? Feeling stressed? Take a friend's for a night, for a walk, or go to a zoo. We can even watch "Animal Planet", or play caregiver to an animal for a few days while our friend is away; it just might relieve some stress and add 2 years to our life! Here's to our health, helped by our best companions! June M. Lay M.S. www.junefit.com Next Week, it's "Go Mediterranean", since I'm back from Sicily! Here's a link to "Be Kind to Animals Week" http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ev_public_bkaw Want some vital info on what common foods are dangerous to our pets? I found this article to be more helpful than others I've read in the past, http://www.petplace.com/dogs/dangerous-foods-are-they-harmful-to-your-dog/page1.aspx Junefit ranks top ten at Google for "fitness tips" search out of millions of results! Junefit is included in Google's top ranked women's health resources http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Women's_Health/Resources/ June is Lifestyle Columnist at www.healthnewsdigest.com/ Check out a great site www.americantowns.com A source for local community events, news, real estate, restaurants and more (and where you'll find my tips under community health, of course!). Source: Kushner RF, Blatner DJ, Jewell DE, Rudloff K; The PPET Study: people and pets exercising together, Obesity Oct 2006, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) 2008 Issue 2 Copyright © 2007 www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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