In honor of National Wellness Month have you read this article, "The Value of Pets to Public and Private Health and Well-Being"?
Overall, the research finds that pets benefit human health, although the available evidence is inconsistent. The research on dog ownership and physical activity offers the clearest benefits. These studies also received the highest scores for methodological rigor. The exercise provided by dog walking provides cardiovascular and other health benefits. Moreover, dog walking offers opportunities to build social support through interactions with other dog walkers, and the combination of pet ownership and social support appears to mediate depression and stress.
Please share your thoughts or examples you have experienced.
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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