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Evidence shows that living with cats may help prevent asthma. And babies who are exposed to pets regularly before they turn 12 months have a lower risk of having allergies and asthma at 5 years old.
May reduce allergies
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How to Be Your Own
Healthcare visits can go by in a flash. Here's how to get what you need from each appointment.
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Potential Health Benefits of Pets
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The presence of a pet may reduce negative feelings, and actively petting an animal companion can increase positive feelings. Pets are also associated with increased feelings of life satisfaction.
May increase emotional well-being
Having a dog will likely encourage you to walk more, which also has many health benefits, including slower aging at the cellular level, better sleep and mood, a lower risk of many diseases, and a longer lifespan.
Encourages exercise
Your pet is your sidekick to sit with, talk to, take places, and snuggle with. It’s no wonder 2020 research says pets can help decrease loneliness and boost self-esteem.
Provides companionship
Do you get stopped every time you take your dog out for a walk?
Socializing with other people is great for your health, and having a pet can help supercharge your social life by acting as a conversation starter and providing common ground with others.
Can boost your social interactions
The simple act of petting an animal may help reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase your production of the feel-good, bonding hormone oxytocin.
May reduce stress
High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can damage your organs and increases your risk for several health conditions, including heart disease.
Regular positive interactions with your pet can be one natural, effective way to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Helps lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease
Researchers found a link between having a dog and a greater chance of survival in people who experienced a heart-related emergency, like a heart attack.
Better chance of survival after heart-related emergencies
Being a pet parent seems to reduce symptoms of depression in some people but not in others.
If you find being with your pet helps make you feel good, it may also help regulate your mood.
Can help with depression
Pets can boost health in older adults in many ways, including increasing physical fitness, reducing depression and loneliness, and providing a sense of purpose.
Better health for older adults
Having a pet may help you maintain and build sharper attention, faster cognitive processing speed, and a greater ability to remember stories.
Evidence suggests pet ownership may help your brain appear as much as 15 years younger.
Boosts your brain
