888-765-5400PETS AND YOUR HEALTH
The good news for those struck with puppy love – or any other pet connection — is that regular interaction with an animal will improve your health and reduce your medical bills.
Pet owners gain health benefits and visit the doctor 10 per cent less than those without pets. The health benefits dipped for those owners whose pets died during the survey and increased for those who acquired a pet.
People with pets are most often better off than people without them. When a pet dies people’s health can decrease; when they get a pet for the first time their health can improve—and it appears that it didn’t matter what sort of pet it was, from horses to goldfish or dogs and cats. One would assume it would mainly be dogs who offered a health benefit because of the exercise that often comes with them, but it appears it has more to do with companionship.
An animal can also act as prevention against illness. It also noted that pet owners visit the doctor less often, have lower blood pressure, experience less sleeping difficulties and are in better health than non-pet owners.
To own and care for a pet, particularly a dog, is to enjoy better physical and mental health. Dog owners, compared to non-owners, are more physically active and report greater satisfaction with their physical fitness. They visit the doctor less often. Fewer take medication for high blood pressure, sleeping difficulties, high cholesterol or a heart problem.
HOW PETS KEEP YOU HEALTHY
Stroking a pet helps us relax and spending time with a pet can have a soothing effect as our heartbeats slow and blood pressure reduces. For people with high blood pressure having a pet is as beneficial to the condition as reducing salt or alcohol intake.
Pets can reduce the impact of grief. If you have a pet you’re more likely to recover from a heart attack than non-pet owners because of the blood-pressure reducing benefits of pet ownership and the extra companionship for those who live alone. Children with pets are often more self-reliant, more sociable and less selfish than those without a companion animal.
TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY
Pets teach children important lessons about responsibility and caring for another life. Many hospitals use pets as therapy for hospitalised children. Pets are loyal companions who can make people feel loved and needed. Pets can spark social interactions; if you’re walking a dog in the park it can be a good icebreaker.
Make your pet a part of your family. Only bring a new pet into your home if you have the time, patience, finances and love to provide for that special addition.
For information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.