fasteddie
07-26-2005, 09:33 PM
In ancient times, people once thought the Maltese dog had healing properties. They believed putting the longhaired white animal on their chest or stomach would cure what ails them.
"I think they just discovered what we know today, that dogs do have the ability to help us relax," said Carol Murschel, who runs a pet-assisted learning program in nursing homes.
Indeed, many professionals today agree on the health benefits our furry friends can offer.
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown pets are able to decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in people, as well as feelings loneliness. Animals also increase exercise and socialization opportunities.
Studies have also shown pet owners live longer than those without an animal companion.
Many of these benefits are related to lowered stress, health officials say. Simply by having an animal present, people can lessen the stressful effects of situations such as losing a loved one or coping with a serious illness.
Dianne Bell is the coordinator of Pet Partners program at the Delta Society, which trains volunteers for visiting animal programs.
"Studies have shown animals can act as a tool in treatment and individual patient care," Bell said.
Dogs have been used in rehabilitation centers to help motivate participants, she said. Animals are also employed to help children open up after traumatic events.
In senior homes, animals can reduce loneliness and increase social interaction, Bell said. One study found medication costs at new nursing home facilities in New York, Missouri and Texas to go down from $3.80 per patient per day to $1.18 where animals and plants were an integral part of the environment.
"It does bring normalcy to that environment. Many have to leave a pet behind, and introducing one to the environment provokes people to talk about their younger days, maybe on the farm," Bell said. "It brings them out of their shell, so to speak."
http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/07/14/news/lifestyle/02pet_healing.txt
"I think they just discovered what we know today, that dogs do have the ability to help us relax," said Carol Murschel, who runs a pet-assisted learning program in nursing homes.
Indeed, many professionals today agree on the health benefits our furry friends can offer.
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown pets are able to decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in people, as well as feelings loneliness. Animals also increase exercise and socialization opportunities.
Studies have also shown pet owners live longer than those without an animal companion.
Many of these benefits are related to lowered stress, health officials say. Simply by having an animal present, people can lessen the stressful effects of situations such as losing a loved one or coping with a serious illness.
Dianne Bell is the coordinator of Pet Partners program at the Delta Society, which trains volunteers for visiting animal programs.
"Studies have shown animals can act as a tool in treatment and individual patient care," Bell said.
Dogs have been used in rehabilitation centers to help motivate participants, she said. Animals are also employed to help children open up after traumatic events.
In senior homes, animals can reduce loneliness and increase social interaction, Bell said. One study found medication costs at new nursing home facilities in New York, Missouri and Texas to go down from $3.80 per patient per day to $1.18 where animals and plants were an integral part of the environment.
"It does bring normalcy to that environment. Many have to leave a pet behind, and introducing one to the environment provokes people to talk about their younger days, maybe on the farm," Bell said. "It brings them out of their shell, so to speak."
http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/07/14/news/lifestyle/02pet_healing.txt