Furry Friends, Healthy Hearts

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Pets make great company, but did you know spending time with them can improve your heart health?

The American Heart Association and its Healthy Bond for Life initiative offer science-backed ways for pets to improve human quality of life.

“Having a pet has been shown to combat stress, boost happiness and encourage healthy habits such as regular physical activity,” says Fontaine Timmer, DNP, immediate past president of the American Heart Association

Palm Beach County Board of Directors. “Staying active and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., and keep your pet healthy. It’s a win-win.”

Here are four ways pets can positively impact the health of their humans:

1. Pets reduce workplace stress: Studies show that pets at work may help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve employee satisfaction.

2. Pets get people moving: Dog owners are more likely to be physically active, lowering their risk of diseases and depression.

PATRICK ARCHIBALD /COURTESY PHOTO

3. Pets help overcome loneliness: When owners see, touch, hear or talk to their companion animals, they feel a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness, which helps suppress stress hormones.

4. Pets speed up recovery: Studies have shown an association between dog ownership and better health outcomes after a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

For more information about Healthy Bond for Life, visit HealthyBondForLife.Heart.org .

TIMMER

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