04/06/2024
Effects of Animals of Human Health:
Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.
An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet.
Interacting with animals has numerous benefits for humans, including decreased stress levels, reduced loneliness, and improved mental well-being. Studies have shown that cortisol levels and blood pressure decrease when humans engage with animals, while feelings of social support and mood boosters increase (Source: Harvard Health Publishing). Owning pets can even improve heart health, and interacting with animals can improve social and emotional skills in children (Source: American Heart Association). Furthermore, dogs can encourage physical activity, and animals can teach humans about mindfulness and improve pain management for those with serious illnesses (Source: National Institutes of Health). Some animals can even be trained to detect and alert their owners of dangerous situations, such as low blood sugar (Source: Diabetes Alert Dogs). Overall, animals have a profound impact on human well-being, and incorporating them into our lives can have lasting positive effects.
References: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/talk-to-the-animals
https://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/
Post compiled by: Alisha Tariq, Emaan Fatimah and Lamiya Nawal