LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
Your Best Friend
They don't judge you. They don't care about your sexual orientation, and they couldn't care less if you are white, black, yellow, or even green. Who are they? Why, they're our pets! And the benefits to their owners are more exercise, lower blood pressure, and better overall health. Since the weather has been pretty decent lately, a lot of the Milton locals (many of them my customers) have been outside walking their dogs. But I have to admit, sometimes it looks like the dogs are walking their owners. Judy walks her dog Charlie, a beautiful Boxer, every chance she gets. She beams when people come up to them and show her dog some attention. I see Tami or Audrey walking their dog Austin sometimes twice a day. Austin is a cool Beagle with a howl that could wake up the neighborhood. Another lady in town, Nancy, can often be seen walking her Chow mix, Zuzu. Some gym members tie up their pets at our bike rack and come inside for some additional exercise for themselves. There's a water bowl ready for the dogs, and when it's really hot, the dogs come in and wait patiently in the air conditioning. These pets get their much-needed exercise and attention, and the owners also benefit by getting out of the house for some fresh air. It's a great physical and mental high when you bond with your "best friend." The benefits of animal ownership don't end just with the exercise from walking them. Did you know that our pets also help to lower blood pressure and relax us whenever we pet or brush them? It is just as calming and soothing to us as it is to them. They're there to welcome you home from a stressful, tough day at the office, and they're always glad to see you. A 1993 report in the Harvard Health Letter said that companion animals have more consistent behavior than our human companions. They also offer unconditional affection (what human does that?). The researchers found that this behavior lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. In fact, more than 60 percent of pets receive as much attention as children, according to a 1994 pet owner survey by the American Animal Hospital Association. The benefits of animal ownership for older people are even more pronounced. Many studies show that seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who don't. In a study of Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog owners in the study had 21 percent fewer physician's visits than people who didn't own dogs. Age-related deterioration in daily living activities is slower in senior pet owners. And seniors who own pets cope better with stressful life events. Because these benefits are so strongeven in younger peopledoes this mean that everyone should adopt a pet? Not necessarily. The benefits seem to occur only in people who like animals in the first place. "You can't simply prescribe a dog to everybody," said Dr. Lynette Hart, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She told CNN in an article last year that the benefits are related to the expectation of warm feelings from past experiences with animals. She described one nursing home in which the residents weren't interested in the dogs and cats a female researcher brought in for them. "Then one day, she brought in a pig and they all loved it. It turned out they'd all grown up on farms with pigs." There have been studies showing that the animal companion doesn't have to be furry and warm to result in health benefits. Pet snake owners reduce their blood pressure by stroking their pets, too. Our dogs' and cats' well being is just as important as our own. They can have health problems and can suffer from depression, just like us. To keep them healthy and happy, spend at least 30 minutes a day playing with them. Without play, your pet could grow listless and bored, and may even show aggressive behavior, destructive chewing, and even prolonged barking. This time together will let you see if your pet is in good health, and will give you plenty of advance warning if they're having a problem. Dogs don't always communicate by barking. They talk to you through smell, facial expressions (yes, really!) and of course, tail wagging. An erect, wagging tail signifies pleasure. A tail at half-mast can mean either fear, guilt, or aggression. And a tail that hangs straight down suggests that your pet doesn't feel well. That's why it is imperative that you have a good vet available. Keep their telephone number handy so you can schedule preventive care or bring them in fast in case of an emergency. Being a responsible pet owner does have its demands. Make sure you keep up on your pet's vaccination schedule and check-ups. Is your pet spayed or neutered? This is absolutely critical today. Many unwanted animals are put down at shelters after being thrown away by careless and thoughtless owners. Many pets end up fending for themselves as feral animals only to live a short life in the wild. In fact, I found one of my cats by rescuing him while he was screaming on the side of a rural road. It's sad to think that such a cute cat was simply discarded by someone else, like so much trash thrown from a car window. It gives you new appreciation for your pets when you realize that they're caring for you, too. Not just with love, but with better health. Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit his club, Rick's Fitness & Health, in Milton, Delaware or www.ricksfitness.net, or call 302-684-3669. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 9, July 13, 2001 |