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| Walking my way to better health with my dogs, Icy and Phoebe during Pet Partners' World's Largest Pet Walk event. |
A scientific statement by the American Heart Association assessed the influence of pet ownership (mainly dog or cat) on the presence and reduction of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors.
Among other things, the American Heart Assoc. statement included that:
> Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Despite efforts promoting primary and secondary CVD prevention, obesity and physical inactivity remain at epidemic proportions.
> More than 60% of American adults are overweight or obese, and more than 50% don't perform recommended levels of physical activity.
> Pets, especially dogs, can provide increased physical activity.
Studies have shown that dog owners engage in more walking and other physical activity, and are more likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity than non dog owners.
Even better, people are lacing up their walking shoes for other pets too! I see cats in walking harnesses walking towards better health with their people. I also see dogs, cats and other pets riding in strollers, taking in the sights and sniffs as they help their people get more exercise by walking, running, and biking.
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| Walking provides health benefits for both pets and their people! |
I participate in the Pet Partners World's Largest Pet Walk, an annual event that celebrates the health benefits of walking with pets. It's a simple event to join. People from around the world pledge to walk with their pets, starting at a synchronized date and time and ending whenever each participant feels comfortable.
It doesn't cost anything to join and you can walk anywhere you like! Invite anyone with or without a pet to join you. It's a simple way to raise awareness of the health benefits of walking with our pets. Easy-Peasy! The next Pet Partners walk is on September 25, 2021. Sign up and mark your calendars for the Worlds Largest Pet Walk . Icy and I are a Pet Partners Therapy Dog team and we can't wait to resume our visits following the COVID19 Pandemic.
Walking is great for both human and pet health! In people, it can improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Walking is also attributed to stronger bones and muscle strength.
My parents lived in New York City for much of their lives. Walking is a way of life in NYC. Keeping a car in such a crowded city is a hassle so most people don't have a car, they walk everywhere. When my parents moved to the suburbs, they actively looked for opportunities to walk more. They went for long walks in all the local parks and beaches, took evening strolls in the neighborhood, and often opted to walk to stores instead of driving.
Although my parents were 5 years apart in age, they both lived to be 94. I'm sure their lifelong habit of walking, as well as their love of fresh fruit and salads, helped them get to 94. I am so blessed to have had my parents in my life for so long. I'm sure you want the same for your family!
Our pets give us so much. In addition to contributing to our health and well being, they give us the one thing only a pet can give - Unconditional Love! Be thankful for the pets in your life. I know I am, my dogs are my greatest joy!
Sweatshirts, Phone Cases, Mugs, Tote Bags, Leggings, and T-Shirts.
We'd love to hear how you stay active with your pet. Leave us a comment and share!
Walking is great for both human and pet health! In people, it can improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Walking is also attributed to stronger bones and muscle strength.
My parents lived in New York City for much of their lives. Walking is a way of life in NYC. Keeping a car in such a crowded city is a hassle so most people don't have a car, they walk everywhere. When my parents moved to the suburbs, they actively looked for opportunities to walk more. They went for long walks in all the local parks and beaches, took evening strolls in the neighborhood, and often opted to walk to stores instead of driving.
Although my parents were 5 years apart in age, they both lived to be 94. I'm sure their lifelong habit of walking, as well as their love of fresh fruit and salads, helped them get to 94. I am so blessed to have had my parents in my life for so long. I'm sure you want the same for your family!
Other benefits pets can provide to people are:
🐶 Pets can help lower your blood pressure.
🐾 Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can actually help reduce pain!
🐶 Pets make us feel good, prompting the release of the "feel good" hormones Dopamine, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
🐾 It's been documented that pet owners have higher one-year survival rates following heart attacks.
🐾 Studies in Austria and Germany have linked healthcare savings to pet ownership, reducing the number of doctor visits needed.
Sources: Dr. Marty Becker, Pet Partners, and HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute)
Our pets give us so much. In addition to contributing to our health and well being, they give us the one thing only a pet can give - Unconditional Love! Be thankful for the pets in your life. I know I am, my dogs are my greatest joy!
My UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of pets sweatshirt hoodie is perfect for walking your dog in style. The design was created by Brooklyn artist MendyDraws, exclusively for Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them. Can you tell Icy was the inspiration behind this design?
You can find this sweatshirt, and other products bearing our Unconditional Love design in my online store
Sweatshirts, Phone Cases, Mugs, Tote Bags, Leggings, and T-Shirts.
