Pets help us deal

In a recent article I read online by Reuters, a new study shows that pet owners with chronic diseases tend to have healthier hearts than people living without animal companions. Read the article here!

In 200 Japanese people, scientists found that those who had a pet, any kind of pet, had higher rate variability than those who did not. This means that their hearts responded better to the always changing bodies needs. As in the heart needs to beat faster in stressful situations, etcetera. When the heart does not change to the surrounding environment features, this causes a higher risk for dying from heart disease.

Erika Friedmann, one of the professors at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, said that this particular study is a step forward from what is already known about the connection of pet owners having better heart health. Although no one is quite sure why there is such a big connection.

Although, yes, having a pet can make you feel better and have a healthier heart, but it is not going to cure you or make all symptoms go away, but it sure can help!

I think a lot of us have heard before how much pets help us live longer and be happier people. Who knew they could also help us deal with chronic diseases? Actually, me, I did! I was diagnosed at 21 with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), which includes Lupus and also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I never understood how true it was that pets can help you cope. My family had just gotten a puppy in March of that year, and I was diagnosed in October. My dog helped get me through the absolute hardest time in my life! I was pretty depressed about being so young and being diagnosed with something that I would have to deal with the rest of my life and he helped me get through the day. Truly. I started a blog during this time, although I didn’t do many posts, but if anyone wanted to read it, go here. Also, just to clarify, I actually have been about 70% better than I was when I was first diagnosed. I don’t know what happened, maybe it was the big cocktail of drugs they put me on, maybe it was the love from my puppy, but I do very well now and live a pretty normal life! Something I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to be able to say again! Read more about MCTD.