A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that we (finally) brought a new dog home! After 2 (long) years without a dog in my life, I am once again being greeted with a wagging tail whenever I walk through the door. LITERALLY. If I go into the garage to get something out of the car and walk back through the door, less than 30 seconds later, there she is, excited to see me again. Now, this does not mean that Carol and the girls are not excited to see me because they are, but not as excited as Jessie is! We all now how great it feels to receive that kind of love and attention. As a result of that additional love, I have noticed that I have been in a better mood too! That got me thinking...
Is there really a health benefit to adding a family pet? According to multiple studies, the resounding answer is YES! Beyond the obvious benefits of increased activity, from taking your dog for a walk, studies have shown that it can help to improve depression and anxiety, symptoms as well. Just 5 minutes with a dog can decrease Cortisol levels, while simultaneously causing an increase in Oxytocin levels. (Both of those are good things!) I know that I am not alone in this newly found stress reliever... because 3 other patients in our office told me that they also adopted a new pet within the past month!
There are thousands of animals out there
that are in need of a good home,
and wouldn't you like to help them?
And make yourself feel a little better too?
So here is our newest family member!
Meet Jessie!
Is there really a health benefit to adding a family pet? According to multiple studies, the resounding answer is YES! Beyond the obvious benefits of increased activity, from taking your dog for a walk, studies have shown that it can help to improve depression and anxiety, symptoms as well. Just 5 minutes with a dog can decrease Cortisol levels, while simultaneously causing an increase in Oxytocin levels. (Both of those are good things!) I know that I am not alone in this newly found stress reliever... because 3 other patients in our office told me that they also adopted a new pet within the past month!
There are thousands of animals out there
that are in need of a good home,
and wouldn't you like to help them?
And make yourself feel a little better too?
So here is our newest family member!
Meet Jessie!
Movement is my Medicine,
