WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., (July 17, 2024) – You know that pets make great company – but did you know that spending time with them can improve your heart health?
There’s science to back up the physical and mental health benefits of pet companionship. The American Heart Association, a global force of longer, healthier lives, and its Healthy Bond for Life™ initiative offers four science-backed ways that pets improve human quality of life as “Best Friend Fridays” return this summer.
Each Friday this summer, people are encouraged to share photos and videos with the hashtag #BestFriendFridays, showing how their pets help them lower stress and practice healthy habits.
“Having a pet has been shown to combat stress, boost happiness and encourage healthy habits such as regular physical activity,” says Fontaine Timmer, DNP, board president of the American Heart Association, Palm Beach County. “Staying active and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., and keeps your pet healthy, as well. It’s a win-win.”
Here are four ways pets may positively impact the health of their humans:
- Pets make work better. Studies show that pets in the workplace may help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve employee satisfaction.[1]
- Pets get people moving. Dog owners are more likely to fit in the recommended physical activity than those who don’t have a dog.[2] Studies also show that physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases and lower risk of depression.[3]
- Pets help overcome loneliness. When owners see, touch, hear or talk to their companion animals, it brings a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness., which helps suppress stress hormones.[4]
- Pets can help speed up recovery after a cardiovascular event. Studies have shown an association between dog ownership and better health outcomes after a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.[5]
For more information about Healthy Bond for Life, visit HealthyBondForLife.Heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
[1] “Workplace Wellness,” Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Link
[2] Yu-Tzu Wu, Robert Luben, Andy Jones. “Dog ownership supports the maintenance of physical activity during poor weather in older English adults: cross-sectional results from the EPIC Norfolk cohort,” Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 71:9. Link
[3] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Link
[4] Levine GN, Allen K, Braun LT, Christian HE, Friedmann E, Taubert KA, Thomas SA, Wells DL, Lange RA; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2013;127:2353–2363 Link
[5] Mubanga, et al. Link