May Be – Researchers found that dog owners generally have

Researchers found that dog owners generally have fewer risk factors for cardiovascular disease than people without pets: they trained more, had a healthier diet and lower blood sugar levels. SOURCES: Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, MD M.D., M.B.A., cardiologist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Glenn Levine, MD, Honorary Physician, American Heart Association, and Professor of Medical Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; August; and it is possible that the lower blood sugar levels among dog owners are related to their exercise habits, said Lopez-Jimenez, Cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. But dog owners did better than others: less than 7% in the “poor” food category, compared to 16% of people without pets and 13% of other pet owners. Finally, according to Levine, people can enjoy the health benefits of having a dog as a companion dog. By contrast, only 48% of people without a pet have achieved this ideal, as have 55% of other pet owners, according to the results. Glenn Levine, a voluntary medical specialist from AHA, is the lead author of “his” statement on pets and heart health. The new results suggest that the benefits may extend to diet and blood sugar. On the other hand, previous research has shown that dogs do more than just walk and exercise: they provide social and emotional support, says Lopez Jimenez. In terms of nutrition, few people have reached the AHA ideal, which includes many fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fibre cereals, fish and lean meat. However, “he” agreed that pets can contribute less directly to heart health. Even compared to other pet owners, they did better with nutrition and exercise. It is not clear why, according to Lopez Jiménez, and perhaps not in other countries like the United States. He said that in general there are “sufficient quality data” for the introduction of a dog to increase people’s physical activity.