Here at The Spearly Center, we believe in PAWS- Pets Are Wonderful Support. Residents really enjoy regular visits with their furry friends Indigo, Sandy and Hazel. Studies show that pet interactions can have tremendous health benefits which promotes an active body, engaged mind, and fulfilled spirit.
+ Improved Physical Health. Petting, playing with, and walking a dog can promote physical exercise, improving fitness, circulation and range of motion of your body's extremities. Also, the more exercise you get can help fight weight gain and obesity. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that more than 2,000 adults who walked their dogs regularly were in better shape, and were less likely to become obese.
+ Stress Reduction and Heart Health. One study in the American Journal of Cardiology found that people who interact with pets regularly had hearts that adapted better to stressful situations. The American Heart Association cites a number of studies that found interacting with pets may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some data even indicates that interactions with pets help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
+ Increased Self-Esteem. Visiting with pets provides an emotional support system. Pets innately know when we need them most, which gives us a feeling of belonging and a self-esteem boost, which is especially effective in depression reduction. Pets are even being used to help our nation's Veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. A 2014 study in the Journal of Applied Developmental Science found that young adults with a strong attachment to cats and dogs also reported feeling more connected to their relationships and communities.
