Pets can provide a sense of self-esteem and a feeling of being needed and wanted. Most dogs and cats live at least 10 years; that’s longer than many marriages survive today! Pets reduce stress and tension as they provide companionship and affection.

Dr Aaron Katcher, a University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist, contends that pets supply a kind of mental medicine that lowers stress levels and blood pressure, making people feel more secure. His research indicates that hypertensive patients with pets live longer and live happier.

As we age, family and friends often don’t need us as they used to, leaving us to feel abandoned and useless at times. A pet can help fill this void. Unequivocal data prove that loneliness causes an increase in sickness and death.

We also know that active people live longer and pets often make demands on us that keep us active. Dogs need their walks, giving us that nudge to go out for some exercise ourselves. You’re likely to walk farther with a dog than alone, since it’s less boring and lonely.

A number of studies indicate that when people talk, blood pressure rises. That’s especially true when talking quickly and pointedly. But it’s quite the opposite when we talk to our pets. At least four studies

I’ve read show that blood pressure actually falls when one talks with a dog or cat. Talk with you ask? Yes, we get feedback from our pets, in the form of a purr or a wag of the tail.

When we address pets we talk more quietly and slowly, much as we would with a small child. And since so many pet owners are convinced that their pets understand them, the experience becomes remarkably calming.

Owning a pet can help us live longer. Dr Katcher has found that pet owners have a real survival edge. Only 3 out of 53 pet owners died within one year of admission for coronary heart disease while 11 out of 39 non-pet owners died during the same period. Amazingly, that remarkable difference in survival rates was independent of physiological status. That is to say, no matter how sick the patient was, he or she was likely to fare better by owning and loving a pet.

Just about anyone can find the wonderful benefits of pet ownership. A study at San Diego State University demonstrated that petting a dog lowered blood pressure even more than resting or reading a book. The subjects studied who had the best attitudes toward their pets tended to have lower blood pressures across the board.

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Think back to the last time you saw a child with his or her crayons colouring in a book. Picture those little fingers holding the crayon, trying to stay within the lines. The eyes are intent, and perhaps the tip of the tongue protrudes in deep concentration. That child is thinking of nothing else at the moment. Wouldn’t it be great to share in that complete sense of calm?

Well, you can. I’ve suggested this before, but it’s worth repeating. Go out and buy a box of crayons and a nice little colouring book. Don’t laugh. It’s fun! In fact, it’s even more fun if you invite a little child, perhaps your grandchild, to join you. Or borrow a neighbour’s little one. That child can act as your “calming counsellor” and guide you in the world of colouring.

Does this sound ridiculous to you? I’m here to tell the world that despite my extensive college training, my degrees, my world travel, it’s nice to settle back into childhood once in a while. I surprise my kids now and then by pulling out the colouring book and crayons and spending 30 minutes or so with them. We all enjoy it, and I’ve noticed a very similar warming of the hands during the process, signalling a calming effect which helps control blood pressure.

You may even want to go beyond the crayon stage and “graduate” to more sophisticated painting or drawing. You can find no-cost or low-cost instruction at most community centres, senior centres and YMCAs. Bring out your creative side and you’ll find a marvellous new way to relax.

Too complicated for you, but you’d like something a bit more “adult” than crayons? How about one of those paint-by-numbers kits? Yes, they still make them, and you can find some kits that will help you produce a really beautiful painting you’ll actually want to frame and hang on a wall. Most important, you’ll achieve a level of calming far deeper than you can get by watching TV or reading a book.

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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol