INSPIRE
Doggone
Inspiration
Want to get in shape? Get a pet, says Dr. Michelle Moran, a family medicine
physician with Norton Community Medical Associates – Hurstbourne.
“Some studies have shown that being with a pet improves someone’s blood
pressure,” she said, “and also promotes ‘harm-reduction’ behavior. People will
avoid unhealthy lifestyles because they don’t want to do anything to harm
their pets. They’ll quit smoking, or smoke less. They’ll reduce their drinking.”
Of course, said Moran, physical activity is the big benefit of pet ownership –
especially of dogs. “Someone with a dog will automatically get more exercise,
just from the requisite three or four times a day he or she has to walk the dog.”
Jane, left (who was almost 16 at the time the photo was taken) and
Tuesday (who is now 5). “We were hiking trails at Bernheim this
time last year,” explained Lisa Hornung. “We lost Jane to kidney
failure/old age in May. Tuesday is still going strong.”
Photo by Steven Smith
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