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April 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
Our Best
Friend may
well be our
Healer
By Dr. Tom
Miller, Staff
Writer
Animal-assisted
therapy can significantly reduce anxiety,
pain, depression and fatigue in both
adults and children. Children receiving cancer treatment, residents in
assisted living and long-term care
facilities, and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder are often the
recipients of animal assisted therapy.
Pet therapy is also being used in nonmedical settings, including Miracle
Leagues, universities and community
programs, to assist humans in dealing with anxiety and stress related
disorders.
Professionally trained” helper
animals” include guide dogs, offering
obvious benefits to persons who are
blin