steel_ag
14th November 2012, 04:43 PM
Source: Dogs to the Rescue
ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
ChiroACCESS
Published on
May 25, 2012
Dogs have a great capacity to assist humans and have historically played many roles in their synergistic relationship with us. There are a reported 78 million dogs in the United States and 40% of U.S. households have at least one dog, so their impact on our lives should not be underestimated. Dogs assist us with search and rescue, serve as guards and alarm systems, protect families, identify dangerous or banned substances, assist the disabled and reduce risks to our soldiers to the point of laying down their lives in wartime. As important as all of these roles are, they shouldn’t overshadow the health promotion contribution of dogs.
Research suggests that our canine friends can provide a significant contribution to our mental and physical health. In an era of epidemic obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, humans often seek high tech or chemical solutions when the answer could be right under our (dog’s) noses. Studies demonstrate the ability to train dogs with their gifted sense of smell to diagnose several conditions.
Perhaps their greatest strength, at least based upon the published scientific literature to date, is to assist in keeping us healthy. The physical benefits associated with walking or playing fetch with your dog cannot be ignored. Greater than any other human animal companion, the rewards of dog ownership include improved physical, mental and social well-being.
ChiroACCESS Editorial Staff
ChiroACCESS
Published on
May 25, 2012
Dogs have a great capacity to assist humans and have historically played many roles in their synergistic relationship with us. There are a reported 78 million dogs in the United States and 40% of U.S. households have at least one dog, so their impact on our lives should not be underestimated. Dogs assist us with search and rescue, serve as guards and alarm systems, protect families, identify dangerous or banned substances, assist the disabled and reduce risks to our soldiers to the point of laying down their lives in wartime. As important as all of these roles are, they shouldn’t overshadow the health promotion contribution of dogs.
Research suggests that our canine friends can provide a significant contribution to our mental and physical health. In an era of epidemic obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, humans often seek high tech or chemical solutions when the answer could be right under our (dog’s) noses. Studies demonstrate the ability to train dogs with their gifted sense of smell to diagnose several conditions.
Perhaps their greatest strength, at least based upon the published scientific literature to date, is to assist in keeping us healthy. The physical benefits associated with walking or playing fetch with your dog cannot be ignored. Greater than any other human animal companion, the rewards of dog ownership include improved physical, mental and social well-being.