CHI Health talks impact pets have on our health

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- We know that pets can offer us unconditional love, but did you know they could also benefit our health?

“Cortisol levels are kind of the stress hormone in our body, therefore it seems to kind of lower stress overall when you are interacting with them, which can also in turn sometimes lower blood pressure as well,” Physician Assistant at CHI Health, Michael Klayum said.

According to a study of older adults who were independently mobile and lived in a senior community, dog owners walked 22 minutes more per day compared to people who did not own a dog.

Klayum says pets can help both our physical and mental health, our overall mood tends to be happier.

“People with pets seem to have positive interactions, and they generally do provide mostly positive benefits,” Klayum said.

In terms of cats, one study connected cat ownership with a lower risk of dying from a heart attack or other heart diseases. It also says watching cat videos online caused people to feel more positive and energetic.

If your mood and lack of companionship is mild, Klayum says a pet will help with that. However, its a different story if its more severe.

“If your mood is severely low or you have any hopelessness and helplessness, I would suggest getting professional help,” Klayum said. “Pets are usually not going to provide that significant of a benefit, but it certainly can provide some.”

Before you think about getting a pet, Klayum says to make sure its right for you first. Ask yourself if you can afford the animal, if you have the space for it and have the time needed to take care of it.