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Dogs may be man’s best friend but they actually make you ‘healthier’ too
Dogs are great for our emotional well-being – there’s no arguing about that. A new study shows that they can keep us physically active, too.
Insufficient physical activity in children is a growing concern among modern parents. If you don’t have the time to take them to the park or when your children aren’t keen on playing outside, perhaps a canine friend could solve the problem.
Dogs can help your children get minimum recommended exercise
Did you know that two-thirds of children in the U.S. are failing to meet the national physical activity guidelines?
A study led by researchers from the University of Massachusetts found that a family dog can help your child get 20% of their daily physical activity.
As children tend to be more active when indulging in activities that they find enjoyable, a strong bond with the pet dog naturally makes them move around more.
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If a child has a dog and is bonded with the dog, thats going to lead to greater enjoyment of whatever activity they are partaking in. And having a dog is a form of social support, �said Colleen Chase, the lead author of the study.
For adults who find it difficult to keep a dog at home due to financial or time constraints, the researchers suggest dog-walking programs in animal shelters or after-school programs involving dog play�to increase children’s chances of hanging out with dogs.
Physical activity is crucial for overall health
Regular exercise is crucial for the overall development of children. Daily physical activities are shown to have numerous health benefits.
It improves cardiorespiratory fitness, builds strong bones and muscles, controls weight, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduces the risk of developing other health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 require at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and physically active students have better academic records, school attendance, and classroom behaviors.
