At LifeScape, we believe in treating you as a whole person through a comprehensive, functional medicine approach. While we are renowned for our cutting-edge medical services, we also recognize the immense health benefits our members can receive from the humble companions in their lives - their beloved pets. The LifeScape team has pets of all shapes and sizes, from dogs and cats to birds and fish!
National Pet Appreciation Week is June 2nd - 8th
Dr. Susan Wilder’s dog, Tahoe
It's National Pet Appreciation Week, the perfect time to appreciate how these furry, feathered, and scaly friends contribute to your total wellness and vitality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the human-animal bond provides remarkable advantages for both physical and mental health. Let’s dive into some of those benefits here!
How Pets Boost Our Health
Physically, pets can actually improve cardiovascular markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Our four-legged walking buddies naturally increase opportunities for exercise, activity, and spending time outdoors - simple joys that pay dividends for your fitness. Pets also provide a source of motivation to stay active. Dog owners who walk their pets are less likely to struggle with obesity compared to those without canine companions.
Elizabeth’s Munoz’s (Receptionist) fish, Goldie and DD
Daily benefits of pet ownership
For older adults, pets offer even more wide-ranging health benefits. Beyond encouraging gentle exercise and socialization to support cognitive function, pets can help enhance the ability to perform certain daily tasks. The emotional support of an animal can make challenging physical and mentally engaging activities feel more manageable.
Emotional benefits of owning a pet
Emotionally and mentally, the affection and loyalty of a pet provide a profound source of comfort, companionship, and calm. Cuddling with your pet releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," which reduces stress and anxiety. Pet ownership has been linked to lower levels of depression and greater psychological well-being. For those suffering from post-traumatic stress, pets can offer soothing emotional support and security during panic attacks or emotional distress. There is something incredibly grounding about the uncomplicated friendship and affection an animal offers with no judgment or pretense.
Nile Lechlitner’s (MA) cats, Loki and Sylvie
Love on Your Pet A Little Extra this Week
Jessica Manship’s (MA) birds, Lemon and Lime
This National Pet Appreciation Week, we encourage our community to pause, breathe, and cuddle their furry, feathery, or scaly pals a little longer. Allow your pet to be your trusted partner in holistic health as you experience the comfort and contentment these special companions so freely provide. After all, at LifeScape, innovative whole-person care blends the leading medical treatments with the more simple and soulful therapy - unconditional love. The love and connection with a pet can be transformative, lowering stress while increasing happiness, purpose, and overall well-being.
Check out all the wonderful pets of LifeScape in this adorable video!
