Rescue yourself by rescuing a dog!

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McKenney Home Care SWFL & MSC

For more information about the author, click to view their website: McKenney Home Care

Posted on

Sep 11, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

Adopting a pet comes with some surprising health benefits for the new owner. For those who truly consider a dog to be man’s best friend, it helps to know the health benefits dogs can bestow on a human being. In fact, some studies show that dog ownership during a health crisis can be just what the doctor ordered.[1] Studies have shown that human-animal interaction increases the oxytocin levels in the brain. [2] Oxytocin levels in the brain cause many physiological changes, such as:

a slower heart rate and breathing,
lower blood pressure,
inhibits stress hormones, and
creates a sense of calm, comfort, and focus.

One study published in the journal Hypertension analyzed the effects of pet ownership on cardiovascular responses with people in high-stress positions and suffering from hypertension. The results showed that those who owned pets have a less dramatic response to stress than those who did not own pets. The study measured heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. The researchers hypothesized that owning pets helps people to understand what matters in life and put problems into perspective.

The presence of animals and the need for their care produces psychological stimulation to induce people to take better care of themselves.

Having a dog really can improve our health according to science. Whether it’s boosting our mood, giving us a reason to go outside, or simply keeping us on schedule. Your dog’s got your back!

Sources:

Allen K, Shykoff BE, Izzo Jr JL. Pet ownership, but not ACE inhibitor therapy, blunts home blood pressure responses to mental stress. Hypertension. 2001 Oct 1;38(4):815-20.

[1] Odendaal, J. S. J. “Animal-assisted therapy—magic or medicine?” Journal of Psychosomatic Research 49.4 (2000): 275-280.

[2] Miller, Suzanne C., et al. “An examination of changes in oxytocin levels in men and women before and after interaction with a bonded dog.” Anthrozoös 22.1 (2009): 31-42.

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Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

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McKenney Home Care

Non-Medical 871 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice, Florida, 34285

McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment