Dogs really are our best friends, according to a Swedish study that
says canine ownership could reduce heart disease. A study of 3. 4 million
people between the ages of 40 and 80 found that having a dog was
associated with a 23% reduction in death from heart disease and a 20%
higher risk of dying from any cause over the 12 years of the study. 【M1】__________
Previous studies have suggested dogs release social isolation and 【M2】__________
depression—both linked to an increased risk of heart disease and early
death.
Dog owners show better responses to stress, and have higher levels
of physical activity and slight lower cholesterol levels. The American 【M3】__________
Heart Association was sufficiently swayed by a review of dozens of
studies to release a statement in 2016 say that owning a dog “ was 【M4】__________
probably” associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Their
reluctance to more strongly endorse dog ownership is because most
studies are that is called observational—researchers note an association, 【M5】__________
therefore can’t prove causation. This means that other factors might 【M6】__________
explain why dog owners are healthier than, say, goldfish owners—for
example, perhaps only people who are fit at the first place buy pets that 【M7】__________
need daily walkies.
Tove Fall, the lead author of this latest study, says they tried their
best to allow any differences in education, existing ill-health and lifestyles 【M8】__________
between those with and without dogs. The study found the bigger 【M9】__________
positive impact of having a dog was on the people living alone. “It seems 【M10】_________
that a dog can be a substitute for living with other people in terms of
reducing the risk of dying,” says Fall. “Dogs encourage you to walk,
they provide social support and they make life more meaningful. “
【M8】
allow^—for
- 支付寶捐助
- 微信捐助
