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Today, our pets play an extremely important role in the health and well-being of human beings, which includes psychological, physiological, therapeutic and psychosocial aspects. The mission as co-therapists in the emotional and physical area of ​​numerous diseases has allowed the beneficial effects of the acquisition of animals to be used in the therapeutic field. In addition, it has been possible to verify at a scientific level how they have been able to identify factors that involve cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, cancer, reduce anxiety levels, among others. In Puerto Rico, the abandonment and mistreatment of animals grows every year, without taking into account that said abandonment is a reflection of an emotionally ill and abusive society, which is lacking sensitivity towards living beings. Animal abuse is closely related to domestic violence abuse. The respect and rights of both humans and animals have been undermined and are not talked about. However, despite the difficulties that these populations may bring, it is important to reflect that within this situation a stronger man-animal bond has begun to develop. At the level that they are already considered as one more member of the family. Nothing compares to the joy of coming home and finding a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can provide more than companionship. Pets can also reduce stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. It is estimated that 68% of US households have a pet. But who benefits from an animal? And, what kind of pet brings health benefits? In the last ten years, the National Institute of Health (NIH) together with the WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition of the Mars Corporation have been able to carry out research studies on the possible physical and mental health benefits of sharing these with different animals, from fish even horses, birds, dogs and cats. Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new. Interaction with animals has been shown to lower cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and improve your mood. Where there are populations where there are children diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other conditions, being able to interact with a pet has been of great benefit both physically and mentally . Animals can serve as a source of comfort and support. Therapy dogs are especially good at this. Sometimes they are taken to hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce stress and anxiety for patients. "Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit back and be loving," says Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. "Your attention is on the person all the time." Berger works with people who have cancer and terminal illnesses. She teaches them about mindfulness to help decrease stress and manage pain. "The foundations of mindfulness include attention, intention, passion, and awareness," says Ella Berger. "All those things are things that animals give us. People have to learn it. Animals do this innately." Dogs can also help in the classroom. One study found that dogs can help kids with ADHD focus their attention. The researchers enrolled two groups of children diagnosed with ADHD in twelve-week group therapy sessions. The first group of children read to a therapy dog ​​once a week for thirty minutes. The second group read to puppets that looked like dogs. The children who read to the real animals showed better social skills and more willing sharing, cooperation, and participation. Also, they had fewer behavior problems. Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with horses in the classroom. When the children spent ten minutes in a supervised playgroup with horses, their anxiety levels decreased. The boys also had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers. The researchers suggest that the animals offered unconditional acceptance, making them a quiet comfort to the children. "Animals can transform in a way to build a bridge for those interactions s

Forjando lazos eternos entre humanos y mascotas

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