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Adopting a dog from the local shelter can be a great way to save the life of a new canine companion. If that wasn't reason enough, studies show that dogs may not be the only ones who benefit from this scenario. THE PUP PRESCRIPTION Man's best friend may warm your heart in more ways than one. According to a study published in the journal BMC Public Health, dog owners spent, on average, an additional 22 minutes walking each day. Considering the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends people get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each day, dog owners are well on their way to meeting that mark. While dog ownership's effect on heart health is still being studied, the AHA says that having a dog may reduce a person's risk of heart disease. Dog owners are also likely to have: Better cholesterol levels Lower blood pressure An easier time handling stress Greater chances of surviving heart attacks THE CATCH Before you empty out your local animal shelter, remember that dog ownership can also have its setbacks. For example, allowing a dog to sleep in your bed could negatively effect your sleep quality. It's also quite common for Americans to be allergic to household pets. It's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before you commit to a new furry family member. A trip to your local animal shelter may helpsave two lives. Doggone Allergies for EFFECT P A W S We love our pets, but our immune systems may not. This can be difficult for pet owners who want to have their pets around the house, but don't want to deal with frequent allergic reactions. Fortunately, Harvard Medical School released a series of tips to help pet owners get past this pesky problem: • Ban from the bedroom. Bedding is notorious for capturing allergens. Considering we spend so much time in bed, it's best to let pets sleep in a separate room. • Find a filter. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be used in the home at all times to help trap floating pet allergens. • Give weekly washes. Frequent baths can help reduce the number of allergens clinging to your pooch. • Clean consistently. Frequently vacuuming floors and wiping down counters can prevent allergen buildup. 14 tgh.org / winter 2018