Interesting Facts and Studies
Researchers at the State University of New York, Buffalo have been studying the results of owning a pet on 48 stockbrokers taking hypertension medications. 24 of the stockbrokers were given a pet and the study found that they achieved a predominant reduction in their high blood pressure more so than those who did not receive a pet. "Most studies show a direct benefit from stroking a pet, for example, but this one goes a step further in that the act of owning a pet lowered blood pressure," says Alan Entin, Ph.D., past president of the division of family psychology of the American Psychological Association. Pets can become, as Alan Entin, Ph.D., past president of the division of family psychology of the American Psychological Association puts it, “emotional lifesavers” because they can help their owners adapt and adjust to the changes and losses in life. The unconditional love from pets can give an owner a sense of worth by caring for them. Pets can help people learn about birth, death, loss and grief. And can even assist couples get ready for children, he adds. Read the original article.

One study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology surveyed businesses that allowed pets in the workplace vs. others that do not. The study found that pets improved their work environment, and increased their mental health and mood.

Another study done by a Professor of Medicine at the State University at Buffalo, studied people who were under high stress. These people were providing care to loved ones suffering from traumatic brain injuries. All those chosen to be in the study providing care for their ill loved ones had stress related high blood pressure. Guess what? After 6 months, those who were given pets had significantly improved their blood pressure and heart rate levels, compared to those who were not given pets. The AQUABLOCK is a small, desktop sized fish tank and aquarium that's perfect for the office.