Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
20 November 2017 09:38
Dog ownership could improve the health of 1.1 million Brits
Owning a dog could be the key to reducing the risk of heart attacks and other potentially terminal diseases, according to a major new study.
Scientists in Sweden have analysed the data of 3.4 million patients over an 11-year period and identified that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease reduces by 36% if people who live alone get a canine companion.
'Neutralising the effects of loneliness'
Studying patients aged between 40 and 80, the researchers have found that people who live alone benefit disproportionately from having a dog around.
Although the benefits decrease for those who live with other people, pet ownership still offers a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease in households with multiple occupants.
Tove Fall, senior author of the study and professor of epidemiology at Uppsala University, says owning a dog neutralises the effects of living alone.
However, the professor is unable to say why the canines positively impact on health.
"These kind of epidemiological studies look for associations in large populations but do not provide answers on whether and how dogs could protect from cardiovascular disease," she said.
"There might also be differences between owners and non-owners before buying a dog, which could have influenced our results, such as those people choosing to get a dog tending to be more active and of better health."
The loneliness epidemic
In October, Helen Stokes-Lampard, leader of Britain's GPs, issued a warning that loneliness could be as bad for health as chronic illness.
She says there are an estimated 1.1 million lonely Brits, and that the risks associated with loneliness make it as harmful to one's health as diabetes.
Anyone who has suffered from a heart condition can still enjoy holidays and trips abroad by taking out medical travel insurance.
13 October 2018
Chris Grayling has given his "categorial assurance" to Parliament that a no-deal Brexit will not ground flights in and out of the UK, despite recent warnings from experts that this remains a possibility.
[more...]
12 October 2018
The rising cost of fuel could force more airlines out of business, the boss of easyJet has warned.
11 October 2018
The image of the boozy backpacker might be a thing of the past as a new study suggests more and more youngsters are shunning alcohol completely.
10 October 2018
The NHS says just one in 10 drinks sold in English hospitals will be sugar-sweetened, as part of its bid to curb rising obesity levels.
09 October 2018
More than 260,000 diabetes patients were put at risk of lasting harm or even death during hospital stays last year due to medication errors, a new report has revealed.
06 October 2018
NHS patients with a specific type of lymphoma will soon be able to access a "game-changing" new treatment, health officials have revealed.
05 October 2018
People living with diabetes are being warned they might be "unwittingly" storing their insulin incorrectly.
04 October 2018
The world's first commercial jet part-powered by a new form of biofuel touches down in London on Wednesday (3rd October).
03 October 2018
New 'hotel-style' carriages that were due to be rolled out for the Caledonian Sleeper have been delayed until next year.
02 October 2018
Budapest has been revealed as the cheapest destination for UK holidaymakers looking for a cultural break, according to a new report.
29 September 2018
Holidaymakers heading off by train will soon be able to check their blood pressure at the station, as part of a new scheme aimed at boosting the number of people getting checked.
28 September 2018
Taking an aspirin every day might not only help keep cancer at bay, it could also play a life-saving role in treatment, new research suggests.