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.
19 April 2018
A self-injected smart drug may be the key to easing and preventing pain for migraine sufferers.
[more...]
17 April 2018
Despite its reputation as a party drug, ketamine is licensed as an anaesthetic. A recent US study found use of the drug via a nasal spray led to "significant" improvements in depressive symptoms in the first 24 hours.
Simple brain-training exercises carried out at home have been shown to reduce emotional stress in female breast cancer survivors, it's recently been revealed.
13 April 2018
Drinkers who consume more alcohol than UK guidelines suggest could be cutting years off their lives, according to new research.
12 April 2018
A recent study has revealed that people who sustain brain injuries are at an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
11 April 2018
Scientists have announced their latest breakthrough in the battle against Alzheimer's disease, after neutralising a high-risk gene in a human brain cell for the first time.
07 April 2018
The Philippines is set to shut its most famous holiday island of Boracay for six months, after the President described it as a "cesspool".
05 April 2018
Taxes on soft drinks, alcohol and tobacco - nicknamed "sin taxes" - could be a powerful step towards combating rising rates of chronic diseases worldwide, research has suggested.
New "one-stop shops" to speed up cancer diagnosis are being trialled across the country for the first time.
30 March 2018
Doctors should tell patients that e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking but not without risk, according to new national guidance.
29 March 2018
Young people suffering from mental health problems are finding it hard to get the support they need, a survey has revealed.
28 March 2018
Children exposed to epilepsy drugs in the womb may achieve poorer test results at school, a study has suggested.