[GOPJ]

For an aging physician, that routine is medicine. Epidemiological research confirms it. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, evaluating nearly four million participants, revealed that dog ownership is associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality.

For individuals recovering from heart attacks or strokes, having a dog drops the risk of dying by up to 31%. The mechanics are twofold: forced daily mobility that halts sedentary decline, and deep autonomic stress reduction.

WOW - Seems the local Rx should offer dogs with their other medications.

[grcuster]

As one who is recovering from a heart attack last month, I can say my English Springer Spaniel has been a velcro dog since I returned from the hospital. He even picked up the word “Nap” when I tell my wife I’m going to take one, he runs and jumps on the bed ahead of me and has to lay next to my feet. Overall, dogs do sense when things are amiss. I couldn’t live without one.