OWNING a dog could lead the way in tackling poor heart health in northern Lincolnshire, according to experts.
Heart Research UK is highlighting the benefits having a canine companion could have on your heart – either by reducing stress levels or increasing the amount of exercise you take.
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| DOG THERAPY: Healing-based group Klever K9s enjoy the health benefits of owning and training their dogs. |
According to their research, if you own a dog not only do you walk more but you are 40 per cent more likely to take part in other physical activity, which helps improve your heart's health.
And with coronary heart disease being our region's number one killer, it is hoped more people will take on a pet pooch.
A spokesperson from Heart Research UK said: "Dogs love their daily walks and make a great motivator for you.
"Without the bark of a dog to get you out of the door on a dark morning you might be tempted to hit snooze when the alarm goes off.
"A dog can also make the ideal running or cycling buddy. Unlike a friend or colleague, a man's best friend won't cancel on you, give excuses, moan about the weather or slack off the pace."
Reducing the number of heart disease cases is a priority in both North and North East Lincolnshire, and although death rates have dropped, as the national average gets better, the region remains among the worst in the country.
Last year there were 158 early deaths from heart disease and strokes in North East Lincolnshire and 144 in North Lincolnshire.
Alan Smith, 82, from Humberston, was fitted with a pacemaker 14 years ago but is fighting fit thanks to his two black Labradors.
He said: "They keep me in a good routine.
"I wouldn't dream of not taking them out for a walk twice a day. The dogs always come first.
"I go to the gym six times a week as part of my exercise routine after the pacemaker.
"I also do obedience classes a couple of nights a week with the youngest dog. He enjoys it and so do I.
"I have got to keep myself healthy and up to the mark and the dogs definitely help with that."
Interaction with pets also releases endorphins – a type of hormone – which reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure.
Mr Smith and his dogs are regulars at the Klever K9s, a local group of professional trainers.
Owner Mel Ely agrees that four-legged friends are a great way to improve health.
She said: "Owning a dog leads to having a healthy lifestyle. Not only on the exercise side of things but it is also very therapeutic to stroke dogs, especially for those people who live on their own.
"We have walked for the British Heart Foundation under the banner 'walk your dog, work your heart' so we believe it helps improve health. Every dog needs some form of exercise, even if it is just playing with them in the garden, the owner is still moving around."
And it doesn't matter if you don't have a dog because there are hundreds of rescue centres crying out for volunteer dog walkers.
Find your nearest dog walk through Dogs Trust at www.waggywalks.org.uk
Contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk
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