PATIENT of the MONTH
Feline Friends or Canine Comrades
Emma Pruitt THE EVERY CHILD FUND
HOW PETS IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave
the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be
so helpful. Pets offer comfort
and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. THE BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. FIND THE RIGHT PET Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets.
“I have selected the Every Child Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital because of my excellent experience. My experience was made positive because of the thoughtful and accommodating nurses and doctors who have helped me so much. I want to make sure that other children have access to the necessary resources to help them live life like other kids. The Every Child Fund helps provide the necessary equipment to the patients. For example, the money that people donate goes toward masks for babies, beakers, and finding cures for different illnesses. This is why I chose the Every Child Fund.” -Emma Emma originally injured her arm in September 2019. Since then she has been casted twice, had two surgeries, and tried devices to help her improve the range of motion in her arm. She has also undergone many hours of physical therapy plus many hours of working on her exercises at home. Since she began therapy at ProPT last summer, Emma has demonstrated a positive attitude, determination to improve her abilities, and resilience during her recovery amid the changes to life that the pandemic has brought. These characteristics have been an inspiration and are why Emma is Patient of the Month for March. Keep up the great work, Emma! We at Professional Physical Therapy would be honored to donate to the charity of your choice if you become our next Patient of the Month!
2 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100
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